J.S. Bach. Simrock edition of the '48', Book 1, and Nägeli edition of Book 2, [1801-1802]

Bach, Johann Sebastian

48. Préludes et Fugues...Pour le clavecin ou Piano Forté...['Première' in manuscript] Partie [BWV 846-869], Paris and Bonn: Aux Adresses Ordinaires and Simrock, [1802]

Vingt-quatre Préludes et Fugues...Pour le clavecin ou Piano-Forté...2.^me ['1.^re' altered to '2.^me' in manuscript] Suite [BWV 870-893], Zurich: Nägeli, [1801]

2 volumes in one, 83 and 123 pages, oblong 4to (24.6 x 33.7cm), engraved throughout, plate number of Simrock edition 166 (no plate number on pp.14 and 60), advertisement to p.[1] of first first volume, some later pencil annotations to front free endpaper and ownership inscription to front pastedown ("Appartient a...Martin...1824"), price of Nägeli edition entered in manuscript ("24..."), contemporary green half vellum, browning to title of first volume and to second volume,binding very worn

Editions of Bach's 'Well-Tempered Clavier' were published in Vienna and Leipzig (Hoffmeister) and in Zurich (Nägeli) almost simultaneously, although Simrock's edition is generally reckoned to have appeared first. Simrock published Book 2 (BWV 870-893) in 1801 and Book 1 (BWV 846-869) the following year. The two competing Leipzig and Zurich editions may possibly have come out in the meantime.

LITERATURE

RISM B 498; BWV, p.655