Letters of Franz Liszt Volume II Part 21

F.L.

December 6th, 1868 [Villa d'Este]

80. To Johann von Herbeck

Very dear Friend,

Although I feel absolutely sure that you will conduct the "Elizabeth"-performance in a perfect and brilliant style, I gladly comply with your wish that I should be in Vienna a few days beforehand. As I have already said, it would be more convenient to me to leave here towards the end of March.

Meanwhile present my most gracious thanks to the Committee of the "Musikfreunde," with the request that they will in future regard me as quite inadmissible as a conductor. Your question whether I attach "any special importance" as to how the different parts should be filled, I answer simply thus: arrange things wholly and entirely as you think best. The few indefinite suggestions in my last letter are of importance only in so far as they agree with your competent arrangement, otherwise in no way. One point only I should like adhered to in the Vienna performance, namely that no foreign singers be engaged for it. To have one's own house in good order is always the wisest and safest plan.

I have heard much in praise of Fraulein Ehnn [A singer at the Royal Opera House in Vienna]; and should feel specially indebted to her if she would undertake the Elizabeth: the part does not go against the grain, and should Fraulein Ehnn wish any alterations I should be quite willing to consider them.

With warm thanks, yours most sincerely,

F. Liszt

Rome, December 29th, 1868

The "Tanzmomente" are still dancing on their way here, for they have not yet come.

81. To Edvard Grieg

[Published in Gronvold "Norwegische Musiker" (Norwegian Musicians, Warmuth, Christiania).--The addressee was the clever leader of the Young School of Northern Composers. He was born at Bergen in 1843, and educated at Leipzig.]

Sir,

I am very glad to tell you what pleasure it has given me to read your Sonata (Op. 8). It bears testimony to a talent of vigorous, reflective and inventive composition of excellent quality,--which has only to follow its natural bent in order to rise to a high rank. I am pleased to think that in your own country you are meeting with the success and encouragement that you deserve: these will not be wanting elsewhere either; and if you come to Germany this winter I cordially invite you to stay a little at Weimar, in order that we may thoroughly get to know each other.

Pray receive, sir, the a.s.surance of my sentiments of esteem and very distinguished regard.

F. Liszt

Rome, December 29th, 1868

NEXT SECTION: WEIMAR.--PEST.--ROME.

82. To Commerzienrath Carl Bechstein in Berlin

[Head of the famous pianoforte-manufactory; our "Beflugler," as Bulow and Tausig called him (A play on the word Flugel, which means both a "grand piano" and "wings.")]

Very Dear Sir,

Accept a seven-octaved chromatic scale of thanks for your kindness in sending your magnificent piano for the Grand-Ducal Hofgartnerei in Weimar. I hope you will on some occasion allow me to have the pleasure of convincing you, de visu et audaitu, how glorious the instrument looks and sounds here.

According to report we are shortly to see Tausig again in Weimar.

Tell him he may be sure of a hearty welcome from me.

With sincere esteem and grateful thanks I remain

Yours most sincerely

F. Liszt

Weimar, January 19th, 1869

P.S.--Enclosed are a few lines for Tausig, which kindly forward to him.

83. To Johann von Herbeck

Very Dear Friend,

Fraulein Ehnn's amiable readiness to undertake the part has greatly pleased me, and I beg you to convey my sincerest thanks to our "Elizabeth." The part will not cost her any immoderate effort; all possible alterations, pauses, dotted notes, ornamentations, shall be left ad libitum and entirely to the pleasure of the gracious singer. Do not write to me further on this subject, and endeavor merely to get Fraulein Ehnn to feel herself comfortably and pleasantly at home with my poor tone- melodies.

Friend Remenyi, whom I do not need now to introduce to you, will be the bearer of these lines to you. He has delighted and captivated every one here, the Court as well as the public, and this is verily no small matter, for in Weimar we are accustomed to the most distinguished violin-virtuosos. I requested him to tell you how grateful I feel to you for your idea of a concert of Liszt's compositions.

But, in order to avoid every appearance of indiscretion or forwardness, I consider it well and advisable to keep exclusively to the Elizbeth on this occasion.

Hold fast, therefore, to two points:

a. all parts of the Elizabeth to be filled by native talent.

b. Critics to be worried only with this one work.

[At the performance of the Elizabeth in the "ausserordentlichen Gesellschafts-Concert" (Company's special concert) on April 4th, 1869, Liszt met with a genuine triumph. Herbeck writes: "After every number, and at the end of every part, there was no end to the calls for Liszt." The performance was repeated on April 11th, and received with even greater enthusiasm.]

I have also requested Remenyi to ask you about the apartments I shall require. My stay in Vienna will be limited to eight or ten days, which I should like to spend in as quiet and peaceable a way as possible, and not within the circle of disturbing visitors.

With sincere esteem and friendly attachment yours,

F. Liszt

Weimar, January 27th, 1869

84. To E. Repos

Dear Sir and Friend,

A thousand sincere thanks for the kind zeal and love that you bestow upon the publication of my poor works. In order that the edition of the "Requiem" may be entirely correct, I will beg you to send me again proofs of the "Offertoire," "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei," either to Weimar before the 18th March, or to Vienna from the 25th March to the 12th April. My address in Vienna is c/o Mr.