02135 Ewer & Co. London (June 1847). Large 4to. (36 x 27 cm). [2] pp., engraved portrait, [10] pp., 279, [1] p. advertisements. Contemporary half morocco by Hime & Sons, Liverpool, with gilt spine title and gilt-decorated spine, over marbled boards. Red morocco label (5.6 x 10.4 cm) with floral gilt border and "S. Diggles" in gilt on the upper board. A little rubbed, some foxing to frontispiece, inside hinges split, but holding firmly, some signs of use - as there should be! * First English edition of the piano forte arrangement and vocal score of Mendelssohn's 'Elijah'. The copy of Silvester Diggles, natural history artist and "the father of music in Brisbane" (ADB). With an inscription to him on the first blank leaf: "This Work ("Mendelssohn's Elijah") presented to / Mr. Silvester Diggles / Organist of "Saint Saviour's Church" Oxton / by the late / Amateur Choir of the Church / as a testimony of their appreciation of his services as / Organist for the last year & a half, and the pleasure they / have invariable experienced from the uniform kindness with / which he has on all occasions endeavoured to render his services / agreeable to the Choir, as well as acceptable to the Minister & Congregation. / Signed at the request & on behalf of the Choir / Capes Ashlin. / J. Innes / Oxton 5th April 1850." * The information that this inscription provides has filled a considerable 18-month gap in the biography of Silvester Diggles. Apart from the dates of his birth and marriage, there has so far been no information available on Diggles' life in England prior to his arrival in Australia in 1853 (cf. ADB and the Diggles biography by Rod Fisher "Diggles Down Under", Brisbane 2003. (Shortly before publication of this biography we told Dr. Fisher of the existence of this book and its inscription, and Dr. Fisher included a short reference to it on p. 267 of the "History book" section of his Diggles biography). * Given by one of Diggles' sons to Frederick Watson Bernays, a neighbour of the Diggles family at Kangaroo Point and choirmaster of St. Mary's, (where Diggles had been organist), thence by descent. * Felix Mendelssohn (-Bartholdy), (1809-1847), is today generally regarded as the "founder of the German-Austrian musical tradition of the late nineteenth century" (Grove). 'Elijah' was popular at its premiere and has been frequently performed, particularly in English-speaking countries, ever since. Its melodrama, easy appeal, and stirring choruses have provided the basis for countless successful performances. Mendelssohn's Elijah exemplifies the composer's close ties with England. Composed in 1846 the text was immediately translated into English and was simultaneously published in German (Bonn, Simrock) and English (the present edition) in June 1847. It was first performed (before publication) at the Birmingham Festival at Birmingham Town Hall on 26 August 1846. After some corrections by Mendelssohn the following year further performances at London's Exeter Hall followed on 16, 27, 28 and 30 April 1847. The performance on 28 August 1846 was attended by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Mendelssohn had in fact during earlier visits to England met the Royal couple on several occasions and had become a personal favourite. Queen Victoria later pronounced 'Elijah' her favourite piece by Mendelssohn. * The provenance: Silvester Diggles (1817 - 1880) had arrived in Sydney in 1853. The following year he moved to Brisbane where he taught drawing and music and also practised as a tuner and repairer of musical instruments. "He was a founder of the Brisbane Choral Society in 1859 and the Brisbane Philharmonic Society in 1861 and accompanist at church services and concerts. When the musicians of the city gave him a grand benefit concert in 1877, he was termed 'the father of music in Brisbane'" (ADB). He is however best remembered for his book 'The Ornithology of Australia' published in 21 parts between 1865 and 1870. $2200.00AUD
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