- 21
Chopin, Frédéric, --Isabella Barcinska, Chopin's sister.
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Chopin, Frédéric
- autograph letter by Isabella to Chopin's publisher, signed ("IBarcincka"), about the first edition of Chopin's Songs op.74
- paper, ink
to [Heinrich] Schlesinger in French, sending a contract relating to the publication of her late brother's "17 Melodies", signed by her mother, confirming the price of one thousand francs, stressing the importance of her brother's autograph music manuscripts as the only memento they have from him and the pain it gives them to part with the manuscript of 'Posel' ("The Messenger"), which Schlesinger has demanded to see, asking him to return it once he has verified it [as genuine] and repeating her request that he will make no alterations to the titles or order of the songs
...En reponse a votre lettre en date du 8 Juillet j'ai l'honneur de vous envoyer ci-joint le contrat selon le modele que vous avez donne dans deux exemplaires... Les autographes de mon frere sont pour nous le seul et precieux souvenir, ainsi vous ne serez pas etonne que c'est avec peine que nous consentons a votre demande, et je vous envoie une des Melodies, autographe (Le Messager) en vous priant qu'apres l'avoir verifie d'avoir la complaisance de la renvoyer...
2 pages, 8vo (c.20.5 x 13.5cm), extensively annotated by the recipient in the left-hand margin and at the end, integral blank, embossed monogram, Warsaw, 4 August 1857
...En reponse a votre lettre en date du 8 Juillet j'ai l'honneur de vous envoyer ci-joint le contrat selon le modele que vous avez donne dans deux exemplaires... Les autographes de mon frere sont pour nous le seul et precieux souvenir, ainsi vous ne serez pas etonne que c'est avec peine que nous consentons a votre demande, et je vous envoie une des Melodies, autographe (Le Messager) en vous priant qu'apres l'avoir verifie d'avoir la complaisance de la renvoyer...
2 pages, 8vo (c.20.5 x 13.5cm), extensively annotated by the recipient in the left-hand margin and at the end, integral blank, embossed monogram, Warsaw, 4 August 1857
Provenance
Sotheby's, 16 April 1975, lot 156.
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."
"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 edition of Chopin's Polish songs op.74 was eventually published by Schlesinger in Berlin in 1859, titled 16 Polnische Lieder, Op. 74 (with German words only). 'Le Messager' was included as 'Der Bote', song no.7 in the collection. Chopin's sister Isabella (1811-1881) was married to the mathematician and school inspector Anton Barcinski.