C. Avison. Six concertos in seven parts...opera terza, 1751

Charles Avison

Six concertos in seven parts for four violins, one alto viola, a violoncello and a thorough bass for the harpsichord...opera terza [parts], London: John Johnson, 1751

FIRST EDITION, complete parts, 16, 13, 13, 13, 13, 14, 13 pages, folio (31.8 x 22.5cm), engraved music, engraved dedication and 6-page printed preface to the violino primo concertino part, with a second basso part, some pencil markings, manuscript Dolmetsch library labels to spines, Dolmetsch Library stamp and pencil shelfmark ("II C 38, 1 [...7]") to verso of titles, disbound, loose paper wrapper with manuscript Dolmetsch Library label to spine, browning to edges

RARE.

An attractive complete set of parts for the Op.3 concertos of Charles Avison, one of the most prolific and accomplished native eighteenth-century composers of concerti grossi. 

Notable is the extensive preface to the concertos, where Avison expatiates on performance practice, the playing of the harpsichord part, and the number of instruments needed to balance the two instrumental groups (concertino and ripieno).

PROVENANCE:

From the collection of Arnold Dolmetsch