Beethoven, Ludwig van.

the Stichvorlage in four fascicles, one for each movement, written by a single scribe in brown ink on two four-stave systems per page, with manuscript title ("Quartett für II Violinen, Bratsche und Violoncello verfasst und Seine Durchlaucht dem Fürsten Nicolaus v. Galitzin gewidmet von Ludwig von Beethoven..."), some alterations in ink in another hand or hands, extensively marked up by and for the printer in pencil and red crayon, 29, 23, 36 and 29 pages, plus blanks, oblong 4to (c.23 x 31cm), 10-stave paper, each movement with separate older red crayon foliation and modern pencil pagination, plate number 2426 in manuscript on the title, ink-marking consistent with use by the printer, small tear to right-hand margin of title 

Sieghard Brandenburg, 'Die Quellen zur Entstehungsgeschichte von Beethovens Streichquartett Es-Dur Op.127', in Beethoven-Jahrbuch, x (1978-1981), pp.221-271; Emil Platen (ed.), Ludwig van Beethoven. Streichquartett Es-dur Opus 127 [edition of the parts], (Munich, 2003) 

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."

This is the printer's copy for the first edition of the score of one of the greatest works of Beethoven's final period, the String Quartet in E flat, Op.127, the first of the great late quartets.

In March 1826 the Mainz firm of Schott published the first printed edition of the quartet - in parts, issuing the first edition in score a few months later in June. The present manuscript, prepared in Mainz (as indicated by the paper and scribal hand), served as the basis for the latter edition, and is one of only two known manuscript copies used in the publication of the work, being copied directly from a copy in the hand of Wolanek with corrections by Beethoven, now in the Schott Archiv. In his study of the sources for Op.127, Sieghard Brandenburg notes that other putative copies of the work - a score for Beethoven's own use, a set of parts for the first performances and a copy of the score for the commissioner of the quartet, Prince Galitzin - are lost. The edition of the score itself went through two editions, one - an earlier issue - with 48 pages, another - a later one - with 47 pages, a change in layout reflected in the present score, where the original red crayon page numbers are altered in favour of a revised pencil numbering. See lot 6, for a copy of the first edition (earlier issue).