March 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2019
Richard Strauss autograph manuscript signed for the final scene in his 1935 opera ''Die schweigsame Frau'' (''The Silent Woman''), a comedic opera written with librettist Stefan Zweig. Written on three 10.5'' x 14'' pages of bifolium manuscript, Strauss signs ''Richard Strauss'' at the top of the first page, where he also writes ''Schwanengesang'' (''Swan Song'').
Strauss elegantly hand writes the vocal score for bass voice (sung by the lead character ''Sir Morosus'', who here sings ''Wie schon ist doch die musik'', or ''How beautiful music is'') and piano, comprising eighty-six bars on 12-stave paper printed by B. & H. Nr. 5. C., with their watermark. With a few alterations to the words and music, such as ''wunderbar erst wenn sie die Frau'' crossed-out and rewritten, and with score slightly different than published version. Undated but circa 1938 when Strauss gave the manuscript to his friend, conductor Hans Swarowsky. At this time in 1938, the opera was banned in Nazi Germany after only three performances following its premiere in 1935, due to its association with Zweig, who Strauss insisted be credited on the production.
''Die schweigsame Frau'' was one of Strauss' crowning achievements, of which ''The New Grove'' wrote, ''...the character of Sir John Morosus being modeled on that of the Shakespeare-Verdi knight...The clever score is full of 'gems'. Sparking and genuine...'' Manuscript is beautifully presented in a dark green pebbled leather case with gilt titling to front and spine, and with silk moire interiors. Manuscript measures 10.5'' x 14'' and case measures 13'' x 17''. Uniform toning and very small hole to page two from erasure to one word. Overall in very good to near fine condition, an exquisite presentation.
Richard Strauss Signed, Handwritten Musical Manuscript for the Final Scene in His Opera, ''Die schweigsame Frau''
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