BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van (1770-1827)
Fidelio, Drame Lyrique en Trois Actes. Paris: A Farrenc, [1826].
A large uncut copy of the first edition of the full score of Beethoven’s only opera; the extremely rare first issue with the names of the translators on the title replaced by stars – Dorfmüller lists only two copies of this first issue. Dorfmüller, p.323; Kinsky, p. 186.

Folio (357 x 260mm). First edition, Dorfmüller's first issue. Op. 72, full score, engraved title, 3 engraved leaves with subscribers’ list, cast list and list of contents, 535 pages, engraved throughout, plate number ‘A.F.72’, blank leaves between the acts at pp. 160-161, 328-329, correct pagination of pp.403-406, publisher's stamp to title (without cast list, marginal tears to pp.221-222 and 489-492, tiny rust spot in stave on p.367 obscuring notation, some variable light staining mainly confined to margins but just affecting score towards the end). Publisher's sheep-backed boards, uncut (worn, joints splitting, head of spine defective and with a couple of tears, snags and a large repaired tear, boards rubbed and stained). Provenance: Martin (contemporary printed overslip of Toulouse retailer of musical instruments, books and stationer pasted over the Paris imprint on title).

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