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BERLIN, June 26, 1838.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--I want your advice. You know that five years ago Erard
presented me with one of his grand pianos. I took it first to Berlin,
then to Düsseldorf, and lastly to Leipzig. Owing to such frequent
shiftings, and possibly to some bad treatment, it is not fit for use in
public, and not even to be depended on at home. In answer to my inquiry
Erard suggests that I should send it to England to be repaired. I have
ascertained that the Saxon Custom-house would allow it to be returned
free of duty. Erard, on his side, has obtained the same leave in
England; but the carriage there and back would come to a hundred and
thirty odd thalers, and as that is about half what a new piano would
cost me here, the question arises, Can I really expect a substantial
improvement from the repairs? Give me your candid opinion on this.
You know I shall have to play in public occasionally in the course of
the winter; and for that purpose, as well as for music at home, I want
an instrument with a perfectly even and precise touch, responding freely
and fully to my wants and wishes. The tone has retained its original
power and beauty, and I should indeed be happy if the defective parts of
the mechanism could be repaired. That, you see, is just the question;
and as I am sure that similar cases must have come under your notice, I
write to you for advice. If it could be done, I should think no
sacrifice too great to preserve an instrument with such a splendid tone.
As it is, however, I cannot use it at all; and last winter I had to play
on borrowed pianos,--and very poor ones too. I ought to apologize for
troubling you; but you alone know exactly what I desire and expect to
find in a piano, and so to your judgment I appeal.
I suppose you know, through Hensel, that we are staying at my mother’s,
and are spending delightful days with her and my sisters. I cannot say
that my visit to Cologne was quite pleasant this time. You see I have
lost the taste for anything I cannot share with my wife. I get to feel
so restless and impatient that I am always calculating the day and hour
of my return, and can think of nothing else.
We shall go back to Leipzig in August. And you,--where are you going
this summer? When shall we see you in Germany? All those who like good
music are longing for you. And what are you composing? I am working on a
Symphony in B flat.[35] I have gone forward a step since last year, and
could I but have the benefit of your opinion on my work occasionally, I
should get along more rapidly. I have composed a few new Quartets for
string instruments, a Sonata with violin and one with violoncello,
besides a few trifles not published in England that I am waiting for an
opportunity to send you.
Good-by, and best love to you all. I do hope the day may not be too far
distant when I can introduce my Cécile to your wife. Pray tell her so.
Fanny and I are making much music together; the day after to-morrow we
are going to do my new Psalm in E flat. Her playing is more masterly
than ever. Good-by once more, my dear friend, and may we soon meet
again.
Yours,