Sylvano Bussotti (1931-2021)
Autograph and printed manuscript in graphic notation, 'rara: romamor (dessin d'analyse)' signed (with initials, 'S.B.'), 1969
A characteristically striking example of Bussotti's graphic notation.

Black ink over printed musical notation, one page, 123 x 263mm, cut down from a larger leaf.

Provenance:
(1) Sotheby's, 7 Dec 2004, lot 38.

(2) Schøyen Collection, MS 5270.

Bussotti is best known for his extravagant graphic scores, but this masks the substantial nature of his musical achievement, heavily influenced by twelve-tone music and John Cage. The present graphic analysis may relate to Bussotti's Rara Requiem of 1969-70, which was later in a characteristic act of self-quotation integrated into his opera Lorenzaccio. The title plays on the name and initials of Bussotti's lover and collaborator Romano Amidei.