Paganini, Nicolò.

comprising the theme of a "Rondo", and four connected drafts of other themes and figurations, each concluded with the annotation "Finis", and with other rubrics ("Valtz", "All tto", "And tto" etc.), together with (on verso), a working sketch for a continuous piece for guitar in C major, with numerous alterations, revisions and deletions by the composer; all notated in brown ink on ten and eleven systems, the last drawn entirely in manuscript, comprising over 200 bars in all



2 pages, oblong 4to (c.21 x 29cms), with a note of authentication, signed and dated by the composer's grandson ("Milano, 25 Aprile 1901. Questo autografo del mio illustre avo Nicolò Paganini offro in ricordo di sincera amicizia all'esimio liutista caro Leandro Bisiach ...Andrea Paganini"), later quarter-calf patterned binding, bearing the title on a red calf-gilt label on upper cover, no place or date, with minor creases, tears and browning at edges

Andrea Paganini; Leandro Bisiach (1864-1945), Italian violin-maker.                                                                                                                                                                   

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."

Autograph music by Paganini is of great rarity at auction

The sketches in this manuscript appear to be daily studies ("studi giornalieri) of the type practised by other Italian composers of the period, designed to provide a store of motives to be included in compositions when the occasion arrived. As those on the first page appear to be connected, they offer a rare insight into the composer's compositional process. The sketch on the verso, is more continuous, but notated more roughly, with copious corrections and a large cut marked with the symbol signifying "Vide". This appears to be the final part of a longer work, that the composer concluded by drawing a complete stave in the lower margin. Paganini wrote over one hundred and fifty works for the guitar, many still remaining in manuscript in the Conservatory at Rome.