Bellini, Vincenzo

written in short score in black ink on six two-stave systems per page, containing music for instrumental links and introductions [violins], voices and bass line, including two characters identified by abbreviations ("Sar", and "St"), and by a soprano clef, a working manuscript with several notes smudged out by the composer and many further alterations to note pitches, 

2 pages, oblong 4to (c.19 x 24.5cm), 12-stave paper, [probably Naples, c.1823-1827], old stamp of the Naples Conservatory ("Archivio del Real Collegio di Musica"), with a note of deaccession signed by Francesco Florimo ("certifico che la musica scritta sopra è autografo del mio defunto amico Bellini, Collegio di Musica, 14 dicem^re 1877, Francesco Florimo"), with a presentation inscription to the soprano Antonietta Pozzoni Anastasi, and further attestation of authenticity signed by Bellini's siblings Carmelo, Mario and Maria, extensive foxing and staining, one tiny hole not affecting the music

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Operatic music by Vincenzo Bellini is rare at auction. This autograph draft of an operatic duet is apparently unrecorded; nor have we been able to identify the text or the characters.

This is certainly an early manuscript by the composer, confirmed by details of the handwriting, probably written as a student exercise in operatic composition.  It dates from Bellini's years at the Naples Conservatory (1819-1827), probably after 1823, when the composer first encountered the music of Rossini.  Rossini's influence can be seen in the vocal decorations and passage-work, but the strong rhythms of the main themes already foreshadow Bellini's mature style, as in the opening melody for the character "Sar:", with the words "Dall' avorio Tegace".  

The manuscript survived in Naples until it was given away by the archivist there, Bellini's life-long friend Francesco Florimo (1802-1882).  It was soon thereafter presented by Ferdinando Mazziulli to the celebrated soprano Antonietta Pozzoni (1846-1914), who had created the role of Aida in Verdi's opera at the première in Cairo in 1871 (also in her repertory was Norma in Bellini's opera).

Toscanini conducted an early Bellini opera, I Capuleti e i Montecchi, in Barcelona in 1891, under the aegis of Mascheroni, who had expected a fiasco; instead Toscanini made the opera one of the greatest successes of the season.  He also conducted I puritani and two productions of Norma early in his career, but he was frustrated in his later attempts to direct Norma, for lack of suitable singers.