Dear Friend,
If one wants to be just, he must see that he speaks only with high respect of Hans von Bulow. His knowledge, ability, experience are astounding, and border on the fabulous. Especially has he, by long years of study, so thoroughly steeped himself in the understanding of Beethoven, that it seems scarcely possible for any one else to approach near him in that respect. One must read his commentary on the pianoforte works of Beethoven (Cotta's edition), and hear his interpretations of them—(what other virtuoso could have ventured to play the 5 last Sonatas of Beethoven before the public in one evening?), and follow Bulow's conducting in the orchestral works of Beethoven. To set one's back up against such remarkable deeds as these, I call feeble or malicious nonsense.
Yours ever in friendship,
F. Liszt
Weimar, September 20th, 1882.
308. To Frau Charlotte Blume-Arends
Weimar, September 27th, 1882.
My dear friend,
I thank you again for a beautiful, kind gift—"The Oberammergau Passion Play," described by Franz Schoberl, a clergyman in Laibstadt. The little book has been composed with reverence, and gives an exact description of the Oberammergau production, which seems to me especially deserving of notice on account of the agreement between the Old Testament representations—beginning from Adam and Eve to the Brazen Serpent and further—and their fulfilment in the facts of the gospel. This agreement is no simple peasant's invention, but indeed a significant, most touching parallel, thought out by cultured priests, familiar with the Christian tradition. The grouping, and the mute performance of the life-like Old Testament representations and of the Crucifixion of Christ in Oberammergau, deserve full praise, in contrast to the music, which is beneath criticism, and very much spoiled the whole performance for me. And even such esteemed and highly honored Catholic musicians and divines as F. Witt, Haberl, etc., protest against such inane musical stuff and rubbish.
Thank you once more, and with heartfelt greetings to you and yours,