Letters of Franz Liszt Volume II Part 12

Gille has the kind intention of arranging a performance of the "Elizabeth" in Jena as soon as possible. I don't want to enter into a fuller correspondence with him on the subject; but please tell him, in all friendliness, that I regret to be obliged somewhat to check his admirable zeal. Apart from certain considerations of propriety (which I will never disregard in the slightest degree) there is an irremovable difficulty in the matter of the performance itself. It cannot be given in Jena without the co-operation of the Weimar performers. And why plague our dear and excellent Weimar singers and artists, and how--with their many theatrical engagements--could they find the necessary time for studying the parts, for rehearsals?--etc., etc.--

Hence let us give a simple no as regards Jena, and put a sign of interrogation? nay, even two or more??? as regards the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Coburg, for (as I told you in my last letter but one) we shall there have entirely to submit to the Duke's opinion concerning the larger (or longer) work which is to fill the first day's programme.

(N.B.--"Elizabeth" lasts about three hours, including the intervals. Bulow's conductorship would be indispensable.)

For ten days past I have again been back in the Vatican, and think of remaining here over the winter. At the present moment I am engaged in arranging the Pope's Hymnus, published last month by Bote and Bock for pianoforte as a solo and in duet-form, for chorus (with Italian words). I think something of this piece, for which Kaulbach has made a splendid drawing. If it is performed here you shall hear about it. As soon as possible I mean to set to work with my "Christus Oratorio." Unfortunately I have had to set it aside for a year, as the "Vocal Ma.s.s" and other smaller works prevented my doing anything to it. I shall require from six to eight months before I get the "Christus" finished, for I am scarcely half-way through yet.

My health is good, and I can unconcernedly allow people the pleasure of referring to me as "physically broken down" and a "decayed wreck" (as I have been described in the Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung).

One favor do me at once, dear friend. Request Kahnt to purchase for me the steel-plates (or woodcuts) of Schwind's "Elisabeth- Galerie" in the Wartburg, published in Leipzig by Weigel or Brockhaus, and let them be sent safely, quickly and correctly, addressed to "Herr Baron Anton von Augusz--Szegzard" (Tolnaer Comitat--Hungary). If I am not mistaken, the drawings are published in two parts. The first part contains the pictures of St. Elisabeth's arrival at the Wartburg, the miracle of Roses--up to her death. The second part gives the medallions depicting her works of charity. I wish to send the complete "Elisabeth-Galerie"

to Baron Augusz. The price is not high, and the money shall be refunded to Kahnt as soon as I get the bill.

By the way Kahnt would be doing me a favor by presenting "Remenyi," through Roszavogli (Pest), with a copy of Pflughaupt's arrangement for pianoforte and violin of my "Cantique d'amour"

and "Ave Maria"--and by granting my humble self a copy also, at his convenience. Remenyi will be glad to play the pieces with Plotenyi and thus make them known, and I would get Sgambati and Pinelli [A Roman violin virtuoso (born 1843), was appointed in 1872 Director of the "Societa musicale romana," in Rome.] to do the same here.

With hearty greetings to your wife,

Your unchangeably sincere and devoted

F. Liszt

The Vatican, September 28th, 1865

Let me know of the despatch of the "Elisabeth-Galerie," and also send me a few copies of Bulow's three articles.

Why have my organ-pieces (from Korner, Erfurt) not yet reached me? Please remind Kahnt or Gottschalg of this.

44. To Eduard Liszt

Dearest Eduard,

My heartiest thanks to you for remembering the 22nd October. The day was celebrated quietly and happily like last year in my former residence (Madonna del Rosario)--and you were present with me in my inmost heart.

Before I received your lines I had already answered Dunkl's and Herbeck's letters relating to the "Elizabeth" Oratorio. You know how much against my wish it is to put this work into circulation.

And, however flattering it may be to me (perhorrescised composer!) to receive offers from various places about it, still I think it advisable to avoid precipitancy, and not to expose my friends so soon again to unpleasantnesses such as my earlier works brought upon them. Lowy's empty stalls (with the Preludes) are significant...and, considering the various kinds of abuse which my works have had to endure, silence would seem to be most becoming.

Therefore be good enough, dearest Eduard, to tell those kindly disposed "Musical Friends," emphatically that I cannot make up my mind to the proposed performance of the "Elizabeth," and beg them to pardon this small-mindedness in me. Besides the score is no longer at my disposal, as I have sent it to Bulow, who requires it for a performance desired by H.M. the King, for which I have already invited Herbeck. Bulow is giving some concerts this month and next in Berlin, Dresden, Prague, etc. Hence he cannot begin rehearsing the Elizabeth till later. Of the Munich performance you shall hear details when the time comes.

With regard to your communication to the Princess, I a.s.sure you again that as soon as and as often as it is possible for me to do you a service, as certainly shall it be done.

Kindest greetings to your wife from

Your truly devoted

F. Liszt

[Rome,] November 1st, 1865.

45. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear friend,

My answer to you has been delayed in order that I might at the same time tell you of a variety of things.

A) At the beginning of March I intend going to Paris. The Gran Ma.s.s is to be given on March 15th in the Church of St. Eustache at the anniversary "de l'oeuvre des ecoles" to which the Maire of the 2nd Arrondiss.e.m.e.nt, M. Dufour, sent me an official invitation the other day.

B) The report spread in various newspapers about the Hungarian Coronation-Ma.s.s which I am to compose, is for the present only officiously correct. Probably it may become true shortly. [This did occur, as is well known.]

C) At the opening of the Dante Gallery here at the end of the month my "Dante Symphony" is to be performed. I enclose the article from the Osservatore Romano in which this extraordinary event is discussed in detail--also another number of the same paper containing a short notice on the "Stabat mater speciosa" (a very simple chorus from my "Christus Oratorio"), that was sung last Thursday in the Franciscan Church Ara Coeli (on the Capitol).

D) I am quite determined to attend the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Coburg, and expect to hear from you shortly more about it. It is to be hoped that Bulow will conduct. If there should be any thought of giving the "Elizabeth," Bulow will be indispensable.--

As regards the Elizabeth, pray make my best excuses to Kahnt. I did not reply to his friendly request, because I have made up my mind not to have this work published meanwhile, and hold fast to this negative determination. Do not let Kahnt take this ill of me, and let him be a.s.sured of my sincere willingness to meet his wishes in all other matters.

.--. I am in want of a great many things, but most of all in want of more time!

With friendliest greetings, sincerely and devotedly yours,

F. Liszt

The Vatican, January 14th, 1866

46. To Dr. Franz Brendel

Dear Friend,

So there is to be no Tonkunstler-Versammlung this year; in place of it war-cries, and symphonies of bayonets and cannon! Here, probably, we shall remain in peaceful quietude under the protection of France.--As regards my humble self, I mean to try, during the second half of this 66th year, to overtake what I was compelled to neglect during the first half of it. My "Christus Oratorio" shall be finished by Christmas.--Prince Hohenlohe, with whom I have been residing since April 1865, has been made Cardinal and shortly leaves the Vatican. Last Sunday I returned to my old quarters at Monte Mario, Madonna del Rosaraio, where I am as comfortable as possible. Next year I think of going to Germany, first to Munich. As you know, the King of Bavaria has conferred upon me the t.i.tle of Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael. And the Emperor Maximilian that of the Guadeloup order.--

My stay in Paris will not prove unfruitful. People may say of it what they like.--I must mention to you the name of Camille Saint- Saens in Paris, as specially deserving of notice in the Neue Zeitschrft as a distinguished artist, virtuoso and composer. Last year he was in Leipzig, so he told me, and played his Concerto at the Gewandhaus there. But people could not make anything out of him, and in dignified ignorance allowed him to pa.s.s. Langhans [A Berlin musical composer and critic who died in 1892.] sees him frequently and could give you fuller information about him for the Zeitschrift.

Give Kahnt my grateful thanks for carefully carrying out the orders from Paris. I mean to wait another year before publishing the "Elizabeth." I also want several ill.u.s.trations for it, for, as the work is dedicated to the King of Bavaria, I wish it to present the choicest and n.o.blest appearance.

If Kahnt should be disposed to take it next year, I shall be glad to come to some arrangement with him about it. Still I am determined not to have the "Elizabeth" published till then; to several publishers who have offered to undertake the publication I have already replied,--may every kind of printing long be held at a distance from this score.--

Allow me to recommend to your friendly interest a few other things I have at heart.

Ask Kahnt, in my name, not to be sparing in supplying Bulow with copies of the Liszt-compositions he has published. I should more especially like my Quartets for male voices circulated, and a few complimentary copies from Kahnt would be useful in this respect.

No fear need be entertained of Bulow's making indiscreet demands, and one may confidently grant him all he wishes.

.--. Hartel will shortly be sending me some music. Please enclose the last numbers of the Neue Zeitschrft in the parcel in order that my ignorance on matters musical may be relieved.

In sincere attachment I remain in unalterable friendship,