Stravinsky, Igor.

being Stravinsky's transcription of a passage from Cimarosa's opera Il matrimonio segreto, Act 2, with the words in French and Italian "Incolpata son' a torto/ C'est à tort qui l'on m'accuse", the vocal score notated in black ink on two systems, each of three staves, six bars of music in all



1 page, oblong 4to (c.16 x 26.5cms), 8-stave  paper, ruled with a rastrum, no place or date, [probably Paris, 1923], small tear to right-hand margin, light central crease 

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."

This is an intriguing musical quotation by Stravinsky, reflecting an interest in classical Italian composers like Pergolesi and Cimarosa, which he shared with Diaghilev. The music comes from the Act 2 quintet "Deh, lasciate ch'io respiri" in Act 2 of Cimarosa's Il matrimonio segreto (1792), his most famous opera.  Stravinsky saw the work in Paris (in the company of Vera Sudekina) in February 1923, performed in French, so the manuscript is likely to date from this time. Although he was not drawn to Cimarosa in general, he apparently "took great pleasure" in attending this performance; see Chronicle of my Life, (1936), pp.182-183.