Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Sinfonie mit Schluss-Chor über Schillers Ode ‘An die Freude’, für grosses Orchester, 4 Solo-und 4 Chor-Stimmen. Mainz and Paris: Schott, [1826]
First edition of Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony, from the collection of the composer Paul Richter.

First edition, first issue of the full score. [3] + 226 + [1] pages, folio (320 x 240mm), engraved title page with the royal arms of Friedrich Wilhelm III, subscription list, engraved music throughout, plate number 2322. Contemporary half-calf binding.

Provenance:
(1) Paul Richter (1875-1950); ownership inscription on the flyleaf and a few more pencil annotations throughout. The Romanian composer, conductor and pianist Paul Richter studied at the Leipzig Conservatory, during which time he conducted the Weltlichen Oratorien-Verein, and later worked with Bartók, Hubermann, Strauss and Weingartner.

(2) Sotheby's, 3 December 2008, lot 10.

(3) Schøyen Collection, MS 5420.

The first edition, first issue of the Ninth Symphony, Op. 125, including the two-page list of subscribers, music engraved throughout without metronome marks and with the original misprint on p.207.