Fauré, Gabriel.

apparently complete, notated in black ink on three four-stave systems per page, the "Prima" and "Seconda" parts in score, with deletions, many neat erasures and alterations, the music breaking off in the middle of the final page, --apparently implying a repeat of the opening section (but not written out), with double-bar divisions but without "da capo" or "fine" signs or tempo markings



11 pages, folio, 20-stave paper, (c.34.5 x 26cms), no place or date, [around 1870],

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 unknown piano duet by Fauré.  This exuberant and strongly rhythmic piece is unrecorded and certainly unpublished.

On stylistic grounds, this must be an early composition by the composer of the famous "Dolly Suite".   It probably dates from the time of the "Symphonie en fa" Op.20, of 1866-1873.  Although the manuscript appears to break off half-way through the final page (with space for a third system below), it could in fact be performed as a complete piece in simple ternary form.

The exuberant opening (A) section in F major is complemented by a point of imitation in D minor and a shortened reprise (A¹) ending in F with a double barline on page 8.  The middle (B) section is in B-flat major/minor, leading to another double-bar close over a pedal G.  At the end, Fauré writes out the first three bars of the opening in F, almost certainly implying a repeat, most probably of the shortened reprise (A¹⁾ ending at page 8,  resulting in a design on the lines of A, A¹, B, A¹.  This pattern is also seen in the "Gavotte" from Masques et bergamasques Op.112, originally composed in 1869, which is rhythmically and texturally similar to the present work (but thematically distinct and pitched in D minor).  That "Gavotte" also ends with a shortened reprise of the A¹ section, and no coda.  We are most grateful to Professor Robert Orledge for his assistance in the cataloguing of this lot.