WHAT: When the Metropolitan Opera Guild sold items in its collection earlier this month to benefit the Metropolitan Opera and the Guild, music lovers from five continents registered to bid. After the dust settled, combined sales totaled $2.7 million.
One sale involved rare musical manuscripts and memorabilia. Two lots of precious jewelry sold days later in an auction of Magnificent Jewels. Top lot among manuscripts was a circa 1817 autographed music manuscript by Franz Schubert for $475,500. Top lot for jewelry was a coral, diamond and pearl tiara by Cartier that almost tripled its low estimate, selling at $775,500.
MORE: A handwritten letter from composer Hector Berlioz to Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, fetched far more than expected at $8,750. In the letter, Berlioz invites Sax to bring a musician to his home, along with several instruments, including the sax, in order to test the range of each.
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More than anyone, Berlioz created a market for Sax’s new instrument developed in 1844. He wrote music for, created interest in, and championed the sax.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Advanced and specialized collectors do love an institutional sale where goods are often remarkable and previously unavailable. Locked away in private collections, such lots consist of rare, vetted goods. As a plus, those who buy can also claim a prestigious piece of provenance.
HOT TIP: The letter, which includes notations by the composer, is a historic and significant link combining inventor, composer and instrument.
BOTTOM LINE: Recognition came too late for Sax. Christie’s notes that during his life, Sax was sued by rival instrument makers. The instrument did not become popular until later, after he died in poverty.
