The score of the Gran Mass presumably reached Riedel safely (6 weeks ago). The vocal parts I have meanwhile left with Giacomelli. Later an edition of the choral and orchestral parts will become a necessity.
47. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
Your last letter but one, the registered one, has reached me safely. As it contained more in the way of answers than was wanted I hesitated to write to you. As already said, I have made up my mind to wait another year before publishing the "Elizabeth." In the first place it is necessary that I should correct the frequent errors in the copy of the score—a piece of work that will take a couple of weeks.—Then, before its appearance, I should like an opportunity of quietly hearing the work once in Germany, and this perhaps might occur next year. Meanwhile give Kahnt my best thanks for his ready consent, of which, however, I cannot make use till later, provided that an honorarium of a couple of thousand francs (which has been offered me elsewhere) does not frighten him. .—. So far as one can plan a journey nowadays, I intend to be in Germany again for a few weeks during the summer of 1867.—Tomorrow I shall write to Dr. Hartel and tell him that you have kindly expressed yourself ready to discuss with him the small matter about the Draseke brochure. It would please me greatly to hear that some amicable arrangement had been made.
With regard to the publications of the Allgemeine Deutsche Musikverein, I would vote for the Overture by Seifriz. Likewise for the continuation of the Chamber music performances in Leipzig—and, of course, for the compensation from the Society's purse due to you.
Stade's article on the "Faust Symphony" I have not yet received. My last number of the Zeitschrift is that of July 6th. I am glad that Stade does not disapprove of these Faust-things.— Schondorf's Polonaise, Impromptu, etc., which Kahnt has sent me, I have read through with pleasure and interest. With the next sending to Rome please enclose the "Petrus" Oratorio by Meinardus (the pianoforte score). In case the pianoforte score has not appeared, then let me have the full score. And together with the "Petrus" Oratorio please also send me the fragment of the "Christus" Oratorio by Mendelssohn (published by Hartel).
My "Christus" Oratorio has, at last, since yesterday got so far finished that I have now only got the revising, the copying and the pianoforte score to do. Altogether it contains 12 musical numbers (of which the "Seligkeiten" and the "Pater Noster" have been published by Kahnt), and takes about three hours to perform. I have composed the work throughout to the Latin text from the Scriptures and the Liturgy. After a time I shall ask Riedel for his assistance and advice with regard to the German wording.
Please give Alex Ritter my cordial thanks for his Amsterdam report.
I cannot, at present, promise you any literary contributions for the proposed Annual of the D. M. If the instrumental Introduction to the "Elizabeth" (for piano-forte) would suit you I would gladly place it at your disposal, reserving the copyright for the subsequent publisher of the score, that is, his right to publish the same Introduction again.
As far as I can foresee I shall remain here the whole winter. My address is simply: To Commandeur Abbe Liszt—Rome.