Letters of Franz Liszt, Volume 2: From Rome to the End
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Franz Liszt; letters collected by La Mara and translated >> Letters of Franz Liszt, Volume 2: From Rome to the End
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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 Hungarian
Klingklang [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 to
Weimar, 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.
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