Schnittke, Alfred.

an autograph fair copy of the version scored for oboe, harp, harpsichord, violin, violoncello and double bass, with autograph title ("Moz-Art"), notated in black ink on three eight-stave systems per page, bar lines ruled in pencil and ruled over in ink, with autograph rehearsal numbers "1" to "37" and containing numerous erasures and corrections, a number of corrections on strips of manuscript paper affixed to the score, 9 pages, plus blanks,  large folio (38 x 25.5cm), no place or date [1980], small repair to lower margin of first leaf with translucent adhesive tape, a few small stains to inner margin of first leaf, central horizontal crease; with a copy of the first edition of the score and parts (Hamburg: Sikorski, 1995) (2)



together with: 1) Facsimile of Schnittke's autograph of "Moz-Art" for two violins, with autograph alterations for three passages, notated in black ink and entered on strips of manuscript paper affixed to the facsimile, some entries in red ink, and with one autograph tempo marking added to the facsimile at two bars after rehearsal number 32, 6 pages (Schnittke's autograph entries on 4 pages), folio (30.5 x 22.4cm), no place or date [1976]; 2) Autograph sketchleaf for "Moz-Art" for 8 flutes and harp, with autograph heading ("Für 8 Fl. + Harfe"), the various entries written on a leaf of blank A4 paper, with hand-drawn systems of one and two staves, one autograph diagram and a number of autograph annotations ("2...4 different themes...[translation]"), 1 page, folio (29.6 x 21cm), no place or date [1990], central horizontal fold

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 a highly attractive manuscript of a complete repertory work by Schnittke, with two other related manuscripts.

The first in a notable series of works entitled "Moz-Art", and based on Mozart's fragmentary music for a pantomime, K.446 (416d), for which only an incomplete violin I part (in two versions) survives, originated at the end of 1975 in connection with a planned performance of Mozart's 1783 fragment at the traditional New Year's concert at the Moscow conservatory and was scored for flute, clarinet, 3 violins, viola, violoncello, double bass, percussion and organ. A number of other 'versions' followed, regarded by Schnittke himself as independent attempts at an ever-closer understanding of the heart of Mozart's music: these included a version for two violins (1976) and one for eight flutes and harp (1990), manuscripts relating to both of these also being contained in this lot. But perhaps more impressive than either of these incarnations of Schnittke's witty hommage à Mozart  is that from 1980 for six instruments, which Schnittke has described as attempting to portray six instrumental 'couples' (oboe/harp, violin/harpsichord and violoncello/double bass) in three stages of 'cohabitation', namely harmonious married life, scandalous divorce and ultimate reconciliation.

The particular form of the work's title - "Moz-Art" - may be deconstructed as Schnittke's humorous combination of a mundane token of daily Soviet oppression - the letters "MOZ" found on the number plates of vehicles of the Moscow secret police - with three rather more congenial letters indicative of creative endeavour. The first performance of "Moz-Art" for six instruments took place in July 1981 at the Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival, Austria, with the Festival Ensemble under the direction of Gidon Kremer.