Signed Letter regarding Don Giovanni and the Salzburg Festival celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mozart's birthday

Two pages on a single sheet, written from Vienna, November 10, 1905 to Angelo Neumann, Intendant of the Königlich Deutsches Landestheater (Royal German Theatre). 10 x 8 1/4 inches (25.5 x 21 cm), 27 lines in a fine cursive secretarial hand in black ink, signed by the composer "Mahler." Usual folds, generally very clean.  In a double-sided glass frame with a portrait.  

Mahler, as Director of the Hofoper (K.K. Hof-Operntheater) in Vienna, informs his colleague Neumann that only one performance of Don Giovanni is planned for the coming season of the Hofoper, but that he is very favorable to the idea of the ensemble coming to Prag to perform the opera at the Königlich Deutsches Landestheater. (Full translation below.) At this time, Mahler was working on his own Eighth Symphony, but was also preparing important Mozart performances for the Mozart anniversary.  Alma Mahler wrote that in the year 1906 "The Marriage of Figaro was given on 30th March, in Mahler's edition. It was one of his finest productions and, with Don Giovanni, Fidelio and Tristan, one of the sacred few he kept under his own hand and eye."

Neumann, the recipient of this letter (which may well have been accompanied by a less formal communication), was a close contemporary of Mahler and a frequent correspondent, though letters between the two are scarce on the market. 

Translated from the German, in full:
"Dear Herr Direktor,
The announcements, that the Hofoper will perform "Don Juan" next spring on the stages of Salzburg, Graz, and Brno are only tabloid news, for which there is no basis.
On the command of His Majesty the Kaiser, one performance is arranged for the middle of August at the Salzburger Musikfest, but absolutely nothing else is planned.
I take note, however, of your suggestion, or rather your wish, to organize a production of "Don Juan" at the Königlich Deutsches Landestheater in Prague with our complete ensemble. You can be sure, dear Herr Direktor, that it would bring me great pleasure if this idea were realized.
The theater under your direction has always truly supported artistic interests in a most laudable fashion, so the Königlich Deutsches Landestheater in Prague would certainly have to come first into consideration upon the realization of the above-mentioned idea.
I will certainly find the opportunity in the course of the winter to speak to you personally about this, and repeat again, that it would make me very happy if the idea you suggest should come to fruition.
With respectful greetings,
Yours,
Mahler." (16260)

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Autograph Letter

Classical Music

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