Chapter VI (9)

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

F.L.

(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 in Florence (after my return from Hungary, towards the middle of February), the subject of Hillebrand's spending some months each year 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 (for Piano 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 from Venice, where I shall visit Count Imre Szechenyi.) In case there were 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, by A. Gollerich.--Addressee is the brother of Liszt's intimate friend, Prince Felix Lichnowsky, who, as a member of the Parliament 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 conduct Wagner'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 Herrn Commerzienrath 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

F. L.

[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

R. W."]

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!

But if you will once more spare me an hour in Weimar, I will accompany these 4 instrumented Schubert-Songs for you.

Next Saturday departs from here

Your sincerely devoted

F. Liszt

Weimer, Monday, September 18th, 1876

N.B.--The instrumentation compelled me to a few little different readings in Schubert's four songs: on this account the singer must go by my score-edition as regards the rests and the very slight alterations.

196. To Camille Saint-Saens

Very Dear Friend

In sending you today the transcription of your "Danse macabre," I beg you to excuse my unskilfulness in reducing the marvellous coloring of the score to the possibilities of the piano. No one is bound by the impossible. To play an orchestra on the piano is not yet given to any one. Nevertheless we must always stretch towards the deal across all the more or less dogged and insufficient forms. It seems to me that Life and Art are only good for that.

In sincere admiration and friendship,

Your very devoted

F. Liszt

Hanover, October 2nd, 1876

197. To Professor L. A. Zellner, General Secretary of the Conservatoire of Music in Vienna

[From a copy of a draft by Dr. Mirus in Weimar.]

October 3lSt, 1876

Honored Friend,

Be so very kind as to convey my sincere thanks to Directors Mosenthal and Herbeck for the friendly communication about the Beethoven-Monument Concerts in Vienna next March. A few weeks earlier I beg you to send me the programmes, to which Beethoven's Concerto in E-flat major, and also as a Finale, in case the "Hammerclavier" appears admissible, the "Choral Fantasia," will willingly be added with his old hands by

Your faithful and most obedient

F. Liszt

198. To Hans Richter, Conductor of the Royal Opera in Vienna

[From a copy by Dr. Mirus in Weimar.-Addressee (born 1843 in Hungary) the renowned conductor, since 1876, of the Bayreuth Festspiel, and, in addition to his opera work in Vienna, conductor of the Philharmonic Concerts there and of the Richter- Concerts in London.]

November 10th, 1876

I thank you most sincerely for your friendly intention of giving my Beethoven-Cantata in the performance at the Royal Opera House for the benefit of the monument to Beethoven. By today's post you will receive the whole printed score, together with a separate edition of the orchestrated Andante (from the B-flat major Trio), which shines, like a guiding star, above my insignificant work. The Cantata was published by Kahnt, Leipzig, in the year 1870, and was also first brought out in Weimar, then in Pest, on the occasion of the Beethoven Jubilee Celebration. If, my dear Sir, the orchestration to some extent pleases you, I should advise you to take up this alone in your programme on the 15th December.

The remaining movements might meet with many hindrances in Vienna...and, frankly, I have become altogether somewhat shy as regards the performance of my compositions. Although I quietly endure their foregone want of success with prevailing criticism, it is my duty not to let my friends be injured by it.

Once again hearty thanks for your goodwill and meritorious conducting of Wagner.

F. Liszt

199. To Breitkopf and Hartel

Dear Sirs,

Your communication to me of the 25th October has been very much delayed, owing to my change of residence several times during the past weeks. There is surely no need to assure you that I never thought of causing any unpleasantness at all to any one--more especially judicially [The publisher of "Tannhauser" had tried to make out that Liszt's arrangement of the March was a "piracy."] In particular my connection with your very honorable house for more than 30 years has ever been most simple and honest. This is also shown by my two quoted letters of the 17th February and 3rd April, 1853, with reference to the publication by your firm of the "Tannhauser and Lohengrin pieces," whose publication at that time I was quite "the agreement" with Richard Wagner in suggesting.

Certainly I could not, without injuring the Tannhauser March, go all through the original, loading it with shakes, and here and there adding arpeggios. However, if "connoisseurs" will look through my transcription in detail, they will easily discover that neither the variation on the principal theme, nor the modulating of the second, nor in any manner the whole setting of the pianoforte arrangement, could be found fault with as a "piracy."

With much esteem,

Very sincerely yours,

F. Liszt

November 12th, 1876

Budapest (where I stay the whole winter)

200. To Constantin Sander, Music Publisher in Leipzig

[Autograph in possession of M. Alfred Bovet in Valentigney.]

Very honored Sir,

Best thanks for kindly sending me the "collected writings of Hector Berlioz" and some novelties of your firm. The compositions of Tschaikowsky interest me. A few of my pupils here play his Concerto and several of his pieces really capitally. I have also recommended Riedel to include Tschaikowsky's Symphony in the programme of the next Tonkunstler-Versammlung.

Otto Reubke's arrangement of the Schubert Quartet [In A minor, published by Sander (F. E. C. Leuckart).] for one performer on the pianoforte seems to me well done, though the 3rd bar of the first Allegro should stand thus,--

[Here, Liszt illustrates with a musical score excerpt]

because in the latter case the important E of the melody cannot be held on, etc.--

I know the manuscript of an excellent arrangement of Schubert's D minor Quartet for 2 hands, the author of which, a man of very high standing, I do not today mention by name. But should you be inclined to publish this Quartet (arranged for 2 hands on the P.F.) I will gladly give you further particulars.--

By today's post you receive my last revision of Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique." I have added two remarks to the title which I beg you to notice and adhere to. Thus "Piano Score"--not "Arrangement."...Then it is absolutely necessary to insert the whole programme of Berlioz, French and German, in your 2nd edition (on the 1st page after the title-page). If necessary my friend Richard Pohl will give you the original French text and the translation.

With sincere regard, yours in all friendship,

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 15th, 1867

P.S.--I keep the copy of the Witzendosf edition for a while, and send you today only the Paris edition, together with the last proof copy of the "Symphonie fantastique."

201. To Breitkopf and Hartel

November 23rd, 1876

Dear Sir and Friend,

Before Herr W. Juranyi handed me your letter I had replied to the earlier communication from your esteemed house with reference to the same matter.

Accept once again the assurance that I lay great stress upon the continuation of our friendly relations, which have now existed for 36 years. As far as this depends on me it shall never cease.

Your letter contains two proposals:--

1. To recommend Wagner to sign a legal document.

This is entirely opposed to my peaceable practices.

2. To prepare an enlarged version of the transcription of the "Tannhauser-March."

Acquiescing in this, I will send you the day after tomorrow a couple of pages of notes [musical] for the purpose of an enlarged edition. I cannot decide whether these acquire a legal value, but in any case they prove to you, dear Sir, my sincere readiness.

My "Wagner-Transcriptions," by-the-by, were not in any way a matter of speculation to me. Appearing at the beginning of the fifties, when only the Weimar theater had the honor of performing "Tannhauser," "Lohengrin" and the "Flying Dutchman," such transcriptions only served as modest propaganda on the inadequate Piano for the sublime genius of Wagner, whose radiating glory now and henceforth belongs to the Pride of Germany.

With high esteem most sincerely yours,

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 23rd, 1876

202. To the Music Publisher Constantin Sander

Very honored Sir,

You have rightly guessed that Herr von Keudell's "excellent" transcription of Schubert's D minor Quartet is finished. It now only remains for you to write to His Excellency, that you may put this work in your window.

Reubke has succeeded very well with the B minor Rondo of Schubert, only, to my thinking, he should add the now indispensable pedal marks to it. By the same post I send you his manuscript together with a few remarks, and beg you to thank Reubke for his friendly dedication, and also to compliment him especially on the refined and beautifully effective carrying out of the subject--

[Here appears notated four measures of the theme.]

Yours most truly,

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 29th, 1876

203. To Vera Timanoff

[First Tausig's pupil (also Rubinstein's for a little while), from 1875 she studied every summer with Liszt as long as he remained in Weimar. In 1880 she became pianist to the Court at Weimar.]

Dear Virtuosa,

I telegraphed immediately to you at Laibach, to tell you to come without ceremony. Your talent is such that it would convert even the Turks, and I assure you that the audience at the Pest concerts will be delighted to applaud you. As to the title which you propose to take, I think it is too modest for you, but there would be an excess of modesty on my part in saying anything against it...so let us be reciprocally proud of it and don't let us advertise it!

A revoir soon,--and always

Your affectionately devoted

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 29th, 1876

Be so kind as to give my most cordial regards to Monsieur and Madame Bosendorfer.

204. To Otto Reubke at Halle-on-the-Saale

[Now Music Director at the University there]

Dear Herr Reubke,

Your Arrangement [of Schubert's B minor duet for pianoforte alone] pleases me uncommonly. I beg you to notice the alterations I have made on the accompanying sheet of music-paper. This version is not quite so much like the original as yours, but, as the great thing is to bring out a fortissimo, we may well allow inaccuracies of this kind in favor of the performer and of effect.

You are requested to add to your excellent Arrangement of the Schubert Rondo much pedal and some fingering,

By your warmly attached

F. Liszt

Budapest, November, 1876

205. To Marianne Brandt, Kammersangerin in Berlin

December 3rd, 1876

Dear honored Friend,

What is always very pleasant and dear to me is your goodwill. With my hearty thanks for it I send today the little notice. "Jeanne d'Arc au bucher" ["Joan of Arc at the Stake"] came out a few months ago at Schott's (Mainz). This short dramatic Scena can be sung with either pianoforte or orchestral accompaniment. The chorus is conspicuous by its absence. Johanna [Jeanne] alone has to perform. N.B.--Only the second edition (published 1876) is to be used; not the first, which also came out at Schott's 30 years ago. Schott sent me no copy of it; it was too much trouble for Berlin to correspond with Mainz via Budapest. Herr Capellmeister Mannstadt [Now Capellmeister at the Court theater in Wiesbaden.] will therefore be so kind as to order the "Johanna" (full score and piano score) at Schott's, if you really have the goodness to sing it. [It was done in honor of Liszt's presence in Berlin, which was celebrated by the performance of some of his works.] There might possibly be special feelings now in Berlin against it, in spite of Schiller's Tragedy, "Die Jungfrau von Orleans." Therefore think the matter over.

For years past I have been mostly obliged to dissuade people from the performance of my large works. The general public usually goes by what is said by the critics, whose most prominent organs among the newspapers are hostile to me. Why should I go into useless quarrels and thereby compromise my friends? Peace and order are the first duties of citizens, which I have doubly to fulfil both as honorable citizen and artist.

As for the rest, dear friend, if it suits you to sing any one of my musical compositions, be assured of the sincerest thanks of

Yours most truly,

F. Liszt

206. To the Committee of the Beethoven Monument in Vienna

[From a copy by Dr. Mirus in Weimar]

December 10th, 1876

Honored Gentlemen,

Rejoiced to be able to help you, I will work with you with a full heart and both hands in the concert for the Beethoven Monument.

Allow me to answer your friendly remark about the performance of Beethoven's Choral Fantasia thus,--that I should not think of performing any other work at this concert than one absolutely written by Beethoven, and consequently my share in the concert programme will consist of the E-flat major Concerto. [It did not consist of that. Liszt did after all play the Pianoforte Part of the Choral Fantasia, Op. 80.]

I beg you will kindly communicate to the honored Secretary of the Committee, Herr Zellner, my hints with regard to the Beethoven Scholarship in Leipzig.

Accept, Gentlemen, the expression of my high esteem.

F. Liszt

207. To Eduard von Liszt

Budapest, January 2nd, 1877

Dearest, Most Honored Cousin,

I always remain faithful to thee in heartiest agreement with thy thoughts and feelings. Every year brings us nearer to the fulfilment of our hope in Jesus Christ the Savior!

"He that endureth to the end shall be saved!"--

I am now quite recovered from my little attack. If there were nothing worse in this world than sprained legs and physical suffering, one could be quite satisfied. Moreover I belong to the very favored and happy ones, even as regards physical suffering.

There is nothing particular going on here which I need mention. Four times weekly I have a class for pianists and pianistes, native and foreign. Half a dozen of these distinguish themselves and will be able to grow into capable public artists. Unfortunately there are far too many concerts and concert- players. As Dingelstedt quite truly said, "The theater is a necessary evil, the concert a superfluous one." I am trying to impress this sentence on my disciples of the Hungarian Academy of Music.

As you know, Budapest possesses three musical Institutions: the Conservatorium (which has existed 36 years and counts several hundred scholars), the Hungarian Theatrical School, and the new and still small Academy of Music. An excellent younger friend of mine, Count Geza Zichy, is president of the Conservatorium; an older one, Count Leo Festetics, president of the Theatrical School; and my humble self acts in the same position at the Academy of Music, whose Director Franz Erkel and General Secretary Abranyi proceed most zealously and judiciously. I have only pleasant relations with them both, and the Minister Trefort is already well-disposed towards me, because he knows that I save him unnecessary annoyance and expense. Most likely the Academy of Music will in two years' time be so flourishing that there will be more to say about it; in the meantime let us study--and be silent. .--.

Heartiest greetings to thy family, and au revoir in Schottenhof [Eduard Liszt's home in Vienna.] in the middle of March, on the occasion of the "Beethoven-Monument Concerts."

Thy

F. Liszt

The Christmas week has beggared me. Be so good as to send me very quickly 500 gulden, for I have hardly 60 left.

208. To Walter Bache

Truly, dear Bache, you are a wonder-working friend. Your persevering trouble, exertions, expenditure of time and money for the production of my bitterly-criticised compositions in London during the past fifteen years, are among the most uncommon occurrences in the annals of Art. Once again heartiest thanks; please also to thank Mr. Manns properly for his excellent conducting of "Mazeppa." Things of that kind are awkward both for conductors and performers. But how can one go on making music with what is idly convenient, even when this is raised into importance under the guise of being classical?

Hueffer's translation of Wagner's letter pleases me. Friendly greeting to Hueffer [Musical author in London, lately deceased] and Dannreuther [Musician in London] from

Your grateful and very devoted

F. Liszt

Budapest, March 9th, 1877

At the beginning of April I shall be back in Weimar. I am pleased that you included the old "Loreley," with fresh orchestral accompaniments, in your concert programme. Give my respectful compliments to the friendly singer Mrs. Osgood.

209. To Eduard von Liszt

Weimar, July 3rd, 1877

Dearest Eduard,

For some weeks I have been much on the go and disturbed in many ways. Several musical performances occasioned me to go about in the neighborhood. On the 17th June some portions of the "Christus Oratorio" were splendidly sung in the Thomaskirche (Leipzig) by the Riedel Verein. Last Friday "Elizabeth" came brilliantly to the fore again in Eisenach, and yesterday Gille, my untiring friend of many years' standing, arranged a large concert of sacred music (with several items of mine), at which I was present.

I do indeed regret that I am not able to accept in person the kind invitation of my beloved nephew Franz for his wedding-day. It would be much better for me to be more with you all!...Enclosed are a few words to Franz. Arrange for my proxy as a witness at the marriage ceremony. Whoever is chosen by you will be worthy and right to me: as for me I should choose my friend Bosendorfer.

I go the day after tomorrow to Berlin for two days; then I am bidden farther and nearer till the end of July. I shall respectfully announce to the Frau Furstin [Princess] my arrival in Rome--beginning of August. Please send me here on the 20th July the money for the journey, and something over--about 1200 marks [about 60 pounds]. I must not have any other debts except moral ones. Our name Liszt in the Hungarian language means Flour: we will provide good wheaten meal "ex adipe frumenti" with thee, Franz, and thy children.

Truly devoted,

F. L.

.--. I shall visit you in the middle of November on the return journey from Rome to Pest,--where I think of spending the winter, as formerly.

Heartiest greetings to your wife and Marie.

210. To Ludwig Bosendorfer

Honored Friend,

You have been just as much a pianoforte maker as I have been, and still remain, alas! an almost posthumous pianoforte player.

My friend Berlioz asked: "Do you believe that I can listen to music for my pleasure?" Nevertheless we intend to continue our Music and Piano "for our good pleasure."

Thanks for letter and telegram.

Heartily devoted,

F. Liszt

Weimar, July 12th, 1877

211. To Edmund von Mihalovich

.--. In order to obtain this performance [Of Mihalovich's Opera "Hagbar."] I think it necessary and indispensable (as I have already told you) that you should lay a regular siege in person to the Intendant, the Capellmeister, and the singers, male and female, of the theater which you choose.

The new serious Operas are now regarded with suspicion and are in disgrace everywhere. Several trials have been made of them here and there of late years. In the happiest of them the public applauded warmly during the first performances, and abstained from attending the following ones. Consequently the coffers remained empty: ergo, it is the receipts which prove real success. If Wagner's marvellous chefs d'oeuvre hold their own in the repertoire, it is because they make money and continue to draw even a large contingent of detractors. .--.

Weimar, July 20th, 1877

Towards the middle of August I shall be in Rome, and shall stay at the Villa d'Este until my return to Pest in November.

212. To Kornel von Abranyi

Weimar, July 28th, 1877

Honored Friend,

Dear Secretary-General of the "Zene Akademia," [i.e. Academy of Music of the Country.] Sincere thanks for your significant communication, which I answer immediately, point by point. [Abranyi had informed Liszt, as President of the Academy, of the course of instruction (1877) and concerts, and had also asked him for his opinion on several Art questions.]

1. The conclusion of the year '77 with the examination concerts (25 to 28 June--and the "Magyar Hangverseny" [An Hungarian Concert.] on the 30th June) has been very gratifying. Let us rejoice in the praiseworthy performances of Messrs. Juhasz, Agghazi, Swoboda, and of the ladies Frau Knapp, Fraulein Lepessy, [The above-mentioned were favorite pupils of the Master at the Academy.] etc., in Counterpoint, Harmony, Composition, Aesthetics, Hungarian music and the indispensable Piano-playing.

The work best praises the Master: in like manner do the pupils, when preparing themselves for pre-eminence, praise their teacher. The "Zene Akademia" has not to work for the universally usual kind of musical study, but has indeed a weightier, higher task to fulfil.

2. The publication of your "Academic lectures" I had especially recommended to His Excellency Minister Trefort. "Suitable teaching and departmental books" printed in the Hungarian language are inaccessible. You, my honored Secretary-General, have to look after that,--and the Minister will certainly support your scientific-patriotic work for the use and benefit of learners and teachers at the "Zene Akademia"--and further, in all Hungary.

3. As to the "Plan of classes in the department for Church music, Singing and Organ," I can now only repeat my previously expressed wish that the right and able person of good working capability may be found for conducting these classes. Neither invalids nor dabblers may officiate at No. 4, Fischplatz!--[Liszt's house, and, for the time, the locale of the Academy.] If unfortunately the right reverend Herr F. Witt should continue unable to fill the post offered to him in Budapest, I shall propose that the new director should come for a year on trial. And a complaisant sort of Protection is thereby to be avoided, for the matter in question is nothing less than the worthy thriving and culture of Church music in Hungary.

4. I consider as necessary the appointment of an experienced Pianoforte Professor, one who is pushing forwards, and who will be able to relieve our highly honored Director Herr F. Erkel of a part of his very meritorious but excessive exertions. Meanwhile I protest strongly against desiring to have a professorship without salary. Fees with honor; judicious restrictions without beggarly management; otherwise we shall come to grief.

5. I beg that my "jubilee-stipend," entrusted to me in the most honorable manner by the municipality of Budapest, may next year ('78) be apportioned to the same artists as this year. I will gladly sign all the papers having reference to this. Looking forward to the speedy appearance of your Study of Harmony, and of the collected writings of our never-to-be-forgotten friend Mosonyi, together with his biography and Abranyi's new compositions, and greeting your laudable and persistent endeavors in the cause of Art with sympathetic recognition,

I remain, with best regards, yours truly,

F. Liszt

Next week I journey farther--shall be in Rome by the middle of August--and in November in Pest, where I intend to spend the winter again. Write to me in September: my address will be Villa d'Este, Tivoli, (presso) Roma, Italia.

I beg you to give the enclosed lines to Frau Knapp.

213. To the Music Publisher Constantin Sander

Very dear Sir,