An Essay on Musical Expression

Octavo, [x], 152pp; 43pp; 53pp, [6]. Bound in three-quarter morocco with marbled paper boards. Title in gilt over black on spine. New endpapers. Stated "The Second Edition" on title page. Includes half-title, but lacks advertisement leaf before half-title. Solid text block, internally fine. Rebound by Chivers of Bath, with label on rear pastedown. Complete with four fold-out musical plates, lightly foxed. A rare piece from a notable English composer. The first printing of An Essay on Musical Expression was published 1752 for C. Davis of London. (Eitner, 248) (Hirsch I, 40) Avison's treatise is one of the most important English contributions to musical aesthetics. It contains discussions of the effect of music on the emotions and draws comparisons with the effect produced by other, arts such as painting. Avison was also a composer of some well-known concerti grossi; his published music often contains substantial, informative and occasionally controversial prefaces. Full Title: An Essay on Musical Expression. The Second Edition, with Alterations and Large Additions. To Which is Added, A Letter to the Author, Concerning the Music of the Ancients, and Some Passages in Classic Writers, Relating to that Subject. Likewise, Mr. Avison's Reply to the Author of Remarks on the Essay on Musical Expression. In a Letter from Mr. Avison, to His Friend in London.