- 129
Schumann, Robert.
bidding is closed
Description
- Fine autograph letter signed ("Robert Schumann"), to Louis Spohr
about his opera "Genoveva", enquiring about the possibility of a performance of it in Cassel, asking what he should do to bring this about, describing the premiere of the opera in Leipzig as having been relatively unsuccessful, noting that the third performance was the best, stating that if the work were treated lovingly, especially by a master interpreter ("...wenn ich sie einer Meisterhand anvertraut wüßte..."), it could not fail to be effective, stating that he will send him a copy of the vocal score in around 6 to 7 weeks' time, and referring also to his correspondent's recent visit to Leipzig and his interest in his first dramatic composition
...Was über den äußerlichen Erfolg der Oper in Leipzig zu sagen wäre, reducirt sich, wenn ich anders ein Urtheil darüber habe, auf Folgendes: Die 1ste Aufführung war eine in Folge eines großen Fehlers, der Alle verwirrte, ziemlich verunglückte; desto mehr nahmen sich Alle in der 2ten Aufführung zusammen; die gerundetste und lebendigste, und vom Publicum mit dem größten Beifall aufgenommen war aber jedenfalls die 3te...
3 pages, 4to, later pencil annotations to outer pages, Dresden, 27 August 1850, splitting along folds, two old, small, repairs, light creasing and browning
...Was über den äußerlichen Erfolg der Oper in Leipzig zu sagen wäre, reducirt sich, wenn ich anders ein Urtheil darüber habe, auf Folgendes: Die 1ste Aufführung war eine in Folge eines großen Fehlers, der Alle verwirrte, ziemlich verunglückte; desto mehr nahmen sich Alle in der 2ten Aufführung zusammen; die gerundetste und lebendigste, und vom Publicum mit dem größten Beifall aufgenommen war aber jedenfalls die 3te...
3 pages, 4to, later pencil annotations to outer pages, Dresden, 27 August 1850, splitting along folds, two old, small, repairs, light creasing and browning
Literature
Erler, ii, pp. 125-126
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A fine letter about Genoveva, Schumann's only complete opera, first performed in Leipzig on 25 June 1850. In the event, it was not produced in Cassel until 18 March 1878, and then under the direction of August Reiss.