Delius, Frederick

containing a working draft of an orchestral passage, perhaps intended for a dramatic work, notated in short score in dark brown ink on two staves, with tremolo markings, some deletions and alterations, with the signature added later in black ink,    

1 page, c.6 x 26.5cm, 2-stave paper, cut from a larger sheet, no place or date, crease along vertical fold

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 working musical sketch for an projected work by Delius, rather than a later quotation from a known work.  The piece is unidentified and probably uncompleted, but the style and hand-writing indicate that it dates from the composer's maturity.  As with other such working sketches by Delius, it is written on a thin strip of paper, cut up specially for such use by the composer on his frequent walking trips, where he habitually jotted down ideas for compositions.  For another similar example, see Sotheby's sale on 21 May 1998, lot 194.