SCHUMANN, Robert 1810-1856

[Op. 144]. Neujahrslied von Friedrich Rückert für Chor mit Begleitung des Orchesters... Op. 144. No. 9 der nachgelassenen Werke. [Full score]

Leipzig und Winterthur: J. Rieter-Biedermann [PN 192], [1862 or later].

Folio. Original publisher's wrappers with titling within decorative border. 1f. (title within light blue decorative border), 1f. (text), 3-95 pp. Engraved. Housed in a custom-made dark green cloth folder.

Handstamp of Novello to lower right corner of upper wrapper; leaf with pricing of parts laid down to verso. Publisher's catalogue with works by Schumann to verso of lower wrapper. Printer's note to lower left corner of p. 3: "Stich und Druck der Röder'schen Officin in Leipzig."

Wrappers worn; upper detached and frayed at lower edge; spine reinforced with archival tape. Slightly worn; minor foxing throughout.

A very good copy overall, with wide margins.

First Edition, second issue. Scarce. The first issue predates the opening of the publisher's office in Leipzig (1862) and has Winterthur as the only place of publication. Hofmann, p. 315. Hoboken 245 (first issue).

With text by Friedrich Rückert (1788-1866). Schumann set the poem in full and added the first stanza of the chorale "Nun danket alle Gott" (melody by Johann Crüger, text by Martin Rinckart).

"This New Year's Song has some pleasing and original moments. In the earlier part of the piece there is a tuneful, Mendelssohnian duet for soprano and alto, and some dramatic writing for solo bass including, most unusually for Schumann, a short passage of recitative. Further variety is achieved by the imaginative use of a large orchestra. This is a work which would justify an occasional revival." Alan Walker: Robert Schumann: The Man & His Music, p. 378.

Item #24799

Price: $650.00  other currencies