Autograph letter from Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky to Lev Abramovich Kupernik, with transcript

Scope and Content

Tchaikovsky has just discovered in a letter from his publisher Jurgenson that Brodsky has played his concerto in Vienna. The concerto has been written for 4 years and considered by various expert Russian violinists to be unplayable. Tchaikovsky is very touched and deeply indebted to Brodsky for whom he has always had a sincere sympathy. He realises how difficult it must have been for Brodsky, not yet established in Vienna, to appear in public with a concerto by an unknown Russian composer. As Tchaikovsky does not know of Brodsky's whereabouts, he is writing to Kupernik to convey his gratitude to Brodsky. Dated 1/13 Dec [1881]. Both the original letter [in a poor condition] and an English transcript are included here.