BACH, Johann Sebastian. Grosse Passionsmusik nach dem Evangelium Johannis, Partitur. Berlin, Trautwein, 1831. Half green morocco with marbled boards, gilt titles and decoration to spine, 113 pp.; excellent copy with a few instances of light spotting
Rare first edition copy of the full score of the St. John Passion which reintroduced Bach’s dramatic masterpiece to 19th-century audiences, following Mendelssohn’s 1829 revival of the St. Matthew Passion. With handwritten ex-libris of William Bartholomew (1793-1867) dated September 1947 on the title page. Bartholomew was an English librettist and composer. In 1841, he became Mendelssohn’s primary English librettist, translating and adapting major works like Elijah (1846) and Hear My Prayer to suit British audiences. He also translated Bach and produced several hymns, The Nativity oratorio, and children’s songs. Original wrappers preserved.
