BRAHMS, Johannes (1833-1897). German composer and pianist.
Autograph Letter Signed to a lady ('Geehrteste Frau Dr.'), 2 pages 8vo with integral blank leaf (one small stain), no place, no date [1888 or later].

Thanking her for sending the programme, which flatters him far too much and has given him much pleasure, hoping that an opportunity will soon present itself to sing the Zigeunerlieder in costume ('hoffentlich lassen Sie sich aber den schönen Effekt nicht entegehen und singen die Z. L. wirklich nächstens in Kostüm!'); he adds that he cherishes a secret hope that a photograph might be taken, so that he may receive an 'illustrated greeting' ('ich habe dabei den heimlichen Gedanken dass ein Photograph Sie sich wieder nicht entgehen lassen wird und dann gar einen illustrierten Gruss bekommt ihr sehr ergebener J Brahms')

The song cycle Zigeunerlieder (Gypsy Songs) Op 103 was first performed in Berlin in 1888.

The correspondent is the wife of a doctor, not necessarily medical. She could perhaps be the wife of Brahms's friend, the surgeon, Theodor Billroth (1829-1894).
[No: 25848]