Mahler, Gustav.

comprising a draft of bars 16-22, in full score, with only one instrument specified ("Trommel") and without vocal line, written on one system of fifteen staves, 24-stave paper, a working manuscript in places, with some deletions and corrections



1 page, large folio

As can be seen in the illustration for this lot, the left-hand margin has been trimmed, slightly affecting the word [T]rommel".
"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."

A Mahler discovery.

"Zu Strassburg auf der Schanz" was composed for voice and piano between 1887 and 1890 and published in 1893 in the third volume of Lieder und Gesänge. It is widely regarded as among the finest of the set. As with many of the songs originally written for piano, Mahler decided later to orchestrate it. Two preceding pages of Mahler's orchestration survive in the Centre de Documentation Musicale Bibliothèque Gustav Mahler, Paris (see Henri-Louis de la Grange, Mahler, i.p.764), but the current manuscript appears to be unrecorded. This is not surprising as Mahler's widow, Alma, not knowing where the leaf came from in her husband's output, evidently thought that it might be a discarded leaf from the Seventh Symphony. This is understandable: there is no vocal line indicating that this is a song and the material shares a kinship at least with the haunted second movement of that great symphony.

We wish to acknowledge the kind assistance of Dr Paul Banks in the identification of this manuscript.