December 6th, 1868 [Villa d'Este]
80. To Johann von Herbeck
Very dear Friend,
Although I feel absolutely sure that you will conduct the "Elizabeth"-performance in a perfect and brilliant style, I gladly comply with your wish that I should be in Vienna a few days beforehand. As I have already said, it would be more convenient to me to leave here towards the end of March. Meanwhile present my most gracious thanks to the Committee of the "Musikfreunde," with the request that they will in future regard me as quite inadmissible as a conductor. Your question whether I attach "any special importance" as to how the different parts should be filled, I answer simply thus: arrange things wholly and entirely as you think best. The few indefinite suggestions in my last letter are of importance only in so far as they agree with your competent arrangement, otherwise in no way. One point only I should like adhered to in the Vienna performance, namely that no foreign singers be engaged for it. To have one's own house in good order is always the wisest and safest plan.
I have heard much in praise of Fraulein Ehnn [A singer at the Royal Opera House in Vienna]; and should feel specially indebted to her if she would undertake the Elizabeth: the part does not go against the grain, and should Fraulein Ehnn wish any alterations I should be quite willing to consider them.
With warm thanks, yours most sincerely,
F. Liszt
Rome, December 29th, 1868
The "Tanzmomente" are still dancing on their way here, for they have not yet come.
81. To Edvard Grieg