DAVAUX, Jean-Baptiste 1742-1822

Six Quartettos for two Violins Tenor and Violoncello Composed by R. Davaux Op. VI. Pr. 8s. [Parts]

London: J. Betz, [ca. 1780].

Folio. Disbound. Violino primo: [1] (title within decorative border by Flyn incorporating musical instruments), 2-13, [i] (blank) pp.; Violino secondo: [1] (title), 2-12, [i] (blank) pp.; Viola: [1] (title), 2-7, [i] (blank) pp.; Violoncello: [1] (blank), 2-7, [i] (blank) pp. Engraved.

"No. 8" in contemporary manuscript to head of each title.

Slightly browned; occasional stains; titles and final blanks somewhat soiled.

A later edition of the work first published by Hummel in the Hague as op. 1, ca. 1773. BUC p. 255. RISM D1129 (no copies in the U.S.). WorldCat (1 copy, at the University of California, Berkeley).

Betz's edition of Six Grand Quartettos by Friedrich Hartmann Graf (RISM G3361) has a publisher's catalogue to the title listing the present edition at its head. Both editions are commonly dated at ca. 1780, but the present edition is definitely earlier than that of the Graf. Betz was in business only from about 1775 to about 1780 (Humphries and Smith p. 70).

"A composer of appealing chamber music for strings, Davaux published six duos, six trios, at least 25 quartets and four quintets. The quartets represent a significant contribution to the history of the genre, and featured prominently in the popular weekly concerts held, for many years, at his house each winter. In the quartet... there is a tendency for all four instruments to be treated soloistically." Barry S. Brook, Joel Kolk, and Donald H. Foster in Grove Music Online.

Item #26997

Price: $350.00  other currencies