Strauss, Richard

1) to Oskar Fried, informing him that Mahler's successor [as conductor of the New York Philharmonic] is [Josef] Stransky ("...der Nachfolger Mahlers heist Stransky..."), saying that he has just read this in the newspaper, and adding the news that Sir Edgar Speyer is in Karlsbad, 1 page, 8vo, Garmisch, 5 May 1911, horizontal fold; 2) apparently to the writer and poet Franz Evers, thanking him for his manuscript, presumably a libretto, which represents, he states, a very rewarding opera subject, declining however to set it to music ("...Mir liegt die ganze Sache nicht..."), although he finds the idea very original, suggesting that he approach Pfitzner in Berlin, and also referring to the Austrian composer Ludwig Thuille, 1 page, large 8vo, printed stationery of the Ocean Hotel, Sandown, Isle of Wight, [Sandown],  7 July 1903, rusty paperclip stain, creasing to corners, central horizontal crease; 3) to the Viennese antiquarian bookdealer firm of Gilhofer ("Sehr geehrter Herr!"), returning an edition of Heinrich Laube's collected writings and requesting that he be sent the complete edition in 19 volumes that he was offered, which he hopes is in better condition, 1 page, 8vo, Garmisch, 21 May, [no year]

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."

The German conductor and composer Oskar Fried (1871-1941) was a notable supporter of Mahler, and the first to conduct a recording of one of the latter's symphonies. Mahler, who died in Vienna on 18 May 1911, and whom Strauss had known since 1887, was succeeded, somewhat controversially, by Josef Stransky (1872-1936) as conductor of the New York Philharmonic. An article in the New York Times asserted that Stransky was chosen over other candidates, such as Fried and Bruno Walter, on account of his modest financial demands.