Bernstein, Leonard

the vocal score, reproduced from Bernstein's manuscript, comprising twelve numbers, with many autograph additions, alterations and deletions in pencil, particularly to the final number ('Israfel'), to the endings of numbers 1, 4 & 5, and other passages, autograph rehearsal numbers in red ink and pencil; together with other alterations entered for him contemporaneously by Jacquelyne Silver (e.g. bars 26-27 in no.7), comprising:

I. 'To the Poem' (O'Hara); II. 'The Pennycandystore Beyond the El' (Ferlinghetti); III. 'A Julia de Burgos';  IV. To What You Said' (Whitman); V. 'I, Too, Sing America' (Hughes) & 'Okay "Negroes" '  (Jordan); VI. 'To My Dear and Loving Husband' (Anne Bradstreet); VII. 'Storyette H. M.' (Gertrude Stein); VIII. 'if you can't eat you got to' (cummings); IX. 'Music I Heard With You' (Aiken); X. 'Zizi's Lament' (Corso); XI. 'What Lips My Lips Have Kissed' (Millay); XII. Israfel' (Poe).



12 volumes, large 4to (c.35.5 x 28cm), reproduced from 24-stave paper by Schirmer of New York, black wrappers, typed title labels (numbered by Bernstein in red ink), 1977, browning to edges

These manuscripts come from the collection of Leonard Bernstein's music assistant Jacquelyne Silver.

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 manuscript is an important source for a large-scale work by Bernstein, the longest such source for his own music to appear at auction.  Bernstein is the greatest native-born American composer, important also as a conductor, pianist and promoter of music. 

The song-cycle Songfest was commissioned to celebrate the bicentennial year in 1976 and is one of Bernstein's most successful and accessible compositions: "Of his later works, two song-cycles, Songfest and Arias & Barcarolles have achieved the broadest acceptance" (David Schiff in Grove's Dictionary).  The history of the United States over three hundred years is traced through the poems of thirteen American authors, from Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) until the present, depicting their experience of creativity, love, marriage, racial and gender issues within a fundamentally Puritan society.  These annotations all derive from the composer, who was working closely with Jacquelyne Silver throughout this project.   A list of all the alterations and annotations, attributing each one, is available for consultation on request.  Please also see Lot 147.