[Weimar,] November 4th, 1882
Dear Friend,
I shall be delighted if the Tannhauser-Songs [Composed by Lessmann, transcribed by Liszt for piano, and published by Barth, Berlin (now Junne, Leipzig)] give you satisfaction. Find a pianist of the fair sex, or the other sex, in Berlin, who will set about his task well of playing these songs in public. As far as I can tell I should think they would bring the player applause.
I will answer your two questions at once.
Of my "continuously written autobiography" I have as yet heard nothing. Publishers have frequently asked me to write memoirs, but I put it off with the excuse that it was more than enough for me to live through my life, without transcribing it to paper. If I were married I could certainly dictate somewhat of it to my wife now and then. But I am glad to keep out of the bothers of penmanship, which I dislike.
The dramatic performance of the Elizabeth in Cologne is to take place after my return from Budapest, next April or May. (I have promised to be present at it.) Yesterday evening I wrote a couple of lines of thanks and commendation to Herr Duysen, for Fraulein Spiring, whom you met here [Lives now in Jena]. She is a pianist and teacher deserving of recommendation, and is trying to establish herself in Berlin, and I commend her to your good graces.
With thanks, yours ever,
F. Liszt
Rubinstein is coming to see me next Tuesday after the Leipzig performance of the "Maccabees."
311. To Madame Malwine Tardieu