Lot 187
  • 187

Schnittke, Alfred

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Schnittke, Alfred
  • Autograph working manuscript of "Drei Gedichte von Viktor Schnittke" (Three poems by Viktor Schnittke)
  • paper
autograph draft of the complete work, scored for tenor and piano, notated in pencil on up to seven systems of varying sizes per page, mostly of three staves, with autograph title ("3 Gedichte von Viktor Schnittke"), comprising I. 'Wer Gedichte macht, ist ein einsamer Mann', II. 'Wenn er den feinsten Faden dehnt und dehnt' and III. 'Ich neige mich zum Bach', each movement dated at the end by the composer ("29.01.88...30.01.88...30.01.88"); page 3 of the manuscript being a rejected page from Schnittke's composing manuscript of his opera Historia von D. Johann Fausten (page 22, marked "S. 22"), notated in pencil on five three-stave systems and a single stave, 'Erstlich, daß Faustus verspirchst [sic] und schwörst', the vocal parts marked "M[ephostophiles]." and "F[austus]."

3 pages of music in all, 4to (c.31 x 23.6cm), 18-stave paper, central horizontal crease; together with: Schnittke, Viktor. Stimmen des Schweigens. Erzählungen und Gedichte, Moscow: Raduga-Verlag, 1992 (3)

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."

Catalogue Note

A working manuscript of a complete work by Schnittke.

Schnittke's "Drei Gedichte" for tenor and piano, composed in 1988, ten years before his death, sets three poems by the composer's brother Viktor (d. 1994): 'Wer Gedichte macht, ist ein einsamer Mann'; 'Der Geiger'; and 'Dein Schweigen'. With their lucid textures and moving harmonies, the songs are among the most atmospheric by the composer.