"Elijah, an Oratorio, the words selected from the Old Testament. The English Version by W. Bartholomew Esq., the Music composed by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Op. 70. The Piano-forte arrangement by the Composer. London: Novello, Ewer & Co., 1 Berners Street, W., and 80 & 81 Queen Street, E.C."
A rare, large vocal score of Mendelssohn's much-loved oratorio which was first performed in 1846.
This is an elaborate edition, with gilt decoration on the front cover, and a fine portrait engraving opposite the decorative title page. All page edges gilt.
The description of this example fits exactly that of the copy held in 6 libraries listed on Worldcat. They describe it as "First English Edition, later issue; Novello became Novello, Ewer & Co. in 1867." They date it 187? Their description includes details of the page sections 'B (9), C (17) & D (25)' which again match my copy exactly.
This edition should not be confused with later red editions, which lack the gilt on the front, and contain 200 pages. This edition I am offering has 279 pages, and is larger in size, the covers measuring 34cms x 27cms. With a Novello binding label on the rear endpaper.
Very scarce - I can find no more for sale online at the moment.
Condition: With faults to covers: some loss on the spine (see photo), stain on the rear cover, front cover with gilt decoration good, but bumped at the corners and edges. Inside, name inscription in ink on front free endpaper. Title page with tissue guard. A little shaky at the hinge, but all still holding together. Text and music clean. Please study the photographs.
Postage: a heavy book (over 2kgs), so £8.00 within the UK. £16.00 to Europe, £30.00 to USA etc.
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