Yon know that I have finished the "Legend of Saint Elizabeth" (200 pages of score—2 and 1/2 hours' duration in performance). In addition to this some other compositions have been produced, such as: the "SunCanticus ("Cantico del Sole") of Saint Franciscus"—an instrumental Evocatio in the Sistine Chapel-two Psalms, etc. I trust you may again find us in these, in mind and feeling.
I am now about to set myself the great task of an Oratorio on Christ. By the 22nd October, '63, I hope to have solved the difficulty as far as my weakness and strength will permit.
As you see, dearest Eduard, it is impossible to get out of my head the idea of writing notes. [Notenkopfe] In spite of all good precepts and friendly counsellors (who mean it much better by me than I can ever understand!) I go so far as to maintain that for several years past and in many yet to come I have not done and shall not do anything more ingenuous than cheerfully to go on composing. And what more harmless occupation could there be? especially as I never force my little works upon any one, nay, have frequently begged persons to refrain from giving certain too unconscientious [Play on words "gewissen" and "ungewissenhaft">[ renderings of them,—and that I ask for no further appreciation or approval than can, in fact, be granted according to taste and disposition.
From Pest I have lately received through Baron Pronay, in the name of the Council of the Conservatoire, an invitation to establish my domicile there, and to promote the interests of Hungarian music. Probably you will hear of my excusatory reply.
Between ourselves, and frankly said in plain German, it would be of no advantage to me again to take up any outward musical activity (such as my conductorship in Weimar which came to an end a few years ago, and after September 1861 became a locked door to me through my Chamberlain's key). But possibly I may later find a fitting opportunity for composing something for Hungary. After the precedent of the "Gran Mass" I might, for instance, on some extraordinary occasion, be entrusted, say, with a "Te Deum" or something of the kind. I would gladly do my best, and only on some such terms could I regard my return to Hungary as becoming.
Meanwhile remains quietly in Rome, honestly striving to do his duty as a Christian and an artist,
Thine from his heart,
F. Liszt
Rome, November 19th (St. Elizabeth's Day), 1862
12. To Dr. Franz Brendel