A professional late 18th century German transcript of Johann Sebastian Bach, [Das wohltemperirte Clavier. 2.] XXIV Fugen jede mit einem Praeludie, aus den 12 dur und 12 moll Tonen nach der Reihe.
An inscription on the flyleaf claims that the copy, transcribed in Germany, is the first that came into England, 'which came into England for the expres [sic] use' of August Friedrich Christian Kollmann [1756- 1824]. The inscription claims that it was lent to Samuel Wesley [1766- 1837] and from it he and Karl Friedrich Horn edited the edition of the 48 Preludes and Fugues of Bach bearing their names. [Eliza Wesley makes no mention of this manuscript in her account of Samuel Wesley's edition and the claim looks to be contrary to the known history of Wesley's edition. Independent confirmation of the claim is wanting and the signature on the flysheet of G U Beresford and the date of 1851 is not consistent with what is known of the dispersal of Kollmann's library.]
Kept with the volume are:-
- Autograph letter signed, Angus Burns Salmond to the Librarian, University of St Andrews, forwarding the above ms as a memorial of his mother, Marie Salmond. Shepherd's Bush, London, 31 July 1951. (3pp.)
- Copy of typescript letter from the Librarian to Angus Burns Salmond asking when the manuscript was acquired from Mummery on behalf of Dr H Redlich. St Andrews 15 May 1962. (1p)
- Three letters between the Librarian and Kenneth Mummery of Bournemouth concerning the provenance of the ms. Bournemouth and St Andrews, June 1962. (1p; 1p; 1p.)
- Three typescript letters, with signature, of G B Salmond concerning the presentation of the Salmond bequest of books to the Library. Surbiton, May-June 1950. (1p; 1p; 1p.)
- Photocopy of letter, with signature, of Michael Kassler to the Librarian proposing some details of the provenance of the manuscript. Washington, DC, 24 November 1971. (2pp.)