You might obtain better and more detailed information concerning musical life at Weimar (from '49 to '58) from some who took part in it either as performers or friends, especially Gille, Lassen, Gottschalg, Grosse (trombone-player and contrapuntist), Wahlbrull, Milde and his wife, and Fran Dr. Emilie Merian, than from the theater archives.
I have no doubt, moreover, that the present Intendant, Baron von Loen, will readily permit you to inspect the archives of the theater and see any programmes of the Court concerts of that time which may still be forthcoming. You may likewise count upon the obliging readiness of Lassen and Muller-Hartung in making your pamphlet known.
During my summer stay in Weimar in latter years, some pianists have taken to coming there regularly who play my Symphonic Poems well and willingly. I am not able to name any of those who come during the winter. Ask Lassen and Muller-Hartung about this. Enclosed you will find an introduction from me to Madame Merian. She sings my songs with fervent intelligence, from heart to heart.
F. Liszt
November 11th, 1880 (Villa d'Este)
269. To the Committee of the Antwerp Musical Society
Very Honored Gentlemen,
The expression of my sincere gratitude for your very kind letter has been delayed owing to a circumstance which was independent of my will.
I am acquainted with the high character which the Antwerp Musical Society bears; many of those who were present at your Festivals in 1876, '77, and have spoken to me in the liveliest terms of praise of those great musical performances, of the far-famed merits of your director, Peter Benoit, of his Rubens Cantata and of his Oratorio [La Guerre, De Oorlog.] recently sung at Brussels on the occasion of the national commemoration by 900 members of your Society. Greatly flattered by your invitation, I hope, Gentlemen, that my answer to it may not appear discourteous to you. Allow me to decline the honor of directing the Festival you have in view for 1881 and to be present at it as a simple listener. Should any work of mine have been admitted to your programme, I would fain request M. Peter Benoit [One of the chief representatives of Belgian national music (born 1884), Director of the Antwerp Conservatoire] to conduct it, since for the last fifteen years I have declared myself unfit for this work in all countries.
My engagements keep me at Budapest till Easter. After that time I shall be charmed to have the opportunity of assuring you again personally at Antwerp of the sentiments of high consideration and distinguished esteem with which I remain,