Grieg, Edvard

the Stichvorlage for the first Copenhagen edition of 1871, in the original key of D minor, the composer's fair copy elegantly notated in brown ink on four three-stave systems, the words in Dano-Norwegian only ("Prinsessen sad höjt i sit Jomfrubur"), the three verses written out by Grieg under the music, marked "noget hurtig", without phrasing to the piano introductions, marked up by and for the printer in pencil, [1871], some staining and light browning, creasing at folds

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."

"Prinsessen" was first published in 1871, not as part of a Grieg opus, but in a collection of songs by various Scandinavian composers, Fra nordiske komponister (Copenhagen: Immanuel Rée's Forlag).  That edition reflects the layout of the present manuscript, in which the music for this strophic song is given with all three verses written under the voice part.   Later heavily-edited versions, published by Peters of Leipzig (1875-1885), print the music for the verses successively, with German (and later English) translations, and with considerable added phrasing and dynamics.    Grieg's song tells of a lone Princess who hears the sound of a horn-call from outside the castle and is puzzled by the strange effect the sounds have on her.