G. Mahler. Autograph letter signed ("Mahler") about agreeing a singer's contract for the Budapest Opera, c.1890

MAHLER, GUSTAV

Autograph letter signed ("Mahler") about agreeing a singer's contract for the Budapest Opera, [c.1888-1891]

to an unidentified correspondent, assuring him that he should consider the contract for the singer Fräulein Rozami as "perfect", ie as "finalized", explaining that he will meet with Herr von Beniczky in a few weeks, although he does not know exactly when, and that he cannot get his agreement until then ("...Ich stehe Ihnen aber für dieselbe gut, und so bitte ich, derzeit unseren Vertrag mit Frl Rozami als perfect zu anzusehen...")

1 page (c.14.5 x 10cm), on a hinged correspondence card ("Billet de Correspondance"), some off-setting from the author's ink, hinge reinforced with tape, a few small stains

Mahler was Director of the Budapest Opera from 1888 until 1891, appointed by Ferenc von Beniczky (1833-1905), Intendant of the Theatres.  The appointment was important to the young Mahler's career (he was only 28 and relatively unknown); it was during these three years that he first conducted Wagner's operas regularly.