Gabrilowitsch, Ossip. (1878–1936) [Buxbaum, Friedrich. (1869–1948)]
Typed Letter Signed regarding American immigration regulations
Typed letter signed from the Russian-born American pianist, conductor and composer, to Austrian cellist Friedrich Buxbaum. April 16, 1927. 1 p. On letterhead of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, of which Gabrilowitsch served as conductor from 1918 to 1936, he writes that he would be glad to engage Buxbaum in the orchestra, but that U.S. immigration laws make hiring orchestral musicians from Europe practically impossible. Full translation from the German below. Folding creases and toning; overall fine. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.4 x 27.8 cm).Translated from the German, in full:
"Dear Professor,
Thank you for your letter. I was delighted that you remembered our conversation in Munich, and that you are actually keen on playing with me. I need hardly say how much good it would do me to have an artist of your standing in my orchestra.
Unfortunately, however, there are great obstacles in the way. The American immigration regulations are such that for the last two years it has become practically impossible to bring musicians here from Europe. If you enquire with the American Consulate in Vienna, you will find that the so-called quota is already overfilled years ahead of time. A permanent visa is therefore out of the question. The only possibility is a six-month visitor's visa (which the solo virtuosos who perform in America, such as Kreisler, Hubermann, Casals, etc., get). The American association of orchestral musicians, however, refuses to recognize such a visitor's visa. One cannot be a member of the orchestral association with it.
You see, therefore, a "force majeure" has forced me to give up the plan to win you for America. The attempts that I and other conductors have made in the last years to bring musicians from Europe have failed miserably.
I will not give up hope that American law will change before too long. In the meantime, dear Professor, I hope to see and hear you in Europe. Thank you very much again for your very kind letter. Best wishes, yours, Ossip Gabrilowitsch."
The Austrian cellist Friedrich Buxbaum was a long-serving member (and principal cello) of the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera, and member of the Rosé Quartet. In 1938, he was dismissed from the Vienna Philharmonic along with the other Jewish members of the orchestra. He escaped Austria for Great Britain, where he became a permanent resident. (16402)
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