Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
[A group of 6 works]. 1788-1790
GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). [A group of 6 works]. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1788-1790.

First separate editions of 5 works, and the first revised edition of Erwin und Elmire, Goethe’s first libretto. Originally published in the journal Iris in 1775, it was set to music by Duchess Anna Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1739-1807) and performed in Weimar in 1776. Based on the Italian opera buffa that Goethe witnessed on his travels to Italy, his libretto Scherz, List und Rache was composed in order to reform and improve the German comic opera based on the Italian model. It was partly set to music by Goethe’s friend Philipp Christoph Kayser (1755-1823) in 1785-1787, though his score remained unfinished and was not performed until 1993. A full description and condition report is available upon request. Hagen 113, 131, 187, 200, 205, and 210.

Together 6 volumes, octavo (various sizes). Comprising: Erwin und Elmire. Ein Singspiel... Ächte Ausgabe. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1788. Modern plain wrappers; Claudine von Villa Bella. Ein Singspiel... Ächte Ausgabe. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1788. 20th-century vellum-backed boards; Egmont. Ein Trauerspiel... Ächte Ausgabe. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1788. 20th-century antique-style sheep; Torquato Tasso. Ein Schauspiel. Ächte Ausgabe. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1790. Contemporary boards; Jery und Bätely. Ein Singspiel... Ächte Ausgabe. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1790. Modern binding reusing old patterned paper; Scherz, List und Rache. Ein Singspiel... Ächte Ausgabe. Leipzig: Georg Joachim Göschen, 1790. Contemporary half calf.