Joachim, Joseph. (1831–1907) Autograph Letter Requesting Beer

Joachim, Joseph. (1831–1907)

Autograph Letter Requesting Beer

Autograph letter from the important Hungarian violinist and composer to Luise Scholz, wife of the conductor Bernhard Scholz. 1 p., n.d. Translated from the German, in part: "Dear Head Cat, would you from the cornucopia of your housewifely goodness... pour [some] beer for this evening? It would be drunk up with the happiest faces by the Head Tomcat and the Undercat. J. J." Folded sheet, addressed to Scholz on the verso. Folding creases with one slight split at the fold; overall fine. 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14.3 x 21.9 cm).

The "Schwarze Katzenorden" or "Order of the Black Cat" was a joke society founded in 1863, with the conductor Bernhard Scholz as "Oberkater" ("Head Tomcat"), his wife Luise Scholz and Joachim's wife Amalie Joachim as "Oberkatzen" ("Head [Female] Cats"), and Joseph Joachim among the other members. Brahms was later named a "Member and Knight of the Order"; a manuscript certificate bestowing this honor is held at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York. (16398)