HAYDN (Joseph). Die Schöpfung / The Creation. Ein Oratorium - Lot 17

HAYDN (Joseph). Die Schöpfung / The Creation. Ein Oratorium / An Oratorio. Leipzig, bey Breitkopf und Härtel, s. d. [1803]. Fort volume in-folio, black chagrin. Title, 303 pp. Second printing of the first edition of the orchestral score (Hoboken II, XXI, 37: "Breitkopf und Härtel" replaces "Vienne 1800"). Title in French engraved on first plate, lyrics in English and German. A pivotal work for the composer: "I spent a lot of time on it because I knew it would last a long time", he is quoted as saying. In any case, the manuscript soon disappeared, so that scores such as the one presented here often take the place of editions princeps. Very good condition inside, binding a little rubbed, handwritten label on spine.