Austrian composer renowned as the Waltz King. Humorous DS, in German, signed 'Johann Baptist,' one page, 7 x 8.5, no date. a tongue-in-cheek 'pardon,' written in Strauss's hand. In full, 'We, Johann the Second, proclaim herewith, that the punishment imposed on Mr. Leopold Deutsch (as incompetent Tarokist) has, by an Act of grace, beed pardoned. He is, however, to appear before our throne, to express his most servile thanks.' In fine condition, with mostly intact wax seal, mounting remnants to each corner and splitting along a bisecting vertical fold. The whole message is whimsical and tongue-in-cheek.....the "tarokist" reference is to a game of cards, a "tarokist" would be a person who plays Tarok or Taro. Strauss apparently beat Leopold Deutsch (a relative, as his third wive's surname was Deutsch) rather badly at that card game, and is now issuing this pious, Grand Proclamation of Pardon from On High for being such a poor player. "Johann the Baptist" was the only play-on-words with his real first name, Johann, that logically elevated Strauss to this exalted, spiritual (and humorous) position, from which his magnanimous Pardon could be offered. That would also work with him referring to himself as "Johann the Second", with the "real" John the Baptist presumably being Johann number 1. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
