Together with my hearty thanks I wanted at the same time to send you the Liszt portrait for which you wished. It was painted by Baron Joukowski, son of the highly honored tutor and friend of Alexander II., a man who will also be ever famous in Russian literature. Now, however, this Liszt portrait has been such a success that they wanted to have a second one like it for the Joukowski Museum. The painter kindly consented to the request, which has necessitated a delay of 2 to 3 months in my sending off the first portrait to Toronto.
Joukowski had also prepared the sketches for the "Parsifal" scenery in Bayreuth, which were followed by a successful performance.
Excuse, dear Sirs, the delay in my acknowledgments, and accept the assurance of my high esteem.
F. Liszt
323. To Madame Marie Jaell in Vienna
[Autograph in possession of Herr Commerzienrath Bosendorfer in Vienna.—The addressee was the widow of Alfred Jaell, and was a pianiste and composer in Paris.]
Chere Admirable [Dear Admirable One],
I give you at once a most cordial welcome to Budapest. Have you already made your arrangements for concerts here? Can my very excellent friend Bosendorfer be of use to you as an agent? To my regret I am not in a position to help you in that, on account of my being so very decidedly out of touch with the principal concert arrangers of the neighborhood, who impertinently make a pitiable trade for the benefit of Art…the art of their own pocket and predominance.
To our right speedy meeting! Will you let me make acquaintance with your new compositions, and accept the homage of my admiring sympathy and affection?
F. Liszt