G.F. Handel. First edition of the oratorio "Esther" and three others by Handel and Corelli, 1700-1739

HANDEL, GEORGE FRIDERIC

First edition of "Esther" and three others by Handel and Corelli, 1700-1739

1) The Most Celebrated Songs in the Oratorio call'd Queen Esther, To which is Prefixt The Overture in Score, London: J Walsh, 1732-1733, first edition, second issue, publisher's number to title ("No.288"), calf-backed marbled boards, inscription to title ("Edm. Larkin Peterboro'"), a few tears and repairs, paper-loss to pp.13/14, some browning, worn with joint weak [Smith no.2; RISM H 537]--2) Il Radamisto. Opera Rapresentata Nel Regio Teatro D'Haymarket, London: Richard Meares, 1720,  first edition, title and final 6 leaves repaired and restored at foot, wrappers, trimmed by the binder [Smith no.1; RISM H 258]--3) Six Concertos For the Harpsicord or Organ [op.4], London: J. Walsh, c.1739, first edition for keyboard, second issue, mottled calf, worn but sound, some browning [Smith no.3; RISM H 1212]--4) CORELLI, ARCANGELO. Parte Prima [...Seconda] Sonate a violino e violone o cimbalo [op.5], Rome: no imprint, 1700 ("Incisa da Gasparo Pietra Santa"), first edition, oblong 4to, mottled calf, lacking allegorical frontispiece, some early figured bass numbering and memoranda, very worn, spine defective, [Marx no.1; RISM C 3800]

4 volumes, folio or oblong 4to, engraved throughout

Esther was the first English oratorio, performed publicly in 1732; only the publisher's number 288 on the title distinguishes it from the first issue. Edmund Larkin (1786-1839) was Organist of Peterborough Cathedral.