Johannes Brahms (1833–1897).

[The composer and conductor Julius Otto GRIMM (1827–1903) was one of Brahms’s closest friends. As conductor of the Musikverein in Münster, he was to conduct Brahms’s Rhapsody for Viola, which recalls his meeting with Eugen d’ALBERT in Budapest.] ‘I’m afraid I can’t help you there! Not with permission, because I have no idea which section of the law applies here, and not with the score and parts, because they’ve long since ceased to exist. Unlike you, I do not have my own palace in which to store such useless things. But I would love to be there, and the following day at the Rhapsody—please give my warmest regards to the singer—and the following evening at your cosy little corner. D’Albert came directly from your place to Pesth the other day, and I listened with longing delight as he told me that things are still as lovely and friendly as ever at your place and that just as much Marsala is still being drunk – how much more gratefully I would join in the drinking than he! Now I wish you the most joyful festive season and hope it may last until next 24 December (for the time being). Warmest 

greetings to all, from Philippine to the Philippines, from your Free translation: ‘I fear I cannot help you! Neither with a licence, for I do not know which section of the law would apply, nor with the score and instrumental parts, since they no longer exist. I have no palace like yours to store such useless things. But I would so love to be there, and the next day for the Rhapsody – do pass on my warmest regards to the singer – and the following evening with you in your cosy corner. D’Albert came straight from your place to Pest recently, and told me with nostalgic joy that the place is as charming and welcoming as ever, and that they still drink plenty of Marsala there – I would gladly join you with pleasure! I wish you a very merry Christmas and hope it lasts until next 24 December’… Brahms, Briefwechsel mit J. O. Grimm (Berlin, 1908), no. 118 (p. 152).