Very Dear Sir,
Your last letter exhibits so convincing a character of truth and noble-mindedness that I sincerely rejoice at the prospect of becoming personally and in spirit better acquainted with you. And first of all be assured of my special interest in your Opera "Comata." Whatever I may be able to do as regards a representation of it in a theater I shall not fail to do. In Munich we will read the score over together, and discuss further details.
Of your persistence in wishing to have the "Christus" performed I wrote to Schuberth yesterday, and shall in full confidence leave the whole matter to your considerate zeal. You will best know whether and how a successful performance can be made possible, and please therefore arrange matters altogether according as you think fit. I beg you merely to let me know the day you fix upon some 10 or 12 days previously, and address me to Pest (at Easter), if earlier to Weimar, and I will then come for the full rehearsal.
[The performance took place on the 12th April, 1875. As a result of this King Ludwig II ordered a separate performance in the Court theater, and this again was followed by a public one.]
Respectful greetings to the poetess of the "Comata," and believe me, with marked esteem, yours gratefully and sincerely,
F. Liszt
163. To Professor Julius Stern in Berlin
Dear Friend,
For years past and again lately I have been very much indebted to you. Our eminently learned and dear friend Weitzmann [Theorist and contrapuntist in Berlin (1808-1880)] told me of the careful rehearsals, and of the admirable manner in which you conducted the Faust Symphony. Owing to critical circumstances and negativings I have, as a rule, to dissuade people everywhere from giving performances of my scores. All the more pleasantly am I affected by the goodwill of the few friends who carefully and courageously march on in front.
Therefore, while offering you my sincerest thanks, I beg you to excuse my not being just now able to accept the tempting invitation to Berlin.