[Mahler, Gustav. (1860-1911)] Adorno, Theodor W. (1903-1969)
Typed Letter Signed about Mahler
TLS. 1 page, 8vo Frankfurt, 12. September 1967. To Dirk Nabering of the Gustav-Mahler-Gesellschaft in Berlin. Two-hole punch along left edge, else fine and sold together with the original envelope.An uncommon and highly interesting letter from the composer and philosopher whose theories and writings helped shape the 20th Century Avant Garde and define the aesthetics of the 2nd Viennese School.
Translated from the German, in full:
Dear Mr. Nabering,
Many thanks for your letter. If I may answer you very briefly: while my compositions will be published by Ricordi, there is nothing available there yet.
To my great regret, it is quite impossible for me to remain in Berlin on the evening of the 24th. I am spoken for already for lunch, and I must get back during the afternoon, probably quite early. I hope, however, that we may have a conversation another time.
I would like to ask you something quite simple, however: why don't you try to incorporate your newly founded Mahler Society into the older one, which is recognized for its work? Duplication in such things, especially in such a difficult area as the promotion of Mahler, is really a waste of energy. If more resources are really available to the Viennese society - I myself cannot overlook this - then it would surely be in your own interest, if a group from Berlin could participate in it. This, you understand, is purely my own idea; I have not discussed it with Ratz.
I am sincerely glad that you are not performing Cooke's version [of Mahler's Tenth Symphony.] In the whole complex, I am probably even more radical. The Adagio of the Tenth is also a fragment - vertically, that is, when one considers the weaving of the voices, which in Mahler tends to insert itself into the "Choral," and into the voice-leading, and the invention of which is one of his greatest productive forces. Anyone who is seriously acquainted with Mahler must see how unrealized the texture is in this movement, despite any assertions to the contrary.
It is not at all my intention to presume that you have orthodox inclinations; I just think that your development and advancing musical experience have yet to make you much more skeptical about the established music scene and its heroes. And as far as elan goes - I like to think that my own Mahler book isn't lacking in it; but this elan implies the most extreme unwillingness to compromise with the established music scene. But as I said, I would be glad to speak with you about all this sometime.
Meanwhile, with very best regards
Yours
T. W. Adorno (12168)
TLS Classical Music