- 298
Strauss, Richard
Estimate
12,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Strauss, Richard
- Autograph manuscript of the song "Sankt Michael", Op. 88 no.3, signed twice ("RichardStrauss" and "DrRichardStrauss"),
- paper
notated for baritone and piano in black ink on four three-stave systems, with a few erasures and alterations in the second and third lines, the text beginning "Ein Mahl für uns und ein Licht für dich", and with an autograph presentation inscription at the foot of the first page ("Major Moreau souvenir du reconnaissant DrRichardStrauss 10.10.45"), seventy-two bars in all
4 pages, oblong 4to (c.25.5 x 32cms), 12-stave paper ("M.B.M.15"), Vienna, 3 February 1942, light overall browning, some creasing to lower margin of the first page
4 pages, oblong 4to (c.25.5 x 32cms), 12-stave paper ("M.B.M.15"), Vienna, 3 February 1942, light overall browning, some creasing to lower margin of the first page
Literature
RSQV ID w0573; Trenner 280; Müller von Asow, o.Op.AV. 129 (p.1295). M. Kennedy, Richard Strauss (2006), p.368
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
Strauss composed this song to mark the Austrian poet Josef Weinheber's fiftieth birthday on 9 March 1942. It is notable for Strauss's exuberant style and his inventive use of a sprightly motif in the bass to portray St Michael. Weinheber was a somewhat controversial figure who committed suicide in 1945 at the collapse of the Third Reich.
Strauss presented this manuscript to Major Moreau, the aide to the French Commandant in Saxony, who, at a time of privation and struggle for the elderly composer immediately after the war, had helped him travel to the spa at Baden in Switzerland (where he composed the Oboe Concerto). This score contains some working alterations and appears to be earlier than another autograph of the song now in Vienna (Österreichisches Nationalbibliothek, Hs 40365), once thought to be the manuscript presented to Moreau. The present manuscript is not listed in the Richard-Strauss Quellenverzeichnis (RSQV).