368. To Eduard Reuss in Carlsruhe [Pianist, pupil of Liszt's.]
My dear Friend,
Thanks and praise for your capital orchestral arrangement of the "Concerto pathetique." It appears to me effective, well- proportioned, and done with a refined and due understanding of it. I had but little to alter in it; but some additions to the original are desirable, in order to allow full scope to the piano virtuoso. ["This 'Concerto Pathetique' seems to me a murderous piece, with which first-rate virtuosi can make an effect," writes Liszt, on the 10th November, to Reuss.] Hence, in different places, there are altogether somewhere about fifty to sixty bars which I add to your manuscript. The beginning is also to be ten bars sooner, and the ending to conclude with twenty-two bars more.
I hear an orchestration of the same "Concerto pathetique" spoken of, as having been produced in Moscow. I do not know it myself, and after yours there is no use in it. I received in Weimar, almost simultaneously with yours, a letter from Joseffy in New York, begging me to instrumentate the piece. I shall answer him very soon that your score is already completed, and that he is to apply to my friend Eduard Reuss if he is disposed to perform the "Concerto" with orchestra in America. [Joseffy played the "Concerto Pathetique" in this form from a copy, in the spring of 1886, in New York.]
Enclosed is my recommendation to Hartel with regard to the publishing. Send it together with your manuscript, of which it is not necessary to make a copy—only my scribbling of the additions must be copied out clean and clearly on an extra sheet.—
Probably Hartels will not show themselves disobliging. If they undertake the publication I should still like to read through the last proof-sheets.
The most charming recollection remains to me of Carlsruhe.
[Namely, of the "Tonkunstler-Versammlung" of the "Allgemeine
Deutsche Musikverein," from the 27th May to the 1st June, 1885.]
The Grand Duke was so gracious and truly kind!—
Assure your wife of my sincere attachment.
Faithfully yours,
F. Liszt