An interesting letter from the German contralto, the wife of Joseph Joachim and an important interpreter of Brahms, Schubert and Schumann in particular. January 5, 1871. Writing to a "Herr Musikdirector," Joachim mentions that she is looking forward to attending a concert of Peri, sends her husband's best wishes, and then goes on to discuss an upcoming performance, at which she will sing a scene from Gluck's Alceste and a song by Bernhard Scholz. Finally, she sends her condolences for her correspondent's recent loss and hopes that 1871 will be a better year. (Full translation below.) 2 pp. of a bifolium. Light overall toning, two very slight splits at the folds, but overall in fine condition. 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14.2 x 22 cm).

Translated from the German, in full:

"Dear Herr Musikdirektor,

I am very glad that it was possible to arrange it, and that I can now come to your Peri concert. My husband sends his best; unfortunately he cannot come on the 10th. He is playing in London on the 13th—so he has to go there on the 11th to rehearse, and also to rest a little after the journey. He is very sorry.

On the 10th I wanted to sing the scene from Alceste, and a hymn by Scholz, if that's all right with you. Since I failed last year with the Bruch scene, I can try again this time with the Scholz! Or are you against [...]? Since the Alceste is quite long, we could leave out the songs this time.

We heard of your loss with great sadness! May 1871 bring us some recompense for these many losses—and comfort for those left behind!

Warmly, yours, Amalie Joachim."

Amalie Joachim made her opera debut at the age of only 14, and led a stage career until she married Joseph Joachim in 1863. She continued to appear in concert performances of oratorio and lied, with Max Bruch writing the alto parts in his oratorios Odysseus and Achilles for her. The aria "Divinités du Styx," from Gluck's Alceste, was also one of her concert pieces: she performed it at the first of Brahms' Vienna Singakademie concerts in 1872.