Letters of Franz Liszt Volume I Part 56

Address your letters to "Herr von Bronsart, c/o Herr General von Bronsart, Commandant of Dantzig, Dantzig."

In consequence of the performance of my Ma.s.s in Munich (on the King's birthday, at the end of November), which, as I am told on many sides, was well given and--which seems wonderful--was acknowledged by many musicians there to be a work of importance-- so that even Lachner spoke favorably of it--the "Allgemezne"

Zeftung again breathes forth poison and gall (supplement of 3rd December), without forgetting therewith the "Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik." I should like to take the opportunity of making this pack of critics, such as W., B., G., B., and whatever all the a.s.sistants' a.s.sistants are called, understand the following thoughts as Xenie:--[Epigram]

"Ye break your staff over me, but your staff has indeed long since become rotten from all the dust and dirt that stick to it, and it scarcely serves any longer to cut the air!"

Tell this idea to Lohmann--perhaps he may be inspired with a happy rhyme for it.

I cannot say anything better to you about Pohl than what you tell me.--

Herewith, for your private delectation, is a copy of some lines from my letter to Herr Gustav Eggers (in Berlin), brother of the well-known Art-journal Eggers, now very much concerned in the Prussian paper. Gustav E. was here at the September Festival (1857), when he heard the Faust Symphony, and sent me lately a very pretty book of songs, begging me to recommend them to Hartel.--Send me the little paper back soon.

228. To Eduard Liszt

By the loving friendship which you have shown me, especially during the last decade in which so many trials have been laid on me, our close relationship in heart and character has been for ever firmly sealed, dearest Eduard. You are, and will ever be to me, a support and a courage-giving comforter in the battles and straits of my life. G.o.d grant me grace to go through them without wavering, as a faithful servant of the truth in Christ!

You have decided upon just what is most right and suitable in the arrangement of the funeral ceremony of my son. [He died in Vienna, where he was studying law.] The selection of Terziani's Requiem was a very suitable one under the existing conditions. I thank you for everything from the depths of my soul!

I shall write a couple of lines to Herbeck tomorrow, and send him at the same time the score and parts of the "Prometheus," as well as two Marches of Schubert which I have instrumented for him. The sending off of this parcel has been delayed by the circ.u.mstance that it was necessary to have the whole score of the "Prometheus"

written out afresh, and to make some alterations in the parts.

The earlier score was indeed sufficient for me--but any strange conductor would scarcely find his way through it. I hope Herbeck will be pleased with the instrumentation of the Schubert Marches.

I fancy I have been successful in this little work, and I shall continue it further, as it offers much attraction to me. The four other Marches will follow shortly, which should make the half- dozen complete.

Cornelius arrived here the day before yesterday. His friendly attachment to you is a very warm and sincerely devoted one. On me Cornelius's pure mind and thoroughly honorable disposition always have the most beneficial effect; but it is especially welcome to me just now to hear more of you from him, and thus to be more with you.

Be as good to me as you are dear to my heart!

F. Liszt

Weymar, December 28th, 1859

229. To Josef Dessauer

[Autograph in the possession of Herr Von Hannen, painter in Venice.--The addressee ("Maitre Favilla," as George Sand named her friend) was known as the composer of refined songs (1798- 1876). Three of these Liszt transcribed (1847, Berlin, Schlesinger).]

Dear honored Friend,

It is possible that the delicacy of your perception may have brought you much trouble, but it a.s.sures you a soft place in the better region of the heart of your friends. This I again felt in reading your dear letter.

Accept, therefore, the heartfelt thanks of your old friend, whose "manly formed nature" must further prove itself; he has still many duties to fulfill and more than one battle to fight. May the Cross remain his support, his strength, and his shield!

Whatever fatality also may hang over me, be a.s.sured of the faithful attachment of your

F. Liszt

Weymar, December 30th, 1859

The crucifix from you (after the Gran Ma.s.s) has grown still dearer to me!--

When I have finished with some works which cannot be postponed any longer, Daniel shall receive his Requiena.

230. To Wilkoszewshi, Secretary of the Concerts of the "Hofcapelle" in Munich.

[From a copy in Liszt's own handwriting (amongst the letters to Brendel)]

Dear Sir,

The performance of new works on the part of so renowned an orchestra as that of Munich must ever remain a mark of special attention for the composers. But I must rate it still higher that, in face of the strong prejudice against my name, one of my ill-famed Symphonic Poems should have been included in the programme of the concerts of the Munich Hofcapelle.

It is ill preaching to deaf ears, and it is well known that there is no worse deafness than that of people who will not hear. Hence it is that the Festklange, as well as the Ma.s.s and everything that I and others better than my humble self have been able to compose, is prejudiced. But the more unseemly and malicious factiousness may show itself against new works, the more am I laid under a grateful obligation to those who do not accept as their artistic criterion the injustice inflicted on me.

Time levels all things, and I can quietly wait until people are more occupied in learning to know and to hear my scores than in condemning and hissing them. Mean-spirited, blackguard tricks, even when played in concert-rooms and newspaper reports, are no arguments worthy of a lasting import.

I beg you, dear sir, to convey to General Music-Director Lachner my best thanks for his well-meant sentiments towards me, and I remain, with high esteem, yours very sincerely,

F. Liszt

Weymar, January 15th, 1860.

231. To Johann von Herbeck.

[Received, according to him, on January 26th, 1860]

Dear Friend,

On getting back from Berlin yesterday evening I find your letter, which has given me especial pleasure by the a.s.surance that the "Prometheus" choruses and, the instrumentation of the "Schubert Marches" fulfill your expectations. You shall very shortly receive two more "Schubert Marches" (the "Funeral March" in E flat minor, and the "Hungarian March" in C minor out of the "Hungarian Divertiss.e.m.e.nt". [Op. 40, No. 5, and "Marcia" from Op.

54] They could be played one immediately after the other.

The "Prometheus" choruses, together with the "Symphonic Poem"

which goes before them (and which has been published by Hartel as No. 5), were composed in July 1850 for the Herder Festival, and were performed in the theater here on the eve of that festival.

My pulses were then all beating feverishly, and the thrice- repeated cry of woe of the Oceanides, the Dryads, and the Infernals echoed in my ears from all the trees and lakes of our park.

In my work I strove after an ideal of the antique, which should be represented, not as an ancient skeleton, but as a living and moving form. A beautiful stanza of Andre Chenier,

"Sur des pensers nouveaux faisons des vers antiques," ["On modern thoughts let us fashion verses antique."]

served me for precept, and showed me the way to musical plastic art and symmetry.

The favorable opinion you have formed of the work in reading it through is a token to me that I have not altogether failed--I hope that the performance will not spoil your sympathy for it. I leave the direction, with the utmost confidence, entirely in your hands.--You always. .h.i.t on the right thing, and navigate satisfactorily with your entire forces the occasional difficulties of the dissonant entries, and of the pathetic delivery which is absolutely essential in several places. It would certainly be a great pleasure to me, dear friend, if I could be present at the performance in Vienna on the 26th February, to enjoy your intelligent and inspired performance, but I am prevented from doing this by various circ.u.mstances (an explanation of which would lead me too far).