G. MAHLER, AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, TO ANTON KRISPER ABOUT "DAS KLAGENDE LIED", VIENNA, 5 MARCH 1879

expressing his longing to see him again, describing in detail his new quarters in a former monastery which he has made into a cosy home for pursuing his dreams and thoughts, mentioning the large painting of Wagner over his desk and the good piano he has there, noting that he [Krisper], the one who should share his happiness with him, is the only thing missing, noting that he can well imagine how happy he is, especially since the monastery-like quiet which hangs about the house contributes a good deal to make his work easy and pleasant; in the second half of the letter Mahler paints the scene of him sitting in an old leather armchair and smoking a fine cigarette, noting that the ballad which he encloses (see preceding lot) was conceived under such circumstances, explaining that he is composing [the ballad] for orchestra, choir and soloists, expressing his hope that his work will be successful, and asking him for his candid opinion on the ballad    4 pages, large 8vo (22.5 x 14.3cm), Vienna ("III Rennweg Nro. 3 1.ten Stock..."), 5 March 1879, central and vertical folds, tiny hole to first leaf, slightly affecting text, some splitting along folds

Donald Mitchell, Gustav Mahler. The Early Years (R/1980), pp.94-95; Franz Willnauer, ed., Gustav Mahler. "In Eile - wie immer!". Neue unbekannte Briefe (Vienna, 2016), pp.40-44; Gustav Mahler. Neue Kritische Gesamtausgabe, Supplement Band 4 (2011), ed. Reinhold Kubik, p.240

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."

AN IMPORTANT MAHLER DISCOVERY. ONLY HALF OF THE TEXT OF THIS LETTER IS CURRENTLY KNOWN, AND THAT ONLY IMPERFECTLY, as transmitted in a copy in the Alma Mahler and Franz Werfel Collection, Annenberg Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Ms. Coll. 575.

This remarkable letter was written by the eighteen-year-old Maher to his former fellow student Anton Krisper (1858-1914), a significant member of Mahler's youthful circle, and the recipient of a number of letters of a highly personal nature which 'allow us so profound a glimpse of Mahler's adolescent character' (Donald Mitchell). Here Mahler pours his heart out to Krisper about his new living arrangements and his composing plans, notably enclosing with the letter an early version of the text of the cantata Das klagende Lied, his first major work [see lot 48].

In Franz Willnauer's partial edition of the letter, based on the fragmentary copy, the letter is provisionally dated to the autumn of 1878: this can now be corrected to the somewhat later date of 5 March 1879.