I do not know why the name of Boccherini always recalls to me the valley of Tempe. There could be nothing more flattering and more salutary for me than to be admitted into so fortunate an abode, and you have certainly made the stroke of a Maestra in introducing me there (a little bit in a contraband way!).—I hope Mr. Delatre will be kind enough to send me under cover the first number of the paper containing La Mara's article [The Liszt- sketch from the first vol. of the "Musakalischen Studienkopfe," which the authoress had translated into Italian.]; directly afterwards I will subscribe to the Boccherini, so that I may get the whole of the biography regularly.
A thousand thanks for your intelligent solicitude; I entirely approve of the word tedesco being left out on the title-page; "tradotto dall' Autore" is evidently the better indication, and I guarantee you that the authoress will be perfectly satisfied and will add her thanks to mine, without thinking of making the slightest observation or difficulty about anything whatever. When you are passing through Leipzig I will make you acquainted with my very amiable panegyrist.
I am certainly intending to be present at the first performance of "Rheingold," announced for the 25th August; but I doubt whether they will be in a position to give this work so soon. Mr. de Bulow absolutely must take some rest after the Conservatoire examinations; the Servais are pressing him much to settle down with them for the months of August and September at Hal (in Belgium); I want him to accept their invitation, and he will, I hope, decide to do so. Now without him "Rheingold" at Munich seems to me at least problematical. I will let you have positive tidings, which I myself shall receive shortly. Please tell me where to address you.
I have set to work again, and with the exception of the fortnight at Munich, in honor of "Rheingold," I shall remain here, or else in the neighborhood, until next spring.
Sgambati kisses your hands. Pinelli is at the baths of Lucca, where Buonamici [Giuseppe Buonamici, pupil of Liszt and Bulow, now one of the most celebrated pianists of Italy. Lives at Florence] will probably join him.
Very cordially yours,
F. L.
I will write two words of thanks to Delatre and beg you to give me his address.
In your walks at St. Gall make my salutations to the concert room in which were heard, some 10 or 12 years ago, the "Symphonie Heroique" conducted by Wagner, and two Symphonie Poems, conducted by your very humble servant. Szadrowski was at that time conductor at St. Gall; since then he is settled in the Grisons (at Graubunden); if you should go that way do not fail to see him; I recommend him to you as one of our friends.
Rome, July 16th, 1869