BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897) - photo 1
BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897) - photo 2
BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897) - photo 3

BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897)

Lot 83
14.12.2022 10:30UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 2 520
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
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The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
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ID 870781
Lot 83 | BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897)
Estimate value
£ 2 000 – 3 000
BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897)

Autograph letter signed ('J. Brahms') to an unidentified 'Herr Dr.' [probably Ferdinand Hiller], n.p., n.d. [autumn 1883].

In German. Three pages, 174 x 110mm, bifolium.



Excusing his casual manner of declining the post of director of the Cologne Conservatorium, and mentioning Max Bruch. Brahms opens with ironic apologies for using writing paper to ask forgiveness for having written only on a postcard to decline the offer [of the post of director of the Cologne Conservatorium]: 'But writing paper can be used the same way as a postcard, as long as one keeps one's intention of brevity in mind'. The risk was that 'supercilious formalities and niceties would have flowed from the pen', which might have been misunderstood. He goes on: 'If you have mentioned the fact and form of my declining the offer to your colleagues at the directorate, please tell them as well officially of my regrets. But please also let me know if Bruch has decided for you, subsequent to his American visit'.



Ferdinand Hiller (1811-1885) was the founding director of the Cologne Conservatorium in 1850. On his retirement in 1883, he initially offered the post to Brahms; after his refusal, it was offered to Hiller's former pupil, Max Bruch (1838-1920), shortly after his return from a tour of America in April-June 1883; however, as Bruch had only just taken up a new position in Breslau [Wroclaw], the position was ultimately given to Franz Wüllner.





Special notice


This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
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SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
10.12.2022 – 13.12.2022
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