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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To hear again of my Ex-Chamber-Virtuoso Josy in so friendly a way
pleased me extremely, and I beg you to send my sincerest thanks
to the author of the article for having so carefully studied my
Rhapsodies and the less well-known book (not to speak of the
erroneous interpretation it has had to endure at other hands!) on
"Hungarian Gipsy Music"; at the same time will you beg him to
accept the enclosed photograph of my humble self, in return for
the one he gave Josy?

[An extremely musical gipsy boy of this name was presented to
Liszt in Paris in 1844 by Count Sandor Teleki. Liszt's endeavors
to train the boy as an artist failed, however, owing to the
impossibility of accustoming the child of nature to engage in
earnest study, as Liszt himself relates in "Die Zigeuner und ihre
Musik in Ungarn" [The Gipsies and their Music in Hungary] (Ges.
Schriften, Bd, vi.)]

In your next let me have some account of the position and work of
this worthy Breslau correspondent, for I have not before met with
anything from his pen in the Neue Zeitschrift. I herewith send
you a second photograph of my present abode, "Madonna del
Rosario," as the first one went astray, but to prevent a like
accident in the post I shall register this letter.

Bulow's searches into and out of the subject are splendid, and
his farewell words in memory of Fischl show the noblest beat of
heart. When are the articles on Offenbach, etc., from the same
intellectual region, to appear?...I am curious also to see what
news there will be of the Berlin Orchestral concerts, instituted
and conducted by Bulow.

You mention cursorily some new programme-form concerning which
"you rather flatter yourself." Tell me more about this and send
me a few of the programmes.

From Pohl I lately received a very cordial letter which I
answered forthwith. His Vorschlag zur Gute, etc., in the N. Z. I
have not yet read, and this is the case with many other articles
in the last numbers, which, however, I mean ere long to overtake.
In spite of my retirement and seclusion I am still very much
disturbed by visitors, duties of politeness, musical proteges--
and wearisome, mostly useless correspondence and obligations.
Among other things the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society has
invited me, during the Lent season, to direct two of their
concerts, giving performances of my own compositions. The letter
certainly reads somewhat more rationally than that of the Cologne
Cathedral Committee (of which, I told you); but the good folks
can nevertheless not refrain from referring to the trash about
"my former triumphs, unrivalled mastery as a pianist," etc., and
this is utterly sickening to me--like so much stale, lukewarm
champagne. Committee gentlemen and others should verily feel
somewhat ashamed of their inane platitudes, in thus unwarrantably
speaking to my discredit by reminding me of a standpoint I
occupied years ago and have long since passed.--Only one Musical
Association can boast of forming an honorable exception to this
since my departure from Germany, namely the Society "Zelus pro
Domo Dei," in Amsterdam, which, in consequence of the approval
and performance of my Gran Mass last week, has conferred on me
their diploma by appointing me an honorary member, in addition to
a very kind letter written in a becoming tone.

The diploma is headed: "Roomsch Catholiek Kerkmusiek Collegie,"
and the Society was founded in 1691.

For your wife's amusement and as a piece of French reading I send
a copy of my answers to the letters from St. Petersburg and
Amsterdam. When you have read them please send both copies to my
daughter in Berlin, as an addition to her small collection of my
miscellaneous correspondence.

Most cordial greetings.--Yours in all friendship,

F. Liszt

November 11th, 1863

25. To Breitkopf And Hartel

Dear Sirs,

.--. Pray present my kindest thanks to Conzertmeister David for
his consent to the N.B. in the Finale of the 8th Symphony. The
method of execution, as indicated, was the one important question
to me; by the satisfactory solution of this I am now perfectly
content, and it is pleasant to me, therefore, to be able to agree
to your wish to undertake the publication of the 9 piano-scores
forthwith, without asking advice elsewhere. My former request on
this subject was meant only to serve as a proof of my sincerest
conscientiousness; as soon as you consider it superfluous let it
be so.

Your letter also settles the copyist-difficulty. Still,
notwithstanding all the model-works that issue from the House of
Breitkopf and Hartel, I could scarcely expect that the printers
would worry over my bad musical writing, that is rendered even
more indistinct by my numerous erasures and corrections--and for
this reason I recommended Herr Carl Gotze of Weimar by way of
help; he is very quick at deciphering my untidy manuscripts. But
of the best copyists it may be said "Better none," to use
Beethoven's words in pronouncing his verdict upon Malzel's
metronome.

Permit me therefore, dear sirs, to reduce all these preliminaries
and details to the simplest form, by giving you absolute power
concerning the publication of the 9 Symphonies--provided that the
last proofs are sent to me for revision.

While awaiting the Beethoven scores (Quartets, Egmont, and
"Christ on the Mount of Olives") I send you my best thanks in
advance, and shall hope to send you later a specimen of my small
savoir-faire in the matter of Quartet arrangements to look at. If
it should meet with your approval I would gladly, next summer,
proceed in working out a former pet idea of mine; to make
pianoforte transcriptions of Beethoven's Quartets "for the home
circle," and, as it were, to make them a link in the Master's
catena aurea, between his Sonatas and Symphonies.--No
considerations in the way of honorarium need form any hindrance
to this project, especially as in such matters not the smallest
difficulty has ever arisen in our relations with one another,
which have now lasted over 20 years. Besides, the way and manner
you accept my proposal offers the best prospect for its
realisation, to our mutual satisfaction in tempore opportuno.

.--. I beg you, dear sirs, to accept my sincere thanks as well as
the assurance of my respectful attachment.

F. Liszt

Rome, November 16th, 1863

(Monte Mario, Madonna Del Rosario.)

26. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

By way of excusing my delay in writing I must tell you at once of
an indisposition, which during Christmas week prevented my
undertaking any other occupation or amusement than that of
keeping in bed. For several weeks after that there were other
things, entirely unconnected with musical doings and affairs,
which, however, urgently demanded attention. Your admirable New
Year's letter I received yesterday. It perfectly confirms my
opinion of the state of affairs (as became clear to me long
since), and my agreement with you as regards our "Debit and
Credit." The latter, unfortunately, does not show the right
equilibrium--but must be made to do so. In the first place three
points have to be secured; and to save useless explanations
between us, I shall describe these in geographical style, under
the names of Weimar, Lowenberg, Carlsruhe. They at present
embrace and solve all the essential questions: division of work,
appointment of suitable persons, procuring adequate means, active
organisation of the Musik-Verein, etc., etc. And, granted that
you are not deceiving yourself about my very limited influence,
my personal presence and intervention would seem indispensable.
Still I will not conceal the fact that it is, at least,
inconvenient for me to leave Rome even for a short time, and
people should not object to my finding more satisfaction in my
retirement here than in the barren unpleasantries of a so-called
"circle of activity." But if, as you assure me, the question
affects the good cause, and I could really be of service to a few
dear friends,--well in that case every other consideration shall
give way and my willingness be put to the proof. Although it will
be very difficult for me to make up my mind to start, I will
towards the beginning of June have my passport vise'd for
Carlsruhe, in order that I may attend the Musical Festival there,
provided that Bulow conducts. In the intervals between the
rehearsals and performances we should discuss with active friends
the Whys and Wherefores connected with the Musik-Verein which,
first of all, requires to be placed on a firm footing. And so far
as I can assist in doing this (especially by advocating its cause
with our patron and the Hohenzollern princes) it certainly shall
be done.

Pohl seems to have put on wrong spectacles if he reads in my
letter that I have no greater wish than to return to unique
Germany! People may think about it what they please; the positive
truth is that I do not bother myself about fools of any species,
whether German, French, English, Russian or Italian, but am
peacefully industrious in my seclusion here. "Let me rest, let me
dream," not indeed beneath blossoming almond trees, as Hoffmann
sings, [A song which Liszt set to music] but comforted and at
peace under the protection of the Madonna del Rosario who has
provided me with this cell. My German friends would certainly be
acting much more reasonably were they to come and visit me here,
instead of tempting me abroad. However you may assure the rest of
my acquaintances that I will not inconvenience them with my
presence for any length of time, and that my interference at the
Musical Festival in Carlsruhe is only a temporary one and
altogether harmless. By the middle of July, at latest, I intend
to be back here again, or earlier if possible.

The Pro memoria of the A. D. Musik-Verein, addressed to the Grand
Duke, together with the protocol of the audience on the 17th of
November, I received through Gille. My thanks and reply I shall
send shortly. Likewise also the programme of a very exceptional
solemnity which takes place on the 5th February, and which is
already engaging my attention in a variety of ways.

In all friendliness,

Your cordially devoted

F. Liszt

January 22nd, 1864

To Kahnt my best thanks for having sent the last parcel of music
correctly. Postage and dues cost over 13 Prussian thalers. By the
way, do not offend me any longer by franking your letters. I on
my part frank my letters only when I send you a letter-parcel
containing copies, etc.

Last postscript. .--. Do me the one other favor of seeing that my
enclosed answer safely reaches Herr B. I do not know his address-
-and, although we may have met in Weimar, as he once wrote to me,
I have scarcely any recollection of the fact.

Do not be vexed at the apparent presumption and vain-glory of
this last communication for today...My modesty will sufficiently
come to my rescue to prevent my putting too many feathers in my
cap! [The German proverb of which Liszt makes use is "allzugrosse
Rosinen im Kopfe tragen." Besides, thank God, I am too honest and
truth-loving to fall a victim to vanity.

27. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

Excuse an intermezzo on music-publishers today. I have received
from Julius Schuberth and from Peters' Bureau de Musique
contradictory letters about some right or unrighteous edition of
my arrangement of Beethoven's "Septet". Schuberth's communication
is many-sided, the other very one-sided, but neither of them
enlightens me in the least, for it is a question of long since,
and I scarcely remember where and for whom I arranged the
"Septet", now more than 20 years ago. And although Schuberth has
given me but little cause to be satisfied with his editions,
still I should not wish to do him any injury by this piece of
business, [An untranslatable pun on the words Handel and Handel]
and hence I have not sent him any reply. For the same reason I
shall leave Peters' communication unanswered, and must get you,
dear friend, to make these two gentlemen understand that I cannot
mix myself up with any of their disputes as publishers. And in
order that you may obtain an insight into the matter I send you,
herewith, Peters' letter, with regard to which I can only say
that I have no recollection of having made a duet arrangement of
Beethoven's "Septet"...Yet this is precisely what I do not wish
to say. Let the two gentlemen settle the matter amicably between
themselves and ignore my existence altogether.

As Bulow is happily back, the programmes of the Carlsruhe Musical
Festival will now soon be finally drawn up. Remenyi, who has
played here some half-dozen times in the Teatro Argentina with
extraordinary success, has a decided inclination to appear at the
Musical Festival; I told him, however, that Conzertmeister Singer
had probably already been engaged. Should Singer not be able to
come, I would recommend Remenyi with absolute confidence. Of all
the violinists I know, I could scarcely name three who could
equal him as regards effect. Tell Bulow of Remenyi's friendly
offer, and let me know at your convenience whether it is
accepted.--

As soon as I hear more definitely about the programme I shall
answer Gille's friendly note. Meanwhile (after 4 months'
incessant interruptions) I have again set to work, and cannot now
leave it till the time comes for my journey.

What a royal and marvellous act is Ludwig of Bavaria's letter to
Wagner! It ought verily to be engraved in the Walhalla in letters
of gold. Oh that some other Princes would adopt a similar
style!--

In all friendship, yours sincerely,

F. Liszt

Rome, May 28th, 1864

28. To Dr. Franz Brendel.

Dear Friend,

Shortly after sending off my letter anent the Peters-Schuberth
squabble, I received the programme-sketch of your last letter but
one. Exceedingly important and indispensable are the Wagner-
numbers. Let me hope he has already given you a favorable reply.
Bulow will be the best one to arrange things and to conduct. I
wrote to him the day before yesterday to advise him again to be
strictly moderate with regard to the number of my compositions.
The half of what is given in your sketch of the programme would
be amply sufficient. People do not want to hear so much of my
things, and I do not care to force them upon them...On this
occasion, especially, my wish is only to see some of my friends
again--in no way to seek appreciative approval from the public.
Such misleading abuses have long since and entirely ceased for
me. Hence, dear friend, do not have me playing the braggart on
your programme! If a place is to be retained for Remenyi he will
fill it brilliantly. For both as a soloist and a quartet player
his accomplishments are extraordinary.

You ask me about "definite news of my journey." As already said,
I am determined to attend the Tonkunstler-Versamammlung, and
afterwards to go to Weimar for a few days. My departure from here
depends upon the date of the Carlsruhe concerts. I shall arrange
to be there a few days previously, and shall ask Bulow to secure
apartments for me. A variety of considerations (among which are
economical ones too) compel me not to extend my absence from Rome
beyond a month, and before returning I am in duty bound to pay my
mother a visit in Paris. Hence I shall have but little time for
strolls on the banks of the Ilm or elsewhere...But let me hope
that my journey will not prove pure idling, and I shall do my
best "to pave the way" to meeting all your wishes in as
satisfactory a manner as possible. Further details on this
subject I shall give you by word of mouth towards the end of
August. All mere reports about my remaining in Germany for some
length of time I beg of you to contradict most emphatically. Some
newspapers seem anxious that it should be known that I am about
to settle in Hungary. There is nothing whatever in this report
beyond the anticipated order for my composing a second "Gran
Mass", and perhaps publishing an Hungarian translation of the
"Elizabeth." These two tasks may, during the course of next year,
lead to my revisiting Hungary (?).

Kindly present my excuses to Riedel, who wishes me to attend his
concert in the St. Thomas Church (at the beginning of July). I am
delighted that the "Seligkeiten" find a place in his programme,
and I am sincerely grateful to H. von Milde for having
contributed so much to their success by his fine interpretation
and inspired delivery. Whether the Psalm ("By the waters of
Babylon") is not somewhat too low for Frau v. Milde's voice, I
should not like to say. I remember, however, that she sang it on
one occasion at the Altenburg gloriously. Of course I can
consider it only a very flattering mark of attention and
amiability on the part of Frau von Milde to venture anywhere to
introduce any one of my compositions under her vocal protection,
but especially in Leipzig.

With hearty thanks and kindest greetings yours,

F. Liszt

Rome, June 13th, 1864

29. To the Committee of the Society for the Support of Needy
Hungarian Musicians in Pest.

Gentlemen,

You are good enough to invite me in a very flattering manner to
take part in the Association that you are starting, with the
object of helping needy and infirm musicians in Hungary. Every
tie which unites me to our noble country is dear to me. I
cordially accept to be entirely yours, and am pleased to hope
that the esteem in which you are held, added to your intelligent
solicitude for this good work, will secure it speedily and
lastingly excellent results.

The good that you propose to realise is not liable to
controversy, but is so plainly evident that you will receive on
all sides nothing but approbation, encouragement, help and
support. Nevertheless, as you do me the honor to ask my explicit
opinion with regard to the statutes of your Society, I will
venture to observe that it seems to me desirable not to limit
oneself exclusively and for ever to helping sick and infirm
musicians--and their needy heirs. Those who are in health, when
they are at the same time well-deserving, have a claim also on
your sympathy...Without enlarging on this point here, I only
recommend to your attention, gentlemen, the statutes (published
at Leipzig) of the Association which was formed at Weimar in
August 1861, under the name of "Allgemeiner Deutscher Musik-
Verein," in which the needs of music and of musicians of our day
have been taken into consideration simultaneously.

If I had not the sad honor of being poor I should hasten to put a
considerable sum at your disposal. Pray pardon me, then, the
moderate offering of a hundred florins which you will shortly
receive (through my cousin Dr. Eduard Liszt, of Vienna), and I
beg you to accept, gentlemen, the assurance of my sincere desire
to render in future the best service to your work, as also the
expression of my very distinguished and devoted sentiments.

F. Liszt

Rome, June 18th, 1864 (Madonna Del Rosario)

30. To Eduard Liszt

Very dear Eduard,

Assuredly I have not been "complaining" of you to Count
Gallenberg nor to anybody else in the world. Quite the contrary,
and on every occasion I boast of my beloved cousin, and am happy
and proud of his loyal, delicate and noble friendship, which is
one of the sweetest kindnesses of Providence to me.

Nevertheless I am much obliged to Count Gallenberg for having
somewhat driven you to write to me, extra, so good and tender a
letter, for which I thank you from my heart and soul.

The electoral circular you added to it gives me real
satisfaction, and I am pleased at the public evidence that has
been attained of your "honorableness, firmness of character and
great capability." It seems to me that it was not possible, under
the actual circumstances, to have obtained a more complete
success in the competition with Schuselka; [Eduard Liszt was at
that time standing against Schuselka as a andidate for the
Reichstag (Parliament), but without success.] but I hope that
your turn will come soon. The waiting is painful for you, without
doubt, and is also too prolonged as regards your deserts...still
one must be resigned to it, and that as simply as possible, by
abstaining from useless words and taking useless steps. To be
ever deserving, though only occasionally obtaining--much or
little--is still the wisest thing to do in this world, where "he
who endures little will not endure long!"--

.-. Shall I see you at Carlsruhe at the end of August? I hope so
most truly. Before returning here (at the beginning of October) I
shall spend a few days with my mother in Paris. You will not be
vexed with me for beginning with her first, and for postponing
till another year my transient visit to you at Vienna, which I
accept in the same manner as you offer it, and for which the
occasion will be found when I return to Hungary, supposing that
they are inclined (as appears likely) to give me an order similar
to that of the "Graner Messe." Otherwise, and unless there be any
determining circumstance for me, I am resolved not to tire people
with my presence, as also to withdraw myself from the idle
fatigue that people cause me. Thank God I have something to work
at without disturbing myself at my work further than is necessary
for the good conscience I hope always to keep. For this Rome is
peculiarly adapted to me, and I shall not go away for the
smallest thing without well knowing what it is for.

I send herewith my answer to the Committee of the Association in
aid of poor musicians in Hungary, [See the foregoing letter of
18th June.] to which I beg the Princess to authorise you to add
the sum of 200 florins. Let them be sent at once to the
Committee, begging for an acknowledgment, which you will send to
me.

Remenyi will come and see you shortly. He has spent nearly two
months here, and has been heard very often at the Argentina
Theater with extraordinary success. I have invited him to come to
Carlsruhe, as I am persuaded that he will succeed no less well
there than in Rome. Meanwhile I beg you to give him a cordial
reception.

Yours ever affectionately,

F. Liszt

June 22nd, 1864 [Rome]

Greetings and love to your dear ones.

It goes without saying also that I think most affectionately of
Cornelius and Tausig, which you will tell them.

31. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

.--. I can assure you of Remenyi's co-operation. By the middle of
July I expect a letter from him with his fuller address. It will
be superfluous to mention him in the preliminary programme of the
concert-performances. But what about Wagner?--Frau von Bulow
sends me very sad news of him...If he definitely refuses to
attend the Tonkunstler-Vers. all we can do is to obtain his
consent to give the extracts--previously enumerated in the
programme--from his "Meistersanger" and other of his works
(together with the scores and voice parts). In my opinion these
pieces are indispensable for the principal day of the Carlsruhe
programme. It would be best if Bulow alone brought the matter to
the desired issue. It seems to me impossible that Wagner could
give him and all of us the pain of an absolute refusal! At all
events everything must be done to avoid such a misfortune--nay, I
may even say, such a scandal.

For the future, dear friend, you shall be totally relieved of the
trouble of sending me these detailed communications. Frau von
Bulow is going to report to me of the further progress of the
preliminary arrangements concerning the Tonk.-Vers.; you yourself
have more than enough to do with writing, negotiating, deciding,
preparing, weighing to and fro, and in thinking things out, etc.,
etc.

It is settled, therefore, that I am coming, and you will have to
look after me during my couple of weeks' stay in Germany, as it
is mainly your fault that I am coming. Between ourselves I may
tell you that, had it not been for your pressing letters, I
should probably have confined myself to giving the Bulows a
rendez-vous in Marseilles, and to paying my mother a few days'
visit in Paris. Of other roads there are extremely few for me
nowadays--and those that I have still to tread are not to be
found in journeys, but only indeed at my quiet writing-table!

With hearty greetings and in all friendship, yours,

F. Liszt

July 1st, 1864

Yesterday I received a friendly letter from Seroff. Could not
some fragment from his "Judith" be fitted into your Carlsruhe
programme?

32. To Walter Bache in London

[The addressee (1842-1888), a pupil of Liszt's, settled in London
as teacher, pianist and conductor, devoted his whole life there
to making Liszt's music known in England. His annual Recitals and
Orchestral concerts were devoted mainly to this object.]

I reply to your letter, dear Mr. Bache, by assuring you once more
of my very sincere and affec-* *tionate interest. You will never
find me wanting or behindhand when it is a question of proving
this to you; be very sure of that.

The good news you give me of Madame Laussot is very welcome to
me. I hope she will give me the pleasure of coming again to Rome,
for I see no chance of my coming to Florence. Towards the middle
of August I shall start for Carlsruhe, where I have promised to
be present at the third Tonkunstler-Versammlung. Thence I shall
go to Weimar, and shall take Paris on the way in order to see my
mother again before returning here at the beginning of October.

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