Aron, Pietro

folio (277 x 200mm.), title printed in red and black within a woodcut frame, elaborate full-page woodcut of Aron with scholars and instruments on a4v, 6 other full-page woodcuts ("coligatio notulari" on F1 decorated with verso blank), diagrams, historiated initials and musical examples throughout, modern brown morocco, gilt turn-ins, a few repaired holes to title (some text-loss restored in ink), title possibly supplied from another copy, occasional light foxing

Censimento 16 CNCE 3105; Sander 623; Hirsch, i 2 (plate 1); RISM Écrits, p.97

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."

FIRST EDITION. The Thoscanello de la musica of Pietro Aron (or Aaron) was the first important and substantial book on music theory published in Italian; only brief works by Caza and Spataro appear to be earlier. "Aron was one of the most important writers on musical theory in the first half of the sixteenth century... the first theorist to recognize the practice of composing all voices of a composition simultaneously" (Strunk, Source Readings in Musical History).