Lot 142: SCHOENBERG, ARNOLD.

Early autograph letter signed ("Arnold Schönberg"), in German, to an unnamed recipient ("Liebe gnädige Frau")

Condition Note:

about the difficulties of his present financial situation in Berlin, discussing his contract with Wolzogen, which expired on 31 July and was not renewed by the new management, stating that he is currently unemployed, explaining that, although he will again be receiving an income in two weeks at the latest, his present situation is very awkward, and emphasising that until he his paid for his operetta work on the 20th he does not know what he shall do unless she can help him

...Ich stehe also augenblicklich ohne Stellung da. Wenn ich nun auch die Sicherheit habe in längstens 2 Wochen wieder ein...Einkommen zu haben, so ist doch momentan meine Lage sehr ungünstig...

2 pages, 8vo (c.22.2 x 14.3cm), Berlin 7 October 1902, light foxing, repair to tiny tear at upper margin

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

CATALOGUE NOTE

From December 1901 to the summer of the following year, Schoenberg worked at Ernst von Wolzogen's Buntes Theater in Berlin. Thereafter he was reduced to the drudgery of scoring operettas, until Richard Strauss, impressed with what he had been shown of the Gurre-Lieder and the symphonic poem Pelleas und Melisande, used his prestige to obtain for Schoenberg a post at the Berlin Stern Conservatory.