[Head of the celebrated pianoforte manufactory, now
Commerzienrath (Councillor of Commerce)]
Dear friend,
With my sincere thanks for your interesting reports of the Vienna musical world I would gladly have given you something of the same kind in return. But there is here nothing whatever in the way of novelties or specialities in the way of concerts; be content, therefore, if my letter today mentions only one, but to me a very important artistic item—namely, the frequent use of your piano, which, among other virtues, possesses a wondrous power of not getting out of tune [Unverstimmtheit]. Since its despatch from Vienna not a tuner has touched it, and yet it keeps in beautiful tune, and steadily resists all variations and effects of temperature.
Till the end of January I shall remain quietly at work here; then go direct to Pest—and by the middle of April on to Weimar. My thoughts and efforts require now only peace and seclusion. These are things that suit me best in my old age, and uphold me in spiritual intercourse with my dear and true friends. As such I greet you and your wife heartily and sincerely.
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, August 28th, 1874
156. To Adelheid von Schorn in Weimar
Dear and Most excellent One,
For our grand coup you come in completely in your role of providence, which you fill with such complete good grace, and with an admirable mastery! I cannot tell you what immense comfort your letter brings me, with its assurance of your speedy arrival in Rome. Try not to delay it beyond the 25th-30th November, and if possible come sooner. Princess Wittgenstein is still very suffering, and has kept her bed entirely for six weeks; your company and the inspirations of your solicitude will do her more good than all the Allo-and Homoeopaths put together.
I beg that you will write to her speedily to announce your coming, for she is ignorant and must be kept in complete ignorance of the plot we have hatched with Princess Marie [The daughter of Princess Wittgenstein.], the happy success of which you will crown. (questions of detail will be easily settled to your satisfaction, in such a manner that the stay in Rome will be thoroughly pleasant to you.