Autograph Letter, " I am not a factory of musical notes that works with guaranteeed delivery."

2 pp. Marquartstein, Sept. 23 [no year]. A highly interesting letter from the influential composer and conductor, addressed to Norbert Salter. Usual folds, in fine condition. In full:



"Geehrter Herr Salter! Eine Garantie, daß ein neuer Chor mit Orchester rechtzeitig fertig sind, kann ich nicht übernehmen: ich bin keine Notenfabrik, die mit garantierter Lieferzeit arbeitet. Bei Fürstner u. Lenckart sind 5 große Männerchöre a capella von mir erschienen; wenn die Mannheimer “das Lied der Freundschaft”, “Brauttanz”, “Altdeutsches Schlachtlied” einstudieren wollen, will ich die 3 Stimmen gern dirigieren. Wenn den Herren aber in irgend einer Richtung mein Engagement nicht paßt, mögen Sie’s jeder Zeit rückgängig machen. Jedenfalls habe ich keine Lust zu weiteren Correspondenzen in dieser Angelegenheit. Dieses eine lumpige Conzert kostet mich mehr Briefe als ein ganzer amerikanischer Sturm. Dazu habe ich keine Zeit. Schluß u. besten Gruß, Ihr Rich. Strauss"



["Dear Mr. Salter, I cannot commit to a guarantee that a new chorus with orchestra will be ready in time: I am not a factory of musical notes that works with guaranteeed delivery. Five big men’s a capella choral works of mine are published by Fürstner u. Lenckart. If the Mannheimers want to rehearse the “Lied der Freundschaft”, “Brauttanz”, “Altdeutsches Schlachtlied” [the Song of Friendship, Bridal Dance, Old German Battle Song], I will be happy to conduct the three parts. But if the gentlemen don’t like my engagement in any way, you can back out of it. In any case, I don’t want to deal with any more correspondence on this issue. This one lousy concert has cost me more letters than an entire [American storm]. I don’t have time for this.

Done. Best wishes, Yours, Rich. Strauss"]



Norbert Salter (1868 - 1935) was a cellist who played under Mahler in both Budapest and Hamburg (1891 - 1897). After Mahler left Hamburg for Vienna, in a letter of 25 May 1898, Mahler described Salter - presumably a candidate for a position in Vienna Hofoper - as "an average cellist, who [unfortunately] would only play a mediocre role in our orchestra." The present letter seems to have be written some years later, with Salter in his new capacity as the business manager of the Hamburg orchestra. After giving up the life of a performing musician, Salter expanded his interests to become a successful international musical and theatrical agent, eventually becoming the European representative of the Metropolitan Opera Company. (5554)

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Autograph Letter

Classical Music

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