[A classical philologist who published a little Hungarian work entitled "Die ungarische Rhythmik," the German edition of which was to be dedicated to Liszt. The two men differed in their opinion respecting the origin of Hungarian music; however, in consequence of Von Ponor's contribution to the subject, Liszt did in the end agree with the proof Von Ponor brought forward—with this reservation, that "the gypsies did bring harmony into Hungarian music," a point which—Ponor thinks—"may readily be conceded.">[
Much-Esteemed and Dear Herr Professor,
I regret that my reply to your request about the Elizabeth-motive can only be somewhat unsatisfactory. It was sent to me together with some others—referring to Saint Elizabeth—about 13 years ago, by Mosonyi and Baron Augusz, and the Hungarian text is published in the concluding notice to the score of my Oratorio. A copy of the "Lyra Coelestis" I did not need; probably this (to me unknown) printed work will be readily found here, and is sure to be in the Library of the Martinsberg monastery.
If not inconvenient to you I should be glad to receive the honor of a visit from you; it would interest me greatly to hear of and to become acquainted with your researches concerning Hungarian rhythmic forms.
Meanwhile I thank you warmly for your friendly lines, and for communicating the Volkslied in the 5/4 time:—
[Here, Liszt illustrates with a musical score excerpt]
Yours with much esteem and sincerely,
F. Liszt
Pest, January 14th, 1873
123. To Dr. Franz Witt