Henry Wylde an Louis Spohr in Kassel

June 9^th 53

Dear Doctor Spohr.

The two overtures you mention shall be immediately advertised in the Programmes of the Society in addition of the Doppel-Symphonie¹ already announced. But before advertise ”Vater unser“ I am requested by the Directors to write & ask you if you will oblige them by selecting an instrumental work for performance instead of a choral work.
Our Orchestra is considered the fines ever heard but I am sorry to say our ”choral forces“ are not equal to our instrumental; moreover we find we are intending upon the ”Sacred Harmonic Society“ by giving Sacred Works, and as the Society has rendered us on several occasions assistance we donot wish to injure them by giving works which lesser the attraction to this Society‘s performances.²
In this reason I fear we must give up performing Beethoven‘s Mass in D. & with regard to ”Unser Vater“ will you kindly taking into consideration the reasons I have given select and the instrumental work for performance at the 5^th concert instead of it.
Your ouvertures performed by our Band will produce an immense effect & next to Symphonies, ouverture are the works most cared for by the New Philharmonic audience.
I will immediately make enquiries about the ”Stimmen“ of the ”Doppel Symphonie“ & the two overture & will write to you again either tomorrow or the day after.
The ”quartett“³ would be a great feature in our Programmes if we can do it. Is it published? & will it require much study? I will find out if we can enjoy 4 good players for its performance.
In my next letter I will give you the names of a few other works which are promised for the 5^th Concert & then you will be able to form an opinion, whether the ”Quartett“ should be introduced at the 5^th or 6^th concert. With the greatest respect
I am dear D^r Spohr
your very faithfull
H Wylde