- 260
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Sei Quartetti per due violini, viola, e violoncello ... Opera X. [complete parts of the string quartets K.387, 421, 428, 458, 464, 465], Vienna, Artaria, 1785,
- paper
FIRST EDITION, CONTAINING MOZART'S FAMOUS ENGRAVED LETTER, in which he dedicates the work to JOSEPH HAYDN ("Al mio caro Amico Haydn")
the four parts complete, [2 &] 45, 43, 33 and 28 pages, large 4to (c.33.5 x 24cm), engraved throughout, fine ornamental title-page to each part, plate no.59, contemporary stencilled wrappers in green and red, contemporary manuscript labels, original stitching holes at head, some early pencil annotations, some pages trimmed to plate mark, some wear to the wrappers, and staining to corners, a few stains elsewhere, browning to last page in Violin I.
the four parts complete, [2 &] 45, 43, 33 and 28 pages, large 4to (c.33.5 x 24cm), engraved throughout, fine ornamental title-page to each part, plate no.59, contemporary stencilled wrappers in green and red, contemporary manuscript labels, original stitching holes at head, some early pencil annotations, some pages trimmed to plate mark, some wear to the wrappers, and staining to corners, a few stains elsewhere, browning to last page in Violin I.
Literature
Haberkamp, p.182-183 and plates 134 and 135; Hoboken 160; Hirsch, iv 57
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."
"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
THIS IS A GOOD CLEAN COPY OF THE MOST CELEBRATED PUBLICATION IN THE HISTORY OF CHAMBER MUSIC, AND THE ICONIC MOZART FIRST EDITION. This edition is generally held to represent one of the very few instances where Mozart himself was probably involved in the publication process of one of his works (very few of which, in any case, were published during his lifetime): it differs strikingly from the autograph manuscripts of the quartets with regard to a number of significant dynamic markings, phrasing and tempo indications. This is a most attractive set in contemporary wrappers with a stencilled floral motif. The edition is frequently found incomplete or made up in manuscript; this one is complete.
Mozart's engraved dedication to Joseph Haydn is only present in this first issue: it already lacking in re-issues from c.1787 onwards. It contains the famous phrases in which Mozart describes the quartets as "his children...the fruit of a long and laborious work", which he hopes to send into the world, with the blessing and protection of a Man very celebrated everywhere, who by great fortune was also his greatest friend. It is dated Vienna, 1 September 1785 and included in the published collections of Mozart's letters (see Anderson no. 529).