Zemlinsky, Alexander. (1871-1942)
Autograph Letter regarding the Quartet No. 3 and "Der Zwerg"
Autograph letter from the Austrian-Jewish composer and conductor to his publisher, regarding the publication of his String Quartet no. 3, mentioning plans to stage his opera "Der Zwerg," and recommending his protegé, younger composer Viktor Ullmann. April 7, 1925. 1 p. One large corner tear, not affecting text; light folding creases; hole-punched; overall in very good condition. 11 x 8.5 inches (27.7 x 21.3 cm). Scarce.Translated from the German:
"Dear Herr Direktor, I have received the parts for my quartet; thank you. But why hasn't the score been printed? Buxbaum tells me that he is going to play the quartet in London in May; in that case wouldn't it be necessary to have the score available?! Don't you want to also [send] the score to some other quartet formations? e.g. Hindemith (Amar Quartet), Havemann (in Berlin), etc. Could you also please write to Schillings about the "clothes." There aren't supposed to be many decent new opera productions next season, and Berlin would be very important. Schalk apparently told the conductor Herkel in Prague that he wanted to bring the "Zwerg" back into the repertoire. Ask him about that again. We are going to put up "Zwerg" here, perhaps even this season.
Now I would like to heartily recommend to you the young composer Victor Ullmann. I premiered his symphonic fantasy at the last concert with definitive success. Nothing by him has been printed yet and he certainly deserves it more than many others! Perhaps you can print something small of his. He has written a great deal.
I take it that you are well [...] Yours, Alex. Zemlinsky."
Zemlinsky's String Quartet no. 3 was written at great speed in August-September 1924 and premiered by Fredrich Buxbaum's Wiener Streichquartett on October 24, 1924, only shortly after its completion. About the work, Anton Webern wrote: "What unimaginable richness, what beauty, what sonic effects—all overwhelming." (14742)
Autograph Letter Classical Music