Strauss, Johann II

explaining that he has agreed for the first performance of the choral waltz [Op.440] to take place at the 'Monstre-Concert' in the Sängerhalle on 10 May, discussing the title of the work, noting his correspondent's earlier regret when this was changed, and  confirming that he has now kept the original title, informing him that he learned that same day of a planned performance of the work later in the month, organized by 'Concordia' [the Vienna Authors' and Journalists' Association], requesting him urgently to revise the text, sending him the 4 waltzes [not included here] and the earlier text so that the revision might proceed more speedily, and asking him to forgive his wretched handwriting as he is writing in the greatest haste

...Nun erfuhr ich heute, daß gegen Ende dieses Monats dennoch ein Concert...gegeben wird - bei welchem der Walzer also "Groß-Wien" laut meines Versprechens zur Aufführung kommen soll - so ist es dringend nothwendig unsern Text zu verändern u. bitte Sie sich dieser pressanten Arbeit gefälligst zu unterziehen...



4 pages, 8vo (15.4 x 9.9cm), no place, 18 April [1891], some later pencil annotations, smudged in a few places, old repairs to hinge and horizontal 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."

Strauss's "Groß-Wien" Waltz, inspired by the removal of Vienna's outer defensive wall (the Linienwall), which enabled the joining of the city with its suburbs, was originally conceived as a choral work. With words by Franz von Gernerth (1821-1900), a member of the Austrian Supreme Court and the author of the later text for Strauss's immortal waltz "An der schönen blauen Donau [The Blue Danube]", it was originally intended to be performed by the Wiener Männergesangverein during the carnival period in 1891. Although in the letter Strauss refers to a plan to perform the work in choral form at the end of April, in the event the waltz was first performed on 10 May 1891, without choir, at a massed concert - a so-called 'Monster-Concert' - of all the Viennese military bands (comprising some 500 musicians) in the Prater Sängerhalle. The original version of the work, with the participation of the Wiener Männergesangverein, did not take place until October of the same year.