Universal-Edition

In 1924, with his completion of a third year of studies in Busoni's master class, performances of his Divertimento and Sinfonia sacra by the Berlin Philharmonic, other achievements, and even a "grand tour" of Italy all behind him, Kurt Weill, highly commended by his mentor, was offered an exclusive publishing contract by Universal Edition in Vienna. As a result, this publishing house gained rights over some of Weill's most successful works, including Die Dreigroschenoper. The contract remained in effect until October 1933, when Weill's loss of access to the German market and consequent need to establish himself elsewhere, led to its suspension and the first of his contracts with publishers in France, England, and the United States. During the years of Austria's annexation by Germany (1938-1945), copies of works by Weill not hidden by Universal Edition were confiscated. Contact between publisher and composer was reestablished in 1946, but remained sporadic during the few remaining years of Weill's life. Following his death in 1950, his widow, Lotte Lenya, became executrix of the estate. In this capacity she became involved in a legal dispute with the Brecht estate over the division of royalties from Die Dreigroschenoper, this providing the impetus for a noticeable "reactivation" of the file for the Weill estate at Universal Edition during the years from 1957 to 1962.

From the description of Kurt Weill correspondence file, 1924-1962 (bulk, 1924-1934, 1957-1962). (Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison). WorldCat record id: 122688283

Emil Hertzka became director of Universal Edition in 1907 and led the company until his death, in 1932. Alfred Schlee joined the company in 1927. Schlee and Ernst Hartmann became co-directors of the company in 1945. Universal Edition, founded in Vienna in 1901, acquired the rights to the first four symphonies of Gustav Mahler in 1906; it later acquired the rights to other Mahler works. In the period after 1939 another music publisher, Boosey & Hawkes, also held rights to Mahler works; and Josef Weinberger Ltd. held the rights to at least 1 Mahler work. Yella Hertzka (née Fuchs) was Emil's wife; the married in 1897. Yella was also a personal friend of Alma Mahler.

From the description of Correspondence with Alma Mahler and Franz Werfel, 1928-1962. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155864678

A leading European music publisher. Kurt Weill was under exclusive contract with Universal Edition from 1924 to 1933.

From the description of Performance lists for works of Kurt Weill and other Weill-related materials, 1926-1992. (Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison). WorldCat record id: 122435340