Liszt, Franz.

J. N. Hummel, Grand Septuor pour le Piano...Oeuvre 74^{me, Vienna: Artaria, [1816], [piano part only]}



first edition, 53 pages, folio (c.33.5 x 26.3cm), plate number 2451, some pencil fingerings on pp.3, 7 and 27; together with an autograph document by Hummel, giving his expert opinion on a petition by two musicians at Stuttgart Court Opera, recommending that they should be replaced, 2 pages, folio, Stuttgart 15 January 1817 

From the William Reeves collection.

Zimmerschied, p.114

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."

Hummel, who was a friend of Liszt's father Adam, played a significant part in the younger composer's early career. Liszt performed Hummel's music from his earliest years and Hummel nearly became his piano teacher. In June 1841, Liszt played his arrangement of Hummel's Septet in London for the Royal Philharmonic Society. "Shortly before the concert he was thrown from a carriage and sprained his left hand. He gave the concert but his playing was impaired" (Alan Walker, Franz Liszt: The Virtuoso Years. 1811-1847, New York, 1983, p.363).

After Liszt's date of '27 Sept' on the upper cover, the date '1841' has been added in another hand.