Lot 118
  • 118

Mendelssohn Bartholdy [Hensel], Fanny

Estimate
2,000 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Mendelssohn Bartholdy [Hensel], Fanny
  • Two autograph letters signed ("F. Hensel"), to Carl Friedrich Rungenhagen, the Director of the Sing-Akademie in Berlin, about J.S. Bach
  • paper
1) a letter containing a musical quotation from Bach's Concerto in D minor BWV 1052, in which Fanny asks whether the library has the music for the work, giving the incipit, and asking whether she might be allowed to borrow either the score or a solo piano part ("...ob sich in der Bibliothek der Singacademie ein Concert v. Seb. Bach befindet, das so anfängt: [musical quotation]..."), 1 page, oblong 8vo (c.12 x 18.5cm), cut from a larger leaf, autograph address panel, remains of a paper seal (with "FH" monogram), [probably Berlin, c.1837-1838]--2) a letter about Bach's cantata Ein feste Burg, BWV 80, asking Rungenhagen whether the Sing-Akademie has the parts for this cantata and also asking if she could have the chorus and solo parts to Fasch's Davidiana, 2 pages, 16mo (c.12.5 x 10cm), integral autograph address panel, red papered seal with monogram, [Berlin, c.1840]

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."

Catalogue Note

In the 1830s, Fanny Mendelssohn hosted a flourishing salon in Berlin, where she played and conducted music by Mozart, Handel and especially Bach, whose music had been recently championed by her brother Felix.  The first edition of the Keyboard Concerto BWV 1052 was published by Kistner of Leipzig in about 1835, shortly before this letter.  Friedrich Schneider had published Bach's great cantata Ein Feste Burg in 1821, but as a score and not in parts.