All my articles of musical criticism, lately published by L. Ramann under the title of "Essays" (Breitkopf and Hartel, Leipzig), were written in French. Three or four appeared long ago in the Debats and the Constitutionnel. The most extensive of these, on Berlioz's "Harold Symphony," was to have been put into a celebrated review in Paris, but in the fifties it was considered too eulogistic, and I refused any curtailments for Berlioz…Consequently this article has only appeared in a German translation (Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik, Leipzig). What has become of the original French manuscripts of my complete articles I don't in the least know. The introduction to Hartel's for which Mr. Kufferath [Moritz Kufferath, a writer on music, reviewer of the "Guide musical" (Schott), and translator of many of Wagner's writings, wanted to translate Liszt's Essays into French.] asks will not serve his end at all. The only person who could give him some particulars would be Mademoiselle L. Ramann, my biographer, who has been for many years past on the look-out for everything relative to my prose and music. She is the directress of a Pianoforte School in the Durerplatz at Nuremberg (Bavaria).
Please thank Kufferath for his kind interest, and assure him that, if I abstain from writing to the firm of Hartel, it is from no want of willingness on my part. A thousand friendly regards to your husband, and ever cordial and devoted expressions to yourself.
F. Liszt
I stay here till the beginning of October.
306. To Otto Lessmann
My Very Dear Friend,
It is only through your kindness that I learn of Hellmesberger's intention to perform shortly in Vienna a new Mass of my composition. Hellmesberger has indeed always been very well disposed towards me, and has frequently conducted the Hungarian Coronation-Mass in the Hofkapelle, and several of my longer works at concerts; but it would be rather difficult for him to conduct a new Mass, because I have not composed one. I should think it must be the "Missa choralis" (with Organ accompaniment only)…
Here is the list of my Masses, and the order in which they were composed:—
1. For men's voices (with Organ), Anno 48—Editio nova at Hartel's.
2. The Gran Mass.