My Dear Sir,
It is well known how much mischief is done to the piano both with hands and feet. May your instructive pamphlet on the right use of the pedal duly benefit pianoforte players. [Footnote: "The Pedal of the Piano." Vienna, Doblinger (3rd ed. 1892).] With best thanks for sending me the pamphlet, I remain
Yours respectfully,
F. Liszt
181. To Kornel von Abranyi
Dear Honored Friend,
In the affairs of the Academy of Music I had till now simply to wait. [The opening of the Academy of Music had taken place meanwhile in the middle of November, 1875.] Now comes the time when a different, an active line of conduct presents itself to me. I shall always endeavor to come up to the expectations of my friends. First of all in the middle of February we begin our peaceful academical conferences, and, as I have already written to you, I willingly undertake, from the 1st March, to conduct a pianoforte class (for virtuosi and teachers)—provided that Erkel and you, dear friend, agree to this harmless proposal. My further activity in the Royal Hungarian Academy of Music had better be favored, measured and decided by the circumstances. I can only lay claim to be the well-intentioned zealous servant of Art and of Hungary.
Please to give Erkel my heartiest thanks for the Liszt-paragraph in the "Inaugural Address." The kindly confidence which Erkel has reposed in me for more than 30 years shall never be abused.
The notice "Count Geza Zichy, President, and Bartay, Director of the Pest Conservatorium," affects me very pleasantly. Engesser's constancy in conducting the Liszt-Verein [Engesser founded the Liszt-Verein in Pest (for mixed voices)] particularly rejoices me. Is Gobbi's Cantata come out? Friendly greetings to the composer and recently "well-known composer of album-leaf waltzes," from your old, truly attached
F. Liszt