* * * * *
“Israel in Egypt” was eventually edited by Mendelssohn, appearing in
1845-1846. On the titlepage and in the preface he most carefully guards
against any possible misconception, and says: “The editor is alone
responsible for the directions of ‘piano’ and ‘forte,’ and other marks
of expression; for all such descriptions of the movements as stand
within brackets (those which are not so placed being the only
indications for which the original manuscripts furnish authority); for
the suggestion of the tempi according to Maelzel’s metronome; and for
the figuring of the organ part. The adaptation of the instrumental parts
for the pianoforte, intended as an accompaniment to the voices in the
absence of the orchestra, is by the editor; for this, also, he alone is
responsible.”
* * * * *
FRANKFURT, April 12, 1845.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--You must have been as delighted at the news of
Klingemann’s engagement and the prospect of his being married soon, as I
was. No, not quite so much; for when the news came, I danced about the
room for fully five minutes, to the astonishment of Cécile, who thought
I was out of my senses. Well, it has been a pet wish of mine for ever so
long, and now that it is about to be realized I can scarcely believe it.
I had given up all hopes of its coming to pass, and now that it has come
I am doubly glad. It seems, too, so desirable and excellent a match that
I feel sure it must bring happiness.
With us, thank Heaven, all is well. Cécile is in good health and
spirits, the children are flourishing, spring is approaching; what more
can mortal man desire?
You complain of the musical shortcomings in your part of the world.
Well, things are not brilliant here; yet, for all that, one does
occasionally get to hear something good. Add to that the balmy air of
spring, the piano, and some sheets of music paper, and, after all, life
is bearable.
Your old and very affectionate friend,