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BERLIN, Jan. 10, 1829.
DEAR SIR,--Let me begin by apologizing for troubling you with this
letter.
The kindness and friendship you have so often shown me will not, I know,
fail me on this occasion; more especially as I come to you for advice on
a subject of which I know you to be the most competent judge. The
matter on which I want your kind opinion is this:--
I intend to start at the beginning of this year, and to devote three
years to travelling; my chief object being to make a long stay in Italy
and France. As it is desirable, for several reasons, that I should spend
a few days in Berlin about the middle of next December, before leaving
for Rome, I intend to devote the eight and a half months of the present
year, during which I can absent myself, to visiting first those cities
of Germany I am not acquainted with, such as Vienna and Munich, and
then, if possible, I would extend my journey to London.
The object I have in view is, not to appear in public, but rather to be
musically benefited by my tour, to compare the various views and
opinions of others, and thus to consolidate my own taste. As I only care
to see what is most remarkable in these two cities, and to become
acquainted with those eminent in the world of Art,--not, as I said
before, to be heard myself or to appear in public,--I trust the time I
can devote to my travels will not prove too short. Now, the question
which I want you to decide is this: whether it will be better to begin
or to end with London. In the one case I should be in Vienna early in
April, remaining there till about the middle of July, and go first to
Munich _viâ_ the Tyrol, and then down the Rhine to London, where I could
stay till December, and return by way of Hamburg to Berlin. In the
other case I should take London first in April, remain till July, then
go up the Rhine to Munich, and through the Tyrol to Vienna, and thence
back to Berlin. Evidently the former of these tours would be the more
agreeable, and as such I would willingly select it; but in following the
latter, should I not have a better chance of seeing the two capitals to
the fullest advantage,--the season in Vienna coming to an end, as I am
given to understand, in May, whereas in London it extends all through
June and even beyond?
You, who have so long lived in both cities, and are so well acquainted
with musical men and matters in both, will best be able to solve my
doubts and to answer a question of so much importance to me. You have
given me such constant proofs of your kindness and readiness to oblige,
that I feel confident you will not discontinue your friendly assistance,
but once more give me the benefit of your advice.
I have yet to thank you for the second book of your splendid “Studies.”
They are the finest pieces of music I have become acquainted with for a
long time,--as instructive and useful to the player as they are
gratifying to the hearer. Might you not feel disposed to publish a third
book? You know what service you would be rendering all lovers of music.
With best regards to Mrs. Moscheles, I have the honor to remain,
Yours most respectfully and truly,