Strauss, Richard.

to Mahler's brother-in-law, Arnold Rosé, leader of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, who was married to the composer's sister Justine ("Lieber, herrlicher Conzertmeister u. Professor"), enquiring about Mahler's health, saying that he has been disturbed by the reports circulating in the newspapers, from which he has not got any clear impression, asking if Justine could send him a short account of her brother's condition and requesting him to convey his best wishes to Mahler for his speedy recovery, since he has not got his current address in Paris; Strauss says he thinks often about the magisterial Vienna Orchestra, doubly so when Rosé himself is leading it



...Ich bin sehr betrübt u. sehr in Besorgniß um die Gesundheit Gustav Mahlers.  Aus den wiedersprochenden Zeitungsnachrichtungen erhalte ich gar kein klares Bild. Würden Sie Ihre liebe Frau bitten, mir...mitzuteilen, wie es ihrem Bruder wirklich ergeht. Also bitte sie zugleich, Mahler mit meine herzlichsten Grüßen die wärmsten Wünche für baldige Genesung freundlichst zu übermitteln. Seine Pariser Adresse kann ich nicht erfahren...



1 page, 8vo (c.18 x 11.5cms), printed stationery "Landhaus Richard Strauss", Garmisch, 26 April 1911, creasing to fold

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This letter links two of the greatest composer-conductors of the era with Arnold Rosé (1863-1946), the leader of an orchestra that both composers conducted.   Mahler fell ill in New York in February 1911 after an exhausting concert season with the New York Philharmonic, and returned to Vienna via Paris, where his fatal condition was confirmed.  The composer died in Vienna on 18 May, less than a month after Strauss's solicitous enquiry.