- 16
Brahms, Johannes
Estimate
4,500 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Brahms, Johannes
- Autograph letter signed ("J.B"), to his friend Julius Grosser, [1886]
- ink on paper
taking issue with his political views regarding the Germans and the French, observing trenchantly that the Germans 'are and remain the a[...]lickers of the French', returning with apologies to the subject of music, DISCUSSING THE FIRST SYMPHONY, and stating that he would be obliged for favourable reviews ("...die lieben Deutschen sind u. bleiben einmal die --lecker der Franzosen...")
4 pages, 8vo (17.2 x 11.4cm), with an autograph envelope, postmarked [28 January?] 1886, ring-binder holes to the two leaves and envelope
4 pages, 8vo (17.2 x 11.4cm), with an autograph envelope, postmarked [28 January?] 1886, ring-binder holes to the two leaves and envelope
Literature
Published by A. Holde in The Musical Quarterly, volume 32, no.2 (April 1946), pp.286-287.
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A remarkably forthright letter to the composer's Viennese friend and book-dealer Julius Grosser. Brahms’s political opinions were forthright. Born and raised a Lutheran, he spent his last 25 years or so in Roman Catholic Austria-Hungary under a regime opposed to the Prussian militarism of Bismarck, whom Brahms greatly admired. The Triumphlied, one of the composer’s least convincing works, was originally intended to be dedicated to the Prussian chancellor, celebrated the victory in the war of 1870-1871 against France. Brahms’s views were firmly pro-German and pro-unification and in that respect chimed with his great contemporary Richard Wagner.