German composer (1860–1911) whose epic symphonies redefined the genre and assured him a place among the most important and influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Excellent ALS in German, signed “Mahler,” 5 x 4, no date [circa June 1906]. Mahler writes to noted Austrian critic Ludwig Karpath (1866–1936). In full (translated): “Thank you very much for your kind letter. Enclosed is a copy, inscribed for you, of the miniature score [of the Fifth Symphony]. You can easily get a copy of the piano reduction (which is excellent) from the publisher. I have none myself. I gave up reading the reviews after the first one (Leopold Schmidt). These gentry are always the same. Now all at once they like my first five symphonies. The Sixth must just wait until my Seventh appears….” The letter is published in the Selected Letters of Gustav Mahler (Berlin, 1924). In the expanded English version of the book, scholar Knud Martner dates the letter to June, 1906, revising the date originally assigned by the composer’s widow (October 1904) in light of recent scholarship. In very fine condition. Significant and superbly preserved! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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