BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897). German composer and pianist.
Fine Autograph Letter Signed ('Johannes B') to his life-long friend, the composer [Julius Otto] Grimm, 3 pages 8vo (repairs to the folds), no date Editorially dated December 1890. In a letter of great charm, Brahms regrets that he cannot oblige with the score or parts, and describes how D'Albert had recently told of an idyllic visit to Grimm, which had reminded Brahms how pleasant his hospitality was.
He regrets that he cannot be with him the following day to hear the Rhapsodie, to present his compliments to the singer and then to spend a quiet and agreeable evening with him. He sends fond good wishes to the family, starting with Philippine, Grimm's wife and a favourite of Brahms's.
 There is no immediate context for this letter in surviving correspondence, but Grimm had asked for permission (probably to perform a protected work) and for score and parts (probably manuscript), which Brahms regrets have ceased to exist, as, unlike Grimm, he has no Palace in which to keep useless things.
 See Johannes Brahms Briefwechsel IV: Johannes Brahms in Briefwechsel mit J.O. Grimm, ed. Richard Barth (Berline 1912), page 152, letter CXVIII.
 With a full translation.
[No: 1147]