1. "Form is an abstract idea."
2. "A harmonic combination or progression may be against the rules of a system," etc.
3. "Programm-music is a 'legitimate genre of the art.'" [Portion in quotes (' ') written in English by Liszt]
Give Niecks my sincere thanks; also to Mr. Manns and courtoisement Miss Williams [The well-known vocalist Miss Anna Williams]. The "Funeral Pyre of Joan of Arc" will, I trust, have done away with her coolness.
With regard to the Tempi I am very yielding in my small pieces, and gladly allow well-disposed artists to decide this.
Sophie Menter-Popper was recently here and will probably (middle of May) play in Sir Benedict's model monster-concert, which for forty years has wielded the sceptre of London successes. Call on my honored friend Sophie Menter—a rarely natural and excellently schooled musical individuality. You will feel yourself quite at home with her, and I told her this beforehand. Yours affectionately,
F. Liszt
Budapest, March 19th, 1878
From the middle of April till the end of July I remain in Weimar; later, at the end of August, I go again to the Villa d'Este.
223. To Professor Dr. Ludwig Nohl