Breitkopf's copy

Sperontes [i. e., Johann Sigismund Scholze]. Singende Muse an der Pleisse in 2 mahl 50 Oden, der neuesten und besten musicalischen Stücke mit den darzu gehörigen Melodien zu beliebter Clavier-Übung und Gemüths-Ergötzung. Nebst einem Anhange aus J. C. Günthers Gedichten.

Leipzig, [Breitkopf] auf Kosten der lustigen Gesellschafft, 1741.

8vo. Engraved title, double-page engraved additional title (a view of Leipzig), (102) pp. with engraved notes in the text. Contemporary half vellum in modern half cloth box. Includes the facsimile reprint of the first edition, bound in half vellum (Leipzig 1964).

 12,500.00

Third edition, largely agreeing with the 1737 first: an important source for the history of song writing in the first half of the 18th century, influential for Viennese classicism and one of the first music editions by Breitkopf & Härtel. "Its engraved titles, imprinted notes and numerous charming woodcut vignettes make this one of the age's most delightful creations of book art" (cf. Mannheimer cat. 5, 1398 - this edition). Includes the frequently lacking frontispiece showing the double-page view of Leipzig. Two sequel volumes appeared in 1742-45. The author, who published all his works under his pseudonym "Sperontes", could by identified as J. S. Scholze (1705-50) only in 1885 by the musicologist and biographer of Bach, Philipp Spitta.

Binding rubbed with tiny flaws to covers; corners bumped. Margins slightly browned. This is the voucher copy from the library of the publishers Breitkopf & Härtel (their stamp on the title page); front pastedown has bookplate of the Leipzig publisher Oskar von Hase, who was trained at Breitkopf & Härtel and served as chairman of the Society of German Music Sellers from 1875 to 1901; later stamp of the musicologist Dr. Werner Danckert.

References

RISM, S. 372. MGG XII, 1037. Eitner IX, 225. Hirsch III, 1078. Faber du Fauer 1759. Wolffheim II, 2439. Cf. Hayn/G. IV, 128 ("Enormously rare!"). Not in the Sperontes collection of J. Voerster ("Undoubtedly the Sperontes editions must count among the rarest music prints of all").

Stock Code: BN#48007 Tag: