[Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. (1756–1791)] Nissen, Georg Nicolaus von. (1761–1826). Biographie W. A. Mozart's. Nach Originalbriefen, Sammlungen alles über ihn Geschriebenen, mit vielen neuen Beylagen, Steindrücken, Musikblättern und einem Facsimile. Leipzig: G. Senf. [1849]. Second Edition. Zweite Wohlfeile Ausgabe [second cheap edition]. 2 parts in 1 vol. 8vo, contemp. 3/4 green calf & marbled bds. & edges; spine faded, scuffed, extremities rubbed. Frontis. portrait, 8 plates (2 fold.), 9 fold. leaves of music. Former owner's ink signature at head of title. Scattered light foxing. In custom brown cloth clamshell box.


A very good copy of the first major biography of Mozart, essentially identical to the 1828 edition. Nissen married Mozart's widow Constanze in 1809. This work, which Constanze saw into print after Nissen's death in 1826, made public for the first time many hitherto unknown documents and details of Mozart's life from direct knowledge and personal contacts, and has served as a basic source ever since (see New Grove, 13: 253).