[For Carl Tausig's Grave:—"Ripe for Death's harvest, The fruits of life long tarrying, Full early to pluck them In the fleeting bloom of spring—Was it thy lot, was it thy bourn? Thy lot and thy destiny both must we mourn.">[
Allow me to be particularly grateful to you for one very comprehensive expression in your pamphlet (page 4)—"es war thematisch" [it was thematic]—and accept, dear Lenz, the expression of my old and very cordial devotion.
F. Liszt
Weimar, September 20th, 1872
In three weeks I return to Hungary, and shall stay there for the winter. The remainder of my existence will be divided henceforth between Pest and Weimar. When you return to Berlin (in the summer) I invite you to come this way. Are you in touch with the musical young Russia and its very notable leaders—Messrs. Balakireff, Cui, and Rimski-Korsakoff? I have lately read several of their works; they deserve attention, praise and propagation.
118. To Otto Lessmann in Charlottenburg
[Lessmann, a pupil of Bulow's and F. Kiel's, was at one time a teacher in Tausig's School for the Higher Instruction in Pianoforte Playing, and is now well known as editor of the Allgemeine (deutsche) Musikseitung, representing the party of musical progress with energy and success.]
Very Dear Sir and Friend,
My best thanks for presenting me with your admirable edition of Bach's "Preludes." Such works are among the pleasant signs of the musical Present; inasmuch as they will drive away the old jog- trot style of pianoforte playing. Bulow's edition of Beethoven outweighs in the matter of instruction a dozen Conservatoires. And the editions by Kroll and Lebert also deserve praise and ought to be widely circulated; and to your Bach Preludes I wish plentiful successors in the "Suites," "Inventions" and "Variations" (especially the 30 in G major) of grand old Herr Johann Sebastian—of Eisenach.
Allow me also to add that reading over your Songs enables me more and more thoroughly to enjoy them when I hear them—intelligent singers shall be found for them—and accept, dear friend, the expression of my sincere esteem and affection.