Fragment of Bach’s Church Cantata Manuscript to Sell at RR Auction

The upcoming Fine Photographs and Artifacts sale, offered by RR Auction, will particularly highlight a handwritten church cantata manuscript from Johann Sebastian Bach. This fragment belongs to the Ich habe meine Zuversicht (BWV 188) vocal composition and dates back to circa 1728. The fragment displays 11 ½ bars from the conclusion of the fourth movement, scored for alto vocals with cello and organ obbligato. The auction house notes that this fragment of the BWV 188 score may have been among the documents auctioned by the great composer’s son in 1774. It was eventually passed to Nora Kluge (née von Hase) of Lübeck in the early 1900s and then to various North American collections. Another notable document in the sale is a signed letter from Ludwig van Beethoven to Franz Christian Kirschhoffer. The letter invites Kirschhoffer to Beethoven’s home for lunch and notes some business affairs. The recipient was involved in the shipment and delivery of Beethoven’s Missa solemnis in D major, Op. 123, considered a masterpiece. 

Additional lots of interest in this sale include a painting from American artist Oleg Jones depicting Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president. Jones completed the work in 2022 with acrylic paint, resin, and glass. It is signed by both the artist and Zelensky; photos of Zelensky signing the work in his office will accompany the lot. With over 900 items, this sale presents a wide range of fine art, ephemera, and collectibles ranging from Albert Einstein photographs to books signed by John Lennon. Visit Bidsquare to learn more about the Fine Autographs and Artifacts sale and browse other online auctions.