F. Liszt
Weymar, April 19th, 1852
82. To Gustav Schmidt, Capellmeister at Frankfort-on-the-Maine
[Autograph (without address) in the possession of M. Alfred Bovet at Valentigney.—The addressee was, in any case, the above- mentioned (1816-82), finally Court-Capellmeister (conductor) at Darmstadt, the composer of the operas "Prinz Eugen," "Die Weiber von Weinsberg," and others.]
Dear Friend,
.—. The idea of a Congress of Capellmeisters is indeed a very judicious one, and from a satisfactory realization of it only good and better things could result for the present divided state of music. There is no question that in the insulation and paralyzing of those who are authorities in Art lies a very powerful hindrance, which, if it continues, must essentially injure and endanger Art. Upon certain principles an union is necessary, so that the results of it may be actively applied, and it especially behooves Capellmeisters worthily to maintain the interests of music and musicians. A meeting such as you propose would be a timely one; only you will approve of my reasons when I renounce the honor of proposing this meeting for Weimar, and indicate Spohr to you as the proper head. The master Spohr is our senior; he has always furthered the cause of music as far as circumstances at Cassel permitted—the "Fliegender Hollander" was given at Cassel under his direction earlier than "Tannhauser" was given at Weymar. Talk it over with him, which from the near vicinity of Frankfort you can easily do, and if, as I do not doubt, he enters into your project, fix the date and let me know. I shall gladly take part in the matter, and will make it my business to do my share towards bringing about the desired results.
"Tannhauser" is announced for the 31st of this month (on occasion of the presence of Her Majesty the Empress of Russia). Beck takes the title-role at this performance. We shall give Schumann's "Manfred" a few days later. For next season the "Fliegender Hollander" and Spohr's "Faust," with the new Recitatives which he wrote for London, are fixed.
Farewell, and happiness attend you, dear friend; remember me kindly to your wife, and believe me ever
Yours most sincerely, F. Liszt
Weymar, May 18th, 1852.