An autograph letter by Richard Strauss (1864 - 1949).

 

This letter was written by Strauss to an unknown correspondent during his tenure as conductor of the Weimar Opera in April 1891, at which time he also worked as repétitéur and assistant conductor at the Bayreuth Festival.

 

Strauss himself had no direct connection with the Musicians' Company but this early letter, given to the Company by Victor Allcard (Master 1929-30 and 1949), dates from the time when he was composing his first opera Guntram, which received its premiere in Weimar in 1894.

 

Strauss' writing has, in parts, proved difficult to decipher, but the accompanying translation shows his continuing connection with the Bayreuth Festival, which explains his close knowledge of the system for booking seats there!