Schumann, Robert

with his elegant contents page, showing the classification of his catalogue into church music, operas, orchestral music, chamber music, theoretical & historical books and gifts bearing composers' dedications, meticulously prepared in his calligraphic hand in dark brown ink, listing editions and manuscripts of works by Bach (the first three volumes of the "Leipziger Bachgesellschaft" complete edition), Handel, Haydn, Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Wagner (but none of Liszt), also recording in the final appendix works presented to him by Brahms (Sonata op.5), Berlioz (Les Franc-Juges), Chopin (Ballades opp.23 & 38), Mendelssohn (Scherzo a capriccio) and Wagner (Tannhäuser), together with manuscripts of Beethoven's Violin Concerto ("Geschrieben, Geschenk von Joachim") and many others, some 372 items in all

36 pages, large 4to (c.31 x 25cm), on ruled paper paginated by the composer (1-34), contemporary brown half morocco over marbled boards, c.1853

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 remarkable manuscript is a primary source for understanding one of the leading musical thinkers and writers of the Romantic era, revealing his musical leanings in a manner not replicated elsewhere.  It is apparently largely unknown to music scholars, little discussed in the literature on Schumann.  

Many items in Schumann's his music library reflect his well-known enthusiasms for the composers that he promoted in his writings--Beethoven, Brahms, Berlioz, Schubert (whose Great C major Symphony he helped find and resurrect) and Chopin--but there are also many scores by Handel, Gluck and Haydn.  Indeed there are more opera scores by Gluck (5) listed here than by Mozart (4), who does not feature as prominently in this list as perhaps one might have expected (although Schumann had several symphonies and piano concertos, including five in manuscript).  Whilst there are many items by his friends Mendelssohn, Franz, Moscheles, Sterndale Bennett, Gade and others, the music of Franz Liszt is notable for its complete absence from the catalogue. However, Schumann’s interest in modern music is shown by his ownership of scores by Berlioz and Wagner, including copies of Tannhäuser and Die beiden Grenadiere, both presented to him by the composer.  

The presence of Brahms's early publications is of some poignancy: Schumann “discovered” the young virtuoso on his visit to Düsseldorf in September 1853. The C major Piano Sonata op.1 was one of the first pieces that Brahms played for Robert and Clara Schumann and caused a sensation; Schumann wrote in his diary "Visit from Brahms (a genius").  The first edition of Brahms’s sonata, published along with the songs op.3, is present in this catalogue, both gifts from the composer. Schumann famously greeted Chopin’s op.2 Variations on Mozart’s ‘La ci darem la mano’ with the words "Hats off, gentlemen, a genius!"; no score of that is listed here, but the edition of Chopin’s First Ballade, op.23 is marked "Geschenk v[on] Chopin".  

There are many editions of JS Bach, particularly of the keyboard works, also including the first three volumes of the monumental Bach-Gesellschaft edition published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1851-1853. Schumann lays out his library in sections titled "Kirchenmusik", "Opernmusik", "Concertmusik" (divided into full scores and vocal scores), "Kammer- und Hausmusik" (comprising "I. Ensemblestücke für mehrere Instrumente und Stimmen" & "II Für einzelne Instrumente und Stimmen"), "Musiklehre und Geschichte" and "Anhang" ("I: Dedicationen. II. Geschenke").