Beethoven, Ludwig van.

a one-bar fragment notated in brown ink on three staves, with autograph figuring and with numerous autograph deletions and revisions



1 page, c.5 x 6.7cm, cut down from a larger leaf with three staves visible, apparently from the lower inner edge of an oblong 4to leaf, modern card frame, no place or date, laid down at the edges on paper, small tear, slightly affecting music, pin hole

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."

A remarkable manuscript from Beethoven's compositional workshop.

In this small contrapuntal fragment, which appears not to relate to any known work of Beethoven's, the composer has notated three voices, the upper two to be read in the treble clef, the lower one in the bass clef. The figuring below the notes of the first and third staves indicates the interval between two invertible voices (first and second staves, and second and third staves, respectively). It has been suggested that the manuscript is connected with Beethoven's teaching.