Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
“Israel in Egypt” was eventually edited by Mendelssohn, appearing in 1845-1846. On the titlepage and in the preface he most carefully guards against any possible misconception, and says: “The editor is alone responsible for the directions of ‘piano’ and ‘forte,’ and other marks of expression; for all such descriptions of the movements as stand within brackets (those which are not so placed being the only indications for which the original manuscripts furnish authority); for the suggestion of the tempi according to Maelzel’s metronome; and for the figuring of the organ part. The adaptation of the instrumental parts for the pianoforte, intended as an accompaniment to the voices in the absence of the orchestra, is by the editor; for this, also, he alone is responsible.”
Frankfurt, April 12, 1845.
My dear Friend,—You must have been as delighted at the news of Klingemann’s engagement and the prospect of his being married soon, as I was. No, not quite so much; for when the news came, I danced about the room for fully five minutes, to the astonishment of Cécile, who thought I was out of my senses. Well, it has been a pet wish of mine for ever so long, and now that it is about to be realized I can scarcely believe it. I had given up all hopes of its coming to pass, and now that it has come I am doubly glad. It seems, too, so desirable and excellent a match that I feel sure it must bring happiness.
With us, thank Heaven, all is well. Cécile is in good health and spirits, the children are flourishing, spring is approaching; what more can mortal man desire?
You complain of the musical shortcomings in your part of the world. Well, things are not brilliant here; yet, for all that, one does occasionally get to hear something good. Add to that the balmy air of spring, the piano, and some sheets of music paper, and, after all, life is bearable.
Your old and very affectionate friend,
Felix M. B.