Rubini, Giovanni Battista. (1794–1854)
Douze Leçons de Chant Moderne: pour Voix de Ténor ou Soprano
Paris: Bernard Latte. [1838]. First edition, first issue. Engraved folio (27.5 x 35.4 cm) 1f, Title, Subscriber's list (3 pp.), Engraved portrait by Jullien/Guillet; Avertissement (1p), 53 pp. of music. [PN] B.L. 2101. Full contemporary crimson calf, elaborate gilt stamping to front and rear boards, front boards stamped with the initials "L.D.", six stamped ribs on spine with stamped title. Lower compartment of spine covering perished, some scuffs and indentations to boards, otherwise in very fine condition throughout. Reference: Beuchot, "Bibliographie de la France" (1839), p. 396.No copies of this, the first issue of one of the most important vocal methods of the 19th century are recorded by Worldcat and we have traced none at auction for 30 years. This copy, in a fine period binding, complete with the subscriber's list and portrait is an exceptional rarity.
The Italian tenor Rubini was the leading bel canto singer of his day, creator of many important roles by Rossini and Donizetti and remembered in particular for his influence on Bellini, who wrote, among others, I Puritani (1835) expressly with his voice in mind.
The subscribers list to the present treatise includes, among many others, the composers Fromental Halévy (1799 - 1862) and Giovanni Pacini (1796 - 1867), the music publishers Schott and Meissonnier, the soprano Anna Thillon (1819 - 1903), and the tenors Mario (1810 - 1883) and Adolphe Nourrit (1802 - 1839). (5705)
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