Auction Date:2010 May 12 @ 10:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Three TLSs in German, each one page, 8 x 11, each dated 1907. Sent to composer and conductor Hugo Gruters. According to our consignor, the untranslated text makes arrangements for concerts in Bonn, Germany. In a March letter, Strauss says he cannot commit himself for the winter due to a possible trip to America, but he identifies his rate of 1,200 German Marks; a June letter discusses the plan in detail, including Strauss’ suggestion that Gruters conduct the Wandrers Sturmleid, because he is more familiar with the chorus, and also that because of the size of the orchestra it would be better to replace the Guntram overture with the Dance of Salome; and an October letter confirms the details, repeats his suggestion about the conducting of the Sturmlied because of the difficulty of rehearsing the chorus, and expresses delight that a large orchestra is available for the Domestica and the Dance of Salome. In overall very good condition, with intersecting folds and mild to moderate creasing, more pronounced on the second and third examples.
Strauss first saw Oscar Wilde’s Salome in a German translation in Berlin in November 1902, eventually adapting his own libretto—the nature of which scandalized Europe and United States. The first actress chosen to perform the Biblical role of Salome, Marie Wittich, refused to perform the “Dance of the Seven Veils” and disrobe on stage. In New York, organizers led a crusade against Strauss’ version, forcing the Metropolitan Opera to cancel performance following its unveiling of the work in 1907—perhaps coinciding with the American visit referenced in the first letter. Even the German leader, Kaiser Wilhelm II, showed concern that Salome would damage Strauss’s career. The composer later noted that such “damage...enabled me to build my villa.” No big surprise, given his stated rate! A fascinating trio of letters. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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