Fidelio, Drame Lyrique en Trois Actes. Paris: A Farrenc, [1826].

BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van (1770-1827)
Fidelio, Drame Lyrique en Trois Actes. Paris: A Farrenc, [1826].
A large uncut copy of the first edition of the full score of Beethoven’s only opera; the extremely rare first issue with the names of the translators on the title replaced by stars – Dorfmüller lists only two copies of this first issue. Dorfmüller, p.323; Kinsky, p. 186.

Folio (357 x 260mm). First edition, Dorfmüller's first issue. Op. 72, full score, engraved title, 3 engraved leaves with subscribers’ list, cast list and list of contents, 535 pages, engraved throughout, plate number ‘A.F.72’, blank leaves between the acts at pp. 160-161, 328-329, correct pagination of pp.403-406, publisher's stamp to title (without cast list, marginal tears to pp.221-222 and 489-492, tiny rust spot in stave on p.367 obscuring notation, some variable light staining mainly confined to margins but just affecting score towards the end). Publisher's sheep-backed boards, uncut (worn, joints splitting, head of spine defective and with a couple of tears, snags and a large repaired tear, boards rubbed and stained). Provenance: Martin (contemporary printed overslip of Toulouse retailer of musical instruments, books and stationer pasted over the Paris imprint on title).

No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.