Letter 4682

Tchaikovsky Research
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Date 5/17 May 1892
Addressed to Theodore Thomas
Where written Klin
Language German
Autograph Location Chicago (Illinois, USA): The Newberry Library
Publication Rose Fay Thomas, Memoirs of Theodore Thomas (New York, 1911), p. 418–419
П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений, том XVI-Б (1979), p. 88
Tchaikovsky in America. The composer's visit in 1891 (1986), p. 195–196 (English translation)

Text and Translation

German text
(original)
English translation
By Brett Langston
5/17 Mai 1892
Klin, bei Moskau

Hochgeehrter Herr Thomas!

Ich weiss, dass Sie mich an das Comité der Welt-Ausstellung in Chicago empfohlen haben. Danke dafür, bin sehr geschmeichelt, sehr stolz, — aber glaube kaum, dass das möglich ist. Umsonst kann ich nicht kommen, es ist zu anstrengend, und mann möchte mir nur meine Reisekosten bezahlen. Jedenfalls danke herzlich!

Ich möchte Ihnen vieles sagen, — aber deutsch zu schreiben ist mir zu schwer. Ich weiss, wie viel Sie für mich, dass heisst für meine Musik, in Amerika gemacht haben. Bitte, geehrter, lieber, theuerer Herr und Freund, zweifeln Sie nicht, dass ich wirklich dankbar bin.

Ihr ergebenster,

P. Tschaïkovsky

5/17 May 1892
Klin, near Moscow

Highly respected Herr Thomas!

I know that you have recommended me to the Committee for the World Exhibition in Chicago. Thank you for this, I am most flattered and very proud; however, I do not think it will be possible. I cannot come for nothing as it too strenuous, and I have only been offered reimbursement for my travel expenses. Nevertheless, thank you very much!

There are many things I should like to tell you, but writing in German is just too difficult for me. I know how much you have done for me, that is to say, for my music, in America. Please, respected, kind, dear Sir and friend, do not doubt that I am truly grateful.

Your most devoted,

P. Tchaikovsky