Strauss, Richard

the autograph Stichvorlage of the complete work, written in dark brown ink on up to six two-stave systems per page, some extended into the margin, the 'primo' part on the right-hand page, the 'secondo' on the left, with autograph title-page ("Aus Italien. Sinfonische Fantasie/G dur für grosses Orchester componiert von Richard Strauss. op. 16. Klavierauszug zu vier Händen vom Componisten."), autograph metronome markings for each movement, and autograph movement headings ("I. Auf der Campagna...II. In Rom's Ruinen...Am Strande von Sorrent...Finale. (Neapolitanisches Volksleben)"), signed at the head of the primo part ("Richard Strauss, op. 16"), marked up by and for the printer in pencil and blue crayon, with a few autograph deletions and erasures  

51 pages, plus one blank, folio (35.5 x 27cm), 12-stave paper ("B & H. Nr. 4. C."), modern green cloth, no place or date [Munich, 1887 or 1888], a few small stains, many bifolia strengthened at hinge, thumbed

TrV (1999), p.113; RSQV ID  q00261 (unseen)

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."

STRAUSS'S OWN PIANO TRANSCRIPTION OF ONE OF HIS MOST CELEBRATED ORCHESTRAL WORKS. Aus Italien, the first of Strauss's symphonic poems, was begun on a visit to Italy in the summer of 1886 and completed after he returned to Munich to take up the post of conductor at the Court Opera in August of that year. It is his first major work for orchestra, the first horn concerto and the Burleske for piano and orchestra notwithstanding. This was the view of its eminent dedicatee, Hans von Bülow, who wrote to the composer that Aus Italien signified the 'first step towards independence'. Although immediately popular, Aus Italien was not immune from critics, however, who misunderstood the programmatic elements in the work. The four-hand piano arrangement was published by Joseph Aibl of Munich in 1889.

The autograph manuscript of the autograph of Strauss's orchestral score of Aus Italien is preserved today in the Morgan Library, New York (Lehman Deposit).