ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST MUSICAL TREASURES: BEETHOVEN'S FIFTH SYMPHONY, RARE FIRST EDITION
BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van. Cinquième Sinfonie en ut mineur: C Moll… oeuvre 67. Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel, [1826]. Royal octavo, original full red cloth rebacked.
First edition of the full score of Beethoven's magnificent Fifth Symphony, fully engraved.
"Because of its tremendous power, Beethoven's Fifth has always been a special favorite; the opening, which Beethoven in an unguarded moment likened to fate knocking at the door, has become the symbol of man over his destiny" (Alkerstedt). "What instrumental work of Beethoven testifies to this [depth of thought] to a higher degree than the immeasurably noble and profound Symphony in C minor? How this marvelous composition carries the hearer irresistibly with it in its ever-mounting climax into the spirit kingdom of the infinite!" (E. T. A. Hoffmann). This full score is preceded only by the orchestral parts and various arrangements for smaller ensembles. With the imprint of the Rotterdam publisher J. H. Paling & Co. pasted over the original imprint on the title page. Kinsky-Halm, 160. Fuld, 557. Bookseller's ticket, library inkstamp. A few scattered performance notations in blue pencil, traces of owner signature in blue pencil on title.
Light marginal foxing, corners of early cloth slightly bumped. An exceptional copy of this rare are and important work.