Schenker Correspondence Project

Handwritten postcard from Schenker to Hertzka (UE), dated September 20, 1909

{recto}
[Absender:]
H Schenker
III., Reisnerstr. 38

[ two UE receipt stamps:]
Eingegangen ............
Antwortet 25. IX. 09¹
Eingegangen ............
Antwortet 20. IX. 09²

[An:]
H. [/] Direktor Em. Hertzka
I., Wipplingerstr.
32, Universal-Edition

[ two postmarks:] [..]WIEN D..[?] | [...] 009020V | [illeg] || 3/2 WIEN 49 | [illeg] | [illeg] ||

{verso}

Sehr geehrter Herr Direktor!

Ich bin bereit, Ihnen das Manuscript zur “Chromatischen Fantasie” [z]u überreichen.³ Mit Freude u. schönstem Selbstbewußtsein sage ich es offen: es ist das, weit über Spitta|⁴ u. dgl. hinaus, das erste, wirkliche Denkmal an Bach; Lehrer, Spieler, Komponisten, u.s.w. werden endlich Einblick in dieses Genie gewinnen. Meiner Ansicht nach, von Ihnen in Ihrer gewohnten energischen Weise poussiert, dürften die “Erläuterungen” überall verbreitet sein! Und das wäre im Interesse der Kunst vor Allem sehr, sehr zu wünschen!

Die Drucklegung, d.i. die Art, das Werk zu setzen muß aber genau u. umständlich besprochen werden. Ich bin bis 1. Okt. noch Herr der Zeit; wählen Sie eine Stunde, die auch Ihnen bequem liegt, damit Alles aufs beste besprochen u. festgesetzt werden könne.

Mit besten Grüßen
Ihr ergeb.
[ sign’d: ] H Schenker
20. 9. 09

© In the public domain.
© Transcription Ian D. Bent 2005.

Handwritten postcard from Schenker to Hertzka (UE), dated September 20, 1909

{recto}
[Sender:]
H. Schenker
[Vienna] III, Reisnerstraße 38

[ two UE receipt stamps:]
Received ............
Answered 9-25-09¹
Received ............
Answered 9-20-09²

[To:]
Director Emil Hertzka
[Vienna] I, Wipplingerstraße
32, Universal Edition

[ two postmarks:] [..]WIEN D..[?] | [...] 009020V | [illeg] || 3/2 WIEN 49 | [illeg] | [illeg] ||

{verso}

Dear Director,

I am ready to hand over my manuscript of the Chromatic Fantasy [& Fugue] to you.³ I say openly, with joy, and bursting with pride: it is, far surpassing Spitta⁴ et al, the first genuine monument to Bach: teachers, performers, composers, etc. will at last gain insight into this genius. In my opinion, promoted by you in your customary energetic fashion, the “Elucidations” should spread to the far corners of the earth! And in the interests of art that would be very, very desirable.

The printing, i.e. the way in which the work is to be set, must, however, be discussed in exact and minute detail. From now until October 1, my time is still my own, so choose a time convenient for you too, so that everything can be discussed and agreed in the best possible manner.

With cordial greetings,
Yours truly,
[ sign'd: ] H. Schenker
September 20, 1909

© Translation Ian D. Bent 2006.

COMMENTARY:
Format: postcard, holograph addresses on recto, message and signature on verso
Sender address: Vienna III, Reisnerstraße 38
Recipient address: Vienna I, Wipplingerstraße 32

FOOTNOTES:

¹ = OC 52/37.

² = OC 52/38.

³ It was presumably handed over in person during the week beginning September 27, 1909 (OC 52/38).

⁴ (Julius August) Philipp Spitta (1841-94), German music historian, author of Johann Sebastian Bach (Leipzig: 1873-80) and other writings, and editions of music by Buxtehude, Schütz, and Frederick of Prussia.

SUMMARY:
[J. S. Bach: Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue:] Is ready to hand over MS. Declares its importance; proposes a meeting to discuss printing before October 1.

© Commentary, Footnotes, Summary Ian D. Bent 2006.

Bent, Ian
Schenker, Heinrich
[J. S. Bach: Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue:] Is ready to hand over MS. Declares its importance; proposes a meeting to discuss printing before October 1.
DE
Cambridge University Faculty of Music-Ian Bent
IPR: In public domain; Transcription, Translation, Commentary, Footnotes, and Summary: Ian D. Bent 2006.
Schenker, Heinrich; Hertzka, Emil; UE; Bach, J. S.; Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue; Spitta, Philipp; distribution; Erläuterungen; Elucidations; promotion; printing; discussion; meeting
Handwritten letter from Schenker to Hertzka (UE), dated September 20, 1909
postcard
academic; musicology; music theory
WSLB 42
1909-09-20
2006-02-14
UE
Hertzka
This document is deemed to be in the public domain as of January 1, 2006. Any claim to intellectual rights should be addressed to the Schenker Correspondence Project, Faculty of Music, University of Cambridge, at schenkercorrespondence@mus.cam.ac.uk.
postcard; holograph addresses, message, and signature
Universal Edition Archive (1909-1976)—on permanent loan to the Stadt- und Landesbibliothek Wien (1976-)
IPR: Heirs of Heinrich Schenker; Image: Universal Edition, A.G.; Transcription, Translation, Commentary, Footnotes, and Summary: Ian D. Bent.
Vienna
1909