A lost Beethoven manuscript, missing since 1937, was recently auctioned in Brussels for 80,000 euros. Discovered in the private collection of the late Lucien Tonnelier, it far exceeded the estimated value. It sheds light on the rich musical history in Tonnelier's legacy, amidst changes in the Brussels music world.
A long-lost handwritten manuscript by Ludwig van Beethoven has been rediscovered after 86 years and auctioned for 80,000 euros in Brussels. The manuscript, discovered in the private collection of the deceased Lucien Tonnelier, a Brussels lawyer and accomplished pianist who died a hundred years ago, far exceeded its estimated auction value of 50,000 to 60,000 euros.
The document, consisting of groups of triplets, chord notes and octaves, came from Tonnelier's collection. Tonnelier, who had the honor of performing with Queen Elisabeth and giving piano lessons to Princess Marie-José of Belgium, had kept this valuable piece hidden in his collection for years. The handwritten note in the lower margin of the manuscript refers to Beethoven's Sonata op. 2 no. 1 from 1796, indicating the rarity and importance of the find.
Auction of Rare Musical Artifacts The auction, held at Arenberg Auctions, also contained another cultural jewel from Tonnelier's collection. A signed page by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, with the opening measures of 'Galop Chromatique', was sold for 2,000 euros. This testifies to the rich musical history and value within the collection of the deceased Tonnelier.
Brussels continues to cherish its musical legacy with events such as complete performances of Beethoven's Sonatas for cello and piano at Flagey by Gary Hoffman and David Selig. However, the city is also facing changes such as the departure of the music director at the Palais des Beaux-arts, reminding us that the music world is a constantly evolving landscape.