Lot 144: SCHUBERT, FRANZ.

The autograph working manuscript of the Violin Sonata in D major, D.384, signed twice, with a separate autograph manuscript of Schubert's revision of the piano part of the first movement

Condition Note:

1) the heavily-worked composition draft of the first two movements and bars 1-73 of the third movement, signed and inscribed ("Sonate pour Pianoforte et Violons. März 1816 Franz Schubert [paraph]ia"), notated for violin and piano in brown ink on four systems per page, each of three staves, containing extensive autograph cancellations, alterations and revisions, the first movement struck out by the composer in pencil, 16 pages, upright 4to (c.31.2 x 24.3cm), 12-stave paper, a few later manuscript annotations, uncut and unbound, March 1816

2) autograph manuscript of Schubert's revision of the piano part for the first movement only, signed and inscribed at the head ("Sonate ["pour" deleted] für's Pianoforte mit Begleitung einer Violin von Franz Schubert"), notated in brown ink on up to eight two-stave systems per page, 3 pages, oblong 4to (c.24 x 30.8cm), 16-stave ("Welhartiz") paper, some pencil annotations (including the insertion of bar 50, left out by Schubert) in another hand, unbound, [1816]

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

CATALOGUE NOTE

This is the autograph manuscript of one of Schubert's best-known violin works. It has been a staple of the violinist's repertoire ever since it was first published by Diabelli in 1836 as a "sonatina". It is notable for its graceful and unassuming character and idiomatic writing for the instrument.

There is no other autograph manuscript of this work, except for the fragments discussed below.

Schubert's revisions and alterations to his composing score are extensive, particularly to the piano accompaniment. Consequently he struck through the first movement in pencil and wrote his revised music for the piano part in the separate manuscript found here.

The autograph composing score contains many readings that differ from Diabelli's posthumous edition, particularly in the violin part in third movement, which is in places entirely different. Schubert wrote a later manuscript of the piece, possibly for the publisher, but all that remain are the final six bars in a manuscript in the Newberry Library in Chicago. The present composing manuscript is incomplete at the end: the remaining part of the last movement (bars 74-245) is held by the Universitätsbibliothek, Lund (Otto Taussig collection).

The separate autograph piano part is illustrated on page 111.