Adès, Thomas (b.1971).

the songs ("Iam nocet frigus teneris et avis bruma leditur", "Nec limpha caret alveus", "Modo frigescit quiquid est sed solus ego caleo" and "Nutritur ignis osculo et leni tactu virginis") numbered 'I'-'IV', notated in black ink on up to four systems of varying length per page, signed twice on the autograph title ("The Lover in Winter Thomas Adès 1989 4 songs for countertenor and piano...Thomas Adès 1993"), containing a number of apparently later autograph additions and corrections in black ballpoint pen, some autograph additions in pencil, extensive use of white correction fluid, 14 pages, folio (36 x 26.5cm), 16-stave paper, dated at the end London, 16 May 1989, some later additions apparently 1993, light creasing to outer leaves, a few small marks



Illustrated with the kind permission of the composer and Faber Music Ltd

Lots 97-113.  These seventeen lots comprise autograph manuscripts by twenty-seven leading British contemporary composers.  Manuscripts of contemporary music very rarely appear for sale at auction; most remain with the composers themselves or their publishers, and Sotheby's is grateful to both for permission to sell and illustrate these manuscripts.  Many of the manuscripts contain preliminary sketches and working drafts; others incorporate new techniques in notating music.  This may well turn out to be a final as well as a first opportunity: most younger contemporary composers write their works using score-writing computer programmes, where pen and pencil are dispensed with entirely. 

These manuscripts have been donated by the composers themselves, in support of the Heslington Foundation's endeavours on behalf of living composers.   The Heslington Foundation for Music and Associated Arts is a charity linked to the Music Department at the University of York.  The charity has provided capital funds and project funding for advanced musical research, and it supports two small publishing companies, York Early Music Press and University of York Music Press (UYMP), the latter being a pioneering company championing contemporary concert composers.

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."

Thomas Adès is one of the most successful composers of the younger generation.  This is a fine composing manuscript of the song-cycle The Lover in Winter, one of Adès's earliest compositions (without opus number), written when the composer was eighteen. The extensive additions in ballpoint to the 1989 score relate evidently to the song's 1993 publication. The work, which sets anonymous medieval latin verses, was first performed by William Turner and Steven Neugarten in July 1989 at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London.