Although no addressee is mentioned, it must be Carl Reinecke, the conductor who had directed the first complete performance of Brahms’s German Requiem in Leipzig on 18 February 1869, where all seven movements were heard for the first time. The performances in the previous year had included only five and six movements respectively. The first time any music from the work was performed was in 1867 where three sections were premiered. Brahms is normally a reticent correspondent, but this letter shows him in a relaxed mood, completely happy with the performance and expressing his contentment vividly. He adds some self-deprecating comments about the work, mentioning its “Schwierigkeit”.

Immediately after the performance, Brahms was swept up in concert tours with Julius Stockhausen, the tenor, performing in Vienna and Budapest.

This is one of the most important letters by Brahms to be offered for sale in recent years.