BEETHOVEN MANUSCRIPT

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29206, 17 May 1960, Page 11

BEETHOVEN MANUSCRIPT

Discovery In Moscow

A Beethoven manuscript containing hitherto unknown works by the composer has been found in Moscow.

The works include canons for two voices and pianoforte miniatures, as well as rough drafts of other works dating back to 1802 and 1803. A facsimile of the manuscript, which has 168 pages, is to be published in Moscow. The manuscript is believed to have been purchased in Vienna by an unknown Russian musician in November, 1827, at an auction of the composer's belongings. In Russia it was later bought by Mikhail Viliegorsky, a wellknown musician and patron of the arts in the last century.

Subsequently, it reached the library of the - Rumyantsev Museum but disappeared after the revolution. It was discovered by accident during a routine sorting of archive papers. The manuscript was handed over to the museum of the Moscow Conservatoire. In addition to the works mentioned. the manuscript contains notes for the Kreutzer Sonata, the oratorio "Christua am Olberge," the 18th Pianoforte Sonata. Variations for Pianoforte, Op. 34 and Op. 35 the first part of the “Eroica” symphony and a duet from the unfinished opera “Olympiade.” In addition to the facsimile of the manuscript, the book prepared for publication will include a detailed deciphering of it and an extensive commentary.