Your unchangeably sincere and devoted
F. Liszt
The Vatican, September 28th, 1865
Let me know of the despatch of the "Elisabeth-Galerie," and also send me a few copies of Bulow's three articles.
Why have my organ-pieces (from Korner, Erfurt) not yet reached me? Please remind Kahnt or Gottschalg of this.
44. To Eduard Liszt
Dearest Eduard,
My heartiest thanks to you for remembering the 22nd October. The day was celebrated quietly and happily like last year in my former residence (Madonna del Rosario)—and you were present with me in my inmost heart.
Before I received your lines I had already answered Dunkl's and Herbeck's letters relating to the "Elizabeth" Oratorio. You know how much against my wish it is to put this work into circulation. And, however flattering it may be to me (perhorrescised composer!) to receive offers from various places about it, still I think it advisable to avoid precipitancy, and not to expose my friends so soon again to unpleasantnesses such as my earlier works brought upon them. Lowy's empty stalls (with the Preludes) are significant…and, considering the various kinds of abuse which my works have had to endure, silence would seem to be most becoming.
Therefore be good enough, dearest Eduard, to tell those kindly disposed "Musical Friends," emphatically that I cannot make up my mind to the proposed performance of the "Elizabeth," and beg them to pardon this small-mindedness in me. Besides the score is no longer at my disposal, as I have sent it to Bulow, who requires it for a performance desired by H.M. the King, for which I have already invited Herbeck. Bulow is giving some concerts this month and next in Berlin, Dresden, Prague, etc. Hence he cannot begin rehearsing the Elizabeth till later. Of the Munich performance you shall hear details when the time comes.