Franz Liszt

“ Rome is a more convenient place than others for those who ask nothing better than to work in their own fashion. Now, although I have become very indifferent as to the fate of what I write, work none the less continues to be the first need of my nature. I write therefore simply to write—without any other pretensions or care—and for this it suits me best to remain in one place.
Will you be so kind, Madame, as to give my very affectionate respects to Madame Ritter [Mother of Carl Ritter—Wagner's friend—and of Alexander Ritter, the composer of "Der faule Hans."] ”

“ To Breitkopf and Hartel
Dear Herr Doctor,
The four scores of the Beethoven Symphonies, of which you advised me in your friendly letter, reached me yesterday. My eyes are meanwhile revelling and delighting in all the glories of the splendid edition, and after Easter I shall set to work. Nothing shall be wanting on my part, in the way of goodwill and industry, to fulfil your commission to the best of my power. A pianoforte arrangement of these creations must, indeed, expect to remain a very poor and far-off approximation. ”

“ Your talent of observation is as incontestable as your very charming amiability. With a sagacious eye you observed my predilection for the silent "compatriot," apparently rather sombre, but of excellent composition at bottom. [A box of caviare, which Madame Rubinstein had sent to Liszt.] Doubtless the advantages which appertain to it in its own right were peculiarly enhanced by the charm of your salon, where I hope to see it again and often. ”

“ Unless some definite object demands it of me, I do not write to any one in Germany, with the exception of Bulow, my cousin Eduard in Vienna, and Brendel, to whom I am very grateful for the kindness with which he looks after the more important details connected with my musical affairs. As regards my Weimar friends, my inclination to communicate with them is spoilt by my imagining that they would as gladly see me among them as I should feel at home among them. And as I cannot write to them and say: "I am coming to remain with you," I get more and more silent. ”

“ A hearty welcome to you, Illustrissima, and pray tell M. Sauret that I shall be delighted to make closer acquaintance with him. I greatly admired his superb talent in Vienna.—You know my rule never to bother anyone, and least of all artistes; but if M. Sauret should feel inclined to play something at the Hofgartnerei this morning, it would give me great pleasure.
In any case I invite him to come (at eleven) with you, and I shall request you to fulfil your promise of captivating us by your performance (not by dancing, but by your superior fingering) of Rubinstein's Ballet, "Feramors." ”

“ I had indeed refused several private invitations to visit the Paris Exhibition; for years past both long and short journeys-unless there is some special reason for them—have been inconvenient, difficult and repugnant to me. It was on that account that I told you and others of my having given up the collective-wonder of Paris.
Now the telegram from Trefort and Szapary (President of the
Hungarian Exhibition in Paris) alters my negative decision.
Without ever talking twaddle about patriotism, yet in all modesty
I will not be wanting where there is something to be done for
Hungary. ”

“ I cannot but feel myself highly flattered at your kind proposition with regard to the performance of my Oratorio "Saint Elizabeth" at one of the concerts of the musical society over which you preside. The great renown of these concerts, the rare capability of their conductor Mr. Herbeck, the talent of the artists who take part in them, and the care that is taken to maintain the traditions of the musical glory of Vienna, make it very desirable for every serious composer to take a place in their programme. ”

“ For thirty years Hans von Bulow has been expressing and actively furthering everything that is noble, right, high-minded and free- minded in the regions of creative Art. As virtuoso, teacher, conductor, commentator, propagandist—indeed even sometimes as a humorous journalist—Bulow remains the Chief of musical progress, with the initiative born in and belonging to him by the grace of God, with an impassioned perseverance, incessantly striving heroically after the Ideal, and attaining the utmost possible.
His conducting of the Meiningen Court orchestra is a fresh proof of this. ”

“ Thanks to her charming lines, I found myself in the best possible frame of mind for the enjoyment of all imaginable chefs d'oeuvre, and I could not have been more disposed to admiration and wonderment! During the ten days which I have just spent in Seville I have not allowed a single day to pass without going to pay my very humble court to the cathedral, that epic of granite, that architectural Symphony whose eternal harmonies vibrate in infinity!—
One cannot use any set phrases about such a monument. ”

“ Now-a-days an artist is reckoning without his host if he places honest faith in the public. For people now-a-days hear and judge only by reading the newspapers.
I mean to take advantage of this in so far that the leading and favorite papers of Vienna, Pest, Leipzig, Berlin, Paris, London, etc.—which abhor my humble compositions and have declared them worthless and objectionable—shall be relieved of all further outward trouble concerning them. What is the good of performances to people who only care to read newspapers? ”

“ I hear that his mother, Baroness von Augusz, has been so good as to look at my new dwelling in the Academy of Music, and that the arrangement of it, as yet unknown to me, meets her approval. The solicitude you have shown, Madame, in this matter—as well as in other similar ones in the Palatingasse and Fischmarkt during the last 8 years—I beg to acknowledge with warmest thanks. It never enters my head to make exaggerated pretensions with regard to my residential requirements. Decency without display continues to be the right thing for me. ”

“ Will you remember me very affectionately to Godebski; his graceful bust, so perfect in its likeness to the never-to-be- forgotten Madame Moukhanoff, is ever the precious ornament of my little salon at the "Hofgartnerei" in Weimar.
The large bust of Rossini which Godebski presented to the Grand Duke ornaments the lobby of the theater, where it blooms like a god from Olympus. Tell me what works Godebski has been doing lately. ”

“ It is much more to my advantage not to have my works performed at all, than to allow them to be performed in a half-and-half or unsatisfactory manner.—I may say quite frankly that it would certainly be very agreeable to me to stand in a somewhat better light in Vienna as a composer than I have hitherto done. But the time has not come for that—and if it should ever come, half a dozen of my compositions, for instance the 13th Psalm, the Faust and Dante Symphonies, some of the Symphonic Poems, and even, horribile dictu! ”

“ 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. ”

“ It would be a poor luxury to add a third music school to the two schools already existing (meagrely) at Pest. If one cannot emulate with honor the similar establishments of Vienna, Leipzig, etc.—what is the good of troubling any further about it? Now, to give a vigorous impulse to Art among us, we must first unite and fuse into one spirit a set of professors of well- known capability,—a very arduous and ungrateful task, the accomplishment of which demands much intelligence, and a sufficient amount of cleverness and of money. ”

“ Our pianists scarcely realise what a glorious treasure they have in Schubert's pianoforte compositions. Most pianists play them over en passant, notice here and there repetitions, lengthinesses, apparent carelessnesses, and then lay them aside. It is true that Schubert himself is somewhat to blame for the very unsatisfactory manner in which his admirable piano-forte pieces are treated. He was too immoderately productive, wrote incessantly, mixing insignificant with important things, grand things with mediocre work, paid no heed to criticism, and always soared on his wings. ”

“ Hence I most gratefully accept your mediation with Prince Czartoryski. Be my kind mediator and point out to him my peculiar position, so that there may not be any sort of vexation—and let the "Elizabeth" remain unperformed. I think I have clearly stated my reasons for this passive, or, if you prefer it, this expectative mode of action.
It would interest me to know how the "Coronation Mass" was performed and received in Vienna. Ask Herbeck in my name not to drag the tempi; the "Gloria," more especially, must be taken the more rapidly as it proceeds—the time to be beaten throughout alla breve. ”

“ During many years, in Vienna, Weimar and Budapest, Hellmesberger has always shown himself kindly disposed towards me. In ingratitude there is, alas, only too much rivalry; the matter grows contemptible, and contemptible people like to find amusement in it. My nature absolutely forbids me such despicable behavior. Count Geza Zichy tells me, dear friend, that he expects you shortly. Perhaps you will come with Hellmesberger to our Kunstlerabend [Artists' Evening] here on the 7th March, when we shall be honored by the fine composer and splendid virtuoso, my excellent friend, Saint- Saens. ”

“ There is not merely the chance, but the guarantee of a grand and striking success, in view of the sublimity of the work itself, and also of the enthusiasm which it already excites amongst the numerous staff of artists chosen to interpret it. In spite of the difficulties of this new transcendental style of Wagner, the preparatory study and rehearsals are an enchantment for the singers and the musicians of the orchestra. ”

“ You use your organ as an orchestra in an incredible way, as only a great composer and a great performer, like yourself, could do. The most proficient organists in all countries have only to take off their hats to you.
I am sending you by this post a parcel of things of mine for organ. If you should find an opportunity at Brussels of producing the Introduction to St. Elizabeth, it would, under your fingers, have the effect I intended.
Cordial thanks for your visit to Brussels, and ever yours in admiration and friendship. ”

“ Nevertheless I think it is strange and most unjust that your dramatic and symphonic works have not yet taken the place which is due to them in Hungary. I have explained myself clearly about them several times, but the theater menage, and even that of the Philharmonic Concerts, is formed outside of my influence. They are quite ready to accord me a general consideration, with the exception of arranging particular cases otherwise than I wished. For many people doubtful profits and manoeuvres contrary to their dignity exercise an irresistible attraction. ”

“ I have long been wishing to thank you by letter for the charming present which decorates my study in the new wing of the Musical Academy at Pest. That elegant work of art is greatly admired by my numerous visitors. It would be charming, were the amiable donor to return and inspect it. The remembrance of you is still vivid in Pest.
Best compliments to your husband from
Yours gratefully and truly,
F. Liszt
I hope to be quite recovered in ten days, and shall then go to
Rome. ”

“ As you ask me for my opinion, I openly confess that in the main Bronsart appears to me perfectly justified in vindicating his choice of new compositions for the musical directors, in spite of the fact that the two or three experiments he has made do not show in favor of the principle (as seen by the consequences) . But between ourselves we must not conceal the fact that a great part of the laxity and corruption of our musical condition in Germany (as also elsewhere) is to be attributed to the too great—or too petty—yielding and pliancy of conductors and music-directors. ”

“ Saens' Dalila, where he has made a glorious love duet which is quite in place; for Dalila and Samson are bound to give themselves to the devil for love's sake, whilst in Massenet's Magdalen and Herodfade the whole thing is merely conventional...theatrical.
Pray forgive me, Madame, for this opinion, which is slightly pedantic, but without any pretension. When you see Madame Viardot again, tell her that I still cherish an enthusiastic recollection of her—a typical Orpheus, Fides and Rosina,—and, besides, an enchanting composer and a pianist full of ingenious dexterity. ”