Eximeno, Antonio.: Dell'origine e delle regole della musica 1774 FIRST EDITION

Eximeno, Antonio. (1729–1809) Dell'origine e delle regole della musica colla storia del suo progresso, decadenza, e rinnovazione. Rome: Michel’Angelo Barbiellini. 1774. First Edition. Italian-language treatise on the origin, rules, and history of music, the latter described as music's "progress, decline, and renewal."  Upright quarto.  Contemporary vellum with gilt lettering to spine and marbled edges.  Title with motto from Virgil to verso; frontispiece with engraved portrait of the dedicatee, Maria Antonia Walburga of Bavaria, Queen of Saxony (1724–1780), engraved by Giovanni Brunetti, Rome; [7] pages of dedication, [3] pages of imprimatur, etc., 1–466, [2] pages, 21 engraved folding plates of sheet music, engraved folding diagram, engraved headers and woodcut initials in text. numerous engraved illustrations.  Exlibris, "The Robin Collection," pasted to inside of upper board, with bibliographical references in pencil above.  Faded library stamp, "Biblioteca [continuation illegible]" and manuscript shelfmark to foot of title.  10.5 x 7.5 inches (26.5 x 18.8 cm).  Corners slightly bumped, boards slightly soiled; overall, a very fine copy of this revolutionary treatise.  Fétis III, p. 166–67; Eitner III, p. 364; RISM B VI, p. 299.First edition of an important treatise on eighteenth century music which raised a host of polemical writings... [Eximeno] proposed to abolish the strict laws of counterpoint and harmony, and apply the rules of prosody to musical composition. He was the first scientific exponent of the doctrine that the aim of music is to express emotion, and thus exercised considerable influence on musical aesthetics. Born and trained in Spain, Antonio Eximeno y Pujades was expelled from his native country in 1767 for being a Jesuit.  He settled in Rome, where he wrote the present treatise, his most important work.  "The book, which appeared in 1774, consists of a thorough condemnation of the mathematical and contrapuntal foundations of music.  Eximeno derived his theory from his studies of [French philosopher Etienne Bonnot de] Condillac, and proposed a system based on the ‘natural’ adaptation of melody to spoken language.  He thought that the value of music should be determined by the good taste of the listener, and not by the critical examination of professionals.  This theory provoked furious reactions, by Padre Martini among others, accusing Eximeno of ignorance." Carmen Rodríguez Suso in Grove Music Online. Schubertiade Music & Arts LLC - BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! ***ALL AUTOGRAPHS GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC WITHOUT LIMIT*** I was the President of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association from 2013-2018 and a leading and trusted authenticator of autographs, including for many of the world's auction houses and for James Spence (JSA). Schubertiade Music & Arts are also members in good standing of ABAA/ILAB, the most exclusive consortium of Rare Book and Manuscript Dealers in the world, as well as the MLA (Music Librarian Association), and MARIAB (Massachusetts and Rhode Island Antiquarian Booksellers). You can read more about us by searching for Schubertiade Music & Arts and may buy with utmost confidence! SCHUBERTIADE MUSIC & ARTS deals in Music, Entertainment, Literary and other Autographs, Antiquarian Music, Books, Prints, Photographs & Paintings and Ephemera. Please read more about us in our "about me" page by clicking next to our username / feedback listing. We issue seasonal and occasional catalogues - please contact us if you would like to receive notifications or let us know about your collection. Everything we offer is guaranteed authentic without limit and is so stated on the signed and detailed receipt which comes with every item. Because this Guarantee is attached to an actual and meaningful money-back guarantee (see our Terms for further details), this is much more significant than most COAs which are generally but worthless pieces of paper if not issued by recognized experts in the field and backed by a real authenticity return policy. We accept payment by ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS, Check, and by Paypal. Shipping Charges are as listed and are not subject to negotiation. We will of course be happy to combine shipments and do NOT charge multiple shipping charges except for large/heavy items which naturally affect the cost. We ship exclusively via insured FedEx and pride ourselves on our thorough and expert packaging.

First edition of an important treatise on eighteenth century music which raised a host of polemical writings... [Eximeno] proposed to abolish the strict laws of counterpoint and harmony, and apply the rules of prosody to musical composition. He was the first scientific exponent of the doctrine that the aim of music is to express emotion, and thus exercised considerable influence on musical aesthetics. Born and trained in Spain, Antonio Eximeno y Pujades was expelled from his native country in 1767 for being a Jesuit.  He settled in Rome, where he wrote the present treatise, his most important work.  "The book, which appeared in 1774, consists of a thorough condemnation of the mathematical and contrapuntal foundations of music.  Eximeno derived his theory from his studies of [French philosopher Etienne Bonnot de] Condillac, and proposed a system based on the ‘natural’ adaptation of melody to spoken language.  He thought that the value of music should be determined by the good taste of the listener, and not by the critical examination of professionals.  This theory provoked furious reactions, by Padre Martini among others, accusing Eximeno of ignorance." Carmen Rodríguez Suso in Grove Music Online.