G. Benjamin, D. Blake, J. Casken, G. Nicholson, D. Matthews. Collection of autograph drafts and sketches, c.1974-2021

Sold in aid of the University of York Music Press (UYMP)

George Benjamin, David Blake, John Casken, George Nicholson and David Matthews

Collection of autograph sketches and drafts

Benjamin, Sir George (b.1960). Autograph orchestral sketch for the opera Written on Skin, signed ("George Benjamin"), notated in pencil and pink and blue inks, with a few autograph deletions and corrections, 1 page, folio (42 x 29.6cm), no place, c.2012

Blake, David (b.1936). Collection of autograph sketches for Act 1, scene 1, of the three-act opera Toussaint, signed ("David Blake"), notated in pencil on systems of varying length, with a number of deletions and corrections, 16 pages, 4to (29.2 x 22.8cm), 12-stave paper, no place, [c.1974-1977]

Casken, John (b.1949). Autograph draft for Light Into My Dark, signed and inscribed by the composer ("John Casken..."), notated in pencil on a single 29-stave system, scored for mezzo soprano, chorus and orchestra, 1 page, folio (42 x 29.6cm), no place 2021

Nicholson, George (b.1949). Autograph orchestral sketches for the third movement of Short Stories, for symphonic band, notated in pencil on systems of varying length, with a few corrections in blue ballpoint pen, signed and inscribed on the verso of each leaf, the leaves headed "A", "B" and "C", 3 pages, folio (42 x 29.6cm), no place, [c.2008], horizontal fold, creasing 

Matthews, David (b.1943). Autograph orchestral draft for Symphony no.9, op.140, scored for flutes, oboe, cor anglais, clarinets, bassoon, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani, percussion, harp and strings, signed ("David Matthews"), notated in pencil, with a few erasures and corrections, 2 pages, 4to (29.6 x 21cm), no place, [c.2016]

together with an annotated photocopy of Midnight Moon (2003) by Stephen Montague, 1 page

Written on Skin, based on the legend of the troubadour Guillaume de Cabestanh, was the first full-length opera by George Benjamin, one of today's most notable British composers and conductors. It was first performed at the 2012 Aix-en-Provence Festival by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and given its UK premiere at the Royal Opera House in London in March 2013. David Blake is a founder member of the University of York Music Department; in 1995, together with Bill Colleran, he founded the University of York Music Press (UYMP).

Manuscripts by living composers have become rare items, swept aside by technology. Few composers cultivate individual calligraphy when they can access sophisticated music notation on their ipads or computers. This sale of autograph manuscripts, sketches and scores composed in the last twenty years therefore represents a special opportunity.

The manuscripts comprising lots 82-93 are offered for sale by the University of York Music Press (UYMP), a charity that champions contemporary concert composers, with a focus on helping younger composers establish themselves.

The lots in this section encompass music for the concert hall, opera house and film by some of today's best-known composers: Thomas Adès, George Benjamin, James MacMillan, and Debbie Wiseman. Included too are those who continue to write an elegant calligraphy - Robert Saxton, Michael Finnissy, and Judith Weir. Most topical is John Rutter's anthem for Ukraine. Particularly fascinating is a sketch by the late Harrison Birtwistle (his initials at the foot of the manuscript were the last thing he ever wrote).

Altogether, twenty-two composers are represented in the sale, all of whom have donated their manuscripts for the support of UYMP's charitable activity.