Letters

Klagenfurt, June 22, 1904

Just arrived, Elise packed off to Maiernigg, breakfasted at Cafe Schieder (which seems less smart, however), had my hair cut and am now setting out for home by shanks´ mare via Loretto, where Anton will be expecting me; the weather is fine again. Yesterday it was raining, they say, …

Maiernigg, June 23

So the first (the first real) day is over. Simply dreadful! The fusty smell of paint in the bedroom, followed by distracted attempts to collect the scattered bits and pieces of my inner ego (how many days will it take me to gather myself together?), then a talk with Theuer …, then a swim and lunch; was reading the Wagner-Wesendonck correspondence throughout the day, and was truly edified by this insight into an important part of the life of that unique and precious, great man …

Maiernigg, June 24

… I have given a great deal of thought to the lattice fence! The spot which we chose from memory is far too small; Putzi would hardly have room to move there. Lower down, on the other hand, there´s a spot that seems made for it. I had a close look at everything and talked it over with Theuer. I will have it surrounded with a lattice fence and covered with 10 fl-worth of fine sand. This will give the children a spot where they can safely romp around for years to come…

Maiernigg, June 28

… Then I went to Riedel's for a cot. I have selected what appeared most suitable and send you the enclosed pictures to choose from. I think your best choice would be Nos. 61 or 62. Here, it rains on and on. So I have to read incessantly, which is not really good for my eyes. I have finally found a piano quartet in G minor by Brahms which I am quite happy with. Being a conscientious chronicler, I hereby put this formally on record …

Maiernigg, July 6

… Today, I have taken up my own special sport to make up for the lack of exercise, as this tiresome weather will not permit me to make any trips. (In such conditions, even Toblach would not be any fun either…) I am carting sand for Putzi in a wheelbarrow - from the road to the spot on the lake, where I spread and smooth it …

Schluderbach, July 11

Yesterday's journey proceeded as if according to plan - from an oppressively hot train ride and cab ride to Schluderbach, to a thunderstorm and cold downpour. The heat and hardship had caused a slight migraine, so I stayed here. Today, I feel fine and will set out refreshed for home. One thing I beg you, above all: bring me the manuscripts from my desk, middle drawer (you do have the key); in particular, I need the second and third movements of the Sixth (Symphony), which I forgot to bring along. I am sure to find a letter from you in Maiernigg. I am quite dizzy with anticipation…
(From: Alma Mahler, "Gustav Mahler, Erinnerungen und Briefe", Amsterdam 1940, p. 298, 300, and from Alma Mahler's typescript, "A Life with Gustav Mahler", University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia)

Letter to Bruno Walter, March 1910

Dearest friend,
Until today I have been fighting inwardly and outwardly against this catastrophic Barnum-and-Bailey performance of my Eighth in Munich. When Gutmann took me unawares in Vienna at that time, I didn't stop to think of all the fuss that goes with such "festivals". - Now, from all I hear, it seems the utterly inadequate is about to materialize. At any rate, I fail to see how I can escape my obligations. Of course I am insisting, as always, that the choirs meet my requirements…

Letter to Siegfried Lipiner, July 7 1910

My rehearsals in Munich and Leipzig were pretty satisfactory. I am only now beginning to believe that the performance on 12 September will actually come off. It would be marvellous if you could come. I'm sure you´d enjoy it. I think you would recognize part of your own spirit. The hymn, especially, might have come out of your own soul.