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Autograph manuscript of Opferlied, Opus 121b

Autograph working manuscript of part of the full score of Opferlied, op. 121b, containing substnatial differences from the final published version. Notated in black ink on two systems per page of up to 11 staves, containing bars 32-63 of the song (beginning “lass des Jünglings Opfer wohl gefallen”), with revisions, deletions and alterations by the composer, particularly to the solo soprano and the violoncello obbligato, which diverge markedly from the final version, many revisions in pencil (including to the soprano solo), and with fainter sketches and alternative passages noted in pencil on the lower free staves and margins, the cello obbligato part written above the soprano parts, comprising some 33 bars (of 74). 4 p., folio (c. 356.5 x 31.5 cm), 23-stave paper, watermark: FS crowned, presentation inscription at the foot of the first page by August Artaria to John Ella.
Item Information
Material Type
Autograph ms.
Record Number
Am20
Creator
Beethoven
Works
Opus 121b
Previous Owners
August Artaria, John Ella, Royal College of Organists, British Library
Provenance
From the collection of John Ella, who acquired it from August Artaria; later property of the Royal College of Organists, left on loan at the British Library
Catalog Concordance
Raab, Werke X/2, p. 243, Source A
Auction Information
Auction House
Sotheby's (London)
Lot Number
7
Bibliographical Reference
BJ 26/1
Date of Sale
12/1/2010
Pricing Information
Treasures Tracking
Manuscript
Estimate Price
80,000-100,000 GBP
Sale Price
157,250 GBP
Sale Price in U.S Currency
$244775.00