Lot 145: SCHUBERT, FRANZ.

Autograph manuscript of the String Quartet in C, D.46

Condition Note:

the four separate parts for "Violin I^mo ", "Violino II^do ", "Viola" and "Basso Violoncello", notated in dark and light brown inks on up to thirteen staves per page, extended by the composer into the right-hand and lower margins, with many deletions and corrections, the final three pages of the viola part written rather more hurriedly by the composer, in lighter ink

29 pages, including title (the parts, 8, 7, 7 and 6 pages), oblong 4to (c.23.5 x 31cms), 12-stave paper (watermarked "Kiesling" and "Gebr. Kiesling"), dated in another hand "dem 16 März [1]813" on the title (possibly by Ferdinand Schubert), ownership inscription and red seal of C.A. Spina on first page, later green morocco presentation folder, lettered in gilt for the owner W.M.Hertz, Violin I^mo part repaired at hinges, a few small tears to margins, some staining to a few pages

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

Schubert's autograph manuscript of the parts is the primary source for the publication of this early quartet by the Neue Schubert Ausgabe. It represents the composer's final version, incorporating his decision to place the 'Menuetto' and 'Trio' after the slow movement ('Andante con moto'). (In the autograph score, written between 3 and 7 March 1813, the Menuetto came second).

However, the manuscript shows signs that Schubert was still working on this early String Quartet. In writing out the viola part, Schubert appears to have forgotten the new order of the movements, and adds the 'Menuetto' and 'Trio' at the end of the manuscript. In fact the final three pages of the viola part are written rather hurredly with a much lighter and more fluent script than elsewhere (with corrections to notes made "on the fly"), rather more like his sketches than his final fair copies. There are a few markings not found in the first edition of the parts (1890), including "staccato" in the 'Menuetto'.

The Quartet was among the works offered by the composer's brother Ferdinand Schubert to the publisher Diabelli in 1829 (Deutsch, Schubert. A Documentary Biography, 1946, p.902), and again in his notice on Franz Schubert in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, Leipzig, on 23 April - 3 May 1839 (Deutsch, p.915).

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