The Cat Symphony: A Tale of Friendship and Art

An Austrian painter created his *Katzensymphonie* to celebrate violinist Joseph Joachim's appointment as director of Berlin's Hochschule für Musik. The painting's origins lie in 'Die Schwarzen Katzen,' a society founded in 1862 by contralto Amalie Joachim and friends, including Johannes Brahms, Julius Otto Grimm, and Clara Schumann. Membership was based on a 'cat-like' appreciation for fine things and friendship, with the constitution even detailing punishments for un-cat-like behavior. The painting and the society's story reveal a deep friendship and shared artistic passion.