the “Battle Song,” amid loud and universal applause, and with the
unanimous approbation of the musicians and the public. Even during the
rehearsal of the overture, towards the end in D major, I perceived in
the orchestra those smiling faces and nodding heads, which at a new
piece of yours I am so glad to see among the players; it pleased them
all uncommonly, and the audience, who yesterday sat as still as mice and
never uttered a sound, broke out at the close into very warm applause,
and fully confirmed the judgment of the others. I have had great delight
in all these rehearsals, and in the performance also; there is
something so genuinely artistic and so genuinely musical in your
orchestral works, that I feel happy at the first bar, and they captivate
and interest me till the very end. But as you persist in wishing me to
place my critical spectacles on my nose, I must tell you that there was
one wish I formed in hearing both pieces: that you may now write many
works in succession. The chief reason for this I do not require to tell
you, for it lies on the surface. But I have yet another wish: I perceive
a certain spirit, especially in the overture, which I myself know only
too well, for in my opinion it caused my “Reformation Symphony”[48] to
fail, but which can be surely and infallibly banished by assiduous work
of different kinds. Just as the French, by conjuring tricks and
overwrought sentiment, endeavour to make their style harrowing and
exciting, so I believe it possible, through a natural repugnance to this
style, to fall into the other extreme, and so greatly to dread all that
is _piquant_ or sensuous, that at last the musical idea does not remain
sufficiently bold or interesting; that instead of a tumour, there is a
wasting away: it is the contrast between the Jesuit churches, and their
thousand glittering objects, and the Calvinists, with their four white
walls; true piety may exist in both, but still the right path lies
between the two. I entreat you to pardon this preaching tone, but how is
it possible to make oneself understood on such subjects? The fundamental
thoughts in your overture and my “Reformation Symphony” (both having,
in my opinion, similar qualities), are more interesting from what they
indicate, than actually interesting in themselves; of course I do not
plead for the latter quality alone (as that would lead us to the
French), nor for the first alone either; both must be united and
blended. The most important point is to make a thema, or anything of the
kind which is in itself musical, really interesting: this you well
understand in your instrumentation, with every second oboe or trumpet,
and I should like to see you steer boldly in _that_ direction in your
next works,--without, however, injuring by the greater finish and
sharpness of your musical thoughts, your excellent foundation, or your
masterly and admirably carried out details of instrumentation, etc. As
ideas cannot be either more highly finished or sharpened, but must be
taken and made use of as they come, and as a kind Providence sends
them--so work is the only thing which either I or others can possibly
desire for such an artist as yourself, and for works of art like yours,
where the only question is of any trifling deviation in their tendency.
_Report to his Majesty the King of Prussia,[49] from the Wirklich
Geheimrath Herr von Massow._
Berlin, May 20th, 1841.
Your Majesty was pleased verbally to desire me to enter into
communication with Herr Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, in Leipzig, with a
view to summon him to Berlin, and to fix his residence there by
appointment. I therefore on the 11th of December last wrote to Herr
Mendelssohn, in accordance with your Majesty’s commands, and made the
following offer:--
That he should be appointed Director of the musical class of the Academy
of Arts, with a salary of three thousand thalers.
I also mentioned that it was your Majesty’s intention to reorganize the
musical class of the Academy, and to connect it with some existing
establishments for the development of musical cultivation, as well as
with others yet to be formed; that Herr Mendelssohn’s advice on the
subject was requested; that he was to be appointed the future head of
this institute. Further, that it was your Majesty’s pleasure a certain
number of concerts (to be hereafter fixed) were to be given every year
under his direction, with the aid of the Royal orchestra and the members
of the opera, in which oratorios especially, but also other works, such
as symphonies, etc., were to be performed. Herr Mendelssohn, in two
letters addressed to me, on the 15th December and the 2nd January,
expressed his gratitude to your Majesty for so honourable an offer, as
well as his entire satisfaction with regard to the title and the salary;
he however reserved his full acceptance of the proposal, until the
duties involved in the situation offered to him in Berlin, were more
minutely detailed. The conscientiousness thus shown by Herr Mendelssohn
cannot fail to be acknowledged and respected; at the same time, he
promised to come to Berlin this spring.
The Academy of Arts being regulated by the _Ministerium_ of the
departments of science, instruction, and medicine,--it was from this
source alone, that the wished-for copy of the rules could be obtained
for Herr Mendelssohn; as this, however, could not be immediately
effected, Minister Eichhorn resolved to discuss the whole affair himself
with Herr Mendelssohn regarding the reorganization of the musical class,
and your Majesty was pleased to permit the affair to rest for the time.
Herr Mendelssohn, according to his promise, recently came here, and he
adheres to his resolution not to accept any _fixed situation_ in your
Majesty’s service, till he is previously informed what duties he is
expected to undertake.
The proposed reforms in the musical section, which are probably to be
effected, in connection with many other changes in the Academy of Arts,
necessitate the dissolution of existing arrangements, and the formation
of entirely new relations. The Royal _Ministerium_, if a larger musical
institute were established, would put in their claim for the Royal
Theatre, which, by previous regulations of existing institutes, must be
included, along with most of the artists attached to it. The sum of
money requisite for this purpose must be fixed and granted. These are
all reasons which prevent the Royal Ministerium, within so short a
period, being able to arrange such a comprehensive affair sufficiently
to lay these proposals before your Majesty; and also render it
impossible to define the situation for Herr Mendelssohn, or to prescribe
the duties which, as Director of the musical class, he must undertake to
fulfil.
Herr Mendelssohn, on the other hand, must declare, in the course of a
few weeks, whether it is his intention to give up his situation in
Leipzig or not; he therefore presses for a decision.
Under these circumstances, with the express stipulation however of your
Majesty’s approbation, I have made the following proposal to Herr
Mendelssohn:--
That for the present he should only for a certain period fix his
residence in Berlin,--say, a year,--_placing himself at your Majesty’s
disposal_, in return for which, your Majesty should confer on him the
title of _Capellmeister_; but without imposing on him the performance of
the duties of this office in the Royal Opera; likewise the
previously-named salary of three thousand _thalers pro anno_ to be
bestowed on him; during this time, however, he is neither to hold _any_
office, nor to undertake any _definite duties_, unless in the course of
this period Herr Eichhorn should furnish him, with the long wished-for
details, and he should declare himself satisfied with them, in which
case the reserved consent as to a definitive nomination should ensue.
Herr Mendelssohn has already assured me that he is prepared to accept
the proposal, and if your Majesty be pleased to give your consent, Herr
Eichhorn would gain time to consult with Herr Mendelssohn on this
affair, and to place distinct proposals before your Majesty. From the
well-known honourable character of Herr Mendelssohn, it may be
confidently anticipated, that in this kind of interim relation, he will
be the more anxious to devote all his powers to your Majesty, from the
very fact of his duties not being more closely defined. Such a relation,
however, can only be advisable for a certain time; one year has
therefore been agreed on. If, contrary to expectation, the
reorganization of the musical class of the Academy and the establishment
of a musical institute, be not so carried out as to cause Herr
Mendelssohn the conviction of finding a field of activity for his bent
and his vocation, or if the claims on him should prevent his acceptance,
or lastly, which I subjoin at the express desire of Herr Mendelssohn,
should the expectations now entertained by your Majesty with regard to
him not be fulfilled, then the relation now formed shall be dissolved at
the end of the appointed period on the above conditions, and therefore
in an honourable manner.
Herr Eichhorn, whom I have informed of the proposal made through me to
Herr Mendelssohn, and also of his acceptance, has, on his side, stated
no objections.
Your Majesty’s decision is respectfully solicited at your pleasure; and
awaiting your Majesty’s further commands, I am, with the deepest
reverence,
Your Majesty’s faithful servant,
V. MASSOW.
_Memorandum by Mendelssohn, on the subject of a Music Academy to be
established at Berlin._
Berlin, May, 1841.
It is proposed to establish a German Music Academy in Berlin, to
concentrate in one common focus the now isolated efforts in the sphere
of instruction in art, in order to guide rising artists in a solid and
earnest direction, thus imparting to the musical sense of the nation a
new and more energetic impetus; for this purpose, on the one side, the
already existing institutes and their members must be concentrated, and
on the other, the aid of new ones must be called in.
Among the former may be reckoned the various Royal academies for
musical instruction, which must be united with this Musical Academy, and
carried on as branches of the same, with greater or less modifications,
in _one_ sense and in _one_ direction. In these are included, for
example, the Institute for Élèves of the Royal Orchestra; the Organ
Institute; that of the Theatre (limited to the theatre alone) for
instruction in singing, declamation, etc. Further, the members of the
Royal _Capelle_ must be required to give instruction on their various
instruments. A suitable locality can no doubt be found among the Royal
buildings, and also a library, with the requisite old and new musical
works, scores, and books.
The new appointments to consist of--
1. A head teacher of composition; the best that can be found in Germany,
to give regular instructions in theory, thorough-bass, counterpoint, and
fugues.
2. A head teacher of solo singing; also the best to be had in Germany.
3. A head teacher of choral singing, who should strive to acquire
personal influence over the scholars under his care, by good
pianoforte-playing and steady direction.
4. A head teacher of pianoforte-playing, for which office a man of the
most unquestionable talent and reputation must alone be selected. The
other teachers for these departments could be found in Berlin itself;
nor would there be any difficulty in procuring teachers of Æsthetics,
the history of music, etc.
The complete course to last three years; the scholars, after previous
examination, to be instructed _gratis_; no prize works to be admitted
but at stated periods; all the works of the scholars, from the time of
their admission, to be collected and criticized in connection with each
other, and subsequently a prize (probably consisting of a sum sufficient
for a long journey through Germany, Italy, France, and England) to be
adjudged accordingly. Every winter a certain number of concerts to take
place, in which all the teachers (including the above-named members of
the Royal _Capelle_) must co-operate, and by which, through the
selection of the music, as well as by its execution, direct influence
may be gained over the majority of the public.
The following principle must serve as a basis for the whole Institute:
that every sphere of art can only elevate itself above a mere
handicraft, by being devoted to the expression of lofty thought, along
with the utmost possible technical finish, and a pure and intellectual
aim; that also solidity, precision, and strict discipline in teaching
and learning, should be considered the first law, thus not falling short
in this respect of any handicraft; that in every department, all
teaching and learning should be exclusively devoted to the thoughts
intended to be expressed, and to that more elevated mood, to which
technical perfection in art must ever be subordinate.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, July 9th, 1841.
Dear Brother,
I send you with this, a copy of the Minister Eichhorn’s letter, which I
received this evening. It is evident from it, that the King only intends
to make me Capellmeister, if the plan, for the Academy is carried out;
not otherwise. If this be his irrevocable determination, I have only to
choose between two alternatives; to go to Berlin on the 1st of August
without the title, and without any further public appointment, and
merely receive the salary there--or at once to break off all further
negotiations on the matter, and never to renew them.
Now I must confess, first, that I could not without unpleasant feelings
enter on an office, after having considerably abated my own demands;
secondly, that I still find all those reasons valid, now as heretofore,
which made such a title necessary, in Herr Massow’s opinion, as well as
in my own, in order to enable me to give the desired concerts and
performances in the course of the winter; and, thirdly, it appears to me
only just, that from the first I should receive a public proof of the
King’s confidence; for very possibly after the lapse of a year, no
renewal of the relation may be desired on the _other_ side, in which
case I alone shall be the losing party, for _they_ only risk conferring
a title for nothing, while _I_ lose my present situation, and you know
that this costs me no small sacrifice. I beg you will communicate this
letter and Eichhorn’s to Von Massow. He will observe that his proposals,
and the results of my whole residence in Berlin, are again detailed, so
that I must go to Berlin under very different circumstances, which, as I
said, I am very unwilling to do. Hear what Massow says, and let me know.
Do not forget to place strongly before him, that I always thought it
probable, and now more likely than ever, that no definitive arrangement
about the Academy should take place in one year; not indeed from any
fault on my side, or from any want of complaisance in me, but from want
of decision on their part. I therefore wished at that time, and wish
now, that there should be something definite, _for which_ I am called to
Berlin. I cannot say to any one that the mere direction of the Academy
is a sufficient purpose. If they choose to make me “Geheimsecretär,”
instead of Capellmeister, I am equally content, but I should like to
have some ostensible ground for going there, if I am to go at all;
probably the affair will be now more complicated by my having in the
meanwhile received the much-discussed title (deuce take it!) in Saxony;
they will say, what is the use of a second? and pronounce it to be
obstinacy on my part. I appeal however to the above reasons, and think,
on the contrary, that it proves I did not, or do not, insist on this
point from any love of a title.
Pray, pray forgive me, dear Brother, you have most cause to complain;
for in any case I shall reap some advantage, having at the worst gained
valuable experience, but you only much plague and lost time (even at the
best, by which I mean my remaining in Berlin). Forgive me.--Ever your
FELIX.[50]
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Leipzig, July 15th, 1841.
My dear Friend,
To-morrow I go with some pleasant friends to Dresden to hear Ungher and
Moriani sing, to see Raphael and Titian paint, and to breathe the air of
that lovely region. A few days after my return I am off for a year to
Berlin, one of the sourest apples a man can eat, and yet eaten it must
be. Strangely enough, there seems to be a misunderstanding between _us_
on this affair, and hitherto we have scarcely ever had one. You think I
want your advice, and mean to act according to it; but, in fact, when I
say anything to you, or discuss anything, I say it and do it from no
other reason than from instinct. I _must_ speak to you or discuss
whatever is of importance to me, or nearly concerns me; it cannot be
otherwise, and this proceeds so little from that tiresome asking for
advice, that I am convinced, if you had not answered me at all, and if
we had not spoken to each other for ten years, I should have asked you
the same questions, and expected your answer as eagerly, and received it
with as much pleasure as now. There is a curious misapprehension on your
part, with regard to the comparison between the two cities. You believe
(and several of the residents here, as well as strangers, have told me
the same), that here in Leipzig we have comfort, domestic life, and
retirement; and in Berlin, public efficacy in and for Germany, and
active work for the benefit of others, etc. etc.; whereas it is in truth
exactly the reverse. It is just because I am so unwilling to be burdened
with a sinecure, the public active efficiency which you so urged on me
formerly, and which seemed to myself so necessary, having become
gradually dear to me, and nothing of the kind being possible in
Berlin,--it is for these very reasons I go there unwillingly. There, all
efforts are private efforts without any echo in the land, and _this_
they certainly do have here, small as the nest is. I did not establish
myself in Leipzig with a view to a quiet life; on the contrary, I felt a
longing to do so, because here all is so gay and motley. On the other
hand, I have mastered and learned many things, which could only be thus
mastered and learned, nor have I been idle either; I think I am on a
better footing with my countrymen, in Germany, and have gained their
confidence more than I should probably have done all my life long in
Berlin, and that is worth something too. That I am now to recommence a
private life, but at the same time to become a sort of school-master to
a Conservatorium, is what I can scarcely understand, after my excellent
vigorous orchestra here. I might perhaps do so if I were really to enjoy
an entirely private life, in which case I should only compose and live
in retirement; but the mongrel Berlin doings interfere; the vast
projects, the petty execution, the admirable criticism, the indifferent
musicians, the liberal ideas, the Court officials in the streets, the
Museum and the Academy, and the sand! I doubt whether my stay there will
be more than a year; still I shall of course do all in my power, not to
allow this time to pass without some profit to myself and others. I
shall have no solitude during the time, for I must bestir myself and
write what I can; a couple of earlier melodies may bring up the
rear-guard. Many others have come to light since their date; you see I
defend myself vigorously, with claws and teeth. Believe me, Berlin is at
the present day the city which is the least efficacious, and Leipzig the
most beneficial to the public. Do you know what I have recently been
composing with enthusiasm? Variations for the piano,--actually eighteen
on a theme in D minor, and they amused me so famously, that I instantly
made fresh ones on a theme in E flat major, and now for the third time
on a theme in B flat major. I feel quite as if I must make up for lost
time, never having written any before.
TO CONCERT-MEISTER FERDINAND DAVID, LEIPZIG.
Berlin, August 9th, 1841.
Dear Friend,
You wish to hear some news about the Berlin Conservatorium,--so do
I,--but there is none. The affair is on the most extensive scale, if it
be actually on any scale at all, and not merely in the air. The King
seems to have a plan for reorganizing the Academy of Arts; this will not
be easily effected, without entirely changing its present form into a
very different one, which they cannot make up their mind to do; there is
little use in my advising it, as I do not expect much profit for music
from the Academy, either in its present or future form. The musical
portion of the new academy is, I believe, to become a Conservatorium;
but to reorganize one part alone, is an idea which cannot be entertained
under any circumstances, so it depends now on the three others. A
director is not yet found for the architectural department, and in the
four different departments the existing members cannot (or at least will
not) be superseded, or their privileges diminished,--so these members
must first die off; but we must die off as well as they, and whether the
reorganization will then take place in the wished-for manner is the
question. _One_ service I have at all events accomplished here, in
having placed these relations in a clear light, and free from all
circumlocution,--so that there will be no longer any necessity to refer
to these projects, or the discussions connected with them, until the
obstacles are removed.
You will ask, then, what in the world do they want with me just now in
Berlin? My answer is, on the one side, I really do not know; on the
other, I believe that it is intended to give, during the winter, some
great concerts, with the addition of all their best means, and that I am
to direct them, some in church, and some in the concert hall; but
whether they will ever take place seems to me very doubtful: at all
events these are, in my opinion, the only projects which can or will be
carried out at this time.
TO PRESIDENT VERKENIUS, COLOGNE.
Berlin, August 14th, 1841.
Dear and esteemed Herr President,
Though so much delighted by recognizing on the address of your letter of
yesterday the well-known writing, I was equally grieved by the grave and
mournful tone of your words, and I cannot tell you how much the
intelligence of your continued illness alarms and distresses me. It is,
indeed, often the case, that in moments of indisposition, everything
seems to us covered with a black veil,--that illness drags within its
domain, not only the body, but also the spirit and the thoughts (thus it
is always with me when I am ailing or ill), but with returning health,
these mournful images are chased away. God grant this may be the case
with you, and soon, too, very soon; such sorrowful moments, however, are
not less distressing at the time, though they quickly pass away, and are
forgotten. Would that I could do anything to make you more cheerful, or
to drive away such sad thoughts! These are the moments when distance
seems doubly painful; when cordially-loved and honoured friends are in
suffering, and yet we must go on living apart from them, instead of
being near to sympathize with them, even if unable to do them good, or
to alleviate their troubles.
You say that my letters are agreeable to you. I shall therefore
frequently write; let me know if I do so too often; and Heaven grant
that, in return, I may soon receive good news of your recovery, from
yourself, or one of your family!
I have now been a fortnight here with my family, and am living with my
mother and brother and sisters, in the very same house, which I quitted
twelve years ago, with a heavy heart. The more unaccountable is it to
me that, in spite of the delight of being with my mother and family
once more, in spite, also, of every advantage, and many and glad
memories, there is scarcely a place in all Germany where I feel so
little at home as here. The ground of this may be, that all the causes
which formerly made it impossible for me to begin and to continue my
career in Berlin, and which drove me away, still subsist, just as they
formerly did, and are likely, alas! to subsist to the end of time. There
is the same frittering away of all energies and all people, the same
unpoetical striving after outward results, the same superfluity of
knowledge, the same failure in production, and the same want of nature,
the same illiberality and backwardness as to progress and development,
by which, indeed, though the latter are rendered safer and less
dangerous, still they are robbed of all merit, and of all life. I
believe that these qualities will one day be reproduced here in all
things; that it is the case with music, there can be no doubt whatever.
The King has the best inclination to alter and to improve all this; but
if he were to hold fast his will steadily for a succession of years, and
were he to find none but people with the same will, working unweariedly
in accordance with it,--even then, results and happy consequences could
not be anticipated, till _after_ a succession of years had elapsed; yet
here these are expected first and foremost. The soil must be entirely
ploughed and turned up before it can bring forth fruit, at least so it
seems to me in my department; the musicians work, each for himself, and
no two agree; the amateurs are divided and absorbed into thousands of
small circles; besides, all the music one hears is, at the best, only
indifferent; criticism alone is keen, close, and well-studied. These are
no very flattering prospects, I think, for the approaching period, and
to “organize this from the foundation” is not my affair, for I am
deficient both in talent and inclination for the purpose. I am,
therefore, waiting to know what is desired of me, and probably this will
be limited to a certain number of concerts, which the Academy of Arts is
to give in the coming winter, and which I am then to direct. In my next
letter, I will write you some musical details. Heaven grant that I may
soon be tranquillized about your recovery, and may we meet again in
cheerfulness and health; God grant it!--Ever your faithful
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PRESIDENT VERKENIUS, COLOGNE.
Berlin, August 23rd, 1841.
Dear Herr President,