![An inscribed copy of Beethoven’s 'Fidelio' [vocal score], Vienna [1814], first edition, first issue, inscribed by the composer, from the estate of Arturo Toscanini, est. $15,000-20,000. Butterscotch image](https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/beethoven-reduced-1030x781.jpg)
POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – On Sunday, March 13, an important inscribed copy of Beethoven’s Fidelio will cross the block at Butterscotch Auctioneers & Appraisers, the firm that sold an autograph sketchleaf by the composer in November for $120,000.
The story went viral, according to Brendan Ryan, the appraiser who discovered the sketchleaf in a home in Greenwich, Conn.
“Most major newspapers and websites around the country covered the story—ABC News, The Guardian, Newser—I was even asked to appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with the sketchleaf in hand, but the buyer declined that proposition,” Ryan said. “We started receiving inquiries left and right from owners of autographs around the country, and this copy of Fidelio is by far the most interesting piece that came across our path.”
The first edition, first issue vocal score of Beethoven’s only opera is inscribed (in German), “to my honorable friend Baron von Pasqualati / from the author.” Ryan explained, “Pasqualati was Beethoven’s landlord for about eight years, and Fidelio was the first major work he wrote while staying in his house, so this is a very fitting inscription for the score.”
After leaving Pasqualati’s possession in the 19th century, the score then went to the prestigious Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien (Society of the Friends of Music in Vienna), and then to Arturo Toscanini, whose estate is the current consignor. The score has a presale estimate of $15,000-$20,000.
Another musical autograph appearing in the sale is by Johannes Brahms. A three-bar musical quotation from his Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op. 56, signed and dated by the composer, is estimated to bring $12,000-$18,000.
A fine contingent of paintings and prints will also be up for grabs, including paintings by Maurice Prendergast (below), Waldo Peirce, Ernest Lawson, Jean Jansem, five works by David Burliuk, and a large Dutch still life by Willem van Leer (1753-1825).
Over 100 lots of jewelry are led by an Art Deco diamond, emerald and onyx shield-form pendant (below), which is estimated at $15,000-$20,000.
Absentee and Internet bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.com.
For inquiries phone Butterscotch Auctioneers & Appraisers at 914-764-4609 or email info@butterscotchauction.com.
