C) At the opening of the Dante Gallery here at the end of the month my "Dante Symphony" is to be performed. I enclose the article from the Osservatore Romano in which this extraordinary event is discussed in detail—also another number of the same paper containing a short notice on the "Stabat mater speciosa" (a very simple chorus from my "Christus Oratorio"), that was sung last Thursday in the Franciscan Church Ara Coeli (on the Capitol).
D) I am quite determined to attend the Tonkunstler-Versammlung in Coburg, and expect to hear from you shortly more about it. It is to be hoped that Bulow will conduct. If there should be any thought of giving the "Elizabeth," Bulow will be indispensable.—
As regards the Elizabeth, pray make my best excuses to Kahnt. I did not reply to his friendly request, because I have made up my mind not to have this work published meanwhile, and hold fast to this negative determination. Do not let Kahnt take this ill of me, and let him be assured of my sincere willingness to meet his wishes in all other matters.
.—. I am in want of a great many things, but most of all in want of more time!
With friendliest greetings, sincerely and devotedly yours,
F. Liszt
The Vatican, January 14th, 1866
46. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
So there is to be no Tonkunstler-Versammlung this year; in place of it war-cries, and symphonies of bayonets and cannon! Here, probably, we shall remain in peaceful quietude under the protection of France.—As regards my humble self, I mean to try, during the second half of this 66th year, to overtake what I was compelled to neglect during the first half of it. My "Christus Oratorio" shall be finished by Christmas.—Prince Hohenlohe, with whom I have been residing since April 1865, has been made Cardinal and shortly leaves the Vatican. Last Sunday I returned to my old quarters at Monte Mario, Madonna del Rosaraio, where I am as comfortable as possible. Next year I think of going to Germany, first to Munich. As you know, the King of Bavaria has conferred upon me the title of Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael. And the Emperor Maximilian that of the Guadeloup order.—