Central Press/Getty ImagesLate Beatles producer George Martin‘s original handwritten music score for the band’s classic song “Eleanor Rigby” is up for bid as part of a Fab Four-themed memorabilia sale hosted by Omega Auctions, taking place September 11 in Warrington, U.K., outside of Liverpool.
The document, signed by Martin and the tune’s composer, Paul McCartney, is expected to fetch between 15,000 and 25,000 pounds — between about $19,400 and $32,300 U.S.
The score features musical notation and the song’s lyrics written in pencil by Martin, as well as notes explaining that the track was to be recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studio number 2 and would feature four violins, two violas and two cellos. Interestingly, none of The Beatles played any instruments on the track.
“Eleanor Rigby” was recorded in April 1966 and was released in August of that year as part of a two-sided single with “Yellow Submarine.” It also appeared on the band’s Revolver album, and peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Although McCartney has claimed he invented the name “Eleanor Rigby” for use in the song, a tombstone of a woman with that same name who died in 1944 was discovered during the 1980s in the graveyard of the Liverpool church where Paul first met John Lennon. One of the other lots at the auction features the deeds to Rigby’s grave, and a small Bible in which she apparently wrote her name. Those items are estimated to sell for between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds, or between about $2,600 and $5,200 U.S.
Omega Auctions executive Paul Fairweather tells BBC News that he thinks it’s an “incredible coincidence” that the score and the grave deeds are being sold at the same time.
Visit OmegaAuctions.co.uk for more information.
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