F. Couperin. Four editions of his keyboard works, c.1745

François Couperin

Four editions of his keyboard works

Pièces de clavecin...Premier livre [RISM CC 4285], Paris: Couperin, Le Clerc, Boivin, 1713 [privilege dated 1745], signed by the composer's nephew Nicolas on the first page of music ("Couperin")--bound with: Second livre de pièces de clavecin [RISM CC 4293], Paris: Couperin, Boivin, Le Clerc, [privilege dated 1745], signed by Nicolas Couperin on the first page of music ("Couperin")

2 works in one volume, 4 leaves, 78 [between pp.76 and 77: 2-page preface and advertisement], [1] pages, and 4 leaves, 85, [2] pages, large folio (37.8 x 27.5cm), engraved music, bookplate of W.H. Cummings to front pastedown, Dolmetsch Library stamp and pencil shelfmark ("II D 2, 1"), contemporary calf, gilt lettering to title erased, binding scuffed and worn

Troisième livre de pièces de clavecin [RISM CC 4296], Paris: Couperin, Boivin, Le Clerc, 1722 [advertisement dated 1725]--bound with: Quatrième livre de pièces de clavecin [RISM CC 4299], Paris: Couperin, Boivin, Le Clerc, 1730 [privilege dated 1745], SIGNED BY THE COMPOSER below the 'Avis sur ce livre' 

2 works in one volume, 2 leaves, 71, [1], 27, [1] pages, and 3 leaves, 76, [1] pages, large folio (37.6 x 27.8cm), engraved music, bookplate of W.H. Cummings to front pastedown, Dolmetsch Library stamp and pencil shelfmark ("II D 2, 2"), contemporary calf, gilt lettering to title erased, cracked at gutter, spine defective and covers very worn and torn, with some loss of leather

Two spectacular - albeit well-used - volumes, formerly belonging to the musician and great collector W.H. Cummings (1831-1915).

PROVENANCE:

From the collection of Arnold Dolmetsch