Schumann, Clara. (1819–1896) Autograph Letter to the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde

Schumann, Clara. (1819–1896)

Autograph Letter to the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde

Autograph letter from great German pianist and composer, wife of Robert Schumann and famous muse of Johannes Brahms, addressed to the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde des Oesterreichischen Kaiserstaates and dated December 23, 1848. Following the cancellation of a concert which had been planned for December 20, Schumann asks to be excused from paying the rental fee for the hall [full translation below]. Overall toning with a less-toned border, folding creases, one slight tear at the right edge, and a strip of mounting tape on the verso. Overall in very good condition. 8.5 x 9.25 inches (21.4 x 23.6 cm).

Translated from the German, in full: "To the respected Board of the Friends of Music of the Austrian Empire, The undersigned, who due to a sudden illness was prevented by doctor's orders from giving the concert which had been announced for the 20th, takes the liberty of asking if she may be excused from paying the rental fee for the hall in light of the circumstances; she would appreciate this doubly with a view to the artists involved in the concert and the very inconvenient time. Sincerely, Clara Schumann, née Wieck. Vienna, December 23, 1848."

Clara and Robert Schumann married in 1840 and moved in 1844 from her native Leipzig to Dresden. Although after their marriage Robert initially wished Clara to cut back on her piano performances and focus, with him, on composition, she soon returned to touring and performing—not least because of their precarious financial situation. In the 1840's she performed not only in Vienna, where she had long been a favorite of the public, but also in Denmark, Saint Petersburg and Moscow. While pursuing her musical career, she also had eight children, four of whom were born between 1845 and 1849, and two miscarriages. Although we do not know what illness caused Clara to cancel this concert, it would have fallen shortly after she became pregnant with her third son, Ferdinand (b. July 16, 1849). (13759)

Autograph Letter Classical Music