The delay with the edition of your two Operas I sincerely regret. They deserve much greater appreciation and a much wider circulation than hundreds of others that are printed, and the publication of the pianoforte scores is sure to effect this for them. Meanwhile I am glad that you have made use of my suggestion to base the Overture of the "Barber" on the pleasantly characteristic motive—
[Here, Liszt illustrates with a 4-bar musical score excerpt.]
Next summer we shall meet in Munich.—With hearty thanks, your sincerely attached
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este (Tivoli), August 23rd, 1874
If you should see Frau Schott in Mainz, give her my kindest remembrances. For some time past various manuscripts have been lying ready which I should have liked to hand over to Schott's house of business; but fear that they might arrive at an inopportune moment. The very title, "Drei symphonische Trauer- Oden" ["Three Symphonic Funeral Odes"] might prove alarming; and besides, the scores—all about 20 pages in length—would have to be published simultaneously with the pianoforte transcriptions (for one or two performers). Well, "we can wait."…
I am working pretty industriously at the "Sanct Stanislaus." Of this you will tomorrow receive a full report—and an urgent request for speedy, energetaeally accentuated pains over the essential but not lengthy alterations of the text.
155. To Ludwig Bosendorfer in Vienna
[Head of the celebrated pianoforte manufactory, nowCommerzienrath (Councillor of Commerce)]
Dear friend,
With my sincere thanks for your interesting reports of the Vienna musical world I would gladly have given you something of the same kind in return. But there is here nothing whatever in the way of novelties or specialities in the way of concerts; be content, therefore, if my letter today mentions only one, but to me a very important artistic item—namely, the frequent use of your piano, which, among other virtues, possesses a wondrous power of not getting out of tune [Unverstimmtheit]. Since its despatch from Vienna not a tuner has touched it, and yet it keeps in beautiful tune, and steadily resists all variations and effects of temperature.
Till the end of January I shall remain quietly at work here; then go direct to Pest—and by the middle of April on to Weimar. My thoughts and efforts require now only peace and seclusion. These are things that suit me best in my old age, and uphold me in spiritual intercourse with my dear and true friends. As such I greet you and your wife heartily and sincerely.
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, August 28th, 1874
156. To Adelheid von Schorn in Weimar
Dear and Most excellent One,
For our grand coup you come in completely in your role of providence, which you fill with such complete good grace, and with an admirable mastery! I cannot tell you what immense comfort your letter brings me, with its assurance of your speedy arrival in Rome. Try not to delay it beyond the 25th-30th November, and if possible come sooner. Princess Wittgenstein is still very suffering, and has kept her bed entirely for six weeks; your company and the inspirations of your solicitude will do her more good than all the Allo-and Homoeopaths put together.
I beg that you will write to her speedily to announce your coming, for she is ignorant and must be kept in complete ignorance of the plot we have hatched with Princess Marie [The daughter of Princess Wittgenstein.], the happy success of which you will crown. (questions of detail will be easily settled to your satisfaction, in such a manner that the stay in Rome will be thoroughly pleasant to you.
It is understood that you will not mention the question of where you will live to Princess W., who has already only too much worry about her own rooms. In my opinion it would be best for you to go to the Hotel d'Amerique, Via Babuino (close by the house of the Princess and of the one where I live), and to spend some days there, until you see where you can settle yourself comfortably, whether at the Pension (also very near the Babuino) where your cousin Octavie stayed, or elsewhere.
When you reach Bologna, please let me know by telegram on what day you will arrive; I will meet you at the station, and it will be a real joy to me to escort you to your first abode in Rome.
Thank you with all my heart, and yours ever,
F. Liszt
Rome October 12th, 1874 (Vicolo de Greci, 43.)
The Princess is living at Via Babuino 59.
Your letter was only returned to me from Tivoli yesterday evening.
I shall remain here, or at the Villa d'Este, till the end ofJanuary.—
157. To Breitkopf and Hartel
Very dear Sirs,
The kind reception you gave the last sending of my somewhat cumbersome manuscripts and revisions pleased me greatly. I will always gladly do what I can to not increase the publishers' worries, and henceforth print only what has been carefully worked out and will prove tolerably acceptable.
With regard to the form in which the Songs and Wagner- transcriptions are to be published, you may act altogether as you think best. I did certainly think that the convenient and neat edition in small octavo would be preferable (like the last edition of Chopin and my "Etudes transcendantes"): hence in from 5 to 6 little volumes:—
1. Beethoven (The "Adelaide" and other Songs); 2. Mendelssohn (6 Songs); 3. Robert and Clara Schumann; 4. Robert Franz; 5 to 6 (?). Wagner-transcriptions.
This would in no way prevent the songs and pieces of several pages (such as the "Adelaide," Mendelssohn's Songs, the "Tannhauser-March," the "Rienzi-Fantasia," etc.' being sold singly—in the same small 8vo form which, candidly speaking, I always like best. As long ago as the year '39 I induced Haslinger to publish Schubert's songs in an edition of this kind—and at that time it seemed rather a doubtful innovation. Also about placing the words below the music. I wish this, for the sake of the poetical delivery in all of the songs, except the "Adelaide," because the poem roams about rather too freely in rococo style. Let us leave "the flow'ret at the grave" to bloom on quietly without retouching it again.
I must unfortunately again trouble you to send me all the proofs. It is a matter of great moment to me to have the things arranged as accurately and as appropriately for the piano as possible. And for this I require the last proofs, in order finally to revise them in reading and playing them over. (For the printer's consolation be it remarked that no new alterations shall now crop up again; my zeal in correcting shall be confined to making some pedal marks and fingerings.) First of all I should like to try over Sgambati's duet arrangement of the "Ideale" with him; and you will doubtless do me the favor of sending me the proof sheets stitched together before I leave here (at the end of January).—
I leave the matter concerning the small honorarium confidently to your well-known kindly disposition, and remain, very dear Sirs,
Yours respectfully and most obediently,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, November 24th, 1874
158. To Count Albert Apponyi in Budapest
[From an undated rough draft of a letter in the possession of Herr O. A. Schulz, bookseller in Leipzig. (The date has been ascertained from a letter to Mihalovich.)—The addressee was the well-known Hungarian statesman.]
[Villa d'Este, December 6th, 1874]
Dear and Very Honored Friend,
Your excellent letter of the 27th November reached me here yesterday evening. I hasten to give you my very sincere thanks, and to add a frank reply on the question of the Academy of Music.
First of all I think the "moyen violent" [violent means] of Huszar, which will deliver us from barren tittle-tattle, is right; let us throw the Seeschlange [sea serpent] into the Danube, and if he wants an epitaph here is one: "It is better to do nothing than to do stupidities."
Now, are we the stupid ones?—The Government is much interested in this affair; the Sovereign's decision has been obtained; I know not what official publication has followed. You yourself, dear Count, have brilliantly persuaded the Chamber of Deputies that the said Academy would be of use in raising Art in Hungary; my necessary humble reserve has been taken by the public as consent.—Is it possible now to take no account of such precedents, and to draw back when it is a question of advancing? I do not think so, and I am quite of your opinion, as wise as it is opportune.
In spite of the difficulties of a position embroiled with divers worries, and in spite of the scantiness of the financial means, we ought to stick to our affirmative position and not in the least to give way.
As to my "personal convenience," which you are good enough to take into such kind consideration, permit me to assure you anew that I aspire to one only blessing—quiet time for work in my own room. Orare et laborare. The point of honor, which no one understands better than yourself, attaches me to Hungary, our country. May I fulfil there all my duty of gratitude!—
I shall be back at Pest (Fischplatz) on the 10th February, and shall rejoice to hear the Ballade of our valiant friend Mihalovich, to whom I shall write tomorrow.
Yours from my heart,
F. Liszt
159. To Edmund von Mihalovich
Dear Excellent Friend,
I wrote the day before yesterday to Do, and was about to continue with a letter to you when a telegram called me subitissimo back to Rome. The thread of my ideas has not been broken on the journey, and I resume our conversation, a trois, on the long gestation—omen of abortion—of the Hungarian Academy of Music.
I trust that my very dear and honored friends will be convinced of my perfect disinterestedness in the question; the idea of an Academy is in no way mine if I become sponsor to it, it will be in self-defence and without any connivance at paternity whatever; I even refuse to help in the procreation of the marmot [brat]; and, far from making myself, before my time, in any way its champion or propagandist, I hesitate over the difficulties which are opposed to its birth. I have explained these many a time to my Budapest friends, and the difficulties have increased rather than diminished during these last three years…
1stly. The financial situation of the country appears to be such that one must scruple to burden the budget with an expenditure beyond urgent needs. My patriotism is sufficiently sincere and lively to counsel me to abstention, including every renunciation that is compatible with my strict duty.
2ndly. It would be a poor luxury to add a third music school to the two schools already existing (meagrely) at Pest. If one cannot emulate with honor the similar establishments of Vienna, Leipzig, etc.—what is the good of troubling any further about it? Now, to give a vigorous impulse to Art among us, we must first unite and fuse into one spirit a set of professors of well- known capability,—a very arduous and ungrateful task, the accomplishment of which demands much intelligence, and a sufficient amount of cleverness and of money.
Other minor, local considerations complicate the matter stilt further; I pass them over in silence today, and will not repeat myself any more except on one point,—my religious devotion to our country and our art. To serve them somewhat, according to the moderate degree of my talent, whether it be in working by myself at my manuscripts (which is what I much prefer), or in cooperating with my friends in public things, this is my simple and exclusive desire, totally removed from the personal pretensions or anxieties of vanity which are wrongly imputed to me.
"Tiszta lelek, tiszta szandek, akar siker, akar nem." ["Pure soul, pure intention, whether the results be favorable or not."— Maxim of Stephan Szechenyi.]
My friends are those who haunt the Ideal; there, dear friend, we "recognise" each other, and shall always do so,—but not "in the mud," illustrated by a fascinating poet, too much celebrated and tainted by the triviality of vulgar applause—Heine. Amongst other things he had predicted that the Cathedral of Cologne would never be finished. "In vain will Franz Liszt give his concerts," etc.—
You know that Wagner is coming to Pest in Lent. It is only right that several of your compositions—especially the last, "Sello"— should be performed in public at that time. Talk the matter over with Richter. I on my side will ring the "Bells." Please beg Abranyi to hurry with the Hungarian translation of Longfellow's poem (the Prologue to the "Golden Legend"), and to follow, not the German translation of the "Pianoforte score," which I have sent to Engesser, but the original English text. [Liszt had set to music the Prologue to the "Golden Legend," under the title "Die Glocken des Strassburger Munsters"—"The Bells of Strassburg Cathedral."]
Yours in cordial friendship,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, December 8th, 1874
I will write tomorrow to the very gracious chatelaine of Horpacs.
160. To Carl Hoffbauer in Munich
[From a copy belonging to Dir. Aug. Gollerich.—Hoffbauer, born in 1850, became in 1872 Director of the Gesang-Verein in Munich, went to Frankfort in 1880, and put an end to his own life. He composed, among other things, the Operas "Cotzzata" and "Demetrius."]
[End of 1874.]
My hearty thanks for the kindly zeal with which you have taken up the "Christus Oratorio." But a performance of it in Munich appears to me so doubtful, and connected with so much trouble, expense, and difficulty, that I must for the present dissuade you from the undertaking. Besides, it would not be possible for me to accept your invitation for the end of February, as several engagements will keep me in Pest till Easter. And, if ever you give a performance of the Christus in Munich, I should much like to be present. As yet the whole work has been only twice heard, in Weimar and Pest (in May and last November, '73).
In reply to your inquiry, I must mention Herr and Frau von Milde and Frau Dr. Merian as specially well acquainted with and capable of taking the solo parts.
Accept the assurance of my utmost gratitude for your eagerness to give a performance of the Christus in Munich.
Most respectfully and sincerely yours,
F. Liszt
101. To Edmund Von Mihalovich
Very Dear Friend,
In spite of the legion of Dessoff, calm plains or storms, go on roaring bravely in the waters of the "Phantom Ship." Even should we not succeed in arriving safely in port, and should we meet no other Senta than Her Highness Madam Criticism, it matters not; those who follow us in the same waters of the Ideal will be more fortunate…
"Et quasi cursores vitai lampada tradunt!"—
We will talk about all this fully in February, in the Fischplatz.
Will you be so kind as to send the enclosed letter to my gracious and admired translator of the "Chopin"—Mme. la Comtesse Ottilia Wast? [A translation into Hungarian from the old edition of the book.]
Further, I beg that you will recommend Taborszky to publish before Easter my St. Francois de Paule, which our very dear friend Albert Apponyi has been good enough to adorn with his poetry,—and also "L'hymne de l'enfant a son reveil," which Taborszky must have received in November (with the German words by Cornelius and the addition of a harp part).
Schuberth has been seriously ill. I shall be after him to bring out your Geisterschiff [Phantom Ship] without any more delay.
A revoir in six weeks, and always
Very cordially yours,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, December 29th, 1874
On the occasion of the Wagner concert in Pest I should like my"Bells" to ring, and beg Abranyi to attune the HungarianKlingklang [ding-dong] of them speedily and beautifully.
[Liszt's "Glockengelaute" (Bell-ringing) consisted in this—that he played the Beethoven E Concerto at the Wagner concert in Pest. He allowed himself to be persuaded to do this, as people were afraid that, on account of the high prices, the concert would not be full.—The "Bells of Strassburg Cathedral" were not performed.]
162. To Carl Hoffbauer in Munich.
[From the copy of a draft of a letter by Dr. Minis.]
[Probably Pest, at the beginning of 1875.]
Very Dear Sir,
Your last letter exhibits so convincing a character of truth and noble-mindedness that I sincerely rejoice at the prospect of becoming personally and in spirit better acquainted with you. And first of all be assured of my special interest in your Opera "Comata." Whatever I may be able to do as regards a representation of it in a theater I shall not fail to do. In Munich we will read the score over together, and discuss further details.
Of your persistence in wishing to have the "Christus" performed I wrote to Schuberth yesterday, and shall in full confidence leave the whole matter to your considerate zeal. You will best know whether and how a successful performance can be made possible, and please therefore arrange matters altogether according as you think fit. I beg you merely to let me know the day you fix upon some 10 or 12 days previously, and address me to Pest (at Easter), if earlier to Weimar, and I will then come for the full rehearsal.
[The performance took place on the 12th April, 1875. As a result of this King Ludwig II ordered a separate performance in the Court theater, and this again was followed by a public one.]
Respectful greetings to the poetess of the "Comata," and believe me, with marked esteem, yours gratefully and sincerely,
F. Liszt
163. To Professor Julius Stern in Berlin
Dear Friend,
For years past and again lately I have been very much indebted to you. Our eminently learned and dear friend Weitzmann [Theorist and contrapuntist in Berlin (1808-1880)] told me of the careful rehearsals, and of the admirable manner in which you conducted the Faust Symphony. Owing to critical circumstances and negativings I have, as a rule, to dissuade people everywhere from giving performances of my scores. All the more pleasantly am I affected by the goodwill of the few friends who carefully and courageously march on in front.
Therefore, while offering you my sincerest thanks, I beg you to excuse my not being just now able to accept the tempting invitation to Berlin.
Yours most respectfully and sincerely,
F. Liszt
Rome, February 4th, 1875
(Next week I return to Pest, and at the beginning of April go toWeimar, where I should be delighted to welcome you again.)
164. To Count Albert Apponyi
[From a rough copy of a letter in the possession of Herr O. A.Schulz, bookseller in Leipzig.]
February 18th, [1875?]
This morning the Politische Volksblatt [The Political People's- Paper] brings me your portrait, my honored and dear friend. The notice accompanying it pleases me only in so far as it predicts a great future for you, based on your very evident merits and great talents. People are agreed upon your great height ("Haupteslange")—all the better, for it corresponds to the height of your character, and I bet a hundred to one that you will never combat "the spirit of the times" ("Herr von Zeitgeist und Frau von offentliche Meinung," [Mr. Spirit of the Times and Mrs. Public Opinion.] as the honorable Count Gozzi ceremoniously said), except when you meet with stupidities and adventures on which this spirit of the times is astride.
A friendly invitation for tomorrow evening at the house of
Your very devoted and grateful
F. Liszt
165. To Johann Von Herbeck
Very Dear Friend,
My sincere thanks for your letter; gladly would I follow your very kind and "unselfish" request. To say "nay" to my friends always comes hard to me. But how can I act otherwise in face of the negativings of critics? And why should I not prefer abiding my time in peace alone?
Now-a-days an artist is reckoning without his host if he places honest faith in the public. For people now-a-days hear and judge only by reading the newspapers.
I mean to take advantage of this in so far that the leading and favorite papers of Vienna, Pest, Leipzig, Berlin, Paris, London, etc.—which abhor my humble compositions and have declared them worthless and objectionable—shall be relieved of all further outward trouble concerning them. What is the good of performances to people who only care to read newspapers?
Hence, dear good friend, let the "Gran Mass" [Herbeck, however, did have them performed.] and the "Glocken" ["Die Glocken des Strassburger Munsters"—"The Bells of Strassburg Cathedral"] remain unperformed in Vienna, where (in Easter week) you shall receive a visit from yours most warmly and gratefully,
F. Liszt
Budapest, March 3rd, 1875
166. To Eduard Von Liszt
Dearest Eduard,
Give Lenbach my kindest thanks, and at the same time ask him to send his extremely poetical portrait of Frau von Moukhanoff here soon in honor of the noble lady and of the musical Commemoration Festival which we have announced for the middle of May. [Liszt dedicated an Elegie to the memory of this gifted lady.]
Tomorrow morning early I go to Hanover; my address there till May 29th [This must mean the 29th April.] will be: "at Freiherr von Bronsart's, Intendant of the Hoftheater." On Saturday is the performance of the "Elizabeth," and on the 29th the concert for the benefit of the Bach monument.
My gracious Grand Duke is very urgent about my speedy return; I shall, therefore, probably spend only 8 or 10 days at Schloss Loo (from the 2nd to the 12th May), and then return here forthwith.
The Tonkunstler-Versammlung is to be held in Dresden at the end of June. I long for some rest and quiet work.
Thine with all my heart,
F. Liszt
Weimar, April 22nd, 1875
167. To Adelheid Von Schorn in Rome
Dear Excellent One,
I come to keep you company a little in your convalescence,—far advanced, I hope, so as to be something like a complete cure. For a tisane [A soothing drink] I offer you some news of your cara patria. There are few variations at Weimar: the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess remain there till the end of June; the Emperor of Russia is announced for the 25th June; the Hereditary Highnesses are going to the waters (Marienbad and Pyrmont) in a few days, and will return before the Grand Duke's fete (24th June); Gutschen Watzdorf is going on his own account independently to Carlsbad, Mme. de Loen to Reme (in Westphalia).
At the theater a tempered, but lively activity; during these latter weeks a new Drama by Otto Roquette has been given—Der Feind im Hause. [The enemy in the house.] The subject is taken from the quarrel of the Colonna in Rome; the success of the piece will not occasion any fresh quarrels; nor will that of two new Operas that I have seen—Der Widerspanstigen Bezahmung [The subduing of the refractory ones.] by Gotz and Golo of Scholz, which have come inopportunely into competition with Schumann's Genoveva—a work which has been taken up again with marked success this year (after it had been prudently ignored for twenty years—except at Leipzig and Weimar) at Leipzig and Wiesbaden. Other theaters will mix themselves up with it, in spite of the non-success of Genoveva at Vienna, where it was put on the stage in the winter of '74 with a most praiseworthy luxury of decoration and costumes.
At the time of the performance which I conducted, and that is some twenty years ago, I said: Genoveva is musically the sister of Fidelio; only Leonora's pistol is wanting.
Tristan and Isolde, announced here for the 15th and 19th May,…have remained at Munich with M. and Mme. Vogel, who have lost a child. Loen [The Weimar Intendant] and all the public are very much put out at this untimely mourning; possibly the Vogels will be able to come towards the end of June; I don't reckon on it much, but have written to them on the subject at Loen's request. If they accept, the Commemoration Matinee of Mme. Moukhanoff will take place between the two performances of Tristan, and the "Tempelherrenhaus" in our park has been chosen by us as the spot for this musical commemoration. I will send you the programme.
Meanwhile here is that of Saturday last at the "Orchestral School"—a very useful establishment, well adapted to our modestly proud situation of Weimar, and which Muller-Hartung conducts according to my wishes. [The concert "in honor of Liszt's first visit to the School" consisted entirely of works by him.] Bruch's Odysseus—a musical illustration of Preller's admirable pictures in the Weimar museum—was performed last Thursday, conducted also by Muller-Hartung.
Lassen is in the middle of composing some fine choruses for the two "Fausts," which Devrient is intending to get up here in two evenings, in conformity with his new scenic arrangement.
Very cordially yours,
F. Liszt
Weimar, May 17th, 1875
168. To Eduard von Liszt
Dearest Eduard,
.—. The day after tomorrow I join the Duke of Weimar's party at Schloss Wilhelmsthal, and shall remain there several days. After that I should have liked to wait upon Cardinal Hohenlohe in Schillingsfurst; but His Eminence is at present at Bad Ragaz (Switzerland) undergoing some after-cure for a foot-trouble, the result of some accident he met with last winter. When I receive his answer I shall so arrange things that my visit to Schillingsfurst is paid as is agreeable in tempore opportuno.
From the 3rd to the 15th August I shall be in Bayreuth; after that I shall this year end with Weimar (without playing "Tannhauser" there, as a guest!) at the Carl-August Festival on September 3rd, for which I have written a short and simple chorus in popular style, the text of which is furnished by King David: "The Lord preserveth the souls of His saints, and light is sown for the righteous."
In contemplating this light in all humility,
I am, in true affection,
Thine,
F. Liszt
Weimar, July 17th, 1875
Enclosed are a few words for our Marie. If I had to choose a cousin I should choose her. Hence I confess my innermost elective-affinity with papa and daughter.
Lenbach's wondrously inspired portrait of Madame Moukhanoff will tomorrow be sent back to Vienna to the Countess Coudenhoven.
169. To Louis Kohler
Very Dear Friend,
Merit and success, in your case, would seem always to stand in perfectly delightful harmony. Best thanks for your kindly letter and for sending your Opus 147: "Technische Kunstler-Studien" ["Technical Artist-Studies"]. And although I am more disposed to turn away from than towards Methods and Pedagogics, still I have read this work of yours with interest. The entrance of the pedal after the striking of the chords as indicated by you at the beginning of page 3, and as consistently carried through by you almost to the utmost extreme, seems to me an ingenious idea, the application of which is greatly to be recommended to pianoforte players, teachers and composers—especially in slow tempi.
I regret that we are geographically so far apart; but sympathetically I remain in sincere esteem and in all friendliness yours,
F. Liszt
Schloss Wilhelmsthal, July 27th, 1875
My friendly greetings to your very talented pupil Alfred Reisenauer. Perhaps you may be coming to Weimar again shortly; I should be pleased to hear this.
One line in your friendly letter I answer herewith: proud of my Konigsberg title of doctor, and anxious to do it credit, I willingly refrain from giving performances of my humble compositions anywhere.
170. To Carl Hillebrand in Florence
[The celebrated author of "Zeiten, Volker und Menschen" ["Times, People and Mankind"] and other works; born 1820; lived, from 1870 until his death, in Florence, where a memorial tablet, in gratitude to his memory, was erected over his house in the Lung' Arno.]
Dear and Very Honored Friend,
Your friendly letter leaves me a good hope…for next year. I have just transmitted your thanks and the data relative to our concerted idea to the Grand Duke, who arrived at Ostend on Thursday last, with his daughters, his son and his daughter-in- law. Their Royal Highnesses return to Weimar the 1st September for the fete of Carl August, which the Emperor and Empress of Germany will solemnise with their presence. Monseigneur tells me to invite you to it. I observe to him that you will probably be detained elsewhere; nevertheless, if you should come to Germany at that moment, be assured that you will be warmly welcomed and received at the Court of Weimar.
The monument of Carl August will be inaugurated on the 3rd September. The ceremony of the "Toison d'Or" ["Golden Fleece"], at which the Emperor will be the sponsor of his brother-in-law, our Grand Duke, will take place on the 4th. Then T.R.H. will leave Weimar, and my poor self return to the Villa d'Este (towards the middle of September) for as long a time as my very dear compatriots will allow of it. They press me strongly to return to Pest on the 1st November; before obeying them I shall come and see you at Florence.
Please count always on the feelings of sincere and high esteem of your very cordially devoted
F. Liszt
Bayreuth, August 2nd, 1875
The papers keep you au courant of the marvels of Wagner's theater here. The performances (announced for the month of August '76) of the Tetralogy, "Der Ring des Nabelungen," will be the chief event of dramatic Art, thus royally made manifest for the first time in this century in its ensemble and unification of Poetry, Music, Acting, and their decorations of Painting and mise-en-scene.
There is not merely the chance, but the guarantee of a grand and striking success, in view of the sublimity of the work itself, and also of the enthusiasm which it already excites amongst the numerous staff of artists chosen to interpret it. In spite of the difficulties of this new transcendental style of Wagner, the preparatory study and rehearsals are an enchantment for the singers and the musicians of the orchestra.
By the 18th August I shall be back at Weimar, and shall stay there till the 6th September.
To Madame Laussot my tender and grateful regards.
171. To Adelheid von Schorn
Dear Excellent One,
It is not without regret that I have given up the very sincere pleasure of meeting you now at Nuremberg. If you remained there till towards the middle of September I should come and ask you what commissions you have for Rome, where I expect to arrive before the 20th September.
Here we are sailing in the full tide of the marvels of art. Every day, morning and evening, one act of the "Ring des Nibelungen" is rehearsed in Wagner's new theater. The enthusiasm of the whole staff of singers and orchestral players, to the number of about 150, is as sincere as it is abundant, and everything augurs for next year some prodigious performances of the immense and sublime work which royally dominates all contemporary Art, including the former works of Wagner.
Cosima sends you a thousand affectionate messages, and is expecting to see you at the time of the definite succession of the Nibelung-Ring in the month of August 1876. You were present at the laying of the first stone of the monument, and must not be absent at the crowning moment. .—.
Mme. de Schleinitz is staying here a fortnight longer, and is living at the castle. She keeps herself continually at the highest diapason of grace and charm, without ever missing the opportunity of effectually obliging her friends.
A revoir soon, dear and very excellent one; and ever from my heart your devoted
F. Liszt
Bayreuth, August 7th, 1875
I shall be back at Weimar by the 18th August.
172. To Dr. Franz Witt
[Probably August or September, 1875]
Much-esteemed Friend,
While greatly regretting to hear of your indisposition and thanking you sincerely for your last letter, I now ask you: How are you going to answer the ministerial communication of Trefort?—Are you willing to render important help as regards Church music in Hungary? Superfluous words are unbecoming to me; let us onward and act; and may your noble and stimulating influence be granted to Hungary. Assuredly you will find there admiration, affection, and the necessary assistance in the great services you will render.
In a word: Come to us, and let us work together in Budapest!
173. To Lina Ramann
[Authoress of "F. Liszt als Kunstler und Mensch" ("F. Liszt as Artist and Man"), 2 vols. (Leipzig, Breitkopf and Hartel, 1880 and 1887)]
Dear Friend,
Thanks to your care I had excellent and very inspired company during my two days' journey from Nuremberg to Rome. Your parallel "Bach and Handel" delighted me more than the famous landscapes of the Brenner. Allow me specially to praise your fine insight into and correct interpretation of the various musical forms of culture from the Motet to the Mass and the Oratorio.
Some portions also of the "Allgemeine musikalische Erzieh-und Unterrichtslehre" [Universal Musical Instruction] pleased me—(in spite of my inaptitude in things pedagogical), especially the main idea of the work:—that musical instruction should not be separated from, but form a part in, the course of education; a relevant thought, the practical application of which will essentially benefit, and prove useful to, art as well as education.
Again my cordial thanks for the hours at Nuremberg, and best greetings to the amiable comrades in art Fraulein Ida and Auguste.
Yours respectfully and sincerely,
F. Liszt
Rome, September 28th, 1875
174. To Eduard von Liszt
Rome, September 29th, 1875
Dearest Eduard,
Wherever we may be we ever remain one in heart. Probably I shall be in Budapest as early as the middle of November, on account of the Musik-Akademie, which it is my duty to shape in accordance with the standard of somewhat difficult local circumstances. Appointments have already been made by the Minister Trefort: Franz Erkel as Director, Volkmann as Professor of Composition, and Abranyi as Secretary. Witt and Bulow had the first offers from Trefort: unfortunately Witt is still too ill, and Bulow could not come till later, after his return from America. Of course Bulow would have received the largest possible sphere of action—somewhat the same as he occupied in Munich, where, for a couple of years, he acted as Director of the Conservatoire in the most successful manner…
All hearty greetings to your circle, and believe me ever your gratefully and sincerely attached
F. Liszt Address: 43, Vicolo dei Greci, Roma (Italia). Till the beginning of November I stay here or at the Villa d'Este, and then travel direct to Pest.
Pray send me news of our dear and amiable Marie.
175. To Kornel von Abranyi
Dear Friend,
A thousand thanks for your letter with its weighty contents. [Abranyi had informed Liszt that the Hungarian Landes-Musik- Akademie—which had been called into existence by Trefort, the Minister of Education—had already been organised and was shortly to be opened, and that Liszt was invited to the inauguration ceremony.] All things considered, it does not appear to me advisable to hurry my return. As I did this year, I mean next year also to reach Pest towards the middle of February—in time for Lent and the concert season. By that time the work at the Musik-Akademie ought to have fairly established itself.
I gladly undertake to conduct a pianoforte-class for virtuosi and teachers,—first of all from the 1st March to Easter 1876. And should the undertaking give indications of proving a success, I would be willing to devote several months a year to this species of instruction in the Musik-Akademie of Budapest.
I look forward to being on the best and most cordial terms with Erkel. [Franz Erkel (born 1810), a celebrated Hungarian composer, at that time Director of the Musik-Akademie and Capellmeister at the National Theater in Pest. Died 15th June, 1893] Also with Volkmann and the other professors.
As regards the very worthy Secretary, I rejoice to labor with him as next-door neighbor (on the Fischplatz, where assuredly we shall not dry up "like fish out of water"), and remain always
His grateful and truly attached friend,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, October 14th, 1875.
My friendly greetings, please, to Engessers, Zimay, Siposz, [All were Hungarian musicians] and to our dear composer of the "Liszt- Cantata," Gobbi.
176. To Walter Bache
Highly Esteemed and Dear Friend,
Hearty thanks for your kindly remembrance of the 22nd October.
With regard to the "Elizabeth" performance (at your "Twelfth Annual Concert" on the 24th February) I am somewhat anxious on account of the great exertions and expense which the performance will entail upon you. Still I will not make any further objection to your characteristically firm incorrigibleness in your steadfast wish and endeavor to do the utmost possible for the good of your old friend, now 64 years of age.
To Frau Blume (whom I often called upon in Rome) please give my friendliest remembrances. If the part of Elizabeth does not displease her she is certain to give an excellent interpretation of it.
I am most glad to grant friend Banz the permission he desires, and am grateful to him for his kindly sentiments.
Till the middle of February I shall stay here—and then go direct to Budapest—and remain your faithfully attached
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, October 26th, 1875.
In case you receive direct news of Von Bulow, please let me know.
177. To Eduard von Liszt
Most Dear Friend,
Your letters are as full of heart as they are of mind. They both comfort and exalt me. My prayers always include you. May the "Supreme Spirit" strengthen us!
For me to appear at the opening of the Musik-Akademie in Pest on November 7th, is, I think, neither necessary nor desirable. It will be better that the undertaking (the official part of which I did not call into existence!) should be more fully started before I take any part in it. Hence till the middle of February I remain at the Villa d'Este (quietly finishing a few compositions) and then return direct to Pest.
Herbeck is said to have promised to conduct a concert there. I trust we may meet in friendship on the "Fischplatz" during Lent. How could he manage to have the Gran Mass performed in the Burgkapelle? The dimensions of the work require rather a goodly amount of space for chorus and orchestra…Next summer it is proposed to give a grand concert-performance of the Gran Mass in Dusseldorf (where they have a splendid hall, admirably adapted for musical festivals). I shall look for your report of the Vienna performance.
As regards the "Prometheus," I beg you to fix with Her-beck that in Vienna the new improved edition, published by Kahnt (Leipzig), shall be used, and get him to procure it from Kahnt: pianoforte score, full score, and voice parts. If Herbeck should entertain any doubt about the new edition on account of the expense, I shall be quite ready to settle the small "difference" with a few gulden, which you will advance me for the purpose. [Eduard von Liszt managed Liszt's money affairs for him.]
I am very anxious that this "Prometheus"—who is ready to "unchain" himself next summer in Dusseldorf and at the Musical Festival at Altenburg—should not again be a failure in Vienna, after his late want of success there.—
Give Kulke my best thanks for his excellent essay with its kindly sentiments (in the Vaterland of September 17th); I am specially pleased with the close: "In the same way as Sebastian Bach could not conceive a musical thought in any other way than from a contrapuntal point of view, Liszt cannot conceive a theme in any other way than from a thematic point of view," etc.
Heartiest greetings to all your circle: Marie will always prove herself noble and firm.
Your faithfully attached
(Villa d'Este) October 31st, 1875
178. To Madame Jessie Laussot
Very Dear and Kind Friend,
Although I scarcely know how sufficiently to express my gratitude to you for all the proofs of friendship you have constantly shown me during twenty years, I am quite convinced that no misunderstanding would ever be possible between us. You know my good intentions from the outset, and in case of necessity you divine them with the heart's most penetrating and delicate intelligence.
I add to my thanks for your last letter a request which you will certainly grant, by assuring our very honored friend Hillebrand of my sincere devotedness. In addition, assure him also that my zeal in serving my gracious master, the Grand Duke of Saxony, will never be used to the detriment of any one, and that I especially take into consideration the proprieties appropriate to the merits and position of individualities that I esteem and love.
So then we will discuss "academicamente," at your house inFlorence (after my return from Hungary, towards the middle ofFebruary), the subject of Hillebrand's spending some months eachyear at Weimar.
This could be brought about under reciprocally pleasant conditions; I confess that I take a rather egotistical interest in it…but without failing in the duties of friendship.
In a week's time, Mdlle. Adelheid de Schorn accompanies her aunt- -"the Lady Abbess von Stein"— back to Germany. She will bring you two or three books of music from me.
Sgambati has finished a second, very remarkable Quintet (forPiano and Strings), which will soon be heard in Rome.
Zarembski (whom I introduced to you) works valiantly, and deserves to be reckoned as an unusually excellent pianist of the first rank.
A revoir in February, and yours very devotedly,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, November 17th, 1875
If you should see the Jaells before their concerts in Rome, give them my most affectionate remembrances.
179. To Eduard von Liszt
My Honored Friend,
What you felt at the performance of the Gran Mass has extremely rejoiced me. "He who loves understands."
Give Herbeck my warmest thanks for the carefulness of the rehearsals and performance of this work, about which I allowed myself to make the remark (in Paris 1866), to a personage of the very highest rank, that "it had been more criticised than heard."
On no account would I press Herbeck to give a performance of the "Prometheus-choruses"; according to my thinking, it would be better to wait and see how these choruses are done next spring in Dusseldorf and at the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Altenburg before bringing them back to Vienna. I should also like to be present at the Vienna performance, which will not be possible tha's winter. I shall probably only be able to stay one day with you (at the beginning of April). I almost doubt whether the "Hunnenschlacht" could be performed amongst the "Philharmoniker" [lovers of harmony] without defeat to me. Nevertheless, "vincit qui patitur."
Heartiest greetings to our Franz, who will prove himself worthy of you.
Most faithfully thy
F. Liszt
(Villa d'Este, Tivoli) November 26th, 1875
.—. As I already told you, I shall remain here till the middle of February, and then return direct to Budapest. From next April I am threatened with much travelling about. My threefold domicile, Pest, Weimar and Villa d'Este, and all that is connected with it, makes my life very onerous. Even the well- known consolation, "Tu l'as voulu, Georges Dandin" [it is your own doing], fails me…Still there is hope in the proclamation "Et in terra pax, hominibus bonae voluntatis."
Once more thanks for your kind intercession in my friend Vincenz Kirchmayer's [Liszt's former travelling companion in Spain and Portugal during the forties, and especially recommended by Liszt to his cousin Eduard.] affairs. When the decision has been given let me know it.
180. To Hans Schmitt, Professor at the Conservatorium of Music in Vienna
[Well known as an excellent teacher of the pianoforte, also as a writer on music]
[End of 1875]
My Dear Sir,
It is well known how much mischief is done to the piano both with hands and feet. May your instructive pamphlet on the right use of the pedal duly benefit pianoforte players. [Footnote: "The Pedal of the Piano." Vienna, Doblinger (3rd ed. 1892).] With best thanks for sending me the pamphlet, I remain
Yours respectfully,
F. Liszt
181. To Kornel von Abranyi
Dear Honored Friend,
In the affairs of the Academy of Music I had till now simply to wait. [The opening of the Academy of Music had taken place meanwhile in the middle of November, 1875.] Now comes the time when a different, an active line of conduct presents itself to me. I shall always endeavor to come up to the expectations of my friends. First of all in the middle of February we begin our peaceful academical conferences, and, as I have already written to you, I willingly undertake, from the 1st March, to conduct a pianoforte class (for virtuosi and teachers)—provided that Erkel and you, dear friend, agree to this harmless proposal. My further activity in the Royal Hungarian Academy of Music had better be favored, measured and decided by the circumstances. I can only lay claim to be the well-intentioned zealous servant of Art and of Hungary.
Please to give Erkel my heartiest thanks for the Liszt-paragraph in the "Inaugural Address." The kindly confidence which Erkel has reposed in me for more than 30 years shall never be abused.
The notice "Count Geza Zichy, President, and Bartay, Director of the Pest Conservatorium," affects me very pleasantly. Engesser's constancy in conducting the Liszt-Verein [Engesser founded the Liszt-Verein in Pest (for mixed voices)] particularly rejoices me. Is Gobbi's Cantata come out? Friendly greetings to the composer and recently "well-known composer of album-leaf waltzes," from your old, truly attached
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, January 20th, 1876
(Before my arrival—16th February—I will telegraph to you fromVenice, where I shall visit Count Imre Szechenyi.) In case therewere anything to write to me, address, till February 5th, Rome,Vicolo dei Greci, 43.
182. To Eduard von Liszt
(Villa d'Este,) January 23rd, 1876
My Dear Beloved Friend,
Your letter has deeply affected me. I preserve it in the secret cell of the heart, where the last words of my dear mother remain- -and give me consolation. I cannot thank you in words. My thanks rise in prayer to God. May His blessing ever be with your generosity and constancy in all that is good.
At the "Decisions of the Court of Cassation" (the 2nd October and 16th November) you spoke so forcibly and beautifully clearly about blasphemy, and of the symbol of redemption, the crucifix— and thus truly fulfilled the teaching of our Savior: "Thesaurizate autem vobis thesauros in Coelo." Let us continue to the end, dearest Eduard, in the love of Christ!
I absolutely wrote the "Hunnenschlacht" for the sake of the hymn "Crux fidelis." Kulke in a very generous manner determined on the production of this work in Vienna. For very many years Kulke has always been well-affected towards me. I enclose a few lines of thanks which I beg you to hand to him. His "Moses before Pharaoh" I have, alas, not the power to compose. To compose philosophy and politics in music appears to me an all-too-difficult task. I almost doubt whether it could be accomplished.
Heartiest greetings to your family, and most truly yours,
F. Liszt
I shall arrive in Pest again in the middle of February.
183. To Dr. Eduard Kulke in Vienna
My Dear Sir,
During long years you have constantly shown me so much kindness that I cannot sufficiently thank you for it. I am also ashamed not to compose better works, so as to make the kindly interpretation of them more easy and pleasanter to you. Nevertheless all the more valuable is your insight and indulgence.
The "feathered thief" [A comedy by the addressee, a well-known and meritorious author, and sent by him shortly before to Liszt.] reconciles me with the "newspaper geese." It will, without plagiarism, win its laurels on the stage. The dialogue and action are full of humor and wit…and the final catastrophe of the thrashing must make an impression on the public.—
Excuse me, my dear Sir, if I do not feel myself equal to the task of an Old-Testament Oratorio. [Kulke had sent a poem, "Moses before Pharaoh," to Liszt in Rome, with the question whether he would be inclined to make it the subject of an Oratorio.] Michael Angelo represented his Moses mighty and horned (perhaps as a most excellent ideal forerunner of Pope Julius II.?); Rossini sang exquisitely the "preghiera di Mose," with which Europe is still enraptured; and Marx's Oratorio Moses, less well-known, contains many excellent parts.
"Non omnia possumus omnes." My humble self can do but little, and remains most humbly grateful to the "Caritas Christi."
With especial regards and thanks, yours most truly,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, January 23rd, 1876
184. To Marie Lipsius
My Honored Patroness,
Your kind promise to translate the "Chopin" into beautiful German rejoices me extremely. Hearty thanks for it. I will soon send the revised (French) copy, and I hope the work will be easy and pleasant to you. In the 3rd edition of "Musikalische Studienkopfe" I lately read "Berlioz"—an excellent characterisation and recognition of this extraordinarily great master, who perhaps hovers more in the untrodden regions of genius than anywhere else.
The addition of the "index" is a valuable completion of this third edition. Its success augurs well for what will follow.
With much respect and gratitude,
F. Liszt
(Villa d'Este,) February 3rd, 1876
185. To August von Trefort, The Hungarian Minister of Education in Budapest
[Printed in the Pester Lloyd of that date.—Addressee died 1888.]
Herr Minister,
Although I scruple to weary the extraordinary good-will which the public of Budapest has evinced towards me, I nevertheless make so bold as to offer the assistance of my two hands for the concert shortly to be given in aid of the sufferers by the floods, if Your Excellency is of opinion that this could still be at all useful. In the year 1838, when I returned for the first time to Vienna, I gave my first concert there in aid of the sufferers by the inundation at Pest. It will be a comfort to me if I can now close my protracted career as virtuoso by the fulfilment of a similar duty. [The concert in aid of the sufferers by the floods in Budapest took place with Liszt's co-operation on the 13th March, 1876] I remain, until death, Hungary's true and grateful son.
Your Excellency's most obedient
F. Liszt
Budapest, March 1st, 1876
186. To Walter Bache
Honored and Dear Friend,
You, in your London "Annual Concerts," have for 12 years worked more wonders than I was able to compose in the "Rosenwunder" [Rose miracle] of Elizabeth. Hearty thanks for your account of the 12th concert, and all the exertions connected with it! I beg you to present my most respectful compliments to Mrs. Osgood ("Elizabeth"), and, before all, to Constance Bache, the kind translator of the Legend.
Entirely approving of the use of the mute in the passage
[Here, Liszt illustrates with a musical score excerpt]
and during the chorus of angels, remains, in sincere esteem for the steadfast conductor and friend Walter Bache, his faithful and grateful
F. Liszt
Budapest, March 8th, 1876
187. To Madame Jessie Laussot,
Dear excellent Friend,
The Commander Casamorata has written to me again about the fete of Bartolomeo Cristofori. I have replied to him that my answer had been already received by you in the month of January '75, and that I can only repeat the same excuses. I copy the last lines of my letter to Casamorata that you may have the exact particulars:- -
"Without reckoning that for more than thirty years I have not belonged to the active lists of pianists and only desire the honorable repose of an invalid, I permit myself to remark that the duty of celebrating the inventor of the pianoforte in Italy belongs by preference to Italian pianists of note, such as M. Buonamici (in Florence) and M. Sgambati (in Rome), etc."—
In conclusion, I scarcely could leave Germany all this summer (except for the visit to the Chateau de Loo), and I shall probably be obliged to return to Hungary after Bayreuth, where I hope still to find you.
Yours very devotedly,
F. Liszt
Budapest, March 18th, 1876
188. To Dr. Leopold Damrosch in New York
[Draft of a letter from a copy by Dr. Mirus in Weimar.—Addressee (1832-1885) came to Weimar in 1855 as a violinist under Liszt, went to Breslau in 1858, and in 1871 to New York, where he had great success and influence as a conductor.]
April 15th, 1876
My dear honored Friend,
You have recommended our young friend Max Pinner to me. He shows himself to be an excellent artist, and I have become much attached to him [Pinner died young.] I beg you to accept through him the renewed expression of my former faithful friendship.
Your beautifully conceived and nobly executed work "Ruth" I have read with sympathetic interest and pleasure. I will not fail to suggest its performance in Germany.
How shall I thank you for the edifying goodwill which you manifest towards my compositions? Your intelligent enthusiastic conducting of my scores prevents any one noticing the defects of the composition.
A hearty greeting to your wife, and with warmest esteem ever yours,
F. Liszt
189. To Friedrich von Bodenstedt
[From a copy by Director Aug. Gollerich in Nurnberg.—Addressee, who died in April 1892, the poet of Mirza Schaffy]
June 8th, 1876
My very honored Friend,
Your very agreeable and genial friend, Frau Major von L., sends the September leaflet about the concert in Hanover. A thousand thanks for it. .—.
On the occasion of my happy 50 years' jubilee you rejoiced me with a poem, of which Iam proud. You have admirably succeeded in coaxing such poetical euphony from an old worn-out instrument like my humble self.
Au revoir in Hanover, and friendly greetings to your family.
With thanks, yours sincerely,
F. Liszt
190. To the Music Publisher Bessel
Sir,
Although the music which you have been so obliging as to send me through Mr. Kahnt has not yet reached me, I hasten to assure you again of the strong interest which I take in the works of the new Russian composers—Rimski-Korsakoff, Cui, Tschaikowski, Balakireff, Borodine—which you edit. You know that lately, at the Tonkunstler-Versammlung at Altenburg, the Ballade "Sadko" was well performed and received. Next year I shall propose that other works of the above-named Russian composers be produced. They are worth serious attention in musical Europe.
When you return to Weimar in July I shall better express to you my thanks and regards.
F. Liszt
Weimar, June 20th, 1876
Kindly give the accompanying note to Mr. Cui.
191. To Prince Carl Lichnowsky
[Communicated to the Musical Chronicle, 20th February, 1888, byA. Gollerich.—Addressee is the brother of Liszt's intimatefriend, Prince Felix Lichnowsky, who, as a member of theParliament of Frankfort, fell on the Heath at Bornheim(Bornheimer Haide), a sacrifice to the Revolution of 1848.]
Your most Serene Highness and Friend,
In old attachment I thank you heartily for your kind lines. The most grateful recollections ever bind me to the House of Lichnowsky. Your highly endowed father and your admirable brother Feliz showed not less kindness to me, than Prince Carl Lichnowsky showed before that to the young Beethoven, who dedicated his Opus I. (3 Trios) to the Prince Lichnowsky, and felt himself quite at home in the so-called Krzizanowitz "Palace," and in the Castle of Gratz. [Krzizanowitz is Lichnowsky's inherited estate in Prussian Silesia, the Castle of Gratz his dominion in Austrian Silesia. Franz Liszt like Beethoven, was a guest in both these places.] May it be permitted, dear Prince, to find you again there (perhaps next year) to
Your faithful and most devoted
F. Liszt
June 21st, 1876
192. To Hofcapellmeister Max Erdmannsdorfer
Very honored Friend,
Thanking you very much for your kind invitation, I shall willingly come next Sunday, and rejoice that I shall again hear a special Sondershausen concert. Berlioz's "Harold-Symphony" is to me an old, ever-fresh recollection: the Sondershausen orchestra played it capitally at the first Festival of the "Music of the Future" in Ballenstedt, which I conducted.
Send me soon the whole printed programme. Can you already conductWagner's new "Fest Marsch?"
I beg for Bulow's "Nirwana," if possible, and in case there should be room for anything, not long, of mine, I would most modestly suggest the Symphonic Poem "Hamlet," which I never heard. Most friendly greetings to your wife, and believe me always
Yours most sincerely,
F. Liszt
Weimar, June 27th, 1876
I suppose the concert takes place on Sunday afternoon, so that the visitors from Weimar can get back here again?
Which train, in the lately altered railway guide—as I was told yesterday—will bring me in tempo (non rubato) [in time—not broken] to Sondershausen and back?—
193. To Kornel von Abranyi
Dear honored Friend,
Best thanks for your letter. Please to make my apologies to the mayor Herr Karoly and to the Festival Committee in Szegedin. [The town of Szegedin and the Hungarian Vocal Society had begged Liszt's active sympathy for the Musical and Singers' Festival about to be held in that place. Karl Wagner was president of the Festival Committee.] With reference to the first invitation to Szegedin (last March) I made the observation immediately that "During the whole month of August I belong to Bayreuth." Consequently it is no fault to remain there,—if the principle is correct.
Now, dear faithful friend, I invite you once again to come hither. The "Festival-Play" is of the very most serious historical significance…So do come at the latest from the 27th till the 30th August for the third series of these stupendous performances of the "Nibelung's Ring." The Montecuculi-an matters will be gladly arranged for you here [i.e. the expenses.] by
Your old, most sincerely faithful
F. Liszt
Bayreuth, August 6th, 1876
194. To Richard Wagner
[Autograph of this curiosity in possession of HerrnCommerzienrath Bosendorfer in Vienna.]
Incredible One,
Hast thou a moment's time for the Leipzig "affaire"? then please come down here (where Herr Neumann now is) to thine own
[Bayreuth, August, 1876]
[This referred to the performance of the "Nibelungen" in Leipzig, striven for by Angelo Neumann and interceded for by Liszt, for which purpose the former came to Bayreuth.—Wagner wrote in pencil on Liszt's letter as follows:—
"Still more incredible One!
"I am in my shirt-sleeves and under no circumstances inclined to give my work to Leipzig or anywhere else!
"Love me!
Thy
195. To the Kammersangerin [Private Concert Singer to the Court] Marie Breidenstein in Erfurt
[Died 1892. She dedicated herself with satisfaction to the rendering of Liszt's compositions, and was also his pupil for piano.]
Dear honored One,
Perhaps the Schubert songs with my most modest instrumentation would suit somewhere in your programme. Here are the printed scores with the orchestral parts. "Gretchen" and "Erlkonig" have been much used and are played out. This is not so much the case with the "Young Nun"; and Mignon's wonderful song, "So lasst mich scheinen bis ich werde" [So let me seem till I become], is scarcely heard—or appreciated!