Vatican, May 11th, 1865
40. To Breitkopf and Hartel
Dear Herr Doctor,
My old musical weaknesses have not left me! The weakest and worst
thing about them is perhaps that I never cease composing; but
such wondrous things go wandering about in my head that I cannot
help putting them down on paper. And I have wanted to hear
something about the fate of the manuscripts I sent you for
printing. Have the pianoforte scores of the Beethoven Symphonies
been published? How has the printing of the Concerto for 2 pianos
(in E minor) [Concerto pathetique] progressed? Would you kindly
let me have a few copies soon?
With regard to the autographed orchestral parts of my "Symphonic
Poems," I should be glad if they could be out by the end of July.
Probably at the beginning of August I go to Pest, where several
of my compositions (more especially the "Dante Symphony") are to
be performed in connection with the festivities at the
Conservatoire. If the parts should be ready, please, dear Herr
Doctor, forward them to me to Pest. At present I do not require
them here; but should the "Preludes" be ready you would greatly
oblige me by sending all the orchestral parts, with four copies
of the quartet, if possible by the beginning of next month, to
Dr. R. Pohl (571, Hirschgasse, Baden-Baden). I have been asked
for the loan of them for some festival in Baden conducted by
Monsieur Reyer.
Pray kindly excuse all the trouble I am giving you, and receive
the expression of my most sincere esteem.
F. Liszt
The Vatican, May 27th, 1865
41. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
Your favorable accounts of the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Dessau
delighted me greatly. Owing to the crooked way in which my works
have been listened to in past years, I have felt oppressed; and
in order that my freedom in my work might remain unaffected, I
was obliged wholly to disregard their outward success. Hence my
absolute distrust of performances of my own compositions, and
this was not to be accounted for by any exaggerated modesty on my
part. As to the "Battle of the Huns" I was specially doubtful;
the Christian significance of Kaulbach's picture--as represented
in the "Chorale"--seemed to me a stumbling-block in the way of
favorable criticism. Kaulbach had indeed suggested this
interpretation by having thrown a special light upon the
cross...yet there are neither mendicant friars nor bishops in the
picture...and, besides, at the time of the "Battle of the Huns"
the organ was not yet invented! This last sweeping argument was
triumphantly hurled at me in Weimar by the infallible censors.
Since then I have hesitated to allow the work to be performed,
and have remained satisfied with sending Kaulbach the arrangement
for 2 pianofortes. And in that form it was executed [Executirt.]
in his salon, whereupon, of course, there were loud lamentations
about my squandering my time upon such an abominable jumble of
sounds, when I might be charming people in a more agreeable
fashion with my piano-playing!...So if the Dessau Meeting really
derived some pleasure from the "Battle of the Huns" I feel richly
rewarded for my small amount of suffering.
I beg you to present my best thanks to Fraulein Wigand. [Emilie
Wigand, studied under Prof. Gotze in Leipzig.] It is a good deed
of hers to have obtained willing ears for my Psalm--and if I am
in Germany again next year I shall want to hear it.
I will with pleasure take Weitzmann's place as examiner of the
manuscripts sent in. Send them to me in parcel form to Rome; I
promise to look through them quickly and to let you have my good
or bad opinion of them. For such work I am always inclined, and
am, perhaps, not an awkward hand at it.
.--. From the Committee in Pest I have not had any news for some
time past. I shall, however, hold myself in readiness to start
from here by the beginning of August. Meanwhile let nothing be
sent to me to Rome. As soon as I know anything definite about my
stay in Hungary I will let you know.
With all friendly greetings to your wife, I am your sincerely
attached
F. Liszt
July 21st (Villa d'Este-Tivoli), 1865
Any probable performance of the "Elizabeth" in Coburg we can
discuss later. I should consider it advisable to have my name but
little mentioned in the programme of the next Meeting of the
Tonkunstler-Versammlung. As regards a larger work (one to occupy
a whole concert) it would be well for Gille to leave the choice
of it to the Duke. The local taste would be a very important
point in the matter, and, for my own part, I know only too well
that people do not want to know or to hear too much of me--in
Coburg as well as in many other places!--
42. To Abbe Schwendtner in Buda-Pest
[Autograph in the possession of Frl. Therese v. Lavner in Pest.--
Liszt became acquainted with the Abbe in 1865, and frequently
enjoyed his hospitality when visiting Pest, up to the time when
he himself became connected with the Musik-Academie there.]
Right Reverend Sir and Friend,
Having returned to my abode here, I cannot refrain from again
thanking you most heartily for all the goodness and kindness you
showed me in so unusually abundant a measure, during my stay in
the town-vicarage of Pest. The five weeks I spent there in the
pleasantest way--owing to your considerate care and attention--
will remain an unextinguishable point of light in my life. You
admonish, and at the same time encourage and strengthen me, to
carry out further the artistic task that is set me. In the hope
that your Reverence will in the future continue to show me the
sympathy so kindly and generously expressed, I pray you to
implore God's blessing to keep me ever a good child of the State
and Church.
May I add another request? On the 22nd October (my birthday) for
some years past a Mass has been read in the Franciscan Church in
Pest, and at the words: "Memento Domini" I [am] held in
remembrance...I would ask your Reverence to remember my wish that
this may be done also on the same day in the parish church.
In sincere veneration and gratitude, I remain cordially and
faithfully
Your Reverence's devoted
F. Liszt
The Vatican, September 20th, 1865
My respectful compliments to the amiable lady president of the
morning coffee--Fraulein Resi [A niece of the Abbe's.]--who
conducts and beautifies the real Magyar hospitality at the
Vicarage in an incomparably graceful manner. I shall take the
liberty one day of sending Fraulein Resi a few Roman trifles.
Bulow has undertaken to send you the medallion of my humble self,
a masterly piece of work by Rietschel. As you will know,
Rietschel is the sculptor who made the Lessing statue in
Brunswick, the Goethe and Schiller group in Weimar, etc.--
43. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
Accept my best thanks for having admitted into your Neue
Zeitschrift Bulow's account of the Musical Festival in Pest.
These three articles are a masterly piece of work, and, as your
paper has for several years past followed the difficult process
of my development as a composer in so kind and careful a manner,
I wished specially that the very successful performances of the
"Elizabeth" and of the "Dante Symphony" in Pest should receive
confirmation in the Neue Zeitschrift.
With regard to the "Elizabeth" I have received offers from Vienna
and a few other places; but it is in no way my intention to wage
war in a hurry with this work. I shall, therefore, decline the
invitations with thanks, and await an opportunity more convenient
to myself for the next performance. Whether this may be at the
Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Coburg I do not know, and, frankly
said, this will depend upon the Duke's bon plaisir. [It was not
performed at a Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Coburg.] For my own
part I am in no great hurry, as I have heard enough of the work
in Pest, and found no alterations to make in it. Then also there
is no hurry with regard to its publication, and my reply a short
time ago to a willing publisher (who, curiously enough, offered
me a respectable honorarium for it!) was, that only by next
summer could I decide whether to have it published or not.
Gille has the kind intention of arranging a performance of the
"Elizabeth" in Jena as soon as possible. I don't want to enter
into a fuller correspondence with him on the subject; but please
tell him, in all friendliness, that I regret to be obliged
somewhat to check his admirable zeal. Apart from certain
considerations of propriety (which I will never disregard in the
slightest degree) there is an irremovable difficulty in the
matter of the performance itself. It cannot be given in Jena
without the co-operation of the Weimar performers. And why plague
our dear and excellent Weimar singers and artists, and how--with
their many theatrical engagements--could they find the necessary
time for studying the parts, for rehearsals?--etc., etc.--
Hence let us give a simple no as regards Jena, and put a sign of
interrogation? nay, even two or more??? as regards the
Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Coburg, for (as I told you in my last
letter but one) we shall there have entirely to submit to the
Duke's opinion concerning the larger (or longer) work which is to
fill the first day's programme.
(N.B.--"Elizabeth" lasts about three hours, including the
intervals. Bulow's conductorship would be indispensable.)
For ten days past I have again been back in the Vatican, and
think of remaining here over the winter. At the present moment I
am engaged in arranging the Pope's Hymnus, published last month
by Bote and Bock for pianoforte as a solo and in duet-form, for
chorus (with Italian words). I think something of this piece, for
which Kaulbach has made a splendid drawing. If it is performed
here you shall hear about it. As soon as possible I mean to set
to work with my "Christus Oratorio." Unfortunately I have had to
set it aside for a year, as the "Vocal Mass" and other smaller
works prevented my doing anything to it. I shall require from six
to eight months before I get the "Christus" finished, for I am
scarcely half-way through yet.
My health is good, and I can unconcernedly allow people the
pleasure of referring to me as "physically broken down" and a
"decayed wreck" (as I have been described in the Augsburger
Allgemeine Zeitung).
One favor do me at once, dear friend. Request Kahnt to purchase
for me the steel-plates (or woodcuts) of Schwind's "Elisabeth-
Galerie" in the Wartburg, published in Leipzig by Weigel or
Brockhaus, and let them be sent safely, quickly and correctly,
addressed to "Herr Baron Anton von Augusz--Szegzard" (Tolnaer
Comitat--Hungary). If I am not mistaken, the drawings are
published in two parts. The first part contains the pictures of
St. Elisabeth's arrival at the Wartburg, the miracle of Roses--up
to her death. The second part gives the medallions depicting her
works of charity. I wish to send the complete "Elisabeth-Galerie"
to Baron Augusz. The price is not high, and the money shall be
refunded to Kahnt as soon as I get the bill.
By the way Kahnt would be doing me a favor by presenting
"Remenyi," through Roszavogli (Pest), with a copy of Pflughaupt's
arrangement for pianoforte and violin of my "Cantique d'amour"
and "Ave Maria"--and by granting my humble self a copy also, at
his convenience. Remenyi will be glad to play the pieces with
Plotenyi and thus make them known, and I would get Sgambati and
Pinelli [A Roman violin virtuoso (born 1843), was appointed in
1872 Director of the "Societa musicale romana," in Rome.] to do
the same here.
With hearty greetings to your wife,
Your unchangeably sincere and devoted
F. Liszt
The Vatican, September 28th, 1865
Let me know of the despatch of the "Elisabeth-Galerie," and also
send me a few copies of Bulow's three articles.
Why have my organ-pieces (from Korner, Erfurt) not yet reached
me? Please remind Kahnt or Gottschalg of this.
44. To Eduard Liszt
Dearest Eduard,
My heartiest thanks to you for remembering the 22nd October. The
day was celebrated quietly and happily like last year in my
former residence (Madonna del Rosario)--and you were present with
me in my inmost heart.
Before I received your lines I had already answered Dunkl's and
Herbeck's letters relating to the "Elizabeth" Oratorio. You know
how much against my wish it is to put this work into circulation.
And, however flattering it may be to me (perhorrescised
composer!) to receive offers from various places about it, still
I think it advisable to avoid precipitancy, and not to expose my
friends so soon again to unpleasantnesses such as my earlier
works brought upon them. Lowy's empty stalls (with the Preludes)
are significant...and, considering the various kinds of abuse
which my works have had to endure, silence would seem to be most
becoming.
Therefore be good enough, dearest Eduard, to tell those kindly
disposed "Musical Friends," emphatically that I cannot make up my
mind to the proposed performance of the "Elizabeth," and beg them
to pardon this small-mindedness in me. Besides the score is no
longer at my disposal, as I have sent it to Bulow, who requires
it for a performance desired by H.M. the King, for which I have
already invited Herbeck. Bulow is giving some concerts this month
and next in Berlin, Dresden, Prague, etc. Hence he cannot begin
rehearsing the Elizabeth till later. Of the Munich performance
you shall hear details when the time comes.
With regard to your communication to the Princess, I assure you
again that as soon as and as often as it is possible for me to do
you a service, as certainly shall it be done.
Kindest greetings to your wife from
Your truly devoted
F. Liszt
[Rome,] November 1st, 1865.
45. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear friend,
My answer to you has been delayed in order that I might at the
same time tell you of a variety of things.
A) At the beginning of March I intend going to Paris. The Gran
Mass is to be given on March 15th in the Church of St. Eustache
at the anniversary "de l'oeuvre des ecoles" to which the Maire of
the 2nd Arrondissement, M. Dufour, sent me an official invitation
the other day.
B) The report spread in various newspapers about the Hungarian
Coronation-Mass which I am to compose, is for the present only
officiously correct. Probably it may become true shortly. [This
did occur, as is well known.]
C) At the opening of the Dante Gallery here at the end of the
month my "Dante Symphony" is to be performed. I enclose the
article from the Osservatore Romano in which this extraordinary
event is discussed in detail--also another number of the same
paper containing a short notice on the "Stabat mater speciosa" (a
very simple chorus from my "Christus Oratorio"), that was sung
last Thursday in the Franciscan Church Ara Coeli (on the
Capitol).
D) I am quite determined to attend the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in
Coburg, and expect to hear from you shortly more about it. It is
to be hoped that Bulow will conduct. If there should be any
thought of giving the "Elizabeth," Bulow will be indispensable.--
As regards the Elizabeth, pray make my best excuses to Kahnt. I
did not reply to his friendly request, because I have made up my
mind not to have this work published meanwhile, and hold fast to
this negative determination. Do not let Kahnt take this ill of
me, and let him be assured of my sincere willingness to meet his
wishes in all other matters.
.--. I am in want of a great many things, but most of all in want
of more time!
With friendliest greetings, sincerely and devotedly yours,
F. Liszt
The Vatican, January 14th, 1866
46. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
So there is to be no Tonkunstler-Versammlung this year; in place
of it war-cries, and symphonies of bayonets and cannon! Here,
probably, we shall remain in peaceful quietude under the
protection of France.--As regards my humble self, I mean to try,
during the second half of this 66th year, to overtake what I was
compelled to neglect during the first half of it. My "Christus
Oratorio" shall be finished by Christmas.--Prince Hohenlohe, with
whom I have been residing since April 1865, has been made
Cardinal and shortly leaves the Vatican. Last Sunday I returned
to my old quarters at Monte Mario, Madonna del Rosaraio, where I
am as comfortable as possible. Next year I think of going to
Germany, first to Munich. As you know, the King of Bavaria has
conferred upon me the title of Knight of the Grand Cross of the
Order of St. Michael. And the Emperor Maximilian that of the
Guadeloup order.--
My stay in Paris will not prove unfruitful. People may say of it
what they like.--I must mention to you the name of Camille Saint-
Saens in Paris, as specially deserving of notice in the Neue
Zeitschrft as a distinguished artist, virtuoso and composer. Last
year he was in Leipzig, so he told me, and played his Concerto at
the Gewandhaus there. But people could not make anything out of
him, and in dignified ignorance allowed him to pass. Langhans [A
Berlin musical composer and critic who died in 1892.] sees him
frequently and could give you fuller information about him for
the Zeitschrift.
Give Kahnt my grateful thanks for carefully carrying out the
orders from Paris. I mean to wait another year before publishing
the "Elizabeth." I also want several illustrations for it, for,
as the work is dedicated to the King of Bavaria, I wish it to
present the choicest and noblest appearance.
If Kahnt should be disposed to take it next year, I shall be glad
to come to some arrangement with him about it. Still I am
determined not to have the "Elizabeth" published till then; to
several publishers who have offered to undertake the publication
I have already replied,--may every kind of printing long be held
at a distance from this score.--
Allow me to recommend to your friendly interest a few other
things I have at heart.
Ask Kahnt, in my name, not to be sparing in supplying Bulow with
copies of the Liszt-compositions he has published. I should more
especially like my Quartets for male voices circulated, and a few
complimentary copies from Kahnt would be useful in this respect.
No fear need be entertained of Bulow's making indiscreet demands,
and one may confidently grant him all he wishes.
.--. Hartel will shortly be sending me some music. Please enclose
the last numbers of the Neue Zeitschrft in the parcel in order
that my ignorance on matters musical may be relieved.
In sincere attachment I remain in unalterable friendship,
Yours,
F. Liszt
Rome, June 19th, 1866
The score of the Gran Mass presumably reached Riedel safely (6
weeks ago). The vocal parts I have meanwhile left with
Giacomelli. Later an edition of the choral and orchestral parts
will become a necessity.
47. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
Your last letter but one, the registered one, has reached me
safely. As it contained more in the way of answers than was
wanted I hesitated to write to you. As already said, I have made
up my mind to wait another year before publishing the
"Elizabeth." In the first place it is necessary that I should
correct the frequent errors in the copy of the score--a piece of
work that will take a couple of weeks.--Then, before its
appearance, I should like an opportunity of quietly hearing the
work once in Germany, and this perhaps might occur next year.
Meanwhile give Kahnt my best thanks for his ready consent, of
which, however, I cannot make use till later, provided that an
honorarium of a couple of thousand francs (which has been offered
me elsewhere) does not frighten him. .--. So far as one can plan
a journey nowadays, I intend to be in Germany again for a few
weeks during the summer of 1867.--Tomorrow I shall write to Dr.
Hartel and tell him that you have kindly expressed yourself ready
to discuss with him the small matter about the Draseke brochure.
It would please me greatly to hear that some amicable arrangement
had been made.
With regard to the publications of the Allgemeine Deutsche
Musikverein, I would vote for the Overture by Seifriz. Likewise
for the continuation of the Chamber music performances in
Leipzig--and, of course, for the compensation from the Society's
purse due to you.
Stade's article on the "Faust Symphony" I have not yet received.
My last number of the Zeitschrift is that of July 6th. I am glad
that Stade does not disapprove of these Faust-things.--
Schondorf's Polonaise, Impromptu, etc., which Kahnt has sent me,
I have read through with pleasure and interest. With the next
sending to Rome please enclose the "Petrus" Oratorio by Meinardus
(the pianoforte score). In case the pianoforte score has not
appeared, then let me have the full score. And together with the
"Petrus" Oratorio please also send me the fragment of the
"Christus" Oratorio by Mendelssohn (published by Hartel).
My "Christus" Oratorio has, at last, since yesterday got so far
finished that I have now only got the revising, the copying and
the pianoforte score to do. Altogether it contains 12 musical
numbers (of which the "Seligkeiten" and the "Pater Noster" have
been published by Kahnt), and takes about three hours to perform.
I have composed the work throughout to the Latin text from the
Scriptures and the Liturgy. After a time I shall ask Riedel for
his assistance and advice with regard to the German wording.
Please give Alex Ritter my cordial thanks for his Amsterdam
report.
I cannot, at present, promise you any literary contributions for
the proposed Annual of the D. M. If the instrumental Introduction
to the "Elizabeth" (for piano-forte) would suit you I would
gladly place it at your disposal, reserving the copyright for the
subsequent publisher of the score, that is, his right to publish
the same Introduction again.
As far as I can foresee I shall remain here the whole winter. My
address is simply: To Commandeur Abbe Liszt--Rome.
Fuller performances of the Beethoven Symphonies and of the Dante
Symphony are to be given next Advent in the Dante Gallery.
Sgambati is to conduct them, and I have promised to attend the
rehearsals.
Heugel of Paris (Director of the Menestrel) is shortly to publish
a new edition of my Franciscus-legends.
With friendliest greetings, your attached
F. Liszt
October 2nd, 1866
48. To Breitkopf and Hartel
Much Esteemed Herr Doctor,
It is very mortifying to me to have to confess that I have most
awkwardly come to a standstill with the transcription of the
Beethoven Quartets. After several attempts the result was either
absolutely unplayable--or insipid stuff. Nevertheless I shall not
give up my project, and shall make another trial to solve this
problem of pianoforte arrangement. If I succeed I will at once
inform you of my "Heureka." [Discovery (from a Greek word).-
TRANS.] Meanwhile I am occupied exclusively with the "Christus
Oratorio," which has, at last, advanced so far that all I have
now to do is to put the marks of expression in the score and the
pianoforte score.
Pray kindly excuse me if a small piece of vanity leads me to
address you with a wish. My "Symphonic Poems" have, as you know,
had a regular deluge of halberds hurled at them by the critics.
After all these murderous and deadly blows that have been aimed
at them, it would be very gratifying to me if the analyses of
these "Symphonic Poems" in which, a few years ago, Felix Draseke
discussed them severally in the Anregungen [Notices] could now be
published by you all together in the form of a brochure, for they
are written with a thorough knowledge of the subject, yet in a
kindly spirit.
On this account I begged Dr. Brendel to discuss the matter with
you, and now take the liberty of addressing you personally on the
subject of my wish.
With much esteem, yours sincerely,
F. Liszt
Rome, October 4th, 1866
Will you kindly send Cantor Gottschalg in Tieffurt a good copy of
my pianoforte scores of the nine Beethoven Symphonies? 49. To Dr.
Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
My heartfelt sympathy in the grievous loss which you have
sustained. [On November 15th, 1866, Dr. Brendel lost his wife,
Elizabeth nee Trautmann (born in St. Petersburg 1814). She was a
pianist and a pupil of Field and Berger. Dr. Brendel survived her
only two years.] It is an immeasurable sorrow on which one can
only be silent!--