SCHUMANN, Robert (1810-1856)

SCHUMANN, Robert (1810-1856)

Autograph letter signed R. Schumann » to Friedrich Kistner
Düsseldorf, 20 Apr. 1853, ½ p. gd. in-4° in black ink, on blue paper
Autograph address on verso, postal cancellation marks.
Slight localized sun-fading, fold marks inherent to postal delivery of the period

Schumann is forced to postpone sending his four-hand piano reduction of Op. 52 because of the Niederrheinisches Musikfest in Düsseldorf

« Geehrter Herr,
Es freut mich, daß Sie die Sache so, wie Sie angeben, arrangiren wollen. Nur werde ich vor dem Musikfest keine Zeit finden, den Clavierauszug zu machen. Dann wollte ich fragen, ob Sie eine correcte Abschrift der Partitur haben, oder ob ich Ihnen die meinige schicken soll, die freilich durch Correcturen etwas undeutlich geworden ist.
Mit Bedauern haben wir von dem noch immer anhaltenden Unwohlsein des Herrn Julius Kistner gehört. Wollen Sie ihm unsre freundlichen Empfehlungen und Wünsche bringen
Ihr
ergebener
Robert Schumann »

Free translation:

« Dear Sir,
I am pleased that you wish to arrange the matter as you indicate. However, I shall not find the time to make the piano reduction before the Music Festival. I would also like to ask whether you have an accurate copy of the score, or whether I should send you my own, which has admittedly become somewhat unclear owing to corrections.
We have heard with regret of Mr. Julius Kistner’s continuing indisposition. Please convey to him our kind regards and good wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Robert Schumann »

The piano reduction mentioned by Schumann corresponds to the arrangement for piano two hands of Op. 52 (Overture, Scherzo and Finale in E major for orchestra). In his letter of 1 June of the following year, this time addressed personally to Julius Kistner, Schumann sends his score for piano two hands, now completed.
This letter was written in his house in Düsseldorf, the family’s last shared residence before the composer was committed to the psychiatric asylum of Endenich near Bonn in early March 1854, following his suicide attempt.