The Triumphs of Oriana, A Collection of Madrigals, for Five & Six Voices...
1601. London: Wm. Hawes, 1601 [1814].
Folio, engraved title page, 14, [ii, subscriber list], [i, index], and 243 pp. of engraved sheet music. Contemporary half-calf, marbled paper boards, and red morocco labels to backstrip stamped with date and title in gilt. Boards are rubbed and faded, joints are cracked, poor attempts at repair are evident in the corners. Ex-library copy with bookplate, call number written in white on the backstrip, and library book card on terminal pastedown. Internally bright and clean.
§ Scarce early 19th century edition of a famous Elizabethan book of madrigals, the first edition to include the musical score. The collection, 25 madrigals by 23 composers, was compiled and published by Thomas Morely in 1601. It was long believed to be a tribute to Queen Elizabeth but recently scholars have suggested Anne of Denmark may have been the intended "Oriana." Worldcat lists only three institutional copies: London Library, Princeton, and the Huntington.
In the Preface, Hawes gives a history of the collection and brief biographies of the composers. The full title reads "The Triumphs of ORIANA. Collection of Madrigals, for Five & Six Voices, Written & Composed in honor of Queen Elizabeth, by the Most EMINENT COMPOSERS OF THAT AGE ; Published & Dedicated to the Earl of Nottingham, BY THOMAS MORLEY, 1601. Now first Published in Score And Inscribed by Permission with the utmost respect, TO HUGH, EARL FORTESCUE, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Devon, &c. &c. &c. BY W.M HAWES, Gentleman of His Majestys Chapels Royal, Almoner, Vicar Choral, & Master of the Choristers of S.t Paul's Cathedral." Lowndes 1615. Item #106513
Price: $750.00