128 To J.W. von Wasielewski in Bonn
[Formerly Conductor of the Town Vocal-Union at Bonn (born 1822), afterwards at Dresden; then again in Bonn as Music Director, and living since 1884 in Sondershausen. Widely known as a literary man through his biographies of Schumann and Beethoven, and also through his book “The Violin and its Masters,” etc.]
Dear Friend,
Owing to the somewhat long detour of the “Pesther Lloyd,” in which the friendly lines of remembrance have been reprinted which you dedicated to the “Altenburg” in the Cologne paper, I only heard of these a few days ago. [Written on the occasion of a week’s visit to Liszt at the Altenburg at Weimar, at which time A. Rubinstein was also the Master’s guest.] Please therefore to excuse the delay in my thanks, which are none the less sincere and heartfelt.
I have heard many accounts of your most successful concert performances in Bonn, all of which unite in giving you due praise for your excellent conducting. At the beginning of January concert affairs here, which have hitherto been in a vacillating and fluctuating condition, owing to various local circumstances, will take a more settled turn; I will send you the complete programme shortly. By today’s post you will receive the “Songs and Sayings” from the last period of the “Minnesang,” arranged for four voices by W. Stade (of Jena). It is an interesting work, and the editors would be very much indebted to you if you would have the kindness to give a couple of numbers of them at your concerts. The little pieces make quite a pretty effect, and one peculiar to themselves, which will prove still more intense with the beautiful Rhine Voices. Perhaps you would also find time and inclination to make the public favorably disposed towards the work by a few lines in the Cologne paper.
How is Hiller? Has his “Advocate” [an opera, “The Advocate.” It had no success, and was publicly ridiculed at the Cologne Carnival.] won his requisite suit, as I wish from my heart may be the case? It would be very kind of you to let me know your plain, unvarnished opinion of the performance. I should like to recommend an early performance of the opera in Weymar if Hiller has nothing against it. As you frequently have occasion to see Hiller I beg you to ask him whether it would be agreeable to him to send me the text-book and the score, so that I may make the proposal to the management to give the opera here very soon.— Should the matter be then so arranged that he himself conducts the first performance I should be very glad indeed, and I will write to him more fully about it.
The opera Repertoire here will be rather at a stand-still this winter. Frau von Milde is in an interesting condition: consequently there can be no Wagner operas from three to four months; for Frau von Milde is for us, and for these operas in particular, not to be replaced. Berlioz’s “Benvenuto Cellini” must also be left unperformed; all the more because Beck, the tenor, has entirely lost his upper notes, and is less able than ever to sing the part of Cellini. But Berlioz will come here in January to conduct his oratorio “L’Enfance du Christ,” etc. (German translation by Cornelius), and his “Faust.” I on my side have also finished my “Faust Symphony” (in three parts—without text or voice). The entity or non-entity has become very long, and I shall in any case have the nine “Symphonic Poems” printed and performed first, before I set “Faust” going, which may not be for another year. Rubinstein’s “Ocean Symphony” is to figure in one of our next programmes. If it were not the rule to keep these concerts exclusively instrumental, I should have begged Hiller for his “Loreley.” Probably a good opportunity will occur for giving this work when he himself comes to Weymar, as he promised me he would do.
Joachim sent me, together with his Hamlet Overture, which is in print, two others—to “Demetrius” (by Hermann Grimm), and to “Henry IV.” (of Shakespeare)—two remarkable scores composed with lion’s claws and lion’s jaws!—
Have you any news of Schumann? Give me some good tidings of his recovery. “Genoveva” will be given here in April at latest.—
Once more best thanks, dear friend, for the very pleasant days you gave us here, which the inhabitants of the Altenburg most agreeably remember; they send you most friendly greetings. I have not forgotten about the Weimar orchestra matter—a half-prospect has already appeared of realizing my wish, which is in accord with your own. I cannot help, however, always doubting whether it will be for your advantage to exchange Bonn for Weymar, for your position in Bonn appears to me to offer you decidedly improving chances from year to year, and in these regions so much is wanting…that I am constrained to be satisfied with small things. Well, what must be will be. Meanwhile keep in kind remembrance
Yours in sincere friendship,
F. Liszt
Weymar, December 14th, 1854