241 To Dr. Franz Brendel
September 20th, 1860
Dear Friend,
I send you by my friend Lassen [Born 1830, became Court music-director 1858, and Court conductor in Weimar after Liszt’s withdrawal (1861); celebrated as a composer of songs] a little parcel of songs (eight numbers), which I beg you to give to Kahnt. Of several of them I have kept no copy—and I therefore beg Kahnt not to lose them. As regards the numbering of them (the order of succession), they are to be kept as I noted down some time ago (on a bit of paper which I gave Kahnt when he was here).
I also add a Quartet for men’s voices. It is the Verein song “Frisch auf zu neuem Leben,” [“Uprouse to newer life.”] written for the New Weymar Verein by Hoffmann von Fallersleben. The passage “von Philister Geschrei;” [“Of Philistine cry.”] will probably amuse you, and the whole thing is kept rather popular and easy to be performed. If it does not make a bother let it be tried in Leipzig when you have an opportunity.
N.B.—If you think the designation on the title-page “Written and composed for the New Weymar Verein” will give offence, it can be left out, and the title can run simply, “Vereins Lied,” by Hoffmann von Fallersleben, composed for male chorus by F. L. In any case I shall be glad if Kahnt can bring the little thing out soon, and will give some sort of illustrated title-page, expressive of the sense of the poem.
The remarks which I have added in pencil are to be engraved with it. I hope the printer will be able to read my bad writing—if not will you be so kind as to make it clear to him?
I am writing to Vienna today. The “Prometheus” parts and score will be sent to you immediately.
I expect Bronsart here at the end of this month..—.
Your statute-sketch is in all essential points as judicious as it is practical. It offers a sure basis of operations for the next Tonkunstler-Versammlung, where assuredly the great majority of the members will agree with your proposals. Then the point will be to work on vigorously towards the accomplishment, and to put aside the much that is “rotten in the State of Denmark.”
Before the Euterpe concerts begin I shall in any case see you. Next Sunday I go to Sondershausen, where Berlioz’ “Harold,” a new Oboe Concerto by Stein, Schumann’s “Genoveva” Overture, the Introduction to “Tristan and Isolde,” and my “Mazeppa” will be given. The latter piece is popular to wit…in Sondershausen!—
Very sonderhauslich, [A play on the words Sondershausen and sonderbar = strange] isn’t it?
Hearty greetings to your wife from your
F. Liszt
P.S.—The ninth song by Cornelius is still wanting. [The song “Wieder mocht’ ich Dir begegnen” (“Once again I fain would meet thee”)] But in the meantime the printing can be going on. The nine numbers form the seventh part of the “Gesammelte Lieder.” If Kahnt wishes, each song can be published separately, especially the Zigeuner; Nonnenwerth, etc.
Draseke has been with me a couple of days, and is coming shortly to you. His works captivate me in a special degree, and personally I am very fond of him, which indeed I also was formerly, but this time still more. Capacity and character are there in abundance.