Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

First [Artaria] edition of "The Magic Flute", oblong 4to (22.9 x 33.5cm), 23 (of 24) separate numbers, many first issues, and a number of issues apparently not in Haberkamp, each with engraved title, separate pagination and price, engraved throughout, plate number 377 to Overtura, watermarks "GFA", "SOTO IPERIAL" and three crescent moons, manuscript label to upper cover ("Mozart...Zauberfloete Oper im Klavier-Auszuge"), some contemporary manuscript annotations to some numbers, contemporary manuscript annotations to title of overture, including ownership inscriptions ("...Weber, Nicolaus"), late eighteenth-century or early nineteenth marbled boards [Haberkamp, pp.362-365; Hoboken 510ff.; Hirsch, iv 192; RISM M 4776], lacking 2 leaves to the duet 'Tamino mein', some light damp-staining to upper margins of a few numbers, some old repairs, including to margins of title of overture, some pages trimmed to plate, last two leaves of "Du feines Täubchen nur herein", second leaf of "Wie stark ist nicht dein Zauber-ton", first two leaves of "Der Hölle Rache Kocht in meinem Herzen" and the first three leaves of "Papagena! Weibchen! Täubchen!" slightly cropped

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."

Rare. Die Zauberflöte was first performed on 2 September 1791, only a few months before Mozart's death on 5 December. In the intervening months the opera achieved great popularity, which led to a veritable scramble by three leading Viennese publishers to bring out the popular numbers from the opera, with Artaria leading the way. This volume contains 23 numbers published by Artaria (not included is the Terzetto "Zum Ziele führt dich diese Bahn"). A list of the separate numbers and issues is available on request.