Below are some highlights from the auction of items from the Metropolitan Opera Guild Collection at Christie's, NYC on June 15, 2017. I did not win Stravinsky's gold writing instrument ($1500.) though I did bid.
I heard through the grapevine that these were the last of the items available through the Guild. They were sold to raise money for the opera. Check out the catalogue. There were some amazing items sold today.
Lot # 51 A letter from Wolfgang Mozart to his father Leopold, explaining why he has not come to visit because of his very full performance schedule. The letter includes a list of concert dates and locations. Estimate $200,000.-$300,000. Sold for $260,000.
Lot #66 Franz Schubert Piano Sonata in A flat Major. Eight pages of manuscript and autographed by the composer. Estimate $350,000- $500,000. Sold for $390,000.
Lot #85 1 page manuscript of an ending to "Das Rheingold" one of the earliest bits of musical material introducing the public to "The Ring Cycle." Gives me goosebumps just to think....
Estimate $30,000. -$50,000. Sold for $75,000.
Afterwards, I happened upon our Auctioneer as she was being photographed for publicity. I told her that she is now my new favorite Auctioneer. She is friendly, interesting, bothered to know a bit about what she was offering, beguiling, and made personal contact with Internet bidders. She created a sense of in the moment reality with bidders from around the world right there in the room with us. In a word, Delightful. I failed to catch her name but when I find out, I will post it here.