Mahler, Gustav

confirming that the second concert in the series is scheduled for 16 March, and asking if he would once again be able to participate

...Wie Sie mal schon wissen werden, veranstalte ich am 16. März mein 2. Concert. Ich hätte nun wieder die Bitte an Sie, ob Sie mir auch diesmal wieder Ihre so bewahrte künstlerische Mitwirkung gewähren wollten!...



2 pages, 8vo, Hamburg, Bismarckstrasse 86, 25 February 1896, a little splitting at folds

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."

This letter refers to Mahler’s second concert of the year in Berlin, at which his First Symphony was performed for the first time without the “Blumine” movement, establishing the form of the symphony as we know it today. Also given at the same concert were the first movement of the Second Symphony and the première of the Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. Mahler's correspondent is the composer and conductor Friedrich Gernsheim (1839-1916), who was a professor at the Stern Choral Society in Berlin between 1890 and 1897.