The Irish People (Dublin, Ireland), June 11, 1864, p. 12.

Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst (with Wieniawski and Joachim, center)

ERNST AND JOACHIM.— The following touching letter has been written by a great artiste, Joseph Joachim, to another great artiste, Heinrich Ernst, on the occasion of the latter’s concert, which is to take place in June, in London, and in which, unfortunately, the state of Ernst’s health will not make it possible for him to play his own compositions. The fact is in every respect worthy of notice:— “Dear and honoured friend, — However sorry I am that, after you were beginning to get better, your patience should be again subjected to so hard a trial, the confidence expressed by your physician affords me consolation. I certainly had hoped, from the account my brother has from time to time given me of you, that on the occasion of our meeting again this spring, I should have once more enjoyed the pleasure of hearing the magnificent tones of your violin. Providence decrees otherwise. I am not destined, dear master, to hear you, and thus to me, thanks to your confidence, is intrusted the noble task of making the musical world of London acquainted with your newest creation. I need scarcely say with what deep love I shall devote myself to the service of your muse. Command me as you will, and let me soon know on what day your concert is to take place. I am exceedingly anxious to see your etudes, though I am really afraid of your fingering [in allusion, we presume, to the uncommon grasp of Herr Ernst’s left hand.], but what comes from your pen I will at all events practise, even though I may not succeed in doing justice.— Your truly devoted friend, JOSEPH JOACHIM.”

Ernst’s reply (Joachim/BRIEFE II, pp. 337-338)