- 16
Martinu, Bohuslav
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Martinu, Bohuslav
- Autograph manuscript of the String Quintet, H.164, signed in three places ("B. Martinu")
- paper
a fair-copy score of the complete work in three movements, notated in black ink on up to four systems per page, each of five staves, with an autograph title ("Quintett. (2 violons 2 alto et v.cello.) B. Martinu") and autograph movement numbers ("I.", "II.", "III.") and inscribed and signed at the end (Policka, 27/9.-5/10. 1927. B. Martinu")
25 pages, plus autograph title and two blanks, folio (c.34.5 x 27cm), 26-stave paper ("B. C. No. 9"), Policka, 27 September to 5 October 1927, light browning
25 pages, plus autograph title and two blanks, folio (c.34.5 x 27cm), 26-stave paper ("B. C. No. 9"), Policka, 27 September to 5 October 1927, light browning
Literature
Harry Halbreich, Bohuslav Martinu. Werkverzeichnis (1968), p.164; Milos Safranék, Bohuslav Martinu: the Man and his Music (London, 1946), p.130
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."
"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
A fine autograph of a complete chamber work by Martinu, unquestionably the greatest and most popular Czech composer since Janacek. This is the most significant autograph of Martinu's to appear at auction since the sale in these rooms of the autograph manuscripts of Fourth Symphony, H.305, and the first version of the 'Suite concertante' for violin and orchestra, H. 276 (27 November 2013, lots 185 and 186).
Martinu's String Quintet, H.164, was written in under two weeks in the autumn of 1927. Later dedicated to Elisabeth Sprague-Coolidge, and first performed in the USA in Pittfield in 1928, it played a significant part in the formation of Martinu's reputation, in Europe as well as in America (Safranek). The score was published in Paris in 1930. Halbreich (1968) records an autograph score in the Library of Congress, but not the present one.
Martinu's String Quintet, H.164, was written in under two weeks in the autumn of 1927. Later dedicated to Elisabeth Sprague-Coolidge, and first performed in the USA in Pittfield in 1928, it played a significant part in the formation of Martinu's reputation, in Europe as well as in America (Safranek). The score was published in Paris in 1930. Halbreich (1968) records an autograph score in the Library of Congress, but not the present one.