Phenomenal handwritten musical manuscript, unsigned, one page both sides, 8.5 x 6.25, no date but circa 1773. A fragment from Mozart’s manuscript for the third movement, ‘Allegro,’ of his Serenade in D Major, also known as ‘Antretter,’ totaling thirteen precisely penned measures in an eight-staff system, scored for an orchestra of two oboes, two horns, strings, and solo violin. The music contained herein constitutes an ebullient rondo designed to show off the virtuosity of the solo violinist, and was likely played by Mozart himself. The sheet bears pagination number “34” and foliation number “79” in pencil, both possibly in the hand of Leopold Mozart. In fine condition.
Catalogued as K185, Mozart’s manuscript for the score of this serenade was originally 58 leaves, of which the present leaf was 34. The complete manuscript was offered at auction in 1975 by J. A. Stargardt and subsequently split up; the location of many of its leaves are today unknown, although some are preserved at the Mozart Foundation in Salzburg.
It is believed that the 17-year-old Mozart composed this serenade in August 1773 as a congratulatory piece to celebrate the graduation of a family friend, Thadda Simon Antretter, from the University of Salzburg with a degree in logic. He invokes the pompous effects of academic ceremonies infused with jubilation to drive the music, concluding with a marvelous finale ending in a gigue. It is an important symphonic movement in sonata form characteristic of Mozart’s great works, weaving together brilliant modulations and refined phrases which he, as always, brings to a perfect resolution. Mozart, employed as a concert violinist in Salzburg at the time he composed the ‘Antretter Serenade,’ included three flowing violin solos which demonstrate his mastery of the instrument. From the hand of the prodigious Wolfgang Amadeus, this is an exceedingly desirable piece and represents a cornerstone of any collection.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$300.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
