Joachim, Joseph. (1831–1907) [Straus, Ludwig. (1835–1899)]
Autograph Letter about Ludwig Straus and Piatti's Guadagnini Violin
Autograph letter in English from the great Hungarian violinist and composer, regarding the Austrian violinist Ludwig Straus and mentioning the planned gift of a Guadagnini violin for him. February 4, [1894]. 4 pp. Writing to the London music critic Clarence Lucas (1866–1919), Joachim reports that Straus, who has had to retire from performance due to his arthritis, is "in very good spirits, his intellectual faculties as bright as ever," and confirms that Straus will be happy with forthcoming gift of a Guadagnini violin. Full text below. Folding creases and slight mounting remnants; overall fine. 4.5 x 7 inches (11.2 x 18 cm)."4th Feby.
Dear Mr. Lucas,
I think I must tell you that I spent a most charming day with our dear friend Straus at his house in Cambridge. I found him in very good spirits, his intellectual faculties as bright as ever, and bearing most patiently his infirmity, which so sadly interferes with his noble artistic career. I reproached him to have sold his Stradivarius, but he told me that he wanted to have all his worldly arrangements settled, as he might be called away any day. But he wished me to look out for some nice fiddle for him, and when I asked him whether he knew the Guadagnini in Piatti's possession, he sayed [sic] that he liked it very much, but that it would be beyond the sum he would like to spend, which ought not to be more than 80 to 100 £.
I therefore think it is a very happy idea to purchase the Guadagnini in question and I am sure it will give great pleasure to possess it. So I am glad that you have already made sure of the violin.
Believe, dear Mr. Lucas, to be with kindest regards,
Yours very faithfully, Joseph Joachim."
Ludwig Straus was an Austrian violinist who made most of his career in England, serving as concertmaster of the Halle orchestra in Manchester. Upon his retirement in 1894, Straus was presented by a group of admirers with a Guadagnini violin, previously in the possession of cellist Carlo Alfredo Piatti. This violin is now in the collection of the Royal Academy of Music, having been donated after Straus' death by his niece Ida Freund. (16396)
Autograph Letter Classical Music