Letters of Franz Liszt, Volume 2: From Rome to the End

F >> Franz Liszt; letters collected by La Mara and translated >> Letters of Franz Liszt, Volume 2: From Rome to the End

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Blandine has her place in my heart beside Daniel. Both abide with
me bringing atonement and purification, mediators with the cry of
"Sursum corda!"--When the day comes for Death to approach, he
shall not find me unprepared or faint-hearted. Our faith hopes
for and awaits the deliverance to which it leads us. Yet as long
as we are upon earth we must attend to our daily task. And mine
shall not lie unproductive. However trifling it may seem to
others, to me it is indispensable. My soul's tears must, as it
were, have lacrymatoria made for them; I must set fires alight
for those of my dear ones that are alive, and keep my dear dead
in spiritual and corporeal urns. This is the aim and object of
the Art task to me.

Yon know that I have finished the "Legend of Saint Elizabeth"
(200 pages of score--2 and 1/2 hours' duration in performance).
In addition to this some other compositions have been produced,
such as: the "SunCanticus ("Cantico del Sole") of Saint
Franciscus"--an instrumental Evocatio in the Sistine Chapel-two
Psalms, etc. I trust you may again find us in these, in mind and
feeling.

I am now about to set myself the great task of an Oratorio on
Christ. By the 22nd October, '63, I hope to have solved the
difficulty as far as my weakness and strength will permit.

As you see, dearest Eduard, it is impossible to get out of my
head the idea of writing notes. [Notenkopfe] In spite of all good
precepts and friendly counsellors (who mean it much better by me
than I can ever understand!) I go so far as to maintain that for
several years past and in many yet to come I have not done and
shall not do anything more ingenuous than cheerfully to go on
composing. And what more harmless occupation could there be?
especially as I never force my little works upon any one, nay,
have frequently begged persons to refrain from giving certain too
unconscientious [Play on words "gewissen" and "ungewissenhaft"]
renderings of them,--and that I ask for no further appreciation
or approval than can, in fact, be granted according to taste and
disposition.

From Pest I have lately received through Baron Pronay, in the
name of the Council of the Conservatoire, an invitation to
establish my domicile there, and to promote the interests of
Hungarian music. Probably you will hear of my excusatory reply.

Between ourselves, and frankly said in plain German, it would be
of no advantage to me again to take up any outward musical
activity (such as my conductorship in Weimar which came to an end
a few years ago, and after September 1861 became a locked door to
me through my Chamberlain's key). But possibly I may later find a
fitting opportunity for composing something for Hungary. After
the precedent of the "Gran Mass" I might, for instance, on some
extraordinary occasion, be entrusted, say, with a "Te Deum" or
something of the kind. I would gladly do my best, and only on
some such terms could I regard my return to Hungary as becoming.

Meanwhile remains quietly in Rome, honestly striving to do his
duty as a Christian and an artist,

Thine from his heart,

F. Liszt

Rome, November 19th (St. Elizabeth's Day), 1862

12. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

The difficulties and troubles of the musical situation of which
you speak in your last letter but one, I can, unfortunately, only
too well understand. No one is better acquainted with such
matters than I am, and hence no one is better able to appreciate
and recognise the value of your unselfish, persevering work and
efforts, which also show you so sincere in your convictions. And
one of the dark sides in my present position, dear friend, is
that I can be of so little use to you, that I am compelled to
remain in a state of passivity and forbearance that does not at
all agree with me. However, you may rely upon my readiness to
render any assistance wherever I may still be able to help.--In
accordance with your wish I shall take an early opportunity of
writing to Prince H[ohenzollern] concerning the Tonkunstler-
Verein. It is to be hoped that our amiable, noble-minded patron
will show himself no less disposed in our favor than he has done
on former occasions. And you, on your part, do not fail to
discuss with Seifriz by letter the points and modals of the
support expected. It is a pity that Bulow's proposal to hold the
next meeting of the T.K. Verein in Lowenberg has not proved
feasible. Were it likely to be broached again I should not make
any objections to it, because, in fact, the place seems to be
precisely a favorable centre at present. But, as already said, it
is not my place to express any definite opinion on the subject,
and I am entirely satisfied in leaving all that has to be done to
your judgment and foresight.

I am delighted to hear of Bulow's extraordinary success in
Leipzig, and still more so to hear of your renewed and intimate
relations with him. He is the born prototype of progress, and
noble-minded to a degree! Without his active co-operation as
director and standard-bearer a Tonkunstler-Versammlung at the
present time would at least be an anachronism.

From Wagner I lately received a letter in which he informed me of
a performance of his "Tristan" in Vienna towards the end of
January. Afterwards he intends arranging some concerts in Berlin-
-and, it seems, in St. Petersburg also. My endeavors to secure
him comfortable quarters in Weimar seem for the time being to be
useless, because of his dislike to an insignificant appointment,
and the adverse circumstances of life in a small town. Certainly
his project of drawing annually 3,000 thalers (*450 British
pounds sterling*), by some agreement between the Grand Dukes of
Weimar and Baden, is much more to the point. The question is only
whether their Highnesses will consent to it? .--.

With heartiest greetings, most sincerely yours,

F. Liszt

December 30th, 1862

13. To Breitkopf and Hartel

Dear Herr Doctor,

The four scores of the Beethoven Symphonies, of which you advised
me in your friendly letter, reached me yesterday. My eyes are
meanwhile revelling and delighting in all the glories of the
splendid edition, and after Easter I shall set to work. Nothing
shall be wanting on my part, in the way of goodwill and industry,
to fulfil your commission to the best of my power. A pianoforte
arrangement of these creations must, indeed, expect to remain a
very poor and far-off approximation. How instil into the
transitory hammers of the Piano breath and soul, resonance and
power, fulness and inspiration, color and accent?--However I
will, at least, endeavor to overcome the worst difficulties and
to furnish the pianoforte-playing world with as faithful as
possible an illustration of Beethoven's genius.

And I must ask you, dear Herr Doctor, in order that the statement
on all the title pages--"critically revised edition"--may be
complied with, to send me--together with your new edition of the
scores of the "Pastoral," the C minor, and A major Symphonies--a
copy of my own transcriptions of them. Probably I may alter,
simplify, and correct passages--and add some fingerings. The more
intimately acquainted one becomes with Beethoven, the more one
clings to certain singularities and finds that even insignificant
details are not without their value. Mendelssohn, at whose
recommendation you formerly published my pianoforte scores of the
"Pastoral" and C minor Symphonies, took great delight in these
minutiae and niceties!--

With regard to the agreement about the A major Symphony I mean
shortly to write to Carl Haslinger, and expect that he will be
quite willing to meet my wish. [A pianoforte transcription of
this Symphony by Liszt had been published by Haslinger.]

With grateful thanks, dear Herr Doctor, I remain yours in
readiness and sincerity,

F. Liszt

Rome, March 26th, 1863

P.S.--The four Symphonies shall be finished before the end of
summer and sent to Leipzig. If you are satisfied with my work
would you entrust the arrangement of the Overtures to me when I
have finished the Symphonies--provided, of course, that you have
not made any agreement with any one else?

14. To A. W. Gottschalg in Weimar

Dear Friend,

This year my name-day fell in the middle of Easter week, on
Maundy Thursday. Your hearty letter again brought what to me is
the pleasantest news in the world. Thank you for it, and let
those know of it who share your sincere, friendly, and faithful
sentiments! First let me mention Carl Gotze, [A chorister in
Weimar (a favorite copyist of the Master's) became a musical
conductor in Magdeburg and died in 1886.] whose kindly words I
should so gladly like to answer in accordance with his wish, and
then my dear Kammer-virtuoso, Grosse. Grosses trombone no doubt
officiated brilliantly at Bulow's concert and at the performance
of Berlioz's opera! An echo of the former reached me, thanks to
your inspired notice in Brendel's paper, where I accidentally
came across a little remark which you had addressed to one of the
most estimable and graceful of German lady-singers anent my
little-heeded songs. I certainly cannot find fault with you for
showing some interest in the songs and for thus frankly
expressing your opinion. On the contrary, your sympathetic
appreciation is always welcome, amid the direct and indirect
disparagement which falls to my lot. Unfortunately, however, I
must make up my mind that only by way of an exception can I
expect to find friends for my compositions. The blame is mine;
why should one presume to feel independently, and set the
comfortable complacency of other folks at defiance?--Everything
that I have written for several years past shows something of a
pristine delinquency which is as little to be pardoned as I am
unable to alter it. This fault, it is true, is the life-nerve of
my compositions, which, in fact, can only be what they are and
nothing else.--

In the Psalms I have made some important alterations, and shall
shortly send Kahnt the manuscript. A few passages (especially the
verse "Sing us one of the songs of Zion") which had always
appeared awkward to me in the earlier version, I have now managed
to improve. At least they now pretty well satisfy my soul's ear.

The "Christus" Oratorio is progressing but slowly, owing to the
many interruptions which I have to put up with this winter. It is
to be hoped I may obtain some entire months of work during the
summer. I thirst for it.

Of the musical undertakings here you will learn the more
noteworthy events from a paper I sent to Brendel last week.
Further and fuller news about myself is meanwhile uncertain.
Probably I shall in the end not find myself able to do anything
better than to put my whole story in the musical notes that I am
incessantly writing down, but which need not either be printed or
heard.

However that may be, I remain, dear friend, in sincere affection,
yours gratefully and in all friendship,

F. Liszt

Rome, April 14th, 1863

P.S.--The Bach-Album and other music which you say you had to
send me (e.g., your arrangement of the Dante fugue if it has been
printed) please let me have through Kahnt. Enclose also a copy of
the Ave Maria for Organ.

[Figure: Musical Score Excerpt]

15. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear friend,

The last months brought so many interruptions in my work that I
still feel quite vexed about it. Easter week I had determined
should, at last, see me regularly at work again; but a variety of
duties and engagements have prevented my accomplishing this. I
must, therefore, to be true to myself and carry out my former
intention, shut myself up entirely. To find myself in a net of
social civilities is vexatious to me; my mental activity requires
absolutely to be free, without which I cannot accomplish
anything.

How things will turn out later about my proposed journey to
Germany I do not yet know. Probably my weary bones will be buried
in Rome. Till then their immovability will serve you better than
my wandering about on railways and steamboats. On the other hand,
there is but little for me to do in Germany. War is at the door;
drums and cannon will come to the fore; God protect the faith of
heroes and give victory to the righteous among humanity! .--.

Where is Wagner, and what about the performances of "Tristan",
the "Nibelungen", and the "Meistersinger" in Weimar or elsewhere?
Tell me of this. I have not written to Weimar for long, and have
also not had any news from there. My only German correspondent
(Frau von Bulow) is suffering from some eye-trouble, which has
interrupted our exchange of letters...so I am absolutely ignorant
of what is going on. The February numbers of the "Neue
Zeitschrft" are the last I have received. Your articles on
Criticism are excellent, and, indeed, nothing else was to be
expected. Give Louis Kohler my most friendly thanks for his kind
perseverance in "paving the way for my scores to receive more
kindly appreciation." The more thankless the task the more
heartily grateful do I feel to my friends.

Most sincerely yours,

F. Liszt

Rome, May 8th, 1863

16. To Eduard Liszt

Dearest Eduard,

Weariness or something of the sort carried my thoughts back to my
"Berceuse." Various other "Berceuses" rose up in my dreams. Do
you care to join my dreams? It shall not cost you any trouble;
without touching the keyboard yourself, you will only need to
rock yourself in the sentiments that hover over them. A really
amiable and variously gifted lady will see to this. She plays the
little piece delightfully, and has promised me to let it exercise
its charms upon you. I shall, therefore, ere long send you a copy
of the new version of the "Berceuse" addressed "to the Princess
Marcelline Czartoryska, Klostergasse 4." [A pupil of Chopin's]
Wend yourway thither--and, in case you do not find the Princess
at home, leave the manuscript with your card. I have already told
her of your contemplated visit, and have spoken of you as my
heart's kinsman and friend. You will find the Princess Cz.
possessed of a rare and fine understanding, the most charming
figure in society, and a kindly and enthusiastic worshipper of
Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, and, above all this, the
illuminating faith of the Catholic Church reflected in Polish
blood.

"Patria in Religione et Religio in patria" might be the motto of
Poland. God protect the oppressed!

One other commission for the Princess Cz. please undertake for
me. During her residence here she on several occasions expressed
the wish to become acquainted with some of my compositions (to
which, whether intentionally or not, she had hitherto not paid
much attention). I played with her my arrangement of the
Symphonic Poems for 2 pianofortes--the "Heroide funebre,"
"Tasso," and the "Preludes"--which she received with kindly and
courteous tolerance. Without desiring more--for ample experience
has taught me that my compositions more readily rouse
estrangement than attraction--I should, nevertheless, like the
musical threads of our pleasant relations not to be entirely
dropped, and wish therefore to present her, first of all, with
various pieces of music by way of making amends. In the badly
stocked music shops of Rome I could not find anything suited to
her talent, and promised to ask your help in the matter. I beg
you, therefore, dearest Eduard, to get the following works simply
and neatly bound in one volume (in the following order), and to
present them soon to the Princess Cz.:--

1. "Glanes de Woronice" (Leipzig, Kistner).
2. "Melodies de Chopin", transcrites par Liszt (Berlin,
Schlesinger).
3. "Mazurka" (Senff, Leipzig).
4. "2 Polonaises" (idem).
5. "2 Ballades" (1 and 2. Kistner, Leipzig.)
6. "Consolations" (Hartel, Leipzig).

If the volume is not too thick with the above you might add the
"Valse melancolique" and "Romanesca" (second edition of
Haslinger). Of course let all this, contents and binding, be put
down to my account, and given to the Princess-artist as a present
from me. If the pieces cannot be procured in Vienna, order them
speedily from Leipzig through Haslinger or Spina.

A propos of Spina: has the arrangement for 2 pianofortes of my
orchestral setting of Schubert's magnificent C major "Fantasia"
not yet been published? This delay, or, more properly, this
remissness, is by no means a pleasant matter to me. With all my
heart, thine,

F. Liszt

Rome, May 22nd, 1863

17. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

I had to remain in bed all last week--and am still pretty weak on
my legs. But there is nothing further wrong: my head is free
again; the rest can be imagined. The day after tomorrow I quit my
rooms in the Via Felice and move to Monte Mario (an hour's
distance from the city). Father Theimer is kind enough to allow
me to occupy his apartments in the almost uninhabited house of
the Oratorian. The view is indescribably grand. I mean now, at
last, to try and lead a natural kind of life. I hope I may
succeed in approaching more closely to my monastico-artistic
ideal...Meanwhile you may laugh at me about it. In my next letter
I will tell you where to address me.

Pastor Landmesser will bring you further news about me to
Leipzig, before the end of July, on his way back to Dantzig. I
shall get him to take you the manuscript of the Psalms (of which
I spoke to you). They are now ready for publication, and will not
disgrace Kahnt's house of business.

The corrected copy of the Faust Symphony, too, I will send you by
this opportunity, for Schuberth.

With regard to performances of my works generally, my disposition
and inclination are more than ever completely in the negative. My
friends, and you more especially, dearest friend, have done their
part in this respect fully and in the kindest manner. It seems to
me now high time that I should be somewhat forgotten, or, at
least, placed very much in the background. My name has been too
frequently spoken of; many have taken umbrage at this, and been
uselessly annoyed at it. While "paving the way for a better
appreciation," it might be advisable to regard my things as a
reserve corps, and to introduce new works by other composers.

This will sufficiently intimate that the "Legend of St.
Elizabeth" may quietly go on slumbering in my paper-box. As may
also the work upon which I am now engaged, and which to my regret
is making but very slow progress, owing to the many interruptions
which perpetually plague me.

Should any one of the programmes be filled with one of my
compositions, it would be best to select one of those already
published, in order that, at all events, the publisher's approval
may, in some measure, be held up to view.

In my opinion you have made a good choice in Porges. The young
man is reliable, intelligent, and capable of inspiration, and
what he may still lack in skilfulness he will easily acquire. The
essential point in a task of this kind is a modest, honest, and
not too dry effort. What I have heard and know of Porges makes me
feel assured that he will best fulfil the various demands made by
the editorial office.

What is one to think of the marvels which Pohl has brought back
from Lowenberg? I haven't sufficient imagination to form any
clear idea about them from the preliminary hints you communicated
to me. Let me have a fuller report, therefore, if you think that,
under certain conditions, I should mix myself up with the matter.
And also tell me frankly, without periphrase, what the Musik-
Verein wishes and expects from the patronage of the Grand Duke of
Weimar?--One ought not to shoot about at random with Royal
Highnesses! It would only lead to a vexatious loss of powder.

How is Kap[ellmeister] Wehner? Is he still in his King's good
graces? [He was in the service of the King of Hanover; and is
long since dead.] Kapellmeister Bernhard Scholz was here last
month--but he did not honor me with a visit.

Today's post has brought me some very friendly lines from my
worthy precentor Gottschalg in Tieffurt. He tells me of a concert
in Denstedt, where several pieces of mine were performed--among
others one of the Psalms (which I shall shortly send to Kahnt by
Landmesser, an essentially improved version); they were sung by
Fraulein Genast. This lady, so Gottschalg writes, is to be
married today. Do you know to whom? I am so entirely cut off from
all my Weimar connection that I had not heard anything about
this. But as I still retain a very friendly recollection of this
excellent lady-exponent of my songs, I beg you, dear friend, to
let me have her new name and to tell me whether her husband
resides in Weimar or elsewhere.

I am perfectly satisfied with my new abode at Monte Mario.--
Pastor Landmesser will give you a description of it--and perhaps
I may find a photograph of the place--if not I shall order one
for you later.

Your sincerely devoted

F. Liszt

Rome, June 18th, 1863

18. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

You will receive these lines in the lovely Sondershausen Park.
One gladly accustoms oneself to the place, and the admirable
performances of the Loh-concerts--I derive the word from "Lohe"
[flame]--give the atmosphere a certain spiritual stimulus. My
friendly greetings to Stein--and present my warm thanks to the
courageous orchestra, which has not been scandalised by the
"Symphonic Poems"! . . .

The parcel from Kahnt reached me safely a few days after your
letter (of 26th June). Mililotti [Director of the Classical Music
Association in Rome; he had requested Professor Riedel to send
him the programmes of his concerts.] intends writing to Riedel to
thank him for his kindness in forwarding his programmes. When
Mililotti's concerts prove more of a success he may, by way of a
return, send his Roman programmes to Leipzig. But at present the
musical doings here are of but small interest to other countries.

By sending me the score edition of "Mignon" and "Loreley" Kahnt
has given me peculiar pleasure. It seems to me correct, and I am
foolish enough to find the instrumentation pretty. By the way,
other instrumental settings occur to me: those of several of
Schubert's songs ("Erlking," "Gretchen," "The Young Nun," and a
few others) that I wrote for Fraulein Genast. They are not mere
manufactured arrangements, and might not altogether displease
musicians of fine feeling. The manuscript of the scores was left
with Seifriz in Lowenberg. If any publisher should feel inclined
to accept them they are at his disposal. .--.

In answer to an important point in your letter, I quite agree
about presenting the Grand Duke of Weimar with a Report
describing the object and aims of the Allgemeine Deutsche Musik-
Verein. And on this occasion H.R.H. should be respectfully and
graciously invited to address an appeal to his illustrious
relatives to take some interest in the progress and success of
the Association; in plain language, to strengthen his
protectorship by letters of recommendation, or in some other way.
In presenting the Report (which might most appropriately be
undertaken by Pohl and Regierungsrath Muller) the Grand Duke or
His Excellency Count Beust might be addressed directly by word of
mouth, and be distinctly given to understand the desirability of
obtaining the sympathy of the Grand Duchess, the Queen of
Prussia, the King of Holland, T.R.H. the Grand Duchesses Helene
and Marie (of Russia), the Grand Duke Peter of Oldenburg (in St.
Petersburg), the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Baden, the
Hereditary Prince of Meiningen, the Dukes of Altenburg and
Coburg, etc. I give these names because, owing to their near
relationship with the Grand Duke and their own personal fondness
for music, they should stand first as patrons and supporters of
the Allgemeine Deutsche Musik-Verein.

Gladly would I have undertaken the duties of diplomatist to the
Association in Weimar, and endeavored to obtain the Grand Duke's
active intervention...But at this distance I cannot, for the time
being, accomplish anything. My gracious Master has no leisure for
lectures on artistic subjects that I might concoct in the Eternal
City; and if I tried to enlighten him in any such way his first
and only word in reply would be "Why does not Liszt come back, in
place of writing such allotria?" [Observations beside the mark.]-
-A short time ago I received from him a very kind, monitory
letter, calling upon me to return to Weimar for the Kunstler-
Versammlung in August. .--. I would advise you to make use of
your stay at Sondershausen by getting an introduction to the
Prince, and by obtaining his support as regards the Musik-Verein.
Discuss this matter with Stein, for he is best able to attend to
it. Possibly a larger performance in the Loh might be got up for
the benefit of the Association. .--.

This letter is so filled up with Royal Highnesses, Majesties, and
illustrious personages, that it offers me a natural transition to
tell you of an extraordinary, nay, incomparable honor I received
last Saturday evening, the 11th of July. His Holiness Pope Pius
IX. visited the Church of the Madonna del Rosario, and hallowed
my apartments with his presence. After having given His Holiness
a small proof of my skill on the harmonium and on my work-a-day
pianino, he addressed a few very significant words to me in the
most gracious manner possible, admonishing me to strive after
heavenly things in things earthly, and by means of my harmonies
that reverberated and then passed away to prepare myself for
those harmonies that would reverberate everlastingly.--His
Holiness remained a short half-hour; Monsign. de Merode and
Hohenlohe were among his suite--and the day before yesterday I
was granted an audience in the Vatican (the first since I came
here), and the Pope presented me with a beautiful cameo of the
Madonna.--

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