[Manuscript Piano-Vocal Score] A Collection of Early Romantic and Bolero Spanish Songs, circa 1820-30

Oblong octavo (9 ½" x 6"). Over 230 pages of music and lyrics handwritten on sheets lined with eight staves. Bound in contemporary red straight-grain morocco with gold and blind tooling on both boards, spine, edges, and turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Owner’s name "George Houstoun" stamped in gold on front pastedown, and written in manuscript on the front free endpaper verso (dated March 20, 1834). Some darkening and modest wear to the edges of the boards, front board bowing slightly, very good. An unusual manuscript collection of early 19th century Spanish romantic and bolero songs. Though not titled, the first work in the volume is *La Suplica* the sixth in a cycle of six songs composed by Manuel Rücker, first published in Madrid in 1820. Also included is a song from the opera *Ricardo, Corazón de León* and various "Boleros". The undated manuscript was written out on early wove paper that could predate the binding by as much as ten or more years. Bound in a handsome morocco binding for George Houstoun, who very likely was related to the famous 18th century Georgia planter and statesman William Houstoun, delegate to the Continental Congress from the Province of Georgia. A unique music manuscript with an intriguing provenance warranting full scholarly research.…