My very dear Friend,
Certainly your invitation takes precedence of all others. So choose the day that suits yourself and I will appear. Without Walter Bache and his long years of self-sacrificing efforts in the propaganda of my works my visit to London were indeed not to be thought of.
Do you know your namesake (without the final E), Herr Emil Bach, Prussian Court-pianist? I enclose herewith a second letter, which I have answered, as I did the first, that I must not be the occasion of expense and inconvenience to any one. Orchestral concerts are expensive everywhere, especially in London. Consequently I cannot encourage Emil Bach's project, and can only dissuade him from putting it into execution. Send me word about this.
Gratefully and faithfully yours,
F. Liszt
Rome, Hotel Alibert, November 17th, 1885
Mr. Stavenhagen, [Now one of the most celebrated pianists] a pianist and musician of real talent, wants to come out in London, and is writing to you on this subject.
370a. To Walter Bache
My very dear Friend,
It is fixed then: Thursday, 8th April, Ricevimento [Reception] at
Walter Bache's house. Enclosed is the letter of the Philharmonic
Society, together with the rough copy of my reply which I send
off today. Please observe the postscript: