American Austrian conductor (1912–1993). TLS, one page, 8.25 x 11, personal letterhead, September 30, 1989. “It would be discourteous not to respond to your letter of September 8. Your earlier letter (to which you refer) arrived at a time when I had a secretary whose work load I would not have wished to increase by this type of mail. Being able to waste as much time as I wish and, not wanting to be rude and considering that you sent me a stamped envelope (which of course must be replaced by a swiss [sic] postage stamp) I feel cheerful enough to consider a man who collects homilies by people who are successful—by whose standards? I hope you will appreciate the veiled seriousness of my reply when I flatly refuse your request for such a homily. The fact that you have 500 statements speaks very well for a) your industry pursuing hobby and b) the vanity of people to believe that they can contribute more than trivial cliche. As you seem to enjoy this harmless pastime I wish you more pleasure from it and hope that others will feel positive about your request.” In fine condition, with two horizontal mailing folds, affecting the tops of a few letters of the signature, and some trivial surface wrinkling. RRAuction COA.
