Bach Gesellschaft Ausgabe by Bach, Johann Sebastian - 1851: Bach Complete Edition / 'Old Bach Edition'

This is a rare opportunity to purchase an unique and historic edition of Bach's music in a near-complete Bach Gesellschaft Ausgabe. Please read the condition report carefully.

The Bach Gesellschaft edition was published between 1851 and 1900 in a series of 47 volumes. This is a first edition, collected by Mendelssohn's close friend, Friedrich "Fritz" Schlemmer. Dr Schlemmer introduced Felix Mendelssohn to his cousin, Cecile, whom the composer later married. Mendelssohn dedicated his Six Organ Sonatas, Opus 142, to Friedrich Schlemmer.

Dr Schlemmer, of Frankfurt am Main, is listed among the original subscribers until c1887; his widow Frau Cleophas Schlemmer subsequently took over the subscription. Dr Schlemmer's bookplates are pasted to the inside front covers of the volumes up to c 1887.

The historical background and provenance of this particular copy is detailed in Southeby's auction catalogue of Music and continental books and manuscripts (London, 8 December 2009) p57.

Of the 47 volumes in this set, four are not original: vol 14 is a 19th century edition, possibly a later printing; vol 3 is from an early twentieth printing in Breitkopf's splendid gold-leaf covers; vols 15 and 25 are from the 1947 Edwards reprint.

Most of the music pages are clean and sound. A few have ink or pencil annotations in various hands, showing page index, movement numbers et cetera. In a few volumes there is some foxing probably resulting from ink contamination.

Nearly all the volumes are "extra-illustrated" (I.e. with pasted in art work). These include a Dürer print (Adoration of Mary), other Woodcuts, and one or two historic photographs.

The volumes are stoutly bound in a type of black cloth board; the endpapers are beautifully marbled. The bindery's original wrappers, in brown paper, have adhered to the spine and covers of several volumes. This would need to be professionally cleaned. Apart from this, the bindings are generally in good condition and tight with the original gold leaf embossing clear and crisp. The page edges are gilt.

The photographs illustrate a range of volumes. Please request additional photographs as required.

Please note that this is a very heavy set, and special arrangements will need to be made for transport / delivery. Additional charges will apply to overseas orders. Please enquiry if interested.