'After the quartet had been sympathetically received, I had great success as a player. Every number was greatly applauded, I think there was real enthusiasm in the room. 'Now I could very well give concerts, but I do not wish to do so, for it takes up too much time so that I can do nothing else.... 'I played as freely as though I were sitting at home with friends; one is certainly influenced quite differently by the public than by ours. 'You should have seen the attention and seen and heard the applause.... I am very glad I gave the concert. You are probably rid of your guests again now and will be able to find a moment of time to write to me? 'Tell the contents of this letter to Herr Marxsen and say also that Börsendorfer[1] will not be able to send a piano before the New Year as so many are required for concerts. Shall I see about another for him? I await orders.... 'I think my serenade will be given next Monday. 'I should have liked to introduce some of my vocal things in my concert yesterday, but it gave me a terrible amount of running about and unpleasantness and that is one of my reasons for wishing to be quiet now.[2] 'Did you sit together on Wednesday over the egg-punch? Write to me about it and anything else.[3] 'The publishers here, especially Spina and Levi, have been pressing me for things since the quartet, but much pleases me better in North Germany and particularly the publishers, and I would rather go without the two or three extra Louis-d'ors that these would perhaps pay. 'Does Avé often go to see you? Has he told you anything particular about Stockhausen? 'How about the photograph of the girls' quartet? Am I not to have it? N.B. Every time I write I forget to ask about Fritz.... Is he very industrious? He ought to make up his mind to give Trio concerts in Hamburg next winter. I would help him in every way.... 'Write soon and have love 'from your 'JOHANNES. 'Hearty greetings to Herr Marxsen, and do not forget about Börsendorfer.'[4] The two Pianoforte Quartets were despatched to Simrock, and were published by the firm early in 1863--the first one in G minor, being dedicated to Baron Reinhard von Dalwigk, Court Intendant to the Grand-Duke of Oldenburg, a really musical amateur and a warm supporter of Brahms; and the second, in A major, to Frau Dr. Elisabeth Rösing of Hamm, in whose house it was written.