Composer. He was largely self-taught, and in his 20s lived by orchestrating operettas while composing such early works as the string sextet Verklärte Nacht (1899, Transfigured Night). His search for a personal musical style emerged in these works, which were not well received: his Chamber Symphony caused a riot at its first performance in 1907 through its abandonment of the traditional concept of tonality. TLS, one page, 8 x 9.5, personal letterhead, June 8, 1949. Letter to fellow composer Bernard Hermann responding to a recording of his music sent to him. In part: “To tell you the truth, I had a very bad reception with many disturbances: electrical, and I think also acoustical. It seems to me that the engineers in the broadcasting station do not like my music and always distort by their mixtures the sound…You will understand that such an annoyance is really severe and can deprive a composer entirely of the pleasure of hearing his work. But let me thank you for all the good you did to this music…I found especially the second movement very good as regards technique and clarity.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and mild toning. RRAuction COA.
