Selma Rahter

Tchaikovsky Research
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Wife of the German music publisher Daniel Rahter (1828–1891), born Selma Winter.

Tchaikovsky became acquainted with Selma Rahter while on a conducting tour in Hamburg in January 1888. Here he dined with the Rahters on three occasions, and returned again on 1/13 March where he was entertained by Selma and her four children (her husband being away on business). Following Daniel Rahter's death in 1890, the composer wrote to Selma extending his condolences at the loss of her husband, noting with pleasure that their business relationship will continue, and saying that he will see the family again, as he is performing his opera Yevgeny Onegin in Hamburg in the winter.

Ownership of her husband's music publishing business passed to Selma, who sold the firm (now relocated to Leipzig) to Anton J. Benjamin in 1917.

Correspondence with Tchaikovsky

One letter from Tchaikovsky to Selma Rahter has survived, dating from 1891, and has been translated into English on this website:

Bibliography