N.B.—The instrumentation compelled me to a few little different readings in Schubert's four songs: on this account the singer must go by my score-edition as regards the rests and the very slight alterations.
196. To Camille Saint-Saens
Very Dear Friend
In sending you today the transcription of your "Danse macabre," I beg you to excuse my unskilfulness in reducing the marvellous coloring of the score to the possibilities of the piano. No one is bound by the impossible. To play an orchestra on the piano is not yet given to any one. Nevertheless we must always stretch towards the deal across all the more or less dogged and insufficient forms. It seems to me that Life and Art are only good for that.
In sincere admiration and friendship,
Your very devoted
F. Liszt
Hanover, October 2nd, 1876
197. To Professor L. A. Zellner, General Secretary of the Conservatoire of Music in Vienna
[From a copy of a draft by Dr. Mirus in Weimar.]