Photocopy of an autograph letter signed from Anna Brodsky to Edvard Grieg

Scope and Content

Although no year is given in the date, this letter was probably written in 1893, the year of Tchaikovsky's death. Anna Brodsky writes very movingly to Edvard Grieg of Tchaikovsky's death: the Brodskys have recently received letters and newspapers from Russia and these have brought the loss of their dear Tchaikovsky closer. His mother also died of cholera when placed in a warm bath and Tchaikovsky begged his doctors not to allow him to take a warm bath. He could resist no longer on the day before his death. Olga cannot travel to Russia as she would be under police observation. The Brodskys are very upset to hear that Frau Grieg is ill. Adolph played Edvard's two sonatas with Mason who has written an article on Grieg and his works which will appear in Century Magazine in February. The Brodsky Quartet's outstanding 'cellist, Artur Hekking, has gone back to Europe and the new 'cellist, Anton Hegner, from Kopenhagen seems to be not so outstanding. The original is dated 27 Nov, and it is unclear when this photocopy was made.