Letters of Franz Liszt
Chapter 111 : November 12th, 1876 Budapest (where I stay the whole winter) 200. To Constantin Sander

November 12th, 1876

Budapest (where I stay the whole winter)

200. To Constantin Sander, Music Publisher in Leipzig

[Autograph in possession of M. Alfred Bovet in Valentigney.]

Very honored Sir,

Best thanks for kindly sending me the "collected writings of Hector Berlioz" and some novelties of your firm. The compositions of Tschaikowsky interest me. A few of my pupils here play his Concerto and several of his pieces really capitally. I have also recommended Riedel to include Tschaikowsky's Symphony in the programme of the next Tonkunstler-Versammlung.

Otto Reubke's arrangement of the Schubert Quartet [In A minor, published by Sander (F. E. C. Leuckart).] for one performer on the pianoforte seems to me well done, though the 3rd bar of the first Allegro should stand thus,--

[Here, Liszt ill.u.s.trates with a musical score excerpt]

because in the latter case the important E of the melody cannot be held on, etc.--

I know the ma.n.u.script of an excellent arrangement of Schubert's D minor Quartet for 2 hands, the author of which, a man of very high standing, I do not today mention by name. But should you be inclined to publish this Quartet (arranged for 2 hands on the P.F.) I will gladly give you further particulars.--

By today's post you receive my last revision of Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique." I have added two remarks to the t.i.tle which I beg you to notice and adhere to. Thus "Piano Score"--not "Arrangement."...Then it is absolutely necessary to insert the whole programme of Berlioz, French and German, in your 2nd edition (on the 1st page after the t.i.tle-page). If necessary my friend Richard Pohl will give you the original French text and the translation.

With sincere regard, yours in all friends.h.i.+p,

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 15th, 1867

P.S.--I keep the copy of the Witzendosf edition for a while, and send you today only the Paris edition, together with the last proof copy of the "Symphonie fantastique."

201. To Breitkopf and Hartel

November 23rd, 1876

Dear Sir and Friend,

Before Herr W. Juranyi handed me your letter I had replied to the earlier communication from your esteemed house with reference to the same matter.

Accept once again the a.s.surance that I lay great stress upon the continuation of our friendly relations, which have now existed for 36 years. As far as this depends on me it shall never cease.

Your letter contains two proposals:--

1. To recommend Wagner to sign a legal doc.u.ment.

This is entirely opposed to my peaceable practices.

2. To prepare an enlarged version of the transcription of the "Tannhauser-March."

Acquiescing in this, I will send you the day after tomorrow a couple of pages of notes [musical] for the purpose of an enlarged edition. I cannot decide whether these acquire a legal value, but in any case they prove to you, dear Sir, my sincere readiness.

My "Wagner-Transcriptions," by-the-by, were not in any way a matter of speculation to me. Appearing at the beginning of the fifties, when only the Weimar theater had the honor of performing "Tannhauser," "Lohengrin" and the "Flying Dutchman," such transcriptions only served as modest propaganda on the inadequate Piano for the sublime genius of Wagner, whose radiating glory now and henceforth belongs to the Pride of Germany.

With high esteem most sincerely yours,

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 23rd, 1876

202. To the Music Publisher Constantin Sander

Very honored Sir,

You have rightly guessed that Herr von Keudell's "excellent"

transcription of Schubert's D minor Quartet is finished. It now only remains for you to write to His Excellency, that you may put this work in your window.

Reubke has succeeded very well with the B minor Rondo of Schubert, only, to my thinking, he should add the now indispensable pedal marks to it. By the same post I send you his ma.n.u.script together with a few remarks, and beg you to thank Reubke for his friendly dedication, and also to compliment him especially on the refined and beautifully effective carrying out of the subject--

[Here appears notated four measures of the theme.]

Yours most truly,

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 29th, 1876

203. To Vera Timanoff

[First Tausig's pupil (also Rubinstein's for a little while), from 1875 she studied every summer with Liszt as long as he remained in Weimar. In 1880 she became pianist to the Court at Weimar.]

Dear Virtuosa,

I telegraphed immediately to you at Laibach, to tell you to come without ceremony. Your talent is such that it would convert even the Turks, and I a.s.sure you that the audience at the Pest concerts will be delighted to applaud you. As to the t.i.tle which you propose to take, I think it is too modest for you, but there would be an excess of modesty on my part in saying anything against it...so let us be reciprocally proud of it and don't let us advertise it!

A revoir soon,--and always

Your affectionately devoted

F. Liszt

Budapest, November 29th, 1876

Be so kind as to give my most cordial regards to Monsieur and Madame Bosendorfer.