acknowledging his musical genius, describing his happy nature, referring to his new circumstances, envying his 'sweet, golden freedom', complaining about life at school, explaining that he is often seized by a secret anger, observing that he is free only in name, admitting that while he [Franz] is loved, admired and idolized, the likes of him are 'wretched scholastic beasts of burden' exposed to a host of abuses; in the letter Ignaz also provides an account of the celebration of his father's name-day, expresses his regret that Franz was not there to participate in the string quartets, paints an ironic picture of the religious ceremonies, mentions the Hollpein family and their fondness for him, and asks him not to touch upon any religious matters should he write to their father

"...Du glücklicher Mensch! wie sehr ist Dein Loos zu beneiden! Du lebst in einer süßen, goldenen Freyheit, kannst Deinem musikalischen Genie volle Zügel schießen, kannst Deine Gedanken wie Du willst hinwerfen, wirst geliebt, bewundert und vergöttert, indessen unsereiner als ein elendes Schullastthier allen Rohheiten einer wilden Jugend preisgegeben, einer Schaar von Mißbrauchen ausgesetzt ist..."



3 pages, 4to (c.22 x 18.3cm), autograph addressee details ("An Herrn Franz Schubert") to blank fourth side, later pencil annotation to first page, traces of red sealing wax, [Vienna,] 12 October 1818 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

THE ONLY SURVIVING COMPLETE LETTER BY SCHUBERT'S OLDEST BROTHER. Ignaz Schubert (1785-1844), Franz's first piano teacher, was a schoolteacher, working for his father until the latter's death in 1830.  As Elizabeth N. McKay notes (Franz Schubert, 1996, pp.142-3), he was a radical free-thinker, yet had little choice but to remain with his respectable father if he wished to stay in work and out of prison (see next lot). The present letter diverges in a number of points from the text published in Deutsch (pp.103-105).