Lot 197
  • 197

Strauss, Richard

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

  • Strauss, Richard
  • Elektra, tragödie, Berlin: Aldoph Fürstner, [1909], first edition, signed by Strauss ("DRichard Strauss") and by the singers during the first London production in March 1910
  • paper
signed in ink over the cast-list by Strauss (as conductor) and Willi Wirk (as stage manager), and in pencil by the singers Edyth Walker (Elektra), Frances Rose (Chrysothemis), Anna Bahr-Mildenburg (Klytemnestra) and Paul Bender (Orestes), the score marked up in pencil for the Second Maid (pp.210-214), 4to, colour cover by Lovis Corinth (1908), cloth-backed, modern slip-case, creasing to corner of covers.

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

The first London production of Elektra was promoted by the young Thomas Beecham who conducted the première on 19 February 1910.   However, the additional performances on 12 and 15 March were conducted by Strauss himself, for which he was paid £400 (see A. Jefferson The Operas of Richard Strauss in London 1910-1963, (1963), pp.22-24;  and J. Lucas, Thomas Beecham: An Obsession with Music (2008), pp.57-59).  This was the first opera by Strauss to be staged in Britain.