* * * * *
BERLIN, Jan. 9, 1830.
DEAR MR. MOSCHELES,--I have written to Mrs. Moscheles and asked
forgiveness for my long silence. Allow me to refer to that letter, and
to hope that the reasons therein detailed may plead for me with you; at
the same time I cannot refrain from assuring you personally how truly I
feel myself indebted to you, and how grateful I am for all the kindness
you have shown me. You received me in London in a way I could never have
expected, and gave me proofs of confidence and friendship which I shall
never cease to be proud of. If hitherto I had looked up to you with
admiration, how much more so now, when on closer acquaintance I had the
happiness to find in you an example fit, in every respect, to be
followed by any artist! You know best yourself the value of a kind
reception in a strange country, and the immense advantage of an
introduction through you, especially in England. If that country made a
most favorable and lasting impression on me, since, for the first time
far away from home and friends, I could spend such happy hours, it is
you I have to thank, to you I shall always be grateful. Might I but have
some opportunity of proving how deeply I feel my obligation! I hope I
may soon meet you again in some corner of the world, and find such
glorious new pieces of music as I have this time. The Symphony is quite
present to my mind, and I can play some of it by heart, especially the
first and third movements; but that is very insufficient, and I look
forward with impatience to the publication of this masterpiece. Will you
not soon give it to the public? You must yourself know how surely you
can reckon on a brilliant success and on the admiration and warmest
sympathy of every musician. For my part, I should be truly happy to see
the score published, and I am convinced that in this feeling I should be
joined by all who love music. Will you not soon let a second one follow?
Maybe you are at work on one already; it would be truly delightful if
you gave us more pieces in the same spirit, imbued with such earnestness
and depth; all real lovers of music here would hail them with pleasure.
I mean to leave for Italy as soon as my foot will permit me to travel,
and request your permission to write to you occasionally on music and
musicians; should your time allow of your sending me a few words, you
know how much pleasure it would give me.
With best wishes for your welfare and happiness, and trusting you will
preserve a kind remembrance of me, I remain
Yours most sincerely,