German composer (1895-1982) best known for his cantata 'Carmina Burana.' World War II-dated TLS in Italian, one page both sides, 7.75 x 11, personal letterhead, June 30, 1942. Letter to an unidentified "Maestro," in full (translated): "I thank you sincerely for your kind letter of the 3rd of this month, which followed our conversation in Zurich. I would like, above all, to express my satisfaction at seeing 'Carmina Burana' performed at La Scala: this greatly honors me.
Having received no further news so far, I would be grateful if you could inform me of your decisions regarding the performance as soon as possible, since time is short. You kindly asked my opinion regarding the staging. As I told you in Zurich, I would be happy if the opera were entrusted to Mr. Caspar Neher of Berlin and Mr. Oscar Fritz Schuh of Vienna, whom I consider the most suitable. To be able to perform the opera at the time you have set, however, a quick decision would be necessary, since both Schuh and Neher must now make time available for the fall season.
Furthermore, the work requires extensive preparation, which must have begun by the end of August or, at the latest, by early September. During this time, Schuh has staged the opera at the Vienna State Opera, which is truly remarkable. Neher is preparing the production for the Hamburg Opera. Both have long been part of the avant-garde of contemporary German theater, and I have maintained close artistic ties with them for years. I therefore fully authorize both of them, with equal pleasure, to undertake the production.
As for the musical direction, I would once again like to recommend Dr. Böhm from Dresden or Karajan from Berlin. Both have already interpreted the opera admirably, and I hope that, despite the limited time available, one of them can still be entrusted with the task. I would recommend this, assuming you are of the same opinion as I have already expressed to me—namely, that you desire a German conductor. Otherwise, I am of course entirely open to any other Italian conductor you desire. Mr. Caspar Neher is leaving for Italy. I don't know his address, but I have asked him to contact you before his return. He can, however, keep you informed of the productions performed so far (as well as the premiere date) and any other material.
I would be very grateful if you would meet with him, as I see this meeting as the best and quickest solution to any pending issues. Please accept, dear Maestro, my warmest regards." In fine condition, with edge toning, and a small edge chip. Carl Orff’s magnum opus, the cantata Carmina Burana, made its world premiere in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 8, 1937. More than five years later, it made its first performance outside of Germany when it opened at the famed Teatro alla Scala in Milan on October 10, 1942. The Italian debut was, as Orff plainly expresses in this letter, a major moment for the German composer, and he makes clear his preferences for both staging (Caspar Neher and Oscar Fritz Schuh) and direction (Karl Böhm or Herbert von Karajan). An important letter from Orff on the Italian premiere of his most well-known and celebrated piece.
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