BLAINVILLE’S L’ESPRIT DE L’ART MUSICAL, 1754 FIRST EDITION

BLAINVILLE, Charles Henri de. L’Esprit de l’Art Musical. Geneva: no publisher, 1754. Small octavo, contemporary full mottled brown calf gilt rebacked with original spine laid down, raised bands, tan morocco spine label, marbled endpapers. $750.

First edition, with engraved allegorical frontispiece.

In the 18th century Blainville was known for his claim to have discovered a third mode, between major and minor. “In his L’esprit de l’art Blainville discussed aspects of vocal composition and performance: recitative, arietta, the voice, accompaniment, and expression” (New Grove 2:774).

Interior fine, contemporary calf quite handsome. An excellent copy.