Dr Haydn's VI Original Canzonettas, for the Voice with an Accompaniment for the Piano-Forte.

Folio (246 x 333 mm). 31, (1) pp. Engraved title-page and engraved music throughout, signed "Haydn mp" in ink in lower right comer of title-page. Bound with 31 other pieces, including another collection of six Haydn canzonettas. Paginated by a contemporary hand and bound in early 18th century half calf with gilt-lettered red morocco label "K. M. M. Saunders / Songs / Vol. II" to upper board. Manuscript index at rear. Edges sprinkled red. First edition, signed by the composer with his characteristic paraph, as in all copies. This first set of "Canzonette" was issued by Haydn from his lodgings during his final visit to London in 1794. lt must have been a commercial success, for a fair number of copies survive, and remains one of the few generally obtainable examples of an original signature of one of the 18th century masters of Viennese classicism. Two examples have appeared at auction before: both at Stargardt in Berlin, in 2004 and 2006, commanding €3,600 and €4,400 respectively. In both cases it was only the separate signed title-page (with the beginning of "The Mermaid's Song" on the verso) that was sold, having been removed from the 32-page score. - The present example is clear and unfaded, having been "in situ" since its early life, part of a bound collection of 31 similar pieces and collections from an Irish source, including many scarce examples of Dublin-printed songs, including Hime's very rare 1706 Dublin edition of Haydn's second set of Canzonettas, but also Mozart (1), Handel (4), Thomas Philipps (6), and J. A. Stevenson (3), all published ca. 1794 to 1803. - Binding worn but sound with a few professional repairs to hinges and spine. Minor soiling and small stains throughout, but a very good copy. Provenance: Katherine M. M. Saunders, probably of Dublin (her label to upper cover and ink name at head of several of the scores). - Hoboken IX (1991) 1525. Hirsch III, 799. RISM H 2656.