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Documents comprising this correspondence:

• OJ 10/1, [1] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 9, 1913

  Dahms acknowledges receipt of Schenker's letter of September 27 and the Erläuterungsausgabe of Op. 109, is reading other work of Schenker's, and is glad to be disseminating his work.

• OJ 10/1, [2] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 27, 1914

  Dahms wishes to start his musical studies afresh in Schenker's "shool," asks whether there is anyone in Berlin who can teach him, also explores the possibility of coming to Vienna.

• OJ 10/1, [3] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 13, 1914

  Schenker outlines his financial situation and rehearses alternative plans for study with Schenker.

• OJ 10/1, [4] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 2, 1914

  Dahms says he is not well liked in some Berlin quarters for opposing "fashionable music." — He plans to study Schenker's theory autodidactically in Berlin, then come to Vienna in the winter.

• OJ 10/1, [5] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 26, 1914

  Dahms inquires after Schenker's study of Op. 110, and hopes to review it. He is sure there will come a day when Schenker's work is fully appreciated.

• OJ 10/1, [6] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 15, 1914

  Dahms communicates from the Black Forest, commiserating over Schenker's experiences with the Vienna Konzerthausgesellschaft.

• OJ 10/1, [7] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 5, 1915

  Dahms has been conscripted and writes from the battle front. He has submitted an article on Schenker's edition of Op. 110.

• OJ 10/1, [8] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 25, 1915

  Dahms writes of the "fatherland" and of Hindenburg's "voice-leading."

• OJ 10/1, [9] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 4, 1915

  Dahms echoes Schenker: The German character must prevail over others.

• OJ 10/1, [10] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 2, 1915

  Dahms is unable to describe his [wartime] experiences. He has had to revise his opinions.

• OJ 10/1, [11] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 13, 1915

  Dahms is sick.

• OJ 10/1, [12] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 29, 1915

  Dahms inquires why Schenker singled out Strauss's Alpine Symphony.

• OJ 10/1, [13] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, undated but presumably November 1, 1915

  Dahms acknowledges Schenker's letter with joy; he is committed to the struggle against the "other side."

• OJ 10/1, [14] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated January 8, 1916

  Dahms is able to do some work, longs for peace, looks forward to Op. 111.

• OJ 10/1, [15] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated January 15, 1916

  Dahms cannot write openly because of censorship.

• OJ 10/1, [16] Handwritten field postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated February 21, 1916

  Visit to Vienna has to be deferred.

• OJ 10/1, [17] Handwritten envelope from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 1, 1916

  Dahms laments lack of idealism and underappreciation of mastery.

• OJ 10/1, [18] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 31, 1916

  Dahms acknowledges Op. 111; Schenker's achievement will outlive the "moderns". — Reports on a Brahms concert attended. — He is in a rest home and working.

• OJ 10/1, [19] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, undated but presumably May 1, 1916

  Dahms laments the state of music and criticism in Berlin. — When the war is over he plans to draw a line under his life so far and start again.

• OJ 10/1, [20] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 15, 1916

  Dahms may be transferred to Wilna. — Has reviewed Op. 111 for the Kreuz-Zeitung.

• OJ 10/1, [21] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 30, 1916

  Dahms holds out hope for the position of music critic at Der Abend of Vienna, about which Schenker has inquired.— He reviews his past work; coming to Vienna is imperative.

• OJ 10/1, [22] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated November [recte August] 9, 1916

  Dahms hopes to be going to Wilna.

• OJ 10/1, [23] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 27, 1916

  Dahms may be posted to Wilna, or may be discharged. He asks about the position of music critic at the Vienna Der Abend.

• OJ 10/1, [24] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 13, 1916

  Dahms reacts to the news that the music-critic position at Der Abend is taken; laments continued lack of opportunity to work.

• OJ 10/1, [25] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 26, 1916

  Dahms reports on his situation, and seeks Schenker's interest in a forthcoming lecture in Vienna by Willi von Möllendorf.

• OJ 10/1, [26] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 2, 1917

  Dahms's nerves are bad and he has difficulty doing any serious reading. — Moellendorf has sent a review of the quarter-tone harmonium, and Dahms comments.

• OJ 10/1, [27] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 18, 1917

  Dahms reacts to Schenker's suggestion of a stipendium for study in Vienna.

• OJ 10/1, [28] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 20, 1917

  Dahms comments on the political situation and decries widespread corruption.

• OJ 10/1, [29] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 8, 1917

  Dahms hopes for a posting to Berlin; he is gaining strength from reading Kierkegaard.

• OJ 10/1, [30] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 10, 1917

  Dahms decries democracy's reliance on the "common man" and deplores its disregard of intellectuals and artists.

• OJ 10/1, [31] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 9, 1917

  Dahms is now with the War Ministry in Berlin. He comments on Korngold and Bruckner.

• OJ 10/1, [32] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 27, 1917

  Dahms is expecting peace soon. Refers to Schenker's remarks on Bruckner.

• OJ 10/1, [33] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 15, 1918

  Dahms sends 50th birthday wishes [and encloses a published article].

• OJ 10/1, [34] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 29, 1918

  Dahms thanks Schenker for his long letter; reports on his vacation in Munich and visit with Vrieslander; he is looking forward to studying with Schenker in Vienna.

• OJ 10/1, [35] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 13, 1918

  Dahms and his wife have moved to Wasserburg, and he is beginning work again.

• OJ 10/1, [36] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 15, 1919

  Dahms is spending time with Otto Vrieslander, working through Schenker's Harmonielehre with him and preparing himself for study with Schenker. He rejoices at the crushing of German militarism.

• OJ 10/1, [37] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 11, 1919

  Dahms sends greetings on Schenker's birthday, finds solace in Nietzsche and Kierkegaard, and is studying counterpoint with Vrieslander.

• OJ 10/1, [38] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 22, 1919

  Dahms thanks Schenker for his postcard and letter, hopes to visit Schenker, and asks how long he will be staying at Schloss Tantalier.

• OJ 10/1, [39] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 9, 1919

  Dahms is busy writing; hopes to visit Schenker around August 25.

• OJ 10/1, [40] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 23, 1919

  Dahms gives his travel plans.

• OJ 10/1, [41] Newspaper clipping from the Berliner Illustrite Zeitung, dated August 24, 1919

  Illustrated article in the Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung with satirical comments and underlinings by Dahms

• OJ 10/1, [42] Telegram from Mrs. Dahms to Schenker, dated August 31, 1919

  Mrs. Dahms inquires whether her husband has yet left.

• OJ 10/1, [43] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 31, 1919

  Dahms reports on his journey home and sends thanks for an unforgettable experience.

• OJ 10/1, [44] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated September 10, 1919

  Dahms thanks the Schenker's for his time with them, and reports what he is doing currently; he endorses Nietzsche's view of Germany and the Germans, and speaks of the unprincipledness that its legal system and officialdom fosters.

• OJ 10/1, [45] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated September 26, 1919

  Dahms responds to Schenker's letter (non-extant). He reflects on Prussian militarism. He declares that there is no such things as "military genius"; Germany was as guilty as the Entente Powers for the war; soldiers were treated as slaves by their officers, with Wilhelm II bearing the ultimate guilt. He rejects all political parties. England does not treat its people as Germany does. He believes only in the German spirit, which he regards as the spirit of the world. He cannot wait to leave Germany, and wants only to immerse himself in Schenker's work.

• OJ 10/1, [46] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 17, 1919

  Dahms reports on the present whereabouts of the autograph manuscript of Beethoven Op. 101.

• OJ 10/1, [47] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 28, 1919

  Dahms discusses his future prospects for study, particular where to study (he discusses conditions in several cities), and with whom. He asks Schenker's advice. He is resolved to leave Vrieslander because of the latter's pessimism.

• OJ 10/1, [48] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 21, 1919

  Dahms thanks Schenker for his advice on the next stage of instruction. He wrote to Halm, who confirmed what Schenker had said. He congratulates Schenker on the superhuman work that he is doing under current adverse circumstances.

• OJ 10/1, [49] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 27, 1919

  Thanking Schenker for his kindness, he agrees that Schenker should delay the payment of a sum of money to him, and asks if he might stay near Schenker for a few weeks during the summer of 1920.

• OJ 10/1, [50] Handwritten picture postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 6, 1920

  Dahms sends greetings from Berlin.

• OJ 10/1, [51] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated May 7, 1920

• OJ 10/1, [52] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 9, 1920

  Reflecting on the difficulty of finding housing and provisions, and on the recent German federal elections, Dahms asks whether mastery of chorale and fugue is to be obtained solely by exercises in the manner of [E. F.] Richter and others. — He inquires whether Schenker knows Kurth's Grundlagen des linearen Kontrapunkts, and whether there are any worthwhile [musical] people in Salzburg.

• OJ 10/1, [53] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 15, 1920

  Dahms sends birthday greetings and reflects on the sorry conditions for the arts prevailing in the current political climate.

• OJ 10/1, [54] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 12, 1920

  Dahms is pleased that Schenker is in the mountains, and hopes for a meeting with him in Munich on Schenker's way to Stuttgart.

• OJ 10/1, [55] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 30, 1920

  Dahms finds the Berlin musicians on vacation to be ignorant – "artistic bolshevism." — He now understands Kurth's work better for Schenker's comments.

• OJ 10/1, [56] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 19, 1920

  Dahms is having difficulty obtaining a passport, but still hopes to see Schenker this summer, perhaps in Munich. — He sends his three biographical books to Schenker, but is apprehensive of the latter's reaction to their hemeneutic elements; he hopes to writes something more fitting.

• OJ 10/1, [57] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 25, 1920

  Dahms understands that he cannot meet with Schenker; the three books are about to be dispatched.

• OJ 10/1, [58] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated September 2, 1920

  Dahms explains the sources of the three books. — Vrieslander gave him an enthusiastic account of his time in Seefeld.

• OJ 10/1, [59] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 22, 1920

  Dahms sends the Schenkers best wishes for Christmas and the New Year; speaks of Schenker as "our great leader"; inquires about progress on publication of three Schenker works and whether Schenker has sufficient fuel and other necessities.

• OJ 10/1, [60] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 29, 1920

  Dahms thanks Schenker for his assessment of the three of his books that he has sent him; gives a chapter synopsis of his next book, concerning Nietzsche and music; reports on his movement in the coming months.

• OJ 10/1, [61] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated January 5, 1921

  Dahms thanks Schenker for a photograph.

• OJ 10/1, [62] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 4, 1921

  Dahms asks Schenker to recommend him to Cotta re: the book he is writing on Italian opera.

• OJ 10/1, [63] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 17, 1921

  Dahms sends birthday greetings. — Cotta has turned down his book proposal. — He will soon obtain a passport and hopes to visit the Schenkers during the summer.

• OJ 10/1, [64] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 14, 1921

  Dahms has to go to Berlin, after which he will explore visiting the Schenkers in Galtür.

• OJ 10/1, [65] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 21, 1921

  Dahms is unable to visit the Schenkers in Galtür. — He criticizes Berlin and its artists and critics.

• OJ 10/1, [66] Handwritten picture postcard from Margarete and Walter Dahms to Schenker, dated September 22, 1921

  Dahms and his wife send greetings from Munich.

• OJ 10/1, [67] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 12, 1921

  Dahms reports on his Italian sojourn and work.

• OJ 10/1, [68] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 22, 1921

  Rome has been overtaken by commerce. — [material missing] — Berlin regards Dahms as stuck in the past.

• OJ 10/1, [69] Typed letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 11, 1922

  Dahms's book, which has earned an award, is delayed at the bindery. He blames this on the prevailing undisciplined conditions in Germany, criticizes the current government, and predicts war.

• OJ 10/1, [70] Handwritten postcard from Margarete and Walter Dahms to Schenker, dated June 19, 1922

  The Dahmses sent birthday greetings and report on their life in Italy.

• OJ 10/1, [71] Handwritten picture postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 12, 1922

  Acknowledges and praises Tonwille 2; inquires about Thal Verlag.

• OJ 10/1, [72] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated October 28, 1922

  Dahms chooses to remain in Italy in view of the "moral and physical devastation" that he hears reported from Germany. — He is committed to Schust & Loeffler for a Haydn biography. He reports on a review of his book "Offenbarung."

• OJ 10/1, [73] Typewritten letter from Walter and Margarete Dahms to Schenker, dated December 27, 1922

  Dahms has been trying to improve his publishers' financial terms. — He is in low-grade accommodation; housing in the "German colonies" is available only to officials. — Reports on the concert season in Rome. — Die Musik would not accept an article from him on Schenker's teachings. — Comments on a recent article by Paul Bekker, on Emil Hertzka's "sabotaging" of Schenker, and Furtwängler's lack of whole-hearted support. — Is still working on his latest book, for which he is arranging a de luxe edition by subscription. — Reports unfavorably on an incident in which Otto Klemperer played the Italian fascist hymn.

• OJ 10/1, [74] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated February 9, 1923

  Dahms reports change of address and explains circumstances; has sent a prospectus to UE; progress on subscriptions to his de luxe edition and a new American contact; synopsis of his planned Bel Canto book. — He praises the "Miscellanea" in Tonwille 3, and comments on Schenker's understanding of democracy.

• OJ 10/1, [75] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated May 7, 1923

  Dahms has received Vrieslander's essay on Schenker; reports progress on subscriptions for his de luxe edition, proofs, and his work on Haydn; political comment.

• OJ 10/1, [76] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated May 19, 1923

  Hertzka's excuse for not subscribing; gives summer address; asks ornamentation question about the "Les adieux" sonata.

• OJ 10/1, [77] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 15, 1923

  Dahms sends best wishes on Schenker's [55th] birthday, thanks him for his assistance, and praises vol. I of Schenker's Beethoven sonata edition. Members of the German community in Rome reject his assertions about genius.

• OJ 10/1, [78] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 23, 1923

  Dahms has received Tonwille 4 but not yet examined it. — Has deferred work on his Haydn book because of financial problems over Musik des Südens and poor take-up of subscriptions. — Debates whether to attend the Leipzig musicology conference. — Comments on German politics as the occupation of the Ruhr unfolds, and compares German attitudes with Italian.

• OJ 10/1, [79] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 1, 1923

  Dahms has devoted a chapter of his Musik des Südens to "genius" in which he asserts its absoluteness and the gulf between genius and mediocrity. — He concurs with Hertzka's judgement of Furtwängler as a "coward"; In his quest for success, the latter has compromised his belief in genius by pandering to Schoenberg. The Korngolds are coming to Rome in August.

• OJ 10/1, [80] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, undated [c. November 18, 1923]

  Having sent a subscription copy of Musik des Südens to Moriz Schenker and received no acknowledgement, Dahms asks Schenker's help.

• OJ 10/1, [81] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 20, 1923

  Dahms has now received acknowledgement from Moriz Schenker. — He asks Schenker's help in approaching financier Castiglioni for financial backing for his planned bel canto book.

• OJ 10/1, [82] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 28, 1923

  Dahms gratefully acknowledges receipt of a grant from Schenker, reports on his book writing, and sends New Year greetings to Heinrich and Jeanette.

• OJ 10/1, [83] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated January 4, 1924

  Money has arrived. Dahms hopes for better conditions in 1924.

• OJ 10/1, [84] Typewritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated March 5, 1924

  Dahms thanks Schenker for information about Castiglione. The Deutsche Verlagsanstalt is being difficult. He is again writing for German newspapers. Tonwille 5 has excited him. He quotes a passage from the Musical Courier [which Schenker later quotes in Das Meisterwerk 1]. Ludendorff's exposure of intrigues by the papacy has evoked a strong reaction outside Germany.

• OJ 10/1, [85] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 18, 1924

  The Dahmses send birthday greetings. They are staying in the Abruzzi; will not get to Galtür; Dahms will visit Germany. He has read Tonwille 6 and 7 with interest.

• OJ 10/1, [86] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 8, 1924

  Dahms visited Germany for two weeks; invites the Schenkers to visit him in Venice.

• OJ 10/1, [87] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated February 26, 1925

  Dahms reports on the Vrieslanders' Italian travels; compares Hertzka unfavorably to Drei Masken Verlag; He plans to sue Hertzka; comments on Bekker and Korngold.

• OJ 10/1, [88] Typewritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 20, 1925

  Dahms gives his new temporary address.

• OJ 10/1, [89] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, undated [c. April 29, 1925]

  Dahms has found a rental cottage in rural Pallanza, and invites the Schenkers to visit. — Hindenburg's election as German President has given a "jolt" to Europe and pleased Mussolini; it should produce shrewd politics, but he doubts whether Hindenburg will be able to lift Germany out of mediocrity.

• OJ 10/1, [90] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 16, 1925

  Dahms sends birthday greetings to Schenker, and gratitude for the [Rothberger] medallion. — Margarete Dahms has given birth to a girl. — Speaks of "rotten German laws."

• OJ 10/1, [91] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 1, 1925

  The [Hammer] mezzotint has arrived; Dahms expresses a reservation about it. — He has been writing for Die Musik. — He succeeded in getting compensation from UE.

• OJ 10/1, [92] Typewritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated May 21, 1926

  Dahms reports plans, with a young Munich publisher, to launch a popular music "almanach," anti-modern, propagandizing for "our ideas," and later a serious periodical. — He has to raise 10,000 Marks, and asks for Heinrich's help in doing this. — Margarete has had surgery.

• OJ 10/1, [93] Handwritten letter from Walter and Margarete Dahms to Schenker, dated June 17, 1926

  Birthday greetings.

• OJ 10/1, [94] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated June 26, 1926

  Dahms thanks Schenker for his report [on the viability of the almanach proposal]. — He plans to devote part of the almanach to Beethoven, and asks whether Schenker might contribute something new, or grant permission to reprint some of what he has written in Der Tonwille.

• OJ 10/1, [95] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, undated, presumably late June or early July, 1926

  Dahms's almanach plans have failed. — Germany has shown its gratitude for his work by denying him a divorce [from Agnes] for 15 years.

• OJ 10/1, [96] Handwritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated July 14, 1926

  Dahms acknowledges receipt of Das Meisterwerk 1, and will review it for the Allgemeine Musikzeitung and his Almanach. — Is going to Berlin. — PS on acoustics of under-dominant.

• OJ 10/1, [97] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated August 11, 1926

  Dahms gives his travel plans and [temporary] Berlin address.

• OJ 10/1, [98] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 13, 1926

  Dahms has written his review of Meisterwerk, and has dispatched a copy of his Almanach to Schenker.

• OJ 10/1, [99] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated December 28, 1926

  Dahms's review of Meisterwerk 1 is out. Christmas greetings.

• OJ 10/1, [100] Typewritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated April 13, 1927

  His Almanach has been a success but produced no financial return in a hostile environment. — They are leaving Berlin for the south; he has lost faith in German spirit, intellect, and morality.

• OJ 10/1, [101] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, undated [c. November 14, 1927]

  Meisterwerk 2 has still not arrived; Dahms gives an address in Nice.

• OJ 10/1, [102] Handwritten postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 30, 1927

  Meisterwerk 2 has arrived, and Dahms rejoices at its content and form of expression.

• OJ 10/1, [103] Typewritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated November 23, 1928

  Dahms is unable to attend the Schubert conference in Vienna. — His latest appeals on marital situation have been rejected.

• OJ 10/1, [104] Typewritten letter from Dahms to Schenker, dated February 7, 1931

  Dahms is looking forward to reading Meisterwerk III and inquires after Der freie Satz. — He has cut himself off from Berlin and Germany; his marital situation has finally been resolved, and he and his wife and child have settled in Paris.

• OJ 10/1, [105] Handwritten picture postcard from Dahms to Schenker, dated February 23, 1931

  Dahms acknowleges receipt of Meisterwerk 3.