Goehr, Alexander (b.1932)

setting the words "O Lord, thou hast searched me", the score for soprano, contralto, tenor, bass and organ, written in pencil, on three systems per page, each of six staves, with erasures and alterations, with the dedication above the music "commissioned by the choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge for the 800th anniversary of the Founding of the University", 8 leaves, large folio (c.42 x 30cms), 20-stave paper, [Cambridge, January 2009]



Illustrated with the kind permission of the composer and Schott Music Ltd.

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."

Alexander Goehr is a key figure in contemporary British music, a founder of the Manchester group (which includes Birtwistle) and, as Professor of Music at Cambridge from 1976, the teacher of Robin Holloway, George Benjamin and Thomas Adès.  This psalm setting comprises 14 verses taken from three different psalms: nos 139, 42 and 75.  A second section of the work "allegro molto" uses the text "I will say unto God my rock, why hast thou forgotten me?" (Psalm 42 verse 9), and a "meno mosso" uses "Lift not your horn on high" (Psalm 75, verse 5).