Bidding on a letter handwritten by German composer Franz Josef Haydn in 1801 stands at $10,721 at RR Auction, with bidding due to close on October 15.
The lot authorises sheet music printers Breitkopf & Haertel to publish the Austrian composer's new oratorio The Seasons.
 Haydn's oratorio The Seasons is regarded as one of his greatest works |
The work took around two years to complete due largely to Haydn's ailing health. As a result he found leading the work in concert taxing, resulting in his decision to cede the publishing rights.
The work followed on from The Creation (1798), which is broadly considered his masterpiece.
Haydn (1732-1809) is one of the most influential composers of the classical period. The auctioneer describes the present lot as "an outstandingly rare document from the prominent composer at the close of his distinguished career."
A rare honourable discharge signed by George Washington in 1782 stands at $6,748.
It reads: "By His Excellency General Washington, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States, &c. John McKinnie of the Regiment of Invalids having been certifyed by a Board of Officers appointed for the Examination of the Invalids of the Army, as unfit for any further Duty either in the Field or Garrison, Reduced by long sickness is hereby discharged from the Service of the United States."
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