Bruch, Max, (1838-1920)

informing him of the desire of Spitta's friends to adorn his grave with a fitting monument to the irreplaceable man, relating that his Berlin friends - himself, Joachim and Herzogenberg - have formed a committee to that end, asking him if he would like to join, noting that only Chrysander remains to be invited, mentioning that Herzogenberg will go to Munich to discuss matters with the sculptor Hildebrandt [sic] from Florence, remarking that decisions concerning the form of the monument will be made once they know what financial resources will be available to them ("...Sie werden mit mir und uns Allen den Tod Spitta's aufrichtig betrauert haben. Wir verlieren mehr an ihm, als ich in Worten aussprechen kann...") 

4 pages, 8vo (18 x 11.5cm), some later manuscript annotations, Friedenau, 30 May 1894

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 great Bach biographer Philipp Spitta had died shortly before Bruch's letter, on 13 April 1894. He was buried in the Neuer Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof, Berlin with a plain headstone with an engraved portrait on copper. Adolf von Hildebrand (1847-1921) was a neo-Classical sculptor who spent much time in Florence. Bruch’s efforts to erect the monument had the effect of restoring his friendship with Brahms, who contributed 500 marks to the project: see C. Fifield, Max Bruch: His Life and Works (2005), p.259. See also lot 74 and inside front cover.