(2) That the States should take part (according to your idea) in the principal musical interests to be supported.
(3) The introduction and proposal of the projected music school. [Liszt was endeavoring at that time to found a music school in Weimar.]
247. To C.F. Kahnt, Music Publisher in Leipzig
[Kahnt was the publisher of the Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik for more than thirty years (ever since 1855); also the publisher of several of Liszt's compositions, co-founder and for many years cashier of the Allgemeine deutsche Musikvereins, and, after 1873, Councillor of Commission in Weimar.]
Dear Sir,
I send you herewith the proof-sheets of the seventh book of my songs, and of the "Vereins-Lied" for the chorus of men's voices. I quite concur in the new title-page, which can also be employed for each single song. It is better than the former one, only I shall be glad if there are no other advertisements on the back side, and it is left bare.
On the 17th of this month the Neu-Weymar-Verein intends to give a little Beethoven-Festival, and the "Vereins-Lied" is included in the programme. I beg, therefore, that you will send me some proof-copies by the 12th December—if it is not possible to get the edition ready so soon.—.
The three Chansons and arrangement of the three Quartets for men's voices (published in Basle) are all completed in my head; you shall have them as a new manuscript at the end of the week. There is no hurry about the publishing of the Chansons and Quartets (probably I shall entitle them "Aus dem Zelt," or "Aus dem Lager," three songs, etc.). ["From the Tent," or "From the Camp." They were eventually entitled "Geharnischte Lieder" ("Songs in Armour").] But as you are kind enough to place some reliance on my songs, I should like to commit to you next a little wish of mine—namely, that my Schiller Song (which appeared in the Illustrated in November last) may soon be published, and also a somewhat repaying (rather sweet!) Quartet for men's voices, with a tenor solo—"Huttelein, still and klein." It has been already sung with success by the Vienna Manner-Gesangverein, and by some Liedertafeln. I add the two manuscripts to the parcel of proofs—perhaps you will take an opportunity of trying both the little things in a small circle. If Herr Professor Gotze would have the kindness to undertake the solo-part in the "Huttelein" I should be very much obliged to him. Herr Wallenreiter might make a good thing of the baritone solo-part in the "Schiller Song."
In case you should be disposed to acquiesce in my wish, and to undertake the publishing of the two or three men's choruses, I would propose to you to bring them out as the opening numbers of a short succession of "Compositions for Male Voices," and also, as with the Songs, to give them a title page (with a statement of the different numbers—to which the Basle Quartets might also be added; thus six numbers up to now). Do not fear, dear sir, an over-productiveness in this genre on my part! But if by chance one or other number of these Quartets should have some spread, I should not dislike to write a couple more, either secular or sacred. Among the latter I hope that the Psalm "The Heavens declare," which will be performed next summer at a great Festival of Song, will produce a good effect.
Pray pardon my verbosity—it is not usually my way to indulge in unnecessary words; and accept, dear Sir, the assurance of the well-known sentiments with which I remain,