The efforts and performances of the Verein I follow with the deepest interest, and anticipate that its promoters—who are so capable, careful and learned—will accomplish all that is truly of advantage in Church music. And in this Ratisbon has for many years past deserved to rank first, and you, my much-esteemed friend, deserve the fullest recognition that can be offered for the abundant services you have rendered in the cause. Accept my grateful thanks for kindly sending Vittoria's Missa pro defunctis, [A six-voiced Requiem given by Dr. Haberl at the 5th General Assembly of the Cacilien-Verein in Ratisbon in 1874, and published in the "Musica divina," Annus II., Tom. I, by Pustet] which was brought to me by the Chaplain of the Anima Church. Will you be so kind as to get Herr Pustet to send me also, through Leukoch, [Perhaps ought to read Leuckart?] "Mannuale breve canticum," etc.? [A little book of Chorales by Joh. Georg Mettenleiter]
In spite of the grievous news of your continued sufferings I do not give up the hope of seeing you here again soon, and of taking all friendly care of you; and you shall not in the least degree be troubled or wearied; merely recruit from your over-exertions by living simply and comfortably amid quiet and congenial surroundings.
Hence I take the liberty again of inviting your Reverence to spend the next months with me here in the Villa d'Este, where you will find rest, quiet and cosiness, mild air, glorious scenery, pleasant walks, good eating, good wine, books, music, pianos to make use of ad libitum, and a temperature mentally agreeable.
Cardinal Hohenlohe requests me to say that you will be heartily welcome, and this message is communicated with unmixed pleasure by your very respectful and sincerely grateful
F. Liszt
153. To Edmund von Mihalovich
Very Dear Friend,
Your Prologue to the Nibelungen in course of performance at the Walhalla-Roszavolgyi has royally amused me. [A joke of Mihalovich, who had nicknamed several mutually known people with the names and characters out of the Nibelungen] I wish that Wagner may find in Messrs. Betz, Scaria, Niemann, etc., interpreters as well suited to their roles as Richter-Wotan, Dunkl-Loge, Abranyi-Thor and Gobbi-Mime.
At Bayreuth "fervet opus" The preparatory piano rehearsals are going on; celebrated artists are growing thick on the ground, like the suitors at Penelope's court. Joseph Rubinstein suspends his commercial occupations, and returns from Cracow to drive the four-in-hand accompaniment of Rheingold. The architects, painters, decorators, machinists, costumiers and their people are continuing their work; therefore, in spite of difficulties and obstacles, the great work of Art of this century—Wagner's Tetralogy of the Nabelungen—will come to pass, and I hope to be present at the first performance with my very dear friends Mi and Do. [Mihalovich was called Mi by Liszt, and Count Apponyi Do.]— Meanwhile let us go on patiently at our own modest work, and endeavor to make it as suitable as possible. Next winter we will make an exchange of our latest sheets of music. I will bring a pretty thick packet to Sir Hagbar. [An Opera by Mihalovich (Hagbar and Sigurd)]
Schuberth promises me the "Geisterschiff" in the autumn; we will then launch it at once with Sgambati, who has just composed several Lieder, exquisite in sentiment. I have recently written, as an Impromptu, without any forethought, an Elegie in memory of Mme. de Moukhanoff, entitled "Schlummerlied im Grabe" [Slumber Song in the Grave.]