La musica, poema

En la imprenta real de la Gazeta, Madrid 1779, in-8 (14.5 x 23 cm), (20 p.) 126ppXL (1 p.), bound
Second edition, illustrated with 6 beautiful insert figures printed on cartridge paper signed by G. Ferro, engraved by M.S. Carmona, J. Ballester et F. Selma. Meticulous printing. The first edition is dated 1774, not as well printed as this later edition. A translation was completed in 1799 par Grainville, addressed to the Conservatoire de Musique and approved by Cherubini, Gossec, etc.
Contemporary binding in full red morocco signed Derôme le jeune, spine in five compartments richly decorated with grotesque gilt circles and diamond shapes, double gilt fillets and roulettes framing the boards, double gilt fillet highlighting the leading edges, fine gilt lace work tooling framing the paste paper endpapers, all edges gilt.
Rubbing on the spine ends, compartments, joints and corners.
Tomás de Iriarte (1750-1791) was a renowned poet, fable writer and playwright. La Musica is a didactic poem in which its author explains the rarity of his undertaking in the prologue, including two other attempts, of lower caliber, in the field. The first song defines music by summarising it with two essential principles: sound and time. The second deals with expression. The third song deals with the excellence of music based on its uses. The fourth is about theatre music and the fifth exposes music intended for entertainment and music devoted to solitude.
Very beautiful copy.