Lot 143
  • 143

Bartók, Béla

Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Bartók, Béla
  • Autograph musical quotation of "Allegro Barbaro", signed and inscribed "Budapest, 1925. III. 24. BartókBéla"
  • paper
comprising the opening nine bars of the main theme, notated in black ink on a single stave, titled "Allegro barbaro"

1 page, on a slip of paper c.5.2 x 20cm, cut from a larger sheet, Budapest, 24 March 1925, together with a photograph of Bartók

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

Rare: autograph music by Bartók, one of the greatest twentieth-century composers, is uncommon at auction.  The Allegro barbaro (1911) is important both musically and historically for its radical percussive style.  It is a significant and characteristic example of musical "barbarism", employing rhythms and pentatonic scales redolent of Hungarian folk music.  It is Bartók's most famous and frequently performed solo piano piece.