Monsieur le Baron,
I have begged my friend M. de Mihalovich to lay before you a proposition, the fate of which depends on the committee that directs the orders for the sculptures of the new National Hungarian Theater.
In my humble opinion it would be unjust, and even ungrateful, to exclude from them the likenesses of two composers of high distinction, the late Mosonyi and Franz Doppler.
A charming Opera of Mosonyi's of elevated taste, "Szep Ilonka" ["The fair Helen": its subject, like that of his other Opera "Almos," was taken from Hungarian history], has been performed here some dozen times with success, and was then consigned to oblivion in the oubliettes of the administration. Another greater dramatic work by Mosonyi, "Almos," has remained in manuscript, although Baron Orczy, your predecessor as Intendant, had some idea of producing it.
The whole of the brave musical activity of Mosonyi at Budapest is most honorable and meritorious, as much by his teaching as by his numerous compositions of Church music, orchestral music, and piano music. Many of his Hungarian pieces remain classical, as opposed to the current wares, supposed to be of this same kind, more frequently heard (at the present time in Vienna).
Franz Doppler has left the best possible remembrance of his rare talents and qualities at Budapest, where during many years he fulfilled the duties of conductor to the theater, and shone by his virtuosity (very celebrated in Europe) as a flute player—an instrument which Frederick the Great condescended to use. Doppler's Operas "Beniowszky" and "Ilka" were favorably received; and up to the present time "Ilka" is the only Hungarian opera admitted to the repertoire of several theaters in Germany. Besides this Doppler has also written two acts of the "Elizabeth" [The opera "Elizabeth," composed by Franz Erkel and Doppler, was performed at the National Theater in 1857], by which Her Majesty the Queen of Hungary was entertained at the theater of Budapest.
I venture then, Monsieur le Baron, to recommend you to see about the desirability of placing two fine reliefs of Mosonyi and Doppler [The reliefs adorn the vestibule of the opera house.] in a suitable position in the new theater in the Radialstrasse, and beg you to accept the expression of my high esteem and sincere devotion.
F. Liszt
343. To Freiherr Hans von Wolzogen
Dear Freiherr,