SIBELIUS, JEAN. AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT OF "SPAGNUOLO" FOR PIANO, BOLDLY SIGNED "JEAN SIBELIUS"

a fair copy, in black ink, in piano score on eleven systems, each of two staves, printed staves, no place or date [1913]

JS 181

Autograph manuscripts of Sibelius are uncommon at auction. Sibelius wrote piano music in the manner of his Scandinavian forebear Edvard Grieg. Most of his works are miniatures rather than sonatas and more extended pieces. As Berlioz and Wagner before him, Sibelius was not a natural performer on the piano and compared to Grieg struggled somewhat with writing for the instrument. Some of his works remain in the repertoire and are often performed. They are rewarding to play and to listen to. Spagnuolo, written between the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies is a sparkling work, a Spanish dance viewed through Northern eyes, both scintillating and effective.