J. Strauss II and Adèle Strauss. Collection of twelve letters to the publisher Hugo Bock, 1896-1898

Johann Strauss II and Adèle Strauss

Collection of twelve letters signed ("per...Johann Strauss"; "Frau Johann Strauss"), to the publisher Hugo Bock

comprising:

Four letters written and also signed on behalf of Johann Strauss II ("per Johann Strauss") by his wife Adèle, concerning the Hochzeits-Praeludium, noting that his brother intends to perform the work in his first concert, enquiring when it might appear, discussing proofs and its opus number, as well as other matters; and

Eight autograph letters signed by Adèle Strauss ("Frau Johann Strauss"), explaining that her husband is still convalescing, also discussing the Hochzeits-Praeludium, mentioning Kapellmeister Ohnesorg's request for a vocal score of Waldmeister, noting that Strauss is working on a number of smaller things in the absence of a suitable libretto, offering him the Deutschmeister-Jubiläums-Marsch, op.470, and forwarding for his opinion the draft of a new libretto, and (in another letter) the score of a new ballet [not included here]

...Eine Corectur vorzulegen ist sicher überflüssig, nur um Exemplare werde seiner Zeit ersuchen, da mein Bruder das Präludium im ersten Concerte spielen wird...

23 pages in all, various sizes, three of Strauss's letters, and seven of Adèle's on correspondence cards, with a telegram from Johann Strauss II to Hugo Bock (9 August 1896, concerning a libretto and a drawing), a printed black-edged condolence acknowledgement-card from Adèle Strauss, dated June 1899, and an inscribed visiting card of Adèle Strauss, the letters dated Vienna, Bad Ischl, 1896-1898

together with: two letters by Johann Strauss junior (1866-1939, eldest son of Eduard Strauss), to Hugo Bock, one of which apparently only signed by him, 4 pages, Vienna, 1900

A particularly noteworthy feature of these letters is the evident reliance Strauss and his wife placed on the judgment of their correspondent with regard to the quality of Strauss's music and the value of operetta librettos.