Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

FIRST COMPLETE EDITION OF THE "FÜNF DIVERTIMENTI" K.439b, 6 parts for Clarinetto primo, Clarinetto secondo & Basson (comprising Livres I & II, each pp.2-14 & 15-25), title-pages for Clarinetto primo only, lithographed music, plate 926, unpressed and untrimmed, ownership stamp of Mario Gomez, some spotting and light browning to titles, outer leaves loose

Manuel Gomez (1859-1922), clarinettist at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

RISM M6247, M6265 & M6266; Hoboken 202 (Livre II only); cf. Haberkamp, p.212 (Anmerkungen); Köchel⁶, pp.440 & 785.

"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.
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RARE. Only four complete copies (ie with both Livres I & II), are listed in RISM: in London, Berlin, Brussels and Stockholm. Mozart's autograph manuscript of the Fünf Divertimenti K.439b, twenty-five movements in all, is LOST.  The earlier editions comprised a jumble of disparate movements amounting to less than half the score (the first in 1803 contained only three movements).  Mozart is believed to have composed these wind trios in around 1783, probably for basset horns rather than clarinets. The additional sixth serenade comprises arrangements of 'Al desio', 'Voi che sapete' and 'Non più andrai' from Le nozze de Figaro; 'Là ci darem', and 'Vedrai carino' from Don Giovanni.