"My Dear Friend, Since I am aware of your heartfelt concern for my affairs and of your sincere  friendship towards me, you are the first to be informed that I am now in the fortunate position to give my concerts as a  free, and independent entrepreneur. The first step will take me to London in November, to give 3 concerts for the benefit of those orchestra musicians who were harmed during the unfortunate sequel to the "German Opera". Now, I am asking you, Dear Friend, whether would be willing to grace my program by participating in it? What I have in mind is the new Brahms Concerto in (B-dur) which would as an interesting novelty produce quite a strong appeal.

I shall be in London from the 8th - 16th November; the piano concerto would be placed in the second program. You would therefore have ample time to rehearse it. The fact that your participation would be for a most special pleasure requires no assurances on my part. I shall bring along the orchestrations. The orchestra will be very good since my friend Svendsen is giving me a hand in completing it, especially the wind instruments. Well, say yes! With My Most Cordial Greetings, Yours Faithfully. Hans Richter."

The Piano Concerto No. 2 in B♭ major, Op. 83, by Johannes Brahms was premiered in Budapest on 9 November 1881, with Brahms as soloist and the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, and was an immediate success.