Eximeno, Antonio. (1729–1809). Dell'origine e delle regole della musica colla storia del suo progresso, decadenza, e rinnovazione. . Rome: Michel’Angelo Barbiellini. 1774. First Edition. Italian-language treatise on the origin, rules, and history of music, the latter described as music's "progress, decline, and renewal." Upright quarto. Contemporary vellum with gilt lettering to spine and marbled edges. Title with motto from Virgil to verso; frontispiece with engraved portrait of the dedicatee, Maria Antonia Walburga of Bavaria, Queen of Saxony (1724–1780), engraved by Giovanni Brunetti, Rome; [7] pages of dedication, [3] pages of imprimatur, etc., 1–466, [2] pages, 21 engraved folding plates of sheet music, engraved folding diagram, engraved headers and woodcut initials in text. numerous engraved illustrations. Exlibris, "The Robin Collection," pasted to inside of upper board, with bibliographical references in pencil above. Faded library stamp, "Biblioteca [continuation illegible]" and manuscript shelfmark to foot of title. 10.5 x 7.5 inches (26.5 x 18.8 cm). Corners slightly bumped, boards slightly soiled; overall, a very fine copy of this revolutionary treatise. Fétis III, p. 166–67; Eitner III, p. 364; RISM B VI, p. 299.
First edition of an important treatise on eighteenth century music which raised a host of polemical writings... [Eximeno] proposed to abolish the strict laws of counterpoint and harmony, and apply the rules of prosody to musical composition. He was the first scientific exponent of the doctrine that the aim of music is to express emotion, and thus exercised considerable influence on musical aesthetics. Born and trained in Spain, Antonio Eximeno y Pujades was expelled from his native country in 1767 for being a Jesuit. He settled in Rome, where he wrote the present treatise, his most important work. "The book, which appeared in 1774, consists of a thorough condemnation of the mathematical and contrapuntal foundations of music. Eximeno derived his theory from his studies of [French philosopher Etienne Bonnot de] Condillac, and proposed a system based on the ‘natural’ adaptation of melody to spoken language. He thought that the value of music should be determined by the good taste of the listener, and not by the critical examination of professionals. This theory provoked furious reactions, by Padre Martini among others, accusing Eximeno of ignorance." Carmen Rodríguez Suso in Grove Music Online.
Eximeno, Antonio. (1729–1809). Dell'origine e delle regole della musica colla storia del suo progresso, decadenza, e rinnovazione. . Rome: Michel’Angelo Barbiellini. 1774. First Edition. Italian-language treatise on the origin, rules, and history of music, the latter described as music's "progress, decline, and renewal." Upright quarto. Contemporary vellum with gilt lettering to spine and marbled edges. Title with motto from Virgil to verso; frontispiece with engraved portrait of the dedicatee, Maria Antonia Walburga of Bavaria, Queen of Saxony (1724–1780), engraved by Giovanni Brunetti, Rome; [7] pages of dedication, [3] pages of imprimatur, etc., 1–466, [2] pages, 21 engraved folding plates of sheet music, engraved folding diagram, engraved headers and woodcut initials in text. numerous engraved illustrations. Exlibris, "The Robin Collection," pasted to inside of upper board, with bibliographical references in pencil above. Faded library stamp, "Biblioteca [continuation illegible]" and manuscript shelfmark to foot of title. 10.5 x 7.5 inches (26.5 x 18.8 cm). Corners slightly bumped, boards slightly soiled; overall, a very fine copy of this revolutionary treatise. Fétis III, p. 166–67; Eitner III, p. 364; RISM B VI, p. 299.
First edition of an important treatise on eighteenth century music which raised a host of polemical writings... [Eximeno] proposed to abolish the strict laws of counterpoint and harmony, and apply the rules of prosody to musical composition. He was the first scientific exponent of the doctrine that the aim of music is to express emotion, and thus exercised considerable influence on musical aesthetics. Born and trained in Spain, Antonio Eximeno y Pujades was expelled from his native country in 1767 for being a Jesuit. He settled in Rome, where he wrote the present treatise, his most important work. "The book, which appeared in 1774, consists of a thorough condemnation of the mathematical and contrapuntal foundations of music. Eximeno derived his theory from his studies of [French philosopher Etienne Bonnot de] Condillac, and proposed a system based on the ‘natural’ adaptation of melody to spoken language. He thought that the value of music should be determined by the good taste of the listener, and not by the critical examination of professionals. This theory provoked furious reactions, by Padre Martini among others, accusing Eximeno of ignorance." Carmen Rodríguez Suso in Grove Music Online.