could not pass without sorrow, has this year been brightened by
many loving and solemn remembrances. Accept my thanks, and
present my best remembrances to all those whose names you
mention, and who have so kindly thought of me. Unfortunately
there is no prospect of my soon being able to celebrate the 22nd
October with Weimar friends; but I may tell you that I intend
paying H.R.H. the Grand Duke a visit during the course of the
summer. And we two shall then also have a bright and happy day in
Tieffurt--and look through a couple of new Organ pieces together.
Grosse must not fail to be there likewise, nor his trombone box,
which I have specially had in my mind ever since the journey to
Paris. [Grosse took his instrument with him on the journey, in
order that it might be at hand in case Liszt should want it.]
Meanwhile, however, tell dear, good Grosse not to be vexed about
the delay in connection with the promised despatch of his
"Sonntags-Posaunenstuck." [Sunday piece for trombone.] It is long
since finished, also some three or four Organ pieces, which, dear
friend, I wrote for you last spring. But the postal arrangements
are so little safe, under present circumstances, that I do not
care to send manuscripts by this means. In despatching parcels to
Vienna or Paris I could, of course, make use of the courtesy of
the embassies; but it is more difficult with Weimar...and so the
parcel with the "Legend of Saint Elizabeth," the three Psalms
instrumented (and essentially remodelled), several Pianoforte and
Organ pieces, together with Grosse's "Sunday-piece," must remain
in my box till some perfectly reliable opportunity presents
itself. If the worst comes to the worst I shall bring the whole
lot myself.
The Schneider-Organ-Album, and the one to appear later--the
Arnstadter-Bach-Organ-Album (which is to contain the magnificent
fugal subject from Bach's Cantata that I arranged for the Organ--
and not without difficulty), I beg you to keep in your library
till my return.
I am very unpleasantly affected by the hyper-mercantile
craftiness of one of my publishers whom you mention in your
letter. It would truly be unjust if you were not to receive the
usual discount, and indeed an exceptional amount, when purchasing
the "Faust Symphony." But who would ever succeed in washing a
negro white? And, in addition, one has generally to put up with
the inky blackness of his bills!--I could tell many a tale of
such doings, and indeed of persons who are afterwards not ashamed
to talk braggingly of their friendship for me! "O friends, not
these tones, rather let us strike up pleasanter ones," sings
Beethoven.
The "Elizabeth," it is to be hoped, contains something of the
sort. At least, as far as possible, I have labored carefully at
the work, and, so to say, lived it through for more than a year.
In No. 3 of the score--the "Crusaders"--you will come across the
old pilgrim song from the days of the Crusades which you had the
kindness to communicate to me. It has rendered me good service
for the second subject of the "Crusaders' March." In the
concluding notice of the score I acknowledge my thanks to you for
it and give the whole song from your copy.
Among the pleasant bits of news (exceptions to the rule!) which
reach me from our quarters is that about the improvement of your
pecuniary position, which is probably accompanied by your
appointment as teacher at the newly established Seminary classes.
In the way of merit you lack nothing, and nothing in zeal and
energetic perseverance. Let me hope, dear friend, that you may
more and more meet with your due reward!
With kindest greetings,
F. Liszt
Rome, November 15th, 1862
11. To Eduard Liszt
Dearest Eduard,
The feeling of our double relationship is to me always an
elevating and comforting one. Truly you abide with me, as I do
with you--cum sanguine, corde et mente.
Accept my thanks for your kind lines, and excuse my not having
written to you long ago. I might indeed have told you many a
thing of more or less interest; but all seemed to me tiresome and
insufficient in writing to you. I needed more than ever, and
above all things, ample time to compose myself, to gather my
thoughts, and to bestir myself. During the first year of my stay
here I secured this. It is to be hoped that you would not be
dissatisfied with the state of mind which my 50th year brought
me; at all events I feel it to be in perfect harmony with the
better, higher aspirations of my childhood, where heaven lies so
near the soul of every one of us and illuminates it! I may also
say that, owing to my possessing a more definite and clearer
consciousness, a state of greater peacefulness has come over me.
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"! . . .