Lot 33
  • 33

Flotow, Friedrich von, (1812-1883)

Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Flotow, Friedrich von
  • Autograph musical quotation signed of the aria 'Ach so fromm' ('M’apparì') from Martha, with an autograph letter by him and a photograph signed by Jules Massenet
  • paper
FLOTOW. Autograph musical quotation from Martha, eight bars, notated on two hand-drawn staves, here with the original German words ("Ach, so fromm"), signed and inscribed ("Martha 3ten Act…Fr von Flotow, Teutendorf, den 14ten Mai 1875"), 1 page, 9.2 x 15.3cm, 1875—Autograph letter signed, in French, about the staging of his opera at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, complaining that a French composer had persuaded the management of Du Locle to replace his opera, which he had incorrectly called “Marianne”, with a work of his own, so consequently he will go to Turin instead, 3 pages, 8vo, 27 August 1873—MASSENET, cabinet-style photograph signed and inscribed on the mount (“à mon ami & excellent interprète Mr G. Dupuis. 1896. Massenet”), by Hanfstaengl of Frankfurt, c.16.7 x 11cm, 1896

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

This is a quotation from one of the best-loved arias in nineteenth-century comic opera, here with the original German words: Lyonel’s aria "Ach so fromm" from Act 3 of Flotow’s Martha, oder Der Markt von Richmond, premiered in Vienna in 1847. The opera, and particularly this number, became a worldwide hit when sung in Italian by Mario in London in 1858 and by Caruso in New York in 1906.