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Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix. (1809–1847). Autograph Letter. 1 page (12.75 x 19.75 cm). Leipzig. 23 April, 1841. Usual folds, mounding remnants on verso with slight show-through, else fine.


In German, to an unknown recipient. In full: "Your Honor, I want to thank you for sending me your cantatas and for accompanying them with such kind and flattering words. It would make me happy to accept your offer to take over their composition, but I regret to say that I will not be in a position to do so. About to leave Leipzig for an extended period, I have prepared several works that will keep me tied up for a few years, and before their completion I should not start anything new. Let me express the hope that at some later point in time I may be so lucky to make up for this lost opportunity. Please accept my renewed gratitude for the honor of your trust in me and be assured of my utmost respect. Your devoted, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy."


Mendelssohn had conducted the premiere of Robert Schumann’s ‘Spring Symphony’ just a few weeks before dispatching this letter shortly before leaving for Leipzig, Germany 'for an extended period.' That excursion included participating in a revival of Bach’s ‘Saint Matthew Passion’ at Bach's own St. Thomas's Church. His visit to Leipzig ended later that summer upon his appointment as court composer to Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. A regretful decline by the composer who at the time was overwhelmed by the work at hand.

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix. (1809–1847) Autograph Letter

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Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix. (1809–1847). Autograph Letter. 1 page (12.75 x 19.75 cm). Leipzig. 23 April, 1841. Usual folds, mounding remnants on verso with slight show-through, else fine.


In German, to an unknown recipient. In full: "Your Honor, I want to thank you for sending me your cantatas and for accompanying them with such kind and flattering words. It would make me happy to accept your offer to take over their composition, but I regret to say that I will not be in a position to do so. About to leave Leipzig for an extended period, I have prepared several works that will keep me tied up for a few years, and before their completion I should not start anything new. Let me express the hope that at some later point in time I may be so lucky to make up for this lost opportunity. Please accept my renewed gratitude for the honor of your trust in me and be assured of my utmost respect. Your devoted, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy."


Mendelssohn had conducted the premiere of Robert Schumann’s ‘Spring Symphony’ just a few weeks before dispatching this letter shortly before leaving for Leipzig, Germany 'for an extended period.' That excursion included participating in a revival of Bach’s ‘Saint Matthew Passion’ at Bach's own St. Thomas's Church. His visit to Leipzig ended later that summer upon his appointment as court composer to Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. A regretful decline by the composer who at the time was overwhelmed by the work at hand.