The Composer Adamantly Denies Free Tickets for His Steinway Concert: “I do not wish a single ticket given to pianists, teachers, etc. etc.”

$720 net

Item: 22753

Add to Wishlist

MACDOWELL, EDWARD. (1860-1908). American composer, pianist and teacher. ALS. (“Edward MacDowell”). 1½pp. 8vo. New York, March 10, 1899. On two (repaired) sheets of illustrated Hotel Majestic letterhead. To a gentleman (Perhaps John G. W. Kuehl, a Steinway employee).

“In response to our conversation of yesterday I would like again to emphasize my wish expressed to you, that absolutely no complimentary tickets to my recital be issued – of course excepting to the personnel of the Steinway House [?] – by this I mean that I do not wish a single ticket given to pianists, teachers, etc. etc. What complimentary tickets of this kind are to be given out I will attend to myself. Will you kindly drop me a line giving the seating capacity of the hall – the number of press tickets and the number of those (if any are desired) by the Steinway personnel. In passing Schuberth’s yesterday I saw there was no announcement in their window although I noticed them elsewhere. I regret having failed to suggest having tickets on sale at my publisher’s P.L. Jung No. 4 E. 17^th Str. And if it is not too late would suggest doing so now. Any extra printed material desired will be furnished by P.L. Jung who has orders from me to fill any orders of that kind received from Steinways. Yours truly…”

Hover over image to magnify. Click to zoom.

Click image to magnify

Edward MacDowell

In May 1896, MacDowell was appointed Columbia University’s first professor of music. In addition to teaching, he continued to conduct, perform and compose, producing some of his finest piano works, including Sea Pieces, Woodland Sketches, the Third (“Norse”) Sonata, Idylls, and Fireside Tales. Our letter concerns MacDowell’s stipulations for complimentary tickets to a concert at Steinway Hall in Manhattan. MacDowell’s relationship with Steinway & Sons began in December 1891, when he terminated his association with Boston’s piano firm Chickering & Sons. “As MacDowell’s popularity grew during the 1890s, the piano recitals and concerto appearances enhanced the sale of his publications. This sort of strategic cross-platform promotion was beneficial for his reputation,” (MacDowell, Bomberger).

MacDowell mentions his publisher, P.L. Jung, the New York agent of music publisher Breitkopf & Härtel, and Edward Schuberth & Co., the New York branch of the German music publisher Schuberth & Co.

Written on two separate stationery sheets. Folded and mounted at the top of each page with some light staining. Fold weaknesses and tears have been carefully repaired with archival tape; blank bottom of second sheet missing. Uncommon and fine.

The Composer Adamantly Denies Free Tickets for His Steinway Concert: “I do not wish a single ticket given to pianists, teachers, etc. etc.”