Weimar, May 25th, 1879
[The explanation, accompanying this letter, of the idea of the
"Hunnenschlacht" is as follows:]
Kaulbach's world-renowned picture presents two battles—the one on earth, the other in the air, according to the legend that warriors, after their death, continue fighting incessantly as spirits. In the middle of the picture appears the Cross and its mystic light; on this my "Symphonic Poem" is founded. The chorale "Crux fidelis," which is gradually developed, illustrates the idea of the final victory of Christianity in its effectual love to God and man.
247. To Ludmilla Schestakoff
Madame,
Your illustrious brother Glinka is one of the well-chosen admirations of my youth. His genius has been known to me ever since the year 1842; and at my last concert in St. Petersburg (in '43) I played the "Marche tscherkesse" from "Russlan and Ludmilla," and a brilliant transcription by Vollweiler of several themes from the same Opera.
Glinka remains the Patriarch-prophet of music in Russia.
With my sincere thanks to you for sending me the beautiful score of "Russlan," carefully edited and well arranged by Messrs. Rimsky-Korsakoff, Balakireff and Liadoff [The score was published in 1879.], I beg you to accept, Madame, the expression of very respectful homage of your very humble servant,
F. Liszt
Weimar, June 14th, 1879