GAFURIUS, F.: Practica Musicae utriusqz cantus excellentis franchini gaffori Laudensis. Quatuor libris modulatissima. (Brescia, Bernardino Misinta 1502). Quarto. 111 nn. ff, 1 blank f, 2 full-page woodcuts and numerous examples of music as woodcuts in the text. Leaf L1, small initial "D" cut out (no loss of text). Last leaf with small unobtrusive library stamp at end of text. Occasional light spotting. Modern blind gilded leather in contemporary style.

One of the MOST WANTED CIMELIA of MUSIK THEORY. EXTREMELY RARE!!! Only this copy traceable for us in antiquarian trade and auctions since 1914! As well the first edition of 1496 not in trade since 1968 and the second edition of 1497 only once in trade since 1926 (Baer). One of the most famous books on music theory. It was first published in Milan in 1496 and five editions appeared until 1512. - The extremely rare third edition in a fine copy with wide margins. - "Practica Musicae", published in 4 books, is the last of Gafurius' three major works on music theory. "With great didactic skill, the 'professor musicae' summarizes the theoretical foundations of the musical practice of the time in clear rules and supplements them with detailed practice examples and commentaries" (Ausst. Kat. Wolfenbüttel 1985, p. 92). - "The Practica is the most original part, because in it Gafurius wants to make the student immediately apply the rules in practice by simplifying the whole theory of proportions, omitting the mode ... and already showing a strong sense of chord and tonality. He already aims at the concept of vertical sound, at the harmonic conception of music, for the lawful definition of which Zarlino was to provide only 60 years later" (MGG 4, 1242). - Gafurius, also called Gaffurios, Gafurus, is considered one of the most important musical personalities of his time in Italy. In 1484 he was appointed cathedral chapel master in Milan. There he published his three great writings on music theory. - RISM I, 342; coll. Hirsch 194; Cortot 82; not in Wolffheim.