Serge Koussevitzky (1874–1951) was a Russian-American conductor, composer, and double bassist. He conducted the Boston Symphony from 1924 to 1949 and was well-known for commissioning many contemporary works for orchestra. RK first wrote to Koussevitzky in May 1934 to introduce himself, and the conductor subsequently engaged him to play in the Boston Symphony Orchestra Bach-Handel Pension Fund Festival in May 1935. He also played in a pension fund concert in April 1944.

May 1, 1934

My dear Doctor Koussevitsky,

In the hope that it may be possible next season for me to perform with you one of the Bach harpsichord concertos, I enclose an introductory letter from Professor Hill and some programs and clippings which may interest you.

I would like to play the D minor, which I did last summer in Salzburg with the Vienna Strings, or still better the Fifth Brandenburg, or even both, as I did this winter in Boston with the Conservatory orchestra. There is also the possibility of the de Falla Concerto which I recently played in New York for the League of Composers.

If before your departure you have time, perhaps we could arrange a meeting in New York on Thursday or Friday of this week. Of course I would be much pleased to play for you. Perhaps you could send me a note to New York c/o R. A. S. Phillips, 116 East 31st Street.

I look forward with the greatest pleasure to making your acquaintance.

Very sincerely yours,

Ralph Leonard Kirkpatrick

November 20, 1934

My dear Doctor Koussevitsky,

Having just returned from Europe, I should very much like to discuss with you more definite plans for the harpsichord collaboration in the Bach-Handel Festival of the coming spring. We spoke of the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto of Bach, which I would play with special pleasure, and of a group of solo pieces. The Goldberg Variations would of course be the most fitting anniversary celebration but in their length, I fear, a little out of proportion. But that can be determined later.