The work is fixed for performance at one of
the Euterpe concerts, which will take place before Christmas of
this year; so it is necessary that the choruses should be studied
in time. Kahnt has already written to Herbeck and also to Spina -
but as yet he has received neither an answer nor the parts and
score of Prometheus that he wants.
Take the same opportunity of telling Herbeck that I should like
once to hear the four Schubert Marches which I instrumented for
him, and I beg him to send the score of them to me at Weymar.
Forgive me that I always trouble you with all sorts of
commissions - but my Vienna acquaintances are so lazy and
unreliable that I have no other alternative but to set you on
everywhere.. - .
Heartfelt greetings to your wife and children from your faithful
and grateful
F. Liszt
P.S. - I have written something to Cornelius about my latest
compositions, which he will tell you.
I expect the Princess here in October only. I will tell you,
later on, much about her stay in Rome, some of which is
agreeable.
243. To Hoffman von Fallersleben
My dear, honored Friend,
The melancholy tidings were reported to me by Grafe on Monday
evening (in the New Weymar Verein). [Hoffmann, after he had
obtained in May, 1860 the position of librarian to the Duke of
Ratibor at Schloss Corvey, near Hoxter-on-the-Weser, lost his
wife.] It came upon us all with a most mournful shock, and truly
it needs no further words to assure you of my heartfelt sympathy
in your grief! - Thank you for having thought of me. The Princess,
who was always so attached to your dear good wife, has not yet
returned from Rome - and I do not expect her till towards the end
of November. Unfortunately I must remain here entirely until
then - otherwise I should assuredly come at once to you...Forgive
me, therefore, that only from afar can I tell you how sincerely
and truly I remain your faithfully attached friend,
F. Liszt
October 30th, 1860
I have sent your charming birthday gift for October 22nd (text
and music) to the Princess.
244. To Professor Franz Gotze in Leipzig
Dear, honored Friend,
Do not think me indiscreet if I say something to you about which
you yourself must know best. The artistic gifts of your daughter
are as rare as they are pronounced. I have heard her sing and
declaim several times in the last few days, and each time with
increasing interest. Will you not give her carte blanche, and
grant your consent to the artistic career which is hers by nature
and which can hardly be put aside?
