Johannes Brahms & George Henschel: An Enduring Friendship 0899901409, 9780899901404

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The subsequent aria "Mache dich, mein Herze, rein" I do not sing. Of the two arias "Gerne will ich mich bequemen" in G minor and "Komm, sufies Kreuz" in D minor I like the one as much as the other and I will leave the choice completely up to you—provided that you even want to have one of the two sung; I only ask that you send me a line about this

quite soon, [inserted:] How about the G major aria "Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder"? [then:] You write to me, dear Herr Brahms, in your first letter of August last year: "To be sure I could offer you an honorarium of only 200 Gulden; should

you desire a trifle more, one could call it traveling expenses." Since I must travel to Petersburg after the Passion, around the 27th, 28th, where I am tentatively to sing two concerts, and then return to Vienna for the Odysseus, I would be grateful if you would confirm with your honorable concert directors the implementation of the last underlined passage, [and] also [send me] just a line about this matter! I would also like to give a Lieder concert in Vienna, in which I could really quite sing myself out, among other things perhaps a dozen of your songs. I have already sung several from your Op. 63 in concerts (here and in Hamburg, Altona); they are absolutely wonderful and I personally have grown very fond of the Klaus Groth ones.17 Frau Schumann recently accom¬ panied me in Diisseldorf in the songs to the two texts by F. S.18 Thursday is my own concert here with Frau Joachim. Among other things we are singing your duets Op. 28, and I am also singing "So wollst du des Armen" [Op. 33 No. 5], which I've not been able to sing anywhere even once until now, although I have wanted to. I sang it last in Hamburg, unfortunately to the accompaniment levied upon me by Herr von Bernuth.19

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The Correspondence

Excuse me, dear Herr Brahms, for taking up so much of your precious time, and please be so kind as to respond quite soon. Do you think that the period between the 23rd and the 27th will be all right for the proposed concert? And if it isn't, then help me! With heartfelt greetings, also from Frau Joachim, Yours truly, Georg Henschel

6 Brahms to Henschel in Berlin (2 pages, octavo)20 Vienna, February 187521 My dear Sir: Three Arias in the Passion-Music are at present not in our orchestral parts. Of your recitatives I propose omitting none. I wish we could cover the Petersburg travelling expenses. The times and business are so bad with us that I am unwilling to put such demands before the board of directors. I had hoped that the concerts in Austria would cover our fees, and would even risk my piano-playing at a pinch.22...

7 Brahms to Henschel in Berlin (4 pages, octavo)23 [Vienna] March [7,] 187524 My dear Sir: You will have heard from Simrock how fearfully crowded we are with concerts here. Though having made a note of the few days on which you could sing here (after the Passion), I have not dared yet actually to engage the hall. In order, however, to get at the desired traveling expenses I would make and recommend the following proposal.

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The Correspondence

On Saturday, March 20th, we have a sort of concert here, called "Artists's Evening"; my society and I myself take part in it. Would you like to sing a few songs, twice during the evening, and accept 20 gold ducats for it? Dessoff25 or I would accompany you. From the papers I see you sing Loewe and would recommend as one of your numbers his "Flenry the Fowler" ["Heinrich der Vogler"].26 At any rate you must sing songs with which you can create the greatest furore, for this would be your first appearance here and before a large, crowded house—we must make a big hit at once!27 I have (must have) my two general rehearsals on Friday and Monday at 3 o'clock. Will you be here on Friday!?!? I think I may leave the question of an eventual concert of your own until you come. Your congratulations [on my birthday]28 I accept gratefully, though they come two months too early—the fault, I think, of the Bote & Bock musical calendar. Please write soon and send proposals of songs. In haste yours J. Brahms Please send your reply and proposed songs soon! Your card comes just now!29 Due to the Saturday concert, I must hold the 1st general rehearsal on Friday—please telegraph whether you will be here for it!! Unfortunately I do not find where you are; I am also trying to find you in Cologne. I hope this letter will be forwarded.

8 Brahms to Henschel in Vienna (2 pages, octavo)30 Vienna, [Friday,] March [19,] 1875 "Heartily welcome in Vienna!" If I only knew when and by what train you arrived, I should prefer saying it to you in person.

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The Correspondence

The way into the town leads you past my house. At any rate let me know of your arrival immediately, especially should that be tonight, Friday, as we ought to consult together about tomorrow!31 Best greetings.

9 Brahms to Henschel in St. Petersburg32 (2 pages, octavo)33 Vienna, [early] April 1875 Dear H., I call that bad luck—but might have thought of it! When you read the enclosed34 you will understand that it would be rather indelicate on my part, were I to insist on our concert. I also should not like to open a backdoor by pretending the concert to be your own and I only taking part in it. But, as I said before, it might have occurred to both of us! Now, I should be extremely sorry if this were to make a disagreeable hole in your calendar! But—again—we ought to have considered before¬ hand how my gentlemen would hardly be likely to pay me a good salary and then have me give concerts of my own besides! ... Today I shall fetch your Danziger35 from the Custom House!... If only I took greater pleasure in the giving of concerts, I might write down a number of plans, but I actually have to force myself to every public appearance. Write soon and don't be angry with Yours heartily

10 Brahms to Henschel, via Fritz Simrock, in Berlin36 [Ziegelhausen, Thursday,] August [12,] 1875 Actually I want and have to write to Henschel; but, since one cannot write 2 letters in one small village, this is for him: that one may go to Rome only

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The Correspondence

at the end of September. As Feuerbach, who knows Rome well, tells me, it is the worst month, etc., due to the siroccos.37 In any case, you told me that H. has plenty of other plans in the making, so this information will only enable him to arrange his travel plans a bit more comfortably.

11 Brahms to Henschel, via Fritz Simrock, in Berlin38 [Vienna, October 1875] Ask Henschel whether he wants to have and can use the orchestral parts to Schubert's Memnon and Geheimes (in F). Stockhausen has sung them often. They are lying around here unused, and perhaps also Greisengesang.39

12 Brahms to Henschel (postcard)40 Vienna, [Sunday,] October 10,1875 ... I shall shortly send you the Schubert funeral march.41 At all events I am delighted with what you sent and will do the very best I possibly can with it. J. Br.

13 Brahms to Henschel in Berlin (postcard)42 Safinitz, Island of Riigen, [Sunday,] July 2,1876 ... I shall remain here at least until the 15th; beyond that I should not like to say anything definite. Now I should find it charming if you could soon decide on coming.

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The Correspondence

We shall not disturb each other in the least. For you the place swarms with ladies. In your free hours you can compose songs for them, the badness of which I in turn will expose in my free hours! It is quite beautiful here and the bathing enchanting.43 Paulsdorff44 has already inquired after you. Then announce further and good things to Yours

14 Brahms to Henschel in Berlin (postcard)45 Hamburg, [Saturday,] September 9,1876 I am forwarding to you the Mozart Catalogue46 as promised and the three volumes Der junge Goethe,i7 which I ask that you, at your convenience, return to Frau Schumann's residence; it belongs to her. I am traveling to Lichtenthal near Baden-Baden and then, little by little, to Vienna. Best wishes to everyone possible! Yours in haste, J. Brahms \

15 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (2 pages, octavo; 1 page, quarto)48 Zurich, [Saturday,] January 20,1877 Dear Herr Brahms, I hope you arrived safely in my home town [of Breslau]. The good old place, as I am writing this, has no inkling as to the magnitude of the event that is at hand.49 The fact that I couldn't do my best on a day like the one before yesterday, Thursday, is for me a sorrow I will not very soon be able to overcome.50

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The Correspondence

Why do you write such a symphony, which so completely fills our skull with thoughts that all others must flee for days, several even down to our larynx, which then must play nolens volens the gracious host in the evening. Briefly—I coidd not; don't be angry with me because of this and, in case you ever have the intention of writing a scene for baritone, choir, and orchestra (how about the Hymnus from Pandora by B. Scholz?51), please don't be frightened off by Thursday evening. (I am really quite stupid. As if you ever write something for someone and not because of the thing itself?) Enclosed you will find a postcard from me. After the definitive con¬ clusion of the Diisseldorf affair you need only to cross out one of the two words (I hope the one on the right) and toss the card into the postbox!52 Fare thee well, dear Herr Brahms Yours faithfully, Georg Henschel

16 Brahms to Henschel (postcard)53 [Vienna, Monday,] March 12,1877 ... I shall be in Leipzig from the 1st to the 10th, but can tell you nothing more definite. I hope to come to Dresden one of those days—possibly on the 2nd to be one of your audience!54 J. Br

17 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (fragment, final two pages only, octavo)"0 [Zurich, early December 1877] ... completely unnecessary?

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The Correspondence

I don't know where I get the nerve, dear Herr Brahms, to take up so much of your precious time, and therefore I ask only that, if you are of the opinion that in these 14 days [inserted:] in Vienna [then:] I could come for my own singing and concerts, you would send me a postcard, upon which you only need to write: _Come or _ Don't come! Would it be at all possible for the first Viennese performance of your symphony to fall in the first half of January?56 And now enough. I ask you a thousand times to pardon my great audacity! Through and including the 21st of this month I am in [changed to:] my address is Zurich (at F. Hegar).57 From 2.2nd to 26th Dresden, 34 Circusstrasse.58 This evening we are doing the whole of Faust.59 Under the direction of Volkland.60 Judging from the rehearsal, it will be a very good performance. With hearty greetings and in sincere respect. Always Your gratefully loyal Georg Henschel

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Brahms to Henschel in Zurich (postcard)61 Wieden in Vienna, [Saturday,] December 15,187762 Only “quite perhaps" shall I conduct my C minor Symphony [Op. 68] in Hamburg and Bremen on January 18th and 22nd.63 I hardly think I shall allow myself to be persuaded to give concerts; but to listen, to rejoice, and afterwards to drink with you—all that I do to perfection. I envy you being able to stroll about the shores of the lovely lake! (Ballads I have several, but they all call for more than just a baritone!64) Kindest regards to you, Hegar, etc. Your hurried

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The Correspondence

19 Henschel to Brahms in Leipzig (2 pages, octavo; 1 page, quarto)65 Barmen, [Friday,] December 28,1877 The bearer of this [letter] is a jolly English girl. Miss [Ethel] Smyth, as talented as she is amusing. She wrote some quite charming little songs, even before she had had any lessons, and she is burning with longing to say just one word to you, or better still to hear you say it. Grant her that word, even if it were only "Get out of here!" Besides all this she jumps over chairs, back and all, rides, hunts, fishes, swims, etc., etc. The Hartels, through whom she hoped to see you, are in Leipzig momentarily, and therefore I have taken the liberty of sending these lines of introduction, whose purpose would be fulfilled, I am told, by one word [inserted:] from you.66 With devoted greetings, always your Henschel

20 Henschel to Brahms in Italy; sent to Vienna (4 pages, octavo; 2 pages, quarto)67 6, Chandos Street Cavendish Square, London N.W.68 [Saturday,] May 4,1878 Dear Herr Brahms, I know, of course, that you are in Italy, but not which part or what city, and so on the off-chance I am sending these lines to Vienna, in the hope that they will reach you nevertheless. Actually I don't know why I take the liberty of writing you, as I have absolutely nothing to write down that could interest you (at least nothing to write; orally I could perhaps find some things to say concerning the visit of Frau Joachim, Frau Schulzen-Asten69 [inserted:] in London [then:] etc., etc..

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The Correspondence

Bruch, and so on and so forth. But for 14 days now there stand in my library eighteen beautiful volumes, containing everything you've written or, more pre¬ cisely, published to date, and not a day passes that I don't take down a volume and derive instruction and edification from it and find in it a source of the purest joy and—largely through the inadequacy of my rendition—a troubled conscience. And so then this letter is not entirely without purpose. I would like to thank you from the depths of my heart for all this and to say that I am happy to know personally the person who has created these works, which 1 learn to love more and more each day.How I would like to know, via a line from your hand, where you are and how you are! Is it true that you have written a new piano concerto?70 I am keenly looking forward to the score of the D Major Symphony.71 Recently there was a long discussion of this work in a program book of the Crystal Palace Concerts, illustrated by a reproduction of the theme, etc. Where did the people get this? Has the score then already been in England or did Joachim write the remarks? On this occasion, dear Herr Brahms, I would like not to forget to tell you that you really commit an injustice by thinking badly or little of England. The people love music very much and have learned to form their opinion. From February to the beginning of April alone I have heard [inserted:] here in London [then:] these works of yours: both sextets [Opp. 18, 36], 2 piano quartets, 2 string quartets, the [Alto] Rhapsody [Op. 53], the Schicksalslied [Op. 54], piano pieces—Lieder, etc. You really should give in for once and come here; then you would see hoiv you are loved here. (And this can only be a conse¬ quence of understanding you?) Please, please, if you are asked again to come to England, then don't refuse, but come and you will enjoy yourself. I have a very nice, spacious flat, my own household; and I would be overjoyed if you wanted to take a chance on staying with me. Furthermore, there are many other things that you would like in England that can't be described here. — And now one other thing, to which I really would like an answer: how long are you staying in Italy? As I already mentioned to Chrysander, I would like to send you, to wit, 5 or 6 of the gondola arias, for which I prepared the piano accompaniment, so you can tell me if I am doing it correctly.72 Excuse me for robbing you of only 10 minutes of your time, and please be kind, as always, and answer me with a line.

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The Correspondence

(The young lady in Leipzig, who once brought you the "Old-French" song. Miss [Ethel] Smyth, is now a private student of Herzogenberg.73) Dr. Felix Semon, a young doctor who had the good fortune to be introduced to you in Vienna, and with whom I share a house, sends his best regards.74 And I remain in deepest respect Yours sincerely, Georg Flenschel Just imagine: Fourteen days from today I am supposed to conduct my Serenade in Canonic Form [Op. 23] in the Crystal Palace! [In the left margin on page 1:] Are the low editions of the songs Opp. 57,58, 59 already available?75

21 Brahms to Henschel in London (3 pages, octavo)76 Vienna, [ca. May] 1878 Dear Friend: Eighteen volumes!77 And that should not be worth the trouble of writ¬ ing a letter? But poor man that I am, how heavily I feel the responsibility which rests on me! Can I ever hope by a few last volumes to justify all previous ones? Following your example I will now keep silence regarding everything I could say. I think, however, we may meet at Diisseldorf during Whitsuntide. (Your nineteenth volume79 will have its turn there, too!) Only briefly there fore let me answer some of your interrogation-points; upon the whole I prefer talking and am therefore looking forward to Diisseldorf. The score of Volume XIX has not been in England, but Pohl,80 the gentle traitor, has con¬ fessed to me that, bribed by some Englishmen, he had been making secret notes of it from the parts during rehearsals! The songs in the edition for low voice are still in the hands of the copyist, perhaps in those of the engraver already.81

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The Correspondence

As to the new things I am writing, you had better continue relying on your informant; he decidedly knows more about it [i.e., "a new piano concerto"] than I myself! But to England I shall not easily be persuaded to come. I have too great an aversion to concerts and similar disquietudes. It has nothing whatever to do with the question whether I like English politics or English globetrotters or not. The latter, however, are now being successfully outdone by the North-Germans—from Berlin especially. The Handel Arias82 you will perhaps have in your valise in Diisseldorf. I have myself about a hundred of them—but am afraid my not altogether super¬ abundant interest in them will not be particularly enhanced by seeing how others too ... well, this sentence will never get straight again! Au revoir, I hope. I will just write my address: Portschach am See, Carenthia. Let me know if you, the Handel Arias, the famous E-flat song,83 a fiancee, etc., etc., are coming. With kindest greetings, yours

22 Henschel to Brahms in Bremen (4 pages, octavo; 2 pages, quarto)84 '

6, Chandos Street

Cavendish Square, London N.W. At the present Coblenz, [Monday,] April 7,1879 Dear Herr Brahms, After my arrival yesterday I telegraphed you in Frankfurt to ask if you would like to come over here for the Passion tomorrow and just now I find out from a letter from Simrock that you are already in Bremen. What a pity! I would have been happy to see you once again and report to you directly about the colossal success of the 3 performances of your Violin Concerto [in D Major, Op. 77] in London.— London ranks second to no other city in the world in its respect for you, and I am especially glad about this, since I live there now and don't let a

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The Correspondence

single concert go by without singing your songs for the people. Recently I had to sing Unuberwindlich [Op. 72 No. 5] twice and the people would have loved to hear it a third time.85 I asked you once recently whether the Rieter-Biedermann songs [Opp. 57-59] are transposed yet, but unfortunately I've had no answer yet.86 And the piece for baritone and orchestra? It would be magnificent if you would write one! What do you think of the wonderful text "Am Wasserfliissen Babylons"?—87 I am diligently studying your piano pieces [the Clavierstilcke, Op. 76], but until now I can't play the one in A minor [No. 7]. The others are very difficult; nevertheless, I must figure them out, and the memory of you play¬ ing them for me in Vienna helps me in this. I recently played the Quartet Op. 16 by Beethoven with Joachim in a concert at our German Club in London on March 22nd (our Kaiser's birthday), and after my return to London I will continue this practice every 8 days privatim at my home and at the same time—salva venia—attempt your chamber music too. Now one more thing: my heartiest congratulations on your new honorary doctorate.88 I don't know if any other city [changed to:] German university [then:] has already followed the example of its English sister,89 but in any case I am proud that it is the university of my home town that has so highly honored itself by naming Brahms an honorary doctor.— Don't be angry with me for taking up so much of your time.— Your Serbian Liederspiel90 had the greatest success in London at the Monday Popular Concert and will be repeated again at the earliest opportunity. Is it too audacious of me to request that you write me a line regar ding the Lieder Op. 57, etc.?91 Until and including the 16th, my address is Paris, [inserted:] Hotel del'Athenee, rue Scribe. From the 17th on I am again in London. Many cordial greetings from your Highly respectful, faithfully thankful Georg Henschel The Wegelers, Maszkowskis send their greetings.92

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The Correspondence

23 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (4 pages, octavo; 2 pages, quarto)93 6, Chandos Street Cavendish Square, W [London, N.W.] [Monday,] October 20,1879 Dear Herr Brahms, I was extremely pleased to receive a letter recently whose address showed your handwriting. It was really very nice of you to remember me, and I sincerely thank you for this.94 Yet now I have to ask for another letter right away, since I must give this one nolens volens to Fraulein Vaillant, who was proud and happy to find her name in a letter from Brahms, [and] could hardly keep her composure. She will surely wish to express her thanks herself. She is an unassuming and amiable young girl, of French background and devoted to music with her whole soul. At the Royal Academy she re¬ ceived the silver medal for violin playing and a superior grade on the final diploma. Pretty she is not, she does limp as well—but, as I said, she is charming and diligent and I have you to thank for the opportunity of making her acquaintance. Every Sunday she has' music at her place, where your quartets and sextets as well as the chamber music with piano are studied with enthusiasm. — Regarding myself, at the beginning of November I begin my singing activities, but this year I will not leave it at just that. In the middle of December or the beginning of January I will conduct a large concert here that I am giving with my own funds; [inserted:] (for the benefit of the Victoria Hospital) [then:] on this occasion I am presenting your C minor Symphony [Op. 68] and-for the first time in England-your

Triumphlied [Op. 55]. The choir consists of over 200 of the most select singers of the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society and the 80-man orchestra is the best in London, with Ludwig Strauss as concertmaster. You cannot imagine what inner joy this concert affords me; and if everything goes well, as I hope,

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then this will be the most beautiful evening of my life. The public will be prepared by a detailed discussion of the Triumphlied in The Times and the other leading papers,95 and if I had one more wish, it would be that you would come here for it! That would be magnificent! How would it be—your beard makes it easier now—if you came here incognito, since you still have this unfortunate prejudice against old England? You will live with me, completely quiet, and, without any sensation, listen to the concert, and I give you my word, dear Herr Brahms, your prejudice

will disappear. That, in addition, you will feel comfortable here and enjoy yourself, I myself will take complete responsibility. It would be magnificent if we could roam around London for one or two weeks! Please, don't reject my proposal out of hand; think about the matter! You would make me extremely happy! — Now I have taken up your time far too long. Please compensate me as soon as possible for the letter relinquished to Fraulein Vaillant and write me, I hope, that you are coming. I give you the assurance that, if you so desire, no person will know a thing. In deep respect, Your devoted Georg Henschel

24 Brahms to Henschel in London (3 pages, octavo)96 Vienna, [late October or early November] 1879 ... The principal point of interest to you is that Richter97 the other day asked for your address and is expecting an orchestral piece from you . . . with Bass ClarinetW98 ... Of course! Then out with it, or it will be too late.

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The chief point of interest as regards myself is that at least you should give up believing in the rumor" that I have a special dislike for English concert-rooms. No more so than for others. Into none of them do I ever go with plea¬ sure, and people ought to see how it is easier for me being caught once in a while in the snare of an invitation from Germany or Holland,100 than undertaking the long journey to England followed by a restless and fatiguing stay there.101 You really could explain matters from time to time as they really are.102 I have just enough to do with concerts anyhow and fight against it on the continent103 as well as over there. For your concert I wish you good luck. Ah-, if I could come over and loaf about with you incognito! But that would be treating rather too unfriendly the many other kind invitations I have had. Well—don't forget Richter and explain to the old and newPhilharmonists what a grateful heart I have—but what a shy one! With best greetings, yours.

25 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (2 pages, octavo; 1 page, quarto)104

6, Chandos Street Cavendish Square, W [London, N.W.] [Wednesday,] December 3,1879 Dear Herr Brahms, In a few words let me tell you how happy yesterday evening made me. — St. James Hall was completely full, the most musical public of London was present.—The concert was a huge success. The Symphony [No. 1 Op. 68]

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The Correspondence

went wonderfully well; the last movement carried away the entire audience; the enthusiastic applause was only surpassed by that which followed the 1st movement of the Triumphlied. Choir and orchestra consisted of nearly 300 persons; it was a delight for me to perform your two works with such a multitude. I hope that this concert was the beginning of a long series of successors. There is nothing better than conducting! With heartfelt greeting thanks, your George Henschel

26 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (4 pages, octavo)105 6, Chandos Street Cavendish Square, W [London, N.W.] [Wednesday,] January 28,1880

Dear Herr Brahms, Herr [inserted:] Otto [then:] Goldschmidt (conductor of the Bach Choir here) will perform your Requiem [Op. 45] in March.106 He was just here and, although I told him that I could tell him your answer already, I had to promise him to ask you about the tempi. So: Do you wish that the tempi designated in the score of your German Requiem be adhered to precisely? Since this is the first major performance of your Requiem in London, naturally Herr Goldschmidt is very concerned that the tempi adhere as closely as possible to the intentions of the composer, and therefore he asked me to write to you. This I have done, and I wash my

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The Correspondence

hands of the matter. But, please, do answer me, even if it is only a single and maybe unfriendly line. Your faithful Henschel

27 Brahms to Henschel in London (3 pages, octavo)107 Vienna, [early] February 1880 Dear H.: Your letter reaches me just as I am happening to be at home for a few days; a very rare occurrence this winter, worse luck!

Post festum my best congratulations upon the success of your concert, which indeed must have been splendid.108 The question in your letter received today is some-what obscure, indis¬ tinct; I hardly know what to answer: "If the indications by figures of the tempi in my Requiem should be strictly adhered to?"109 Well110—just as with all other music. I think here as well as with all other music the metronome is of no value.111 As far at least as my experience goes, everybody has, sooner or later, withdrawn his metronome marks. Those which can be found in my works—good friends have talked me into putting them there, for I myself have never believed that my blood and a mechanical instrument go well together. The so-called "elastic" tempo is moreover not a new invention. Con discrezione should be added to that as to many other things in this world.112 Is this an answer? I know no better one; but what I do know is that I in¬ dicate (without figures) my tempi, modestly, to be sure, but with the greatest care and clearness. Remember me kindly to Mr. Goldschmidt, and tell him, please, that there is only one thing in the coming performance I dislike thinking of, and

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that is, that No. 5113 will not be sung by his wife. I do wish I could have heard that once from her!114 In haste and with kindest greeting, Yours,

28 Brahms to Henschel in Boston (postcard)115 [Friday,] February 11,1881 ... I will give J. Z. Hans the score today with the best of greetings to you.116 J. Br.

29 Brahms to Henschel in Boston (3 pages, octavo)117 Vienna, [between May 7 and 22,] 1881 Dear Friend: Accept my best thanks for at last giving me some news of you; it is the least you can do, though it hardly can make up for the fact that you have so basely left us.118 I hope it will fit into your plans that my residence this summer will be Pressbaum, near Vienna. I am sure you will be wanting to show your wife the beautiful old Kaiserstadt;1191 shall be only a short distance away by rail, which, however, I always travel with great pleasure! Announce yourselves then, quick and surely! ... I should not like to be persuaded again to arrange [vocal] chamber music for the orchestra. A few times I have done it, but at once repented

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and put the thing aside. Were it not that nowadays everything possible is being arranged for everything possible I should be inclined to think we wrote only confusedly nowadays anyhow.120 Mind, I do not mean to try and dissuade you from doing it yourself— the thing seems to be the general fashion. I myself, however, prefer to retain my ears and know what is a pianoforte piece and what an orchestral piece; what a song and what an aria; what a solo-quartet and what a chorus. But I have still little leisure (or patience) for writing letters. Let me soon hear you are coming. Remember me to your young wife and be heartily greeted by yours.

30 Henschel to Brahms in Pressbaum or Vienna (4 pages, octavo)121 25 Gloucester Road Regents Park, London N.W. [Saturday,] June 4,1881 Dear Herr Brahms,

N

Many thanks for your very friendly lines, from which I believe I am to understand that you would prefer to see us in Vienna rather than Pressbaum. Naturally it makes no difference to us, if only we get to see you at all; and, since I am working out my plans in greatest detail now, I would like to know just one more thing on a postcard—whether you will still be found in Pressbaum or Vienna in the 2nd half of August. I am terribly sorry that you cannot sanction an arrangement of the quartets for orchestra. I gather from your letter, however, that I seem to have expressed myself incorrectly. You write "I prefer to retain my ears and know what is a solo quartet and what is a choir.—" I naturally had no other idea than to have both quartets sung by solo voices—only I hoped with orchestra instead of piano.—122

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In connection with Rubinstein's new—newest movement to the Ocean Symphony, I believe it is the 7th,1231 recently recalled the charming story of the Prussian "Guardsman" ["Jardisten"] who, when asked by a guileless civilian "How many soldiers are there in the Prussian army?" drew himself up and answered: There are more than you can imagine! — [So viele jiebt's jar nick! —]124 Well, please just a line: how long are you to be found in or around Vienna. With devoted greetings and a heartfelt compliment from my wife. Always, Your devoted Georg Henschel

31 Brahms to Henschel (postcard)125 [Pressbaum, Monday,] June 20,1881 ... Please tell Mr. Schulze that the programme with my "tragedy" has not been sent... .126 J. Br.

32 Brahms to Henschel in Nuremberg Pressbaum, near Vienna, [summer of] 1881 Dear Friend: I have nothing to do and am looking forward with great pleasure to •

your coming.

197

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The Correspondence

The same do a great many besides myself. Five minutes from here, in Purkersdorf: Epstein, Door with ladies, Hornbostel-Magnus (Helene); five minutes further, in Hiitteldorf: Hasenbrucks [Hohenbrucks], Ernst Frank; in Potzleinsdorf: Dr. Billroth, etc., etc.128 In short I hope you will make your¬ selves comfortable with us for a while, and should you not care to remain in the town itself, there is many a cosy spot out here. Always yours.

33 Henschel to Brahms in Pressbaum (4 pages, octavo)129

Pontresina, [Switzerland] [Thursday,] August 25,1881 Dear Herr Brahms, With sincere thanks once again for the wonderful original, I am sending you the enclosed copy. — Our journey is nearing its end. Via Salzburg, Zell am See, Innsbruck, Finstermiinz, and Tarasp we arrived here on Monday. (We are four, since the young married couple, the Haydens, my wife's uncle and aunt, joined us in Salzburg.) As magnificent as was the stretch of land through which we traveled, and as much as we enjoyed and enjoy every hour of our journey—the 4 days from Innsbruck to here we traveled entirely at our convenience in our carriage-my wife and I agree that the 3 days in Pressbaum and Vienna were still the nicest. No, not were, but are. We speak of it daily, and I can't tell you, dear Herr Brahms, how grateful I am to you for all the kindness and friendliness with which you received my wife and myself. It was truly magnificent! And once again I have learned quite a bit! A thousand thanks!

137

The Correspondence

On Sunday we are going to Chur, from whence we will probably visit Frau Schumann, and on Thursday we will be in London again.130 My first rehearsal in Boston is on Oct. 18th, and I will regularly send you my programs. My address until I sail—on Sept. 29th—is: Stanley Lucas Weber, 84 New Bond Str. London. W With a thousand heartfelt greetings from my wife and myself. Always Your faithful Georg Henschel

34 Brahms to Henschel in Boston Vienna, [mid-November 1881]131 . . . Only with a hurried greeting can I answer your kind and chatty letter.132 I am always on the road, and under the circumstances less than ever inclined and able to write. Just now I am coming from Budapest and going—tomorrow—to Stuttgart, etc. Your experiments in regard to the placing of an orchestra look very good and interesting [see fig. 27]. I should almost give preference to the first of the two drawings133 on account of the horns; the violas, however, seem to give trouble up to now? By far the best feature in both arrangements, however, is the fact that no committee will be sitting in front of them. There is not a Kapellmeister on the whole of our continent who would not envy you that!134 The Nanie135 is being published by Peters-better are duets by Handel issued by the same firm.136 Have you seen them?

PERCUSSION

Fig. 27. A seating plan for the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Letter 34, [mid-November] 1881 Published in George Henschel, Personal Recollections of Johannes Brahms (Boston: Richard G. Badger, The Gorham Press, 1907)

139

The Correspondence

Enough for today. Avery hearty greeting; and thanks for every greeting from you which always gives great joy to Yours,

35 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (1 page, octavo)137 Hotel Huntington Boston, Massachusetts [Sunday,] February 12,1882 Dear Herr Brahms, As you see, I once again make the best use of my lack of Comite.m Last evening was the first performance of your Rhapsody [for Alto, Male Choir, and Orchestra, Op. 53] in America — [illegible deletion] next Saturday the 2nd [performance] will take place [see fig. 28]. It was quite magnificent yesterday. Miss [Mary H.] How has a wonderful voice and sang magnificently. The men's chorus went superbly and upon its first entrance—it sounded wonder¬ ful in the uncannily quiet hall with 2500 people in it—I thought I was in heaven. Many could not hold back their tears and after the final note it was completely silent for a moment, before the people could recover and applaud. A thousand, thousand thanks, revered master !

If you have a moment's time, please send me a line!—On March 11th the last concert, with the 9th Symphony.139 The chorus is already going very well.—My wife sends her heartfelt greetings (we are expecting a little child in June!) and I remain in reverence Your faithful Georg Henschel

Boston Music Hall. SE-A-SOUST

18S1-82.

BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, MR. GEORG HENSCHEL, Conductor.

^YII. C0NCBR'l'. Saturday, February 18th, at 8, P. M. PROGRAMME. j

|

OVERTURE.

(Leonora.)

No. I, op. ISM.

.

.

BEETHOVEN.

i

RHAPSODY FOR CONTRALTO, MALE CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA, op. «J. . . .

!

SYMPHONY in F.

BRAHMS.

No. 8, op. 93.BEETHOVEN.

Allegro vivace e con brio.—Allegretto scherzamlo.— Tempo til Mennetto.—Allegro vivace.—

CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN in E-minor.

Op. 04.

MENDELSSOHN.

Allegro molto appassionato. Andante. Allegretto non troppo; Allegro molto vivace.—

OVERTURE.

(Plifedie.).MASSENET.

SOLOISTS:

MISS MARY H. HOW, MR. ALFRED DE SEVE.

Fig. 28. Programme from George FIenschel's concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, February 18,1882 Courtesy of the Brahms estate, Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Vienna

141

The Correspondence

36 Brahms to Henschel in Boston (postcard)140 Ischl, June 1882 Dear Friend: The sheet of paper is lying ready, but, to be on the safe side, I will send off my and Briill's heartiest congratulations without waiting to see what else I might have to write to you.141... That you have undertaken to conduct another series of twenty-five concerts is a very nice thing in itself, only not exactly to us a cause for rejoicing. The felicitations therefore mean the little daughter only.142 Heartily yours.

37 Henschel to Brahms in Vienna (8 pages, octavo)143 (see fig. 29) 6 Otis Place144 Boston, Massachusetts October 29, 1882 Dear Herr Brahms, Yesterday evening I premiered your Serenade, Op. 11, and I must write to you about how splendid it was. I had five rehearsals for the work and the lads' playing was a delight. You know how difficult the piece is, but I assure you, with every rehearsal they mastered the work better, and the love and devotion with which the folks studied was truly a joy to the heart. If I mention names such as Listemann, Loffler, Kuntz, Dehn, Eichler, Schuchmann, Heindl, Rietzel, Beyer, Patz, Strasser, Metzger, Dietsch, Eltz, Jennewein, Bareither, or even the famous first horn names of my four horn players [sic] Schormann Hocklbarth145 Lippoldt and

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