Beschreibung:

Title: An Account of the Musical Performances in Westminster-Abbey, and the Pantheon, May 26th, 27th, 29th; and June the 3d, and 5th, 1784. In Commemoration of Handel Author: Burney, Charles Place: London Publisher: Printed for the Benefit of the Musical Fund; Sold by T. Payne and Son, et al. Date: 1785 Description: [8], xvi, 56, 139, [2] pp. + plates. Illustrated with 8 copper-engraved plates, including portraits, views and a plan for an Orchestra. 11x8, bound in period quarter calf and boards. First Edition. Fascinating book from which facsimiles were produced in 1965 and 2003. In 1784 a series of concerts were held to commemorate the centenary of Handel's birth and 25th anniversary of his death. Enthusiastically supported by King George I the performances were on an unprecedented scale with an orchestra of 525 and including specially made or procured instruments. Ticket admissions were 2 guineas each and elaborately produced (as reproduced in the engraved plates). Total sales made nearly 12,000 guineas, much of which went to charities. Informative and evocative, includes a near contemporary life of Handel. Rothschild 544; Hazen pp. 30-33; Fleeman p. 1570. Lot Amendments Condition: General wear overall; stains, soiling; edge tears and chips (mostly to beginning and ending pages), several leaves and plates including title and frontispiece loosely laid in, marginal worming affecting approximately 8 leaves and 2 plates at various locations; owner's signature dated 1820 on title; a fairly worn copy, worthy of restoration. Item number: 162499