I spent last Wednesday evening in Gorz with Frau Baronin Augusz, and arrived again at Fischplatz, No. 4., early on Friday. The roof is already on the new Music Academy building, Radialstrasse, and is said to look very well. In November of this year I shall inhabit it.
My friends in Budapest, Abranyi, Mihalovich, Count Albert Apponyi, Count Geza Zichy and several others, are strongly and heartily attached to me. Archbishop Haynald only comes to Pest in the beginning of January. I was not caught in the other base spider's web. "Honesty is the best policy!"
Bosendorfer called on me yesterday and told me of the intention of the Vienna Friends of Music to perform the "Gran Mass" at the end of March. If Bosendorfer's intimations are correct I am not disinclined to conduct this performance, although for many years I have refused all such invitations—and only a little while ago to London, Aix-la-Chapelle, Berlin, etc. I should be rejoiced if at last the "Gran Mass" had a fair hearing in Vienna.
A hearty greeting to Frau Generalissima from thy faithfully devoted
F. Liszt
Looking forward to our speedy meeting at the end of March.
[It did not come to pass. Councillor E. von Liszt died on the 8th
February, 1879. "It is for me a constant sorrow at the heart that
Eduard is no longer with us," wrote Liszt to the widow a year
after Eduard's death.]
241. To Ludwig Bosendorfer
Dear and honored Friend,
I take your friendly hint by enclosing these lines to Hellmesberger; please to give them to him. During many years, in Vienna, Weimar and Budapest, Hellmesberger has always shown himself kindly disposed towards me. In ingratitude there is, alas, only too much rivalry; the matter grows contemptible, and contemptible people like to find amusement in it. My nature absolutely forbids me such despicable behavior. Count Geza Zichy tells me, dear friend, that he expects you shortly. Perhaps you will come with Hellmesberger to our Kunstlerabend [Artists' Evening] here on the 7th March, when we shall be honored by the fine composer and splendid virtuoso, my excellent friend, Saint- Saens.