Beethoven, Ludwig van.

written in brown ink on three staves, with the words of the middle section of the song ("...kein Auge wein['] ob des himmlischen Geistes Hei[mkehr]"),  a very early sketch of the music with great differences from the final version; together with, sketches for other pieces in ink and in pencil on the verso,  2 pages, c.6 x 14cms, a four-stave fragment of a larger leaf, [probably Baden (near Vienna), summer 1814], mounted on an album-leaf at the edges, displaying both sides, traces of mount on in margin



The autograph manuscript of Beethoven's "Elegischer Gesang" Op.118 is lost.

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."

Other early sketches for Op.118 can be found in the Dessauer sketchbook of 1814, along with sketches for Fidelio (now in the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna).  A  later sketch is divided between Stanford and Chicago, and another was sold at Bonhams, London, on 8 November 2005, lot 533.  

Beethoven's exquisite song, scored for four voices and string quartet, was composed in 1814 in memory of Eleonore, wife of Baron Johann Baptist von Pasqualati, who had died in childbirth (it begins "Sanft wie du lebtest, hast du vollendet") .  It was performed privately at Pasqualati's home on 8 August 1814 and first published as a chorus with strings in 1826.  Kinsky reports that the autograph manuscript of Op.118 is "unbekannt".  A copyist's manuscript, corrected by Beethoven, now in Berlin, was formerly in the collection of Louis Koch.