Schoenberg, Arnold. (1874–1951)
Autograph Letter Signed, regarding an unrealized choral work
ALS of the Austrian-American composer, founder and head of the Second Viennese School, to an undisclosed male recipient, probably at a music publisher. February 19, 1934, corrected to "1935" in another hand. In German. 1 p. Personal letterhead paper with the address of 5860 Canyon Cove, Hollywood, California. In full: "The music you sent me is not what I need. Ideally, I would have a melody (dance song or something like that), if possible at all with some (2–5) strophes of text and if possible at all, American. In variations, I want to write a small motet-like piece but on a closed, extended melody (16–24 measures; bipartite to tripartite). Should I return the music? / Within days I will send you an errata list for the Suite, the first; it must be taken into account when the parts are copied. Could you have the parts revised by a good, educated musician who, if in doubt, could query me (query list, as I will send you one). / My full score is unfortunately not written particularly well. Will you have it copied, or will you engrave immediately? Could I then get a copy by early March? It not not have to be; I only ask, just in case. / Most cordial regards, Yours, Arnold Schoenberg." 11 x 8.5 inches (27.5 x 21.5 cm).While it seems strange that Schoenberg got the year in the date wrong, there can be no doubt, as he lived under the address of the letterhead from September 1934 only. The "Suite" mentioned in the letter is very likely the Suite im alten Stile, composed in 1934. As to the projected "motet-like" choral work in variation form, it apparently never took shape. It appears that like the Suite im alten Stil, the choral work would have been traditional and intended to appeal to a larger audience. However, the much later Theme and Variations, op. 43a (for full band) and op. 43b (for orchestra), could represent an offshoot of the unrealized choral work. (23131)
Classical Music Autograph Letter