Rameau, Jean Philippe

2 works in one volume, large oblong 4to (c.25 x 33.5cm), [2] & 33 pages (pp.28-33 on a large folding sheet: c.37.5 x 59.5cm), the second work [4] & 29 pages, printed title to the first work, thereafter engraved throughout, table of ornaments, watermark "Dupuy Moyen" (cf Heawood 241), both titles blank on verso, without the later work-lists, contemporary limp vellum, some tears to the large folding sheet, some staining & light foxing, ties defective

We understand that this volume was acquired from the family of Rafael Mitjana y Gordón (1869-1921), Spanish diplomat and musicologist.  Mitjana was a pupil and friend of Saint-Saëns, who edited the Pièces de clavecin for the first "complete edition" in 1895, and from whom he may have received the volume.

RISM, R184 & R188; Rameau. Pièces de Clavecin, edited by K. Gilbert (1978), 'Preface': Pièces issue B (1731) and Nouvelles suites issue A (1728). (Hoboken xvi, 218 & 219 record later, probably posthumous, re-issues of these two editions).

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. all early editions of Rameau's magnificent Pièces de clavecin (1724) survive only in a small number of copies.  Apart from André Meyer's copy of the 1736 edition (Sotheby's, Paris,16 October 2012, lot 258), we have no record of the Pièces appearing at auction for nearly twenty years.  This copy is taller and wider than Meyer's, and retains its original vellum binding unaltered.  The imprint to the Pièces records Rameau's address ("rue S. Honoré, proche la rue de l'Echelle"), which is missing from later issues.

Rameau's keyboard works are remarkable for their advanced textures, extended range and dazzling virtuosity.  The famous rondeau 'Les cyclopes' in the Pièces de clavecin is printed on a large folding sheet so that all four pages can be played without page-turning.   One piece in the Nouvelles suites is called 'Les trois mains'.  Rameau excelled in descriptive pieces, demanding considerable technical ability. This volume contains a number of celebrated examples, including 'Le rappel des oiseaux', 'Les tendres plaintes', 'Les tricotets', 'La poule', 'Les sauvages' and 'L'Egiptienne'.