- 60
# - Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Felix.
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Autograph letter signed ("Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy"), to Otto Prechtler,
about the opera libretto "Der Liebeszauber am See", thanking him for sending it, informing him that although he has read and re-read it, it would be absolutely impossible for him to set it to music, explaining that it would take him too long to put down in writing the specific reasons, noting that in such an important matter one must be influenced by one's innermost feelings and that he is obliged to give him his frank opinion, admitting that he could not justify setting a text whose matter and treatment he disliked, and concluding that he will retain the libretto until he receives further directions
...Es würde zu weit führen, wenn ich Ihnen schriftlich alle die Gründe angeben wollte, die mich daran verhindern, denn jawohl im Ganzen, wie auch im Einzelnen ist das Gedicht mit meinen Aussichten und Wünschen in dieser Hinsicht zu wenig übereinstimmend...
1 page, 4to, integral autograph address panel, a few autograph corrections, black seal with Mendelssohn's monogram ("FMB"), later pencil annotation to foot of recto, with a later typed translation, Leipzig, 1 May 1843, horizontal and vertical folds, seal tear and one other repaired, traces of mount
...Es würde zu weit führen, wenn ich Ihnen schriftlich alle die Gründe angeben wollte, die mich daran verhindern, denn jawohl im Ganzen, wie auch im Einzelnen ist das Gedicht mit meinen Aussichten und Wünschen in dieser Hinsicht zu wenig übereinstimmend...
1 page, 4to, integral autograph address panel, a few autograph corrections, black seal with Mendelssohn's monogram ("FMB"), later pencil annotation to foot of recto, with a later typed translation, Leipzig, 1 May 1843, horizontal and vertical folds, seal tear and one other repaired, traces of mount
Provenance
Sale in these rooms, 18 April 1929 (lot 85).
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
Unpublished. A forthright letter by Mendelssohn to the Austrian stage writer Otto Prechtler, the author of at least thirty-eight opera texts.