The criticisms of M. d’Ortigue I also appreciated. The rest of the alterations were my own.
But the symphony is enormously difficult for the executants, both in form and style, and needs most careful, conscientious practice and perfect conducting—which means that none but first-rate artists in each department could possibly do it.
For this reason it will never be given in London. They do not give enough time to rehearsals. The musicians there have no time for music.[16]
XXV
BRUSSELS—PARIS OPERA CONCERT
To Franz Liszt.
“Paris, 6th August 1839.—I long, dear friend, to tell you all the musical news—at least all that I know. Not that you will find anything new in it. You must be quite blasé with studying Italian modes of thought; they are dreadfully like Parisian ones.
“I know you have not the heart to laugh at them, for you are not of those who find subject for mirth in the insults offered to our Muse—you would rather, at any cost, hide the blemishes upon her snowy robes and the woful rents in her shimmering veil of light.
“So I will content myself with calmly stating facts and retailing news, whereby I can preserve a dignified quiet, and can simply deal out remarks without theorising.
“The day before yesterday, as I was smoking a cigar in the Boulevard des Italiens, Batta caught me by the arm.
“‘What are they up to in London?’ I asked.