Auction Date:2010 Jun 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Bid online at www.rrauction.com. Auction closes June 16.
Monumentally significant German composer (1770–1827), who, through the genius manifested in nine completed symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, and all manner of choral, orchestral, chamber, and instrumental music, has been granted a place in history as among the most innovative and influential creative artists in the history of Western civilization. Rare ALS in German, signed “Beethoven,” one page, 9.75 x 5.75, no date, but early November 1805. Letter to Friedrich Sebastian Mayer, the bass-baritone singer who sang the role of Don Pizarro in the premiere of Beethoven’s opera Fidelio (then titled Leonore). In full (translated): “Here [is] the 1st act. Tonight the second where actually only a few changes [have been] made. As soon as both acts are written, I ask to have them sent back to me promptly.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, some scattered creasing and wrinkling, and some mild toning.
Beethoven began work on his only opera in the summer of 1803 and had completed the majority of it by the summer of 1805. Most of the cast, including the recipient of this letter, found the style of music new to the singers...and unsingable. Beethoven’s deafness also made it difficult for the composer to deal with performers and such issues. The general consensus, even a month into the performances, was that his first act was simply too heavy. Beethoven protested and defended each measure as being integral to the performance. In the end, he agreed to eliminate the more difficult passages on a trial basis. They were never performed again. A highly displayable letter of great rarity, with the magnificent composer directly commenting on one of his major compositions—one that ultimately would have more than just the “few changes” Beethoven references here.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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