81 - KARAJAN, Herbert von (1908–1989).

KARAJAN, Herbert von (1908–1989). 13 letters, signed “Herbert” or “Heribert,” 1921–1927 and undated, to his parents; 31 pages, in-8 or small in-4 format; in German. Beautiful family correspondence from his youth. Description: The tender and affectionate letters are addressed to his parents, Ernst von Karajan (1868–1951) and Martha von Karajan, née Kosmac. Letters from his youth; three were co-written with his brother Wolfgang. He expresses his affection for his parents. He mentions a sailing regatta; upon returning from Spalato (Split), he leaves for Graz. He attends a fabulous (fabelsche) performance of *Götterdämmerung*. A long letter from Vienna, dated October 8, 1926 (after graduating from high school, Karajan enrolled at the Vienna University of Technology), describes his life as a student: he found an apartment with Dr. Karl Samuely at Wiedner Hauptstrasse 50—a very quiet first-floor apartment overlooking the garden, with utilities, lighting, heating, and a telephone for 100 schillings; he would like to have a safe to keep his money in; even though the family is absolutely respectable—he is a Jewish lawyer (“ein Jude Rechtsanwalt”)—they also provided him with living quarters that included a Blüthner piano… In 1927, he attended performances of *Der Ring des Nibelungen* and went to a concert by Frederic Lamond…. He tallies his expenses; he is planning a trip to the Alps… Family news… The latest letter mentions singing auditions (“Probesingen”); he goes to the opera or a concert every day… Etc. Attached is a telegram sent from Bayreuth.