1920 J. Heim Mixed-Choir Songbook
This German-language choral collection brings together sacred and lyrical songs in a compact volume of printed music. The cover reads “J. Heim, Volksgesänge für gemischten Chor.” Its decorative border and lyre emblem give the worn binding a distinctive musical identity.
The title page identifies the work as “Sammlung von Volksgesängen für gemischten Chor,” Volume I. It describes the book as a song collection for school, home and association use. The printed date is 1920.
Four-Part Choral Notation
The scores present multiple vocal lines with German lyrics arranged beneath the notation. Dynamic markings, tempo indications and numbered entries organise the music. The compact layout places substantial musical content within a small-format book.
Photographed selections include “Gottes Lamm,” “Holder Friede” and “Vergißmeinnicht.” The latter appears as number 110, demonstrating the extent of the numbered collection. Andreas Romberg is credited beside “Holder Friede.”
The repertoire combines devotional subjects with more lyrical themes. Its range makes the book more accurately described as a mixed-choir song collection than a denominational hymnal. It preserves both musical notation and the accompanying German verse.
Title Page and Printed Details
The title page names J. Heim and the Zürcher Liederbuchanstalt. The cover carries the Leipzig publisher’s name, P. Pabst. Publisher advertisements and a preface appear among the opening pages.
Handwritten inscriptions occupy the upper portion of the title page. Brown foxing is particularly noticeable around the preliminary leaves. These visible additions and marks form part of this individual copy’s condition.
Compact Format and Worn Binding
The volume contains 485 pages and measures approximately 18 × 11 × 3 cm. Its pale grey-beige covered boards retain the printed front-cover decoration. The spine covering is split and substantially worn away, exposing the binding structure and threads.
The page block opens unevenly where the binding has separated. Loose threads and frayed edges are visible in close views. This is a fragile collector’s copy requiring careful handling, rather than a sound book for regular choir use.
Condition
Fair overall, with significant binding damage. The spine is split and partly detached, with exposed threads, missing covering and separation at the joints. Boards show rubbing, marks, fraying and corner wear.
Pages have age toning, foxing, scattered marks and creasing, including small edge damage in places. Handwritten inscriptions appear on the title page. The photographed music remains readable, despite the fragile binding and wear.
Key Details
Title: Sammlung von Volksgesängen für gemischten Chor
Name on cover and title page: J. Heim
Volume: I
Printed date: 1920
Language: German
Content: Mixed-choir songs with four-part notation and lyrics
Photographed selections: Gottes Lamm, Holder Friede and Vergißmeinnicht
Named musical contributor: Andreas Romberg
Printed publisher references: Zürcher Liederbuchanstalt and P. Pabst, Leipzig
Pages: 485
Binding: Covered boards with heavily damaged spine and exposed threads
Dimensions: Approximately 18 × 11 × 3 cm / 7.1 × 4.3 × 1.2 inches
Condition: Fair, with significant binding damage, foxing and inscriptions
SKU: 2C177
Why It’s Special
The appeal lies in its clearly printed choral arrangements, German verse and decorative musical cover. Its compact proportions contrast with the density of the scores. Best suited to a printed-music collection, careful study or display with support for the damaged binding.
