SMETANA BEDRICH: (1824-1884) Czech Composer. A contemporary manuscript copy (unsigned and in an unid...

SMETANA BEDRICH: (1824-1884) Czech Composer. A contemporary manuscript copy (unsigned and in an unid...
SMETANA BEDRICH: (1824-1884) Czech Composer. A contemporary manuscript copy (unsigned and in an unidentified hand) of Consolation No.3 by Franz Liszt, eight pages, folio, n.p., n.d., contained in attractive printed paper wrappers published for Ignaz Fuchs in Prague, the front cover bearing the ownership signature ('B. Smetana') of Smetana in bold purple fountain pen ink and further annotated 'Liszt' in his hand. An unusual piece linking two of the great European composers of the 19th century. Some very light age wear and minor staining to the covers, only very slightly affecting Smetana's signature, about VG The third solo piano work from Liszt's Consolations was composed between 1849 and 1850 and is the most popular of the six compositions, and also a favourite encore piece. Smetana was a great admirer of Liszt and in 1840 made an entry in his diary expressing a desire to become 'a Mozart in composition and a Liszt in technique'. Seven years later Smetana applied to Liszt for financial help in establishing a musical school in Prague after the Hungarian had written encouragingly to the young Bohemian upon seeing some of his piano compositions, even offering to help find him a publisher for his music.