I have just answered the invitation of the "Musikfreunde," and trust you will agree with what I have written. I am quite aware that the performance of the "Elizabeth" in Vienna—which is considered a mark of honorable distinction to me—I owe to you. My not having complied with your offer before was mainly due to my desire to spare you any embarrassments in connection with the performance, embarrassments which I, owing to my peculiar position and my distance from active circles of the Press, can readily ignore without the slightest "bitterness of feeling."
Well, let us hope that your favorable augury will prove true. Your earlier letter I have not received. But I was heartily delighted with your last. Shortly before receiving it I had been hearing a number of excellent things about the composer, conductor and friend Herbeck, all of which tallied perfectly with what I remembered and of what I myself feel convinced. You will guess who communicated all this to me.
To return to the "Elizabeth" performance in Vienna; I should like to be present. The Committee of the Musikfreunde name two days in March; the last mentioned would be the most convenient one for me. I must tell you beforehand, in confidence, that on this occasion I should not be able to remain in Vienna beyond a couple of days, and that I wish especially to keep quiet while there, and to meet as few people as possible. It is no longer in any way appropriate that I should appear anywhere in person; [Liszt had been requested to conduct his "Elizabeth", a request he declined (probably in consideration of his having taken holy orders).] it suits me much better, when necessary, to be trodden down an effigy by all the different chatter. And as you, much esteemed friend, are the one and only person who shall conduct the "Elizabeth" in Vienna, I wish to leave the distribution of the vocal parts entirely to your care. I would merely remind you that my two compatriots Bignio and Fraulein Rabatinsky (now in Vienna) sang splendidly in the parts of the Landgrave Ludwig and the spiteful Landgravine Sophie, at the first performances of the Oratorio in Pest. Hence, if no categorical objections are raised against them by the worthy theatrical potentates, it would seem advisable and well to secure these singers for parts for which they have already proved themselves competent.
As an unnecessary remark let me add that the small Magyar Cantilena of the Magnate (in the first number) requires a powerful voice.
In sincere esteem, I remain yours in all friendliness,
F. Liszt
Villa d'Este, December 1st, 1868
P.S.—I am expecting the promised manuscript of the
"Tanzmomente." [Composed by Herbeck for orchestra; transcribed by
Liszt for the pianoforte] By the beginning of January I hope to
be in Weimar.
78. To Prof. Dr. S. Lebert
Dear friend,