Séverac, Déodat de (1872-1921).

notated for piano four hands, ("L'éleve" and "Le Maître"), in black and red ink on three four-stave systems per page, comprising three movements, relating to a story written above the music in red ink, marked up by the printer in green crayon,



18 pages, folio (c.36 X 27cms), 16-stave paper, Saint Felix de Lauragais, December 1904, some browning, mainly to margins,

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."

Déodat de Séverac (1872-1921) came from a noble family in the Languedoc and was always connected to the regional and folk music of the south. Héliogabale, which uses Catalan instruments, is generally considered to be his greatest work; it was written (like Fauré's Promethée) for the large outdoor arena at Béziers, where it was performed with great success in 1910.  Séverac was a contemporary and friend of Albéniz (he completed Navarra for piano after the composer's death), Roussel and Ricardo Viñes, who performed his music.  Le Soldat de plomb, is a "histoire vrais en 3 récits", accompanied by piano duet; Viñes and Blanche Selva performed this work at the Schola cantorum on 25 March 1905.  Autograph manuscripts by Séverac are rarely offered for sale.  For more about Séverac, see Martin Cooper, French Music from the Death of Berlioz to the Death of Fauré (1961), pp.161-163.