Mendelssohn Bartholdy [Hensel], Fanny

the text by Hensel himself, beginning "Frisch um der Blume Farbenring kost Biene schon und Schmetterling", a fair-copy manuscript, scored for unaccompanied soprano, alto, tenor and bass, notated in dark brown ink on two four-stave systems per page, untitled, 37 bars, with an attractive illustration in ink and watercolour by Hensel

4 pages, 4to (27.6 x 21.3cm), 8-lined manuscript paper, gilt edges, dated at the end [no place,] 6 July 1846, a few small stains, including to inner margins, three tiny holes, slightly affecting one word, creasing, dust-staining to outer pages

This manuscript derives directly from the family of Mendelssohn's sister, Fanny Hensel. 

Renate Hellwig-Unruh, Fanny Hensel geborene Mendelssohn Bartholdy Thematisches Verzeichnis der Kompositionen (Adliswil, 2000), p. 342 ('Morgengruß II')

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."

A hitherto unrecorded source.

All currently-known sources for this delightful a cappella vocal quartet are preserved in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, and comprise two score fragments in E major, of 16 and 21 bars, the first dated 29 June [1846] (MA Ms. 49, p.54; MA Ms. 52, 2, pp.1ff), a part for soprano and tenor (MA Ms. 68, pp. 4 and 32), and a 37-bar score in E flat, entitled 'Morgengruß, W. Hensel' (MA Ms.49, pp. 55-57). Although Renate Hellwig-Unruh, in her catalogue of Fanny Hensel's compositions, only provides an incipit for the undated E-flat version (whose text beginning - "Um heller Blumen Farbenring" - differs slightly from that of the E-major version), it seems clear from the finished appearance of the present score that the E-major version should be accorded at least equal status. We understand that such manuscripts with drawings by Hensel were intended as presents for friends.