Schnittke, Alfred

a fair-copy manuscript, notated in black ink on the inner two leaves of a bifolium, the theme notated on a single stave at the upper right-hand side of the manuscript, the body of the manuscript consisting of a geometric arrangement of twelve 35-note segments on two-stave systems, enclosed by, and containing at the centre of the notation, geometric patterns in five colours (brown, red, green, blue and yellow), the inner four lines numbered variously, for each segment, from '1' to '12', a code for the red, green, blue and yellow lines provided by the composer, in Russian, at the upper left-hand side of the manuscript (respectively: "Polifonya", "Melodiya", "Ritm" and "Garmonia"), the bar lines of the music contained within the geometric pattern written in pencil, with an autograph title, signed and dated by the composer ("A. Schnittke Cantus perpetuus 1973/75"), some erased notes in the lowest segment covered by a tiny strip of manuscript paper with apparently hand-drawn stave lines

2 pages plus autograph title, 4to (31.1 x 24.4cm), 18-stave paper, no place, 1973-1975, light creasing to corners and along hinge, splitting very slightly at hinge, tiny tear to upper margin of second leaf of bifolium

Alfred Schnittke (Hamburg: Sikorski Musikverlage, 2004), p.53

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 unusual autograph of a complete work by Schnittke.

The realization of Schnittke's "Cantus perpetuus" poses certain practical problems: since the work exists only in this striking graphic score form, it is open to the varied interpretation of performers. Schnittke himself viewed the interpretation by Mark Pekarsky and his ensemble at the Moscow world premiere (14 December 1975) as the definitive version, although it appears, unfortunately, that this version cannot be fully reconstructed. The Sikorski catalogue of Schnittke's works describes the work as being scored for keyboard instrument (piano, harpsichord, organ or celesta), solo percussionist and four percussionists (placed at the corners of the stage); the percussion instruments are detailed as follows: fixed-pitch metallophones (vibraphone, tubular bells, tubaphones, glockenspiel, antique cymbal, metal plates, gongs etc.), with at least one tam-tam for each player.