Anton Webern (1883-1945)
Autograph letter signed ('A. Webern') to [Hermann] Scherchen, Mödling, Austria, 14 June 1929
In German. Two pages, 213 x 135mm. Provenance: Sotheby's, 22 May 1987, lot 649.

On his Six Pieces for Orchestra, op.6, his Symphony, op.28, and Schoenberg's op. 31 Variations. Webern is delighted to hear that Scherchen plans to perform one of his works in Vienna in the autumn: 'I would like it best if you choose my Six Pieces for Orchestra, op.6 – I call them the "large" in contrast with the "small" op.10. As I believe I already told you, I last summer completely re-orchestrated these pieces (the "large" op.6). The orchestral make-up has now become quite simple and much smaller ... I think that this new score will greatly interest you!'. The pieces have not been performed in Vienna since the 'memorable performance under Schoenberg in the year 1913, in which you took part', and Webern has not heard them since then: 'So you would give me great pleasure if you choose this work. It would also be valuable if the Viennese heard these pieces again, before my "Symphony" is played to them!'. As regards Schoenberg, Webern strongly recommends his op. 31 Variations, although 'Schoenberg himself has something against it: he is so angry with this city'; so Scherchen should discuss it with the composer; but 'we would all be happy (Berg, Stein and I)' to hear the work performed. In a postscript, Webern asks if Scherchen has the score for the orcheestral arrangement of his op.5 String Quartet.

Webern's original orchestration of his atonal op. 6 was indeed 'large': the orchestra was comparable to that used by Mahler in his Symphony no. 6.

The conductor Hermann Scherchen (1891-1966) was a prominent proponent of the works of Webern, Schoenberg and Berg.