Weimar, July 20th, 1877
Towards the middle of August I shall be in Rome, and shall stay at the Villa d'Este until my return to Pest in November.
212. To Kornel von Abranyi
Weimar, July 28th, 1877
Honored Friend,
Dear Secretary-General of the "Zene Akademia," [i.e. Academy of Music of the Country.] Sincere thanks for your significant communication, which I answer immediately, point by point. [Abranyi had informed Liszt, as President of the Academy, of the course of instruction (1877) and concerts, and had also asked him for his opinion on several Art questions.]
1. The conclusion of the year '77 with the examination concerts (25 to 28 June—and the "Magyar Hangverseny" [An Hungarian Concert.] on the 30th June) has been very gratifying. Let us rejoice in the praiseworthy performances of Messrs. Juhasz, Agghazi, Swoboda, and of the ladies Frau Knapp, Fraulein Lepessy, [The above-mentioned were favorite pupils of the Master at the Academy.] etc., in Counterpoint, Harmony, Composition, Aesthetics, Hungarian music and the indispensable Piano-playing.
The work best praises the Master: in like manner do the pupils, when preparing themselves for pre-eminence, praise their teacher. The "Zene Akademia" has not to work for the universally usual kind of musical study, but has indeed a weightier, higher task to fulfil.
2. The publication of your "Academic lectures" I had especially recommended to His Excellency Minister Trefort. "Suitable teaching and departmental books" printed in the Hungarian language are inaccessible. You, my honored Secretary-General, have to look after that,—and the Minister will certainly support your scientific-patriotic work for the use and benefit of learners and teachers at the "Zene Akademia"—and further, in all Hungary.
3. As to the "Plan of classes in the department for Church music, Singing and Organ," I can now only repeat my previously expressed wish that the right and able person of good working capability may be found for conducting these classes. Neither invalids nor dabblers may officiate at No. 4, Fischplatz!—[Liszt's house, and, for the time, the locale of the Academy.] If unfortunately the right reverend Herr F. Witt should continue unable to fill the post offered to him in Budapest, I shall propose that the new director should come for a year on trial. And a complaisant sort of Protection is thereby to be avoided, for the matter in question is nothing less than the worthy thriving and culture of Church music in Hungary.