Jean Sibelius. Autograph manuscript signed of "Spagnuolo" for piano, JS 181, 1913 or later

Jean Sibelius

Autograph manuscript of Spagnuolo for piano, JS 181, boldly signed ("Jean Sibelius")

a fair-copy manuscript, written in black ink on up to six two-stave systems per page, with bold autograph title ("Spagnuolo") at head and signature at end ("Jean Sibelius"), a few deletions and erasures

2 pages, folio (35.5 x 24.8cm), plus blanks, 14-stave paper ("B. & H. Nr. 21. A."), pin holes to corners, no place or date [1913?], a few tiny marks, some light creasing, horizontal fold

AN AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT OF A COMPLETE WORK BY SIBELIUS. Autograph manuscripts of Sibelius are uncommon at auction.

Written between two notable peaks in Sibelius's instrumental oeuvre, the fourth and fifth symphonies (of 1910-11 and 1915, respectively), this is a delightful and sparkling piece, without opus number, presenting a Spanish dance as viewed through Northern eyes.

LITERATURE:

Fabian Dahlström, Jean Sibelius: The­matisch-biblio­graphisches Verzeichnis seiner Werke (2003) (JS 181)