P. S. How would it be if I had the orchestra parts printed in Germany
and brought them over with me? The vocal parts, at any rate, would have
to be printed in England, on account of the English words.
* * * * *
Of the singers named, it was Staudigl who was eventually selected to
sing the part of Elijah at Birmingham.
In answer to Mendelssohn’s question, what terms he should make for the
copyright of his Oratorio, Moscheles writes:--
* * * * *
“I quite feel the responsibility of advising you in the matter; for if
fifty years hence it is said, ‘Mendelssohn received only so many pounds
sterling for this grandest of works, this inexhaustible mine of wealth
to the editor, and that at the suggestion of Moscheles,’ my ashes will
be disturbed in their rest. Well, well, you will nod your venerable
head, and say, ‘Never mind; Moscheles meant well.’
“You do not say what other offers you had, besides that from Buxton. I
think you will find him straightforward in his dealings, and ready to
recognize that the market value of your productions is constantly
increasing. So I should say you might ask £50 more than you did for the
‘Hymn of Praise.’
“One point to take into consideration is whether this work is richer
than the other in Solos, these being a better source of income to the
publisher than Choruses.”
* * * * *
Moscheles had probably forgotten the fact that Mendelssohn received only
£25 for his “Hymn of Praise” from Messrs. Novello. The same firm bought
the copyright of his “Elijah,” in June, 1847, for 250 guineas.
It may be interesting to mention here some of the prices given for other
works of Mendelssohn by Messrs. Novello. For his music to Sophocles’s
“Antigone,” £30 10_s._; Duo for Piano and Violin in D, Op. 58, £12
12_s._; “Walpurgisnacht,” £24; Music to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (not
including Overture), £47 5_s._; “Hear my Prayer, O Lord,” £4; Concerto
for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 64, £10 10_s._; Book 6 of “Songs without
Words,” Op. 67, £25; Trio in D minor for Piano, Violin, and Violoncello,
Op. 49, £10 10_s._; Trio in C minor for ditto, Op. 66, £20; Six Songs,
Op. 71, £20.
* * * * *
LEIPZIG, May 23, 1846.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--As I am leaving this evening for the Rhine, and have
not yet heard from you in answer to my last letter, I send to-day a
complete copy of the first part of my “Elijah” to Messrs. Hüttner & Co.,
Ewer’s correspondents in Hamburg, to be forwarded to you through Mr.
Buxton. I enclose also a copy of the words. This and the score please
place at once in Mr. Bartholomew’s hands, for the purposes of
translation.
May you find something in my score to please you; and may you at least
recognize my good intentions, and reward them with your usual kindness
and friendship!
Ever yours,