Mus. 1209(A-C)

Manuscript. Complete set of three instrumental partbooks (Mus. 1209(A): 'First Treble'; Mus. 1209(B): 'Second Treble'; Mus. 1209(C): 'Base') containing two unattributed single-key suites or 'sets'; English, probably early 18th century. Probably part of the repertory of the Oxford city/university waits or 'musick'. The copyist, who appears also to have been the composer, has not been identified, and is here designated as 'Copyist Y'. He was also responsible for other autograph scores and/or sets of performing parts within the Christ Church collection; for further details, see the entry for Mus. 34-6.

In the inventory below, sets in the same key are distinguished from one another by means of roman numerals (I, II, etc), using and extending the numbering sequence of Mus. 34-6. Within each set, the number of movements is shown in round brackets: '(1-5)', etc.

Table of titles and composers in modern form. Display form found in manuscript.

Oblong format, 420 x 280 mm. Each of the two treble partbooks comprises two single sheets, formerly stab-sewn together; the 'Base' partbook comprises four single sheets, formerly stab-sewn together; 8 sheets in total, foliated '1-8' in modern pencil. (The partbooks were foliated and designated 'A-C' in June 2004; these additions will not be present in microfilms made before that date.) Unused ruled staves on ff. 2v, 4v and 7r-8v. Each partbook is sewn into a modern wrapper of thin card, and mounted impermanently on cords within an early 20th-century folder of stiff card and vellum. No early bookplates. Formerly Mus. 1050 (see the printed label pasted to f. 8v).

Provenance: probably from the Goodson bequest, together with all other manuscripts related to Mus. 34-6 (q.v.).

Microfilm: manuscript music, reel 39.