Dittersdorf, Carl Ditters von.

the overture and twenty-four numbers, written by a single scribe in brown ink, with ninety-five numbered corrections to the keyboard part in a second, unidentified, hand, contained on 26 pages at the end of the manuscript, some revisions contained on strips of manuscript paper and affixed to the score, 2 parts in one volume, 197[, 26] pages, a few blank, oblong 4to (c.23 x 30cm), 12- and 10-stave papers, fleur-de-lis watermark, publisher's number (?) to foot of p. 1 ('2896'), manuscript label to upper cover ('Betrug durch Aberglauben Opera Clav. Auszug von Dittersdorff.'), bearing the number '354' in red crayon, the pastedowns containing c. 56bars in all of unidentified keyboard music in a third, unidentified, eighteenth-century hand, contemporary boards, spine using part of a medieval manuscript on vellum, no place or date [probably the end of the eighteenth century], large contemporary ink blots to pp. 27 and 111, the pastedown leaves cropped

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."

An intriguing manuscript, with substantial corrections to the keyboard part, of Dittersdorf's Singspiel, which was premiered in Vienna on 3 October 1786. Whether there is any connection or not between this volume and the 1791 Rellstab vocal score (RISM D 3184) has not been determined.