Schnittke, Alfred

an essentially fair-copy manuscript, notated in blue ink mostly on four two-stave systems per page, the bar lines written in pencil, with autograph tempo markings ("Andantino...Andante...Agitato...Andantino"), containing a number of autograph corrections, additions and deletions in pencil, some entries in violet ink and some in red crayon, with an autograph title ("A. Schnittke Variations for pianoforte")

27 pages plus autograph title and four blanks, 4to (c.31.5 x 24cm), 12-stave Russian paper, no place or date [1955], some discolouration and a few tiny stains to first page of music, some fraying to lower right-hand corners, consistent with use, outer bifolium of music splitting along hinge, browning to edges

Alfred Schnittke (Hamburg, Sikorski Musikverlage, 2003), p.69

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 an autograph of a complete work by the twenty-year-old Schnittke.

This twelve-minute-long, rhapsodic and passionate piano work dates from Schnittke's student days at the Moscow Conservatory - from his third year, in fact, of counterpoint studies with Yevgeny Golubev. Schnittke himself performed the work in public. A notable feature of the autograph is the deleted ossia version in the bars leading up to the dramatic, penultimate 'Agitato' section.