Handel, George Frideric.

including from Giulio Cesare ("Venere bella"), Tamerlano ("Non è più tempo"), Alcina  ("Lascia ch'io parta"), Esther, Scipione ("Lamentandomi"), "A Sett of Lessons by Mr Handell", together with a 'Song of Farrinelli's'  ("Or la nube procellosa", by Porpora), and pieces by Arne, Greene, Geminiani and others, written in brown in ink, in several professional and amateur hands on eight staves per page, with ornamentation for the singer, and with some deletions and corrections, 56 pages, oblong 4to (c.22.5 x 28.5 cms), contemporary calf, ownership inscription to front end-leaves ("Margaret Luttrell her book July the 14th 1737"), c.1730-1740, a few small tears, a few leaves excised, spine slightly defective



 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a most attractive manuscript, showing contemporary vocal ornamentation, including a long aria composed for Farinelli (Carlo Broschi) by his teacher Porpora, replete with ornaments and cadenza.  The Handel arias also contain ornamentation for the singer.  The volume is still in the calf binding used by the original owner, Margaret Luttrell (1726-1766), from the ancient Luttrell family of Dunster Castle in Somerset, from whom this volume derives, by descent.