A Compendium: Or Introduction to Practical Musick In Five Parts. Teaching, by a New, and Easie Method, 1. The Rudiments of Song. 2. The Principles of Composition. 3. The Use of Discords. 4. The Form of Figurate Descant. 5. The Contrivance of Canon.

[London]: [Printed by W. Pearson, for Arthur Bettesworth et al.]. [1732]. Eighth Edition. 8vo (15.7 x 10cms). 144 pp. Engraved and type-set music examples, prefaceby Simpson, recommendation letter by Jenkins. Lacking portrait and title page, scattered stains and a few small tears or holes. Marbled boards, three-quarter leather. Binding solid but worn and housed in a custom cloth box.

Simpson, English composer, theorist, and viola da gamba player, first published this influential work in 1665, and it was frequently revised and reprinted. New Grove declares him to be "the most important English writer on music of his time," and no less a figure than John Locke praised this work as a "new, plain and rational; omitting nothing necessary, nor adding any thing superfluous." (5082)

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Printed Music

Classical Music

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