F. Liszt
Weymar, January 4th 1841
106. To M. Escudier, Music Publisher in Paris
[Autograph (without address) in the possession of Monsieur Etienne Charavay in Paris.—The contents show to whom it was written.]
My dear Sir,
My time has been so absorbed by the rehearsals of a new opera in five acts, "Die Nibelungen", by Mr. Dorn, musical conductor in Berlin, the first performance of which will take place tomorrow, and also by a heap of small and great local obligations which accumulate for me in particular at the beginning of winter, that I have never yet had a moment in which to send you my very cordial thanks for your biographical notice on occasion of the Alexandre Piano, which [i.e., the biographical notice had just reached me. [A "giant grand piano" with three keyboards and pedals and registers, made according to Liszt's own directions.] I hope you will excuse this delay in consideration of the short time left me, and that you feel sure beforehand how kindly I take it of you for thus taking my part, in divers circumstances, for the honor of my name and of my reputation—a matter in which I will endeavour not to render your task too difficult.
With regard to the Schubert opera of which you again spoke to me in your last letter, I have a preliminary and very important observation to make to you—namely, that the rights of the score of "Alfonso and Estrella," in three acts, were obtained some years ago by Messrs. Hartel of Leipzig. As this work has not hitherto been performed anywhere they have not been in a hurry to publish it, and it was only communicated to me (by a copy) in case of a performance at Weymar. Therefore, before taking any other steps, it is indispensable that you should apply to Messrs. Hartel to obtain their authorization, either for a performance, or for the right to make a foreign edition of this work, and to make conditions with that firm relative to the matter. I do not doubt that Messrs. Hartel will be most obliging in the matter; but you cannot neglect this first step without serious ulterior disadvantages.
Hartel's consent once given, you must think of adapting to this charming music a libretto which is worthy of it,—and, if you are fortunate in doing this, success, and a popular and productive success, is undoubted.
Allow me to beg you once more to send me a copy of the ballet of Gluck's "Don Juan" and of the "Dictionary of Music" which you have just published,—I have already asked Belloni for them, but he is a little subject to distractions in these matters,—and accept, my dear sir, together with my best thanks, the assurance of my affectionate regard.
F. Liszt