As I told you in Leipzig, the Grand Duke has determined to have me in Weimar for a couple of months during the winter (towards the beginning of '69). Perhaps I may go somewhat sooner.
With the next sending of proofs please ask Kahnt to enclose the manuscript of the 18th Psalm ("The Heavens declare the glory of God") for male voices. It is written on very large sheets of music-paper and bound in boards. But in order that the parcel may be made a more convenient size let the boards be removed and the manuscript paper doubled up. Kahnt will remember that I left him this manuscript seven years ago.
With hearty greetings, yours most sincerely,
F. Liszt
March 3lst, 1868
66. To Johann von Herbeck
Dear Friend,
My cousin Eduard will bring you the score of the 18th Psalm intended for the Mannergesang-Verein [Vocal Society for Men's Voices] in Vienna. Allow me at this opportunity again to offer you my sincerest thanks for the kindly feelings you have always entertained for me. The further fate of the Psalm forwarded to you I leave wholly in your hands. You will have to decide whether it is suitable for being performed at the Jubilee Festival of the Mannergesang-Verein. If you think it is I shall be glad; still I beg you not to make it any special consideration, and if you think it more advisable not to burden the Festival-programme with it, I shall be quite content, feeling convinced, dear friend, that you will know best what is most to my advantage.
Otherwise the study of it would give no trouble. The Psalm is very simple and massive—like a monolith. And, as in the case of other works of mine, the conductor has the chief part to play. He, as the chief virtuoso and artifex, is called upon to see that the whole is harmoniously articulated and that it receives a living form. In the rhythmical and dynamical climax, from letters B to E (repeated from H to L), as also in some of the ritenuti; especially in the passage:
"The law of the Lord is perfect,
Converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
Making wise the simple, etc.,"