Letters of Franz Liszt
Chapter 73 : F. Liszt Rome, November 16th, 1863 (Monte Mario, Madonna Del Rosario.) 26. To Dr. Franz

F. Liszt

Rome, November 16th, 1863

(Monte Mario, Madonna Del Rosario.)

26. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

By way of excusing my delay in writing I must tell you at once of an indisposition, which during Christmas week prevented my undertaking any other occupation or amus.e.m.e.nt than that of keeping in bed. For several weeks after that there were other things, entirely unconnected with musical doings and affairs, which, however, urgently demanded attention. Your admirable New Year's letter I received yesterday. It perfectly confirms my opinion of the state of affairs (as became clear to me long since), and my agreement with you as regards our "Debit and Credit." The latter, unfortunately, does not show the right equilibrium--but must be made to do so. In the first place three points have to be secured; and to save useless explanations between us, I shall describe these in geographical style, under the names of Weimar, Lowenberg, Carlsruhe. They at present embrace and solve all the essential questions: division of work, appointment of suitable persons, procuring adequate means, active organisation of the Musik-Verein, etc., etc. And, granted that you are not deceiving yourself about my very limited influence, my personal presence and intervention would seem indispensable.

Still I will not conceal the fact that it is, at least, inconvenient for me to leave Rome even for a short time, and people should not object to my finding more satisfaction in my retirement here than in the barren unpleasantries of a so-called "circle of activity." But if, as you a.s.sure me, the question affects the good cause, and I could really be of service to a few dear friends,--well in that case every other consideration shall give way and my willingness be put to the proof. Although it will be very difficult for me to make up my mind to start, I will towards the beginning of June have my pa.s.sport vise'd for Carlsruhe, in order that I may attend the Musical Festival there, provided that Bulow conducts. In the intervals between the rehearsals and performances we should discuss with active friends the Whys and Wherefores connected with the Musik-Verein which, first of all, requires to be placed on a firm footing. And so far as I can a.s.sist in doing this (especially by advocating its cause with our patron and the Hohenzollern princes) it certainly shall be done.

Pohl seems to have put on wrong spectacles if he reads in my letter that I have no greater wish than to return to unique Germany! People may think about it what they please; the positive truth is that I do not bother myself about fools of any species, whether German, French, English, Russian or Italian, but am peacefully industrious in my seclusion here. "Let me rest, let me dream," not indeed beneath blossoming almond trees, as Hoffmann sings, [A song which Liszt set to music] but comforted and at peace under the protection of the Madonna del Rosario who has provided me with this cell. My German friends would certainly be acting much more reasonably were they to come and visit me here, instead of tempting me abroad. However you may a.s.sure the rest of my acquaintances that I will not inconvenience them with my presence for any length of time, and that my interference at the Musical Festival in Carlsruhe is only a temporary one and altogether harmless. By the middle of July, at latest, I intend to be back here again, or earlier if possible.

The Pro memoria of the A. D. Musik-Verein, addressed to the Grand Duke, together with the protocol of the audience on the 17th of November, I received through Gille. My thanks and reply I shall send shortly. Likewise also the programme of a very exceptional solemnity which takes place on the 5th February, and which is already engaging my attention in a variety of ways.

In all friendliness,

Your cordially devoted

F. Liszt

January 22nd, 1864

To Kahnt my best thanks for having sent the last parcel of music correctly. Postage and dues cost over 13 Prussian thalers. By the way, do not offend me any longer by franking your letters. I on my part frank my letters only when I send you a letter-parcel containing copies, etc.

Last postscript. .--. Do me the one other favor of seeing that my enclosed answer safely reaches Herr B. I do not know his address- -and, although we may have met in Weimar, as he once wrote to me, I have scarcely any recollection of the fact.

Do not be vexed at the apparent presumption and vain-glory of this last communication for today...My modesty will sufficiently come to my rescue to prevent my putting too many feathers in my cap! [The German proverb of which Liszt makes use is "allzugrosse Rosinen im Kopfe tragen." Besides, thank G.o.d, I am too honest and truth-loving to fall a victim to vanity.

27. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

Excuse an intermezzo on music-publishers today. I have received from Julius Schuberth and from Peters' Bureau de Musique contradictory letters about some right or unrighteous edition of my arrangement of Beethoven's "Septet". Schuberth's communication is many-sided, the other very one-sided, but neither of them enlightens me in the least, for it is a question of long since, and I scarcely remember where and for whom I arranged the "Septet", now more than 20 years ago. And although Schuberth has given me but little cause to be satisfied with his editions, still I should not wish to do him any injury by this piece of business, [An untranslatable pun on the words Handel and Handel]

and hence I have not sent him any reply. For the same reason I shall leave Peters' communication unanswered, and must get you, dear friend, to make these two gentlemen understand that I cannot mix myself up with any of their disputes as publishers. And in order that you may obtain an insight into the matter I send you, herewith, Peters' letter, with regard to which I can only say that I have no recollection of having made a duet arrangement of Beethoven's "Septet"...Yet this is precisely what I do not wish to say. Let the two gentlemen settle the matter amicably between themselves and ignore my existence altogether.

As Bulow is happily back, the programmes of the Carlsruhe Musical Festival will now soon be finally drawn up. Remenyi, who has played here some half-dozen times in the Teatro Argentina with extraordinary success, has a decided inclination to appear at the Musical Festival; I told him, however, that Conzertmeister Singer had probably already been engaged. Should Singer not be able to come, I would recommend Remenyi with absolute confidence. Of all the violinists I know, I could scarcely name three who could equal him as regards effect. Tell Bulow of Remenyi's friendly offer, and let me know at your convenience whether it is accepted.--

As soon as I hear more definitely about the programme I shall answer Gille's friendly note. Meanwhile (after 4 months'

incessant interruptions) I have again set to work, and cannot now leave it till the time comes for my journey.

What a royal and marvellous act is Ludwig of Bavaria's letter to Wagner! It ought verily to be engraved in the Walhalla in letters of gold. Oh that some other Princes would adopt a similar style!--

In all friends.h.i.+p, yours sincerely,

F. Liszt

Rome, May 28th, 1864

28. To Dr. Franz Brendel.

Dear Friend,

Shortly after sending off my letter anent the Peters-Schuberth squabble, I received the programme-sketch of your last letter but one. Exceedingly important and indispensable are the Wagner- numbers. Let me hope he has already given you a favorable reply.

Bulow will be the best one to arrange things and to conduct. I wrote to him the day before yesterday to advise him again to be strictly moderate with regard to the number of my compositions.

The half of what is given in your sketch of the programme would be amply sufficient. People do not want to hear so much of my things, and I do not care to force them upon them...On this occasion, especially, my wish is only to see some of my friends again--in no way to seek appreciative approval from the public.

Such misleading abuses have long since and entirely ceased for me. Hence, dear friend, do not have me playing the braggart on your programme! If a place is to be retained for Remenyi he will fill it brilliantly. For both as a soloist and a quartet player his accomplishments are extraordinary.

You ask me about "definite news of my journey." As already said, I am determined to attend the Tonkunstler-Versamammlung, and afterwards to go to Weimar for a few days. My departure from here depends upon the date of the Carlsruhe concerts. I shall arrange to be there a few days previously, and shall ask Bulow to secure apartments for me. A variety of considerations (among which are economical ones too) compel me not to extend my absence from Rome beyond a month, and before returning I am in duty bound to pay my mother a visit in Paris. Hence I shall have but little time for strolls on the banks of the Ilm or elsewhere...But let me hope that my journey will not prove pure idling, and I shall do my best "to pave the way" to meeting all your wishes in as satisfactory a manner as possible. Further details on this subject I shall give you by word of mouth towards the end of August. All mere reports about my remaining in Germany for some length of time I beg of you to contradict most emphatically. Some newspapers seem anxious that it should be known that I am about to settle in Hungary. There is nothing whatever in this report beyond the antic.i.p.ated order for my composing a second "Gran Ma.s.s", and perhaps publis.h.i.+ng an Hungarian translation of the "Elizabeth." These two tasks may, during the course of next year, lead to my revisiting Hungary (?).

Kindly present my excuses to Riedel, who wishes me to attend his concert in the St. Thomas Church (at the beginning of July). I am delighted that the "Seligkeiten" find a place in his programme, and I am sincerely grateful to H. von Milde for having contributed so much to their success by his fine interpretation and inspired delivery. Whether the Psalm ("By the waters of Babylon") is not somewhat too low for Frau v. Milde's voice, I should not like to say. I remember, however, that she sang it on one occasion at the Altenburg gloriously. Of course I can consider it only a very flattering mark of attention and amiability on the part of Frau von Milde to venture anywhere to introduce any one of my compositions under her vocal protection, but especially in Leipzig.

With hearty thanks and kindest greetings yours,

F. Liszt

Rome, June 13th, 1864

29. To the Committee of the Society for the Support of Needy Hungarian Musicians in Pest.

Gentlemen,

You are good enough to invite me in a very flattering manner to take part in the a.s.sociation that you are starting, with the object of helping needy and infirm musicians in Hungary. Every tie which unites me to our n.o.ble country is dear to me. I cordially accept to be entirely yours, and am pleased to hope that the esteem in which you are held, added to your intelligent solicitude for this good work, will secure it speedily and lastingly excellent results.

The good that you propose to realise is not liable to controversy, but is so plainly evident that you will receive on all sides nothing but approbation, encouragement, help and support. Nevertheless, as you do me the honor to ask my explicit opinion with regard to the statutes of your Society, I will venture to observe that it seems to me desirable not to limit oneself exclusively and for ever to helping sick and infirm musicians--and their needy heirs. Those who are in health, when they are at the same time well-deserving, have a claim also on your sympathy...Without enlarging on this point here, I only recommend to your attention, gentlemen, the statutes (published at Leipzig) of the a.s.sociation which was formed at Weimar in August 1861, under the name of "Allgemeiner Deutscher Musik- Verein," in which the needs of music and of musicians of our day have been taken into consideration simultaneously.

If I had not the sad honor of being poor I should hasten to put a considerable sum at your disposal. Pray pardon me, then, the moderate offering of a hundred florins which you will shortly receive (through my cousin Dr. Eduard Liszt, of Vienna), and I beg you to accept, gentlemen, the a.s.surance of my sincere desire to render in future the best service to your work, as also the expression of my very distinguished and devoted sentiments.

F. Liszt

Rome, June 18th, 1864 (Madonna Del Rosario)

30. To Eduard Liszt

Very dear Eduard,

a.s.suredly I have not been "complaining" of you to Count Gallenberg nor to anybody else in the world. Quite the contrary, and on every occasion I boast of my beloved cousin, and am happy and proud of his loyal, delicate and n.o.ble friends.h.i.+p, which is one of the sweetest kindnesses of Providence to me.