Polish composer (1810–1849) considered one of the great masters of Romantic music. Partly-printed DS, signed “Fr’d Chopin,” one page, 9 x 9.5, March 1840. A receipt for the sale of the copyrights to two musical compositions. In part: “Received of Messrs. Wessel & Co.…Frith Street, Soho Square, London, at the price or sum of Sixteen Pounds…all my Copyright and Interest, present and future, vested and contingent or otherwise, for all the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland of and in the following works.” A secretary has filled in the title and a brief description of each work, “Grande Valse brillante Opus 42,” and “Quatre Mazurkas, Op 41,” including a musical staff showing the meter, key, and notes of the respective opening measures. Signed at the conclusion by Chopin. Document is affixed by its left edge to a 9.25 x 15 off-white sheet and is housed in a hardcover case. Intersecting folds, repaired paper loss to vertical edges, some light edge chipping, scattered toning and soiling, and slight show-through from writing on reverse, otherwise very good condition.
Chopin’s mazurkas, based on traditional Polish folk dances, are among his most characteristic short works for piano. The set of four referred to in this letter, published as Op. 41, was written between 1838 and 1840, when he was recovering from a tubercular infection and enjoying the companionship of his famous lover, the novelist George Sand. Waltz in A-flat major, Op. 42, written in 1840, is one of composer’s finest efforts in the form. Its aristocratic tone led Chopin’s friend and fellow composer, Robert Schumann, to comment that when the work was played at a dance, “Half the ladies should be countesses at least.” The year before his death in 1849, Chopin visited England where he was warmly welcomed by his numerous admirers. A musical rarity, relating to two of the composer’s greatest works. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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