Your very affectionate
F. Liszt
Rome, October 7th, 1869
In acknowledging the receipt of the "Ave Maria" tell me when you expect Bulow, of whom I have had no tidings since Munich.
Sgambati returned here last week.
94. To Dr. Ludwig Nohl
[The well-known writer on musical subjects (1831-1885)]
Dear Friend,
Let my best thanks for your letter be, to take it to heart—and to comply with it. Meanwhile this much is certain—that we shall see each other in Weimar next May, and that at the Tonkunstler- Versammlung there you will officiate as the worthy biographer of Beethoven.
In spite of too modest a remark in your letter I am convinced that you are peculiarly well qualified for thoroughly grasping, and making others comprehend, the question of the "more modern style of Art." Proofs of this have been gathered recently from all the admirable things you have said in your brochure on Wagner; for instance, in regard to the "refined, firm and proud position held by Music," its "most expressive physiognomy," and "that spirit of love which Music has created for itself"—and also, if you will allow me such presumption in contrast to your modesty, on p. 63, where you say, "The logos alone regulates the thought and gives life to the risings and fallings of the poetic idea"—