Berlioz, Hector

two bars notated in piano score, in dark brown ink, on two hand-drawn staves, marked "Vivace", with, on the verso, a quotation of an Allegro in C by the violinist Camillo Sivori, dated 5 June 1851, originally written for the album of the composer and pianist Édouard Silas

2 pages in all, oblong 4to (c.19.5 x 26cm), written on both sides of the album-leaf, 1851-1852, some light browning and staining

from the album of Édouard (Eli) Silas (1827-1909), sold at Sotheby's, 30 June 1964, lot 432A.  

D. K. Holoman, Catalogue of the Works of Hector Berlioz, New Berlioz Edition, volume 25 (1987), no.127 (page 323); David Cairns, Berlioz. Servitude and Greatness 1832-1869 (1999), pp.478-479; J. Barzun, Berlioz and the Romantic Century (1969), ii, 59n

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 complete, if brief, piece by this great composer. It is no.127 in the New Berlioz Edition catalogue of the composer's works.  This manuscript relates to Berlioz's important series of concerts in London, at which both Sivori and Silas performed significant solo parts.  Berlioz conducted six concerts for the New Philharmonic Society, set up to revitalize the moribund concert scene there.  The new orchestra was led by Sivori, whose autograph quotation appears on the verso.  Berlioz's concert at the Exeter Hall in the Strand on 24 March 1852 included four movements from Roméo et Juliette and culminated in Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Silas playing the piano, Sivori the violin and Piatti the cello.  Silas also played the antique cymbals in the 'Queen Mab' scherzo.  Berlioz  wrote this brief piece in Silas's album, possibly on the day of this first concert.  The use of contrary motion and chromatic scales is reminiscent of the stretto of Père Laurence's aria in the finale of Roméo et Juliette (at Fig 85).