W. A. Mozart. Contemporary edition of the Piano Quartet in G minor, K.478, 1786

MOZART, WOLFGANG AMADEUS
Un Quatuor Pour le Clavecin ou Piano-Forte Composé par Mozart [parts], Mainz: Schott, [1786]

CONTEMPORARY EDITION OF THE PIANO QUARTET IN G MINOR, K.478, complete parts, 14 [piano part], 5 [violin I], 5 [viola], 4 [violoncello] pages, oblong 4to ([piano:] 22.7x 30cm) and upright 4to ([other parts:] 32 x 23cm), engraved throughout, plate number 71, late eighteenth- or early nineteenth-century blue wrappers to piano part, upper cover signed and inscribed by the owner ("Quartett für Pianoforte mit 1 Violin, Viola und Violoncello von Mozart. G: Carolus.") [cf. RISM M 6313], edges of piano part repaired, pages 7 and 8 of the piano part supplied in possibly contemporary manuscript, some spines, hinges and edges of the parts strengthened, some staining, ink blot to upper wrapper

The G-minor Piano Quartet, K.478, one of Mozart's greatest chamber works, was first issued by Hoffmeister at the end of 1785. This only slightly later contemporary edition is not to be confused with the 1794 re-issue with 'No. ['1': in manuscript]' added to the title.

LITERATURE:
See Hans-Christian Müller, Bernhard Schott, Hofmusikstecher in Mainz: Die Frühgeschichte seines Musikverlages bis 1797 (Mainz, 1977), p.108; Rupert Ridgewell, 'Biographical Myth and the Publication of Mozart's Piano Quartets', in Journal of the Royal Musical Association, 135/1 (2010), p.73

Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.