Sale 2461 - Autographs, November 7, 2017

161 c   DVORÁK,ANTONÍN.Autograph Letter Signed, to music publisher Alfred Little- ton (“My dear friend Littleton”), in English, explaining that refusal to publish his American Flag (Op. 102) and Te Deum (Op. 103) discourages him from beginning a major work for the Cardiff Music Festival, and adding that he has a promising idea for a work that would require a year to complete. 2 pages, 8vo, written on separate sheets, ruled paper; moderate marginal discoloration from prior matting, remnants of prior mounting at upper edges verso, horizontal fold. NewYork, 17 November 1893 [2,000/3,000] “. . . I should like to meet the wishes of the Cardiff Festival Committee, but I am a little dischouraged [sic] to start such a big work without having assurance to get it published and payd [sic] for it.As you know, I sent you on your own request the ‘American Flag’ and you refused and also the ‘Te Deum’ you did not take it. “Of course it is my intention to write a great work. I have a very good subject from the author of the Spirits Bride ‘Erben’ but it will take about a year to get it finished. Some time I will write you about it.” Dvorák’s New World Symphony (Op. 95), premiered at Carnegie Hall on December 16, 1893. Three years later, the work was conducted by August Manns at the Cardiff Music Festival.