Sibelius, Jean

here titled "Fantasie stuck (cello, piano)", the score written in blue and black inks on four three-stave systems per page, with extensive deletions, alterations and revisions, including one passage written on a large piece of paper pasted into the score, comprising ninety-five bars in all, including deletions

14 pages, folio (c.35.5 x 27cms), paginated by the composer in blue ink, 15-stave paper (B & H Nr.22.C), three blank leaves, together with four letters about the manuscript, two signed by Jussi Jalas, fitted green calf box, gilt titles, no place or date [between 1900 and 1902], a few stains and ink smudges

The manuscript was given by Sibelius to the cellist Emil Corbach in 1902, as explained in a letter enclosed (Corbach played in Helsinki and St. Petersburg during the years 1898-1903).

F. Dahlstrom, Jean Sibelius: Thematisch-bibliographisches Verzeichnis seiner Werke (Wiesbaden, 2003), p.81

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."

Autograph music manuscripts by Sibelius are rare at auction. This is a highly attractive and often spectacular manuscript of Sibelius's only important work for the cello. Apart from some sketches at Helsinki University, there is no other autograph source for it. The piece was not published until 1911, when some alterations were evidently made. The version in this manuscript is slightly longer than that in the edition, which contains 87 bars. Sibelius composed this piece for Sigrid and Georg Scheevoigt (cello), who gave the first performance at Helsinki University on 12 March 1900, under the title "Fantasia".