With regard to performances of my works generally, my disposition and inclination are more than ever completely in the negative. My friends, and you more especially, dearest friend, have done their part in this respect fully and in the kindest manner. It seems to me now high time that I should be somewhat forgotten, or, at least, placed very much in the background. My name has been too frequently spoken of; many have taken umbrage at this, and been uselessly annoyed at it. While "paving the way for a better appreciation," it might be advisable to regard my things as a reserve corps, and to introduce new works by other composers.
This will sufficiently intimate that the "Legend of St. Elizabeth" may quietly go on slumbering in my paper-box. As may also the work upon which I am now engaged, and which to my regret is making but very slow progress, owing to the many interruptions which perpetually plague me.
Should any one of the programmes be filled with one of my compositions, it would be best to select one of those already published, in order that, at all events, the publisher's approval may, in some measure, be held up to view.
In my opinion you have made a good choice in Porges. The young man is reliable, intelligent, and capable of inspiration, and what he may still lack in skilfulness he will easily acquire. The essential point in a task of this kind is a modest, honest, and not too dry effort. What I have heard and know of Porges makes me feel assured that he will best fulfil the various demands made by the editorial office.
What is one to think of the marvels which Pohl has brought back from Lowenberg? I haven't sufficient imagination to form any clear idea about them from the preliminary hints you communicated to me. Let me have a fuller report, therefore, if you think that, under certain conditions, I should mix myself up with the matter. And also tell me frankly, without periphrase, what the Musik- Verein wishes and expects from the patronage of the Grand Duke of Weimar?—One ought not to shoot about at random with Royal Highnesses! It would only lead to a vexatious loss of powder.
How is Kap[ellmeister] Wehner? Is he still in his King's good graces? [He was in the service of the King of Hanover; and is long since dead.] Kapellmeister Bernhard Scholz was here last month—but he did not honor me with a visit.
Today's post has brought me some very friendly lines from my worthy precentor Gottschalg in Tieffurt. He tells me of a concert in Denstedt, where several pieces of mine were performed—among others one of the Psalms (which I shall shortly send to Kahnt by Landmesser, an essentially improved version); they were sung by Fraulein Genast. This lady, so Gottschalg writes, is to be married today. Do you know to whom? I am so entirely cut off from all my Weimar connection that I had not heard anything about this. But as I still retain a very friendly recollection of this excellent lady-exponent of my songs, I beg you, dear friend, to let me have her new name and to tell me whether her husband resides in Weimar or elsewhere.
I am perfectly satisfied with my new abode at Monte Mario.—
Pastor Landmesser will give you a description of it—and perhaps
I may find a photograph of the place—if not I shall order one
for you later.
Your sincerely devoted
F. Liszt