To M. Ernest Reyer.
“Vienna, 17th December 1866.—Dear Reyer,—I only got up at four to-day, as yesterday over-did me.
“It would be foolish of me to describe the recalls, encores, tears, and flowers I received after the performance of Faust in the Salle de la Redoute; I had a chorus of three hundred, an orchestra of a hundred and fifty, and splendid soloists.
“This evening there is to be a grand fête; three hundred artists and amateurs—among them the hundred and fifty lady-amateurs who, with their sweet fresh voices, sang my choruses.
“How well, too, they had been trained by Herbeck, who first thought of giving my work in its entirety, and who would let himself be chopped in pieces for me.
“To-morrow I am invited by the Conservatoire to hear Helmesberger conduct my Harold.
“This has been the most perfect musical joy of my life, so forgive me if I say too much!
“Well! this is one score saved at any rate. They can play it now in Vienna under Herbeck, who knows it by heart.
“The Paris Conservatoire may leave me in outer darkness and stick to its antiquated repertoire if it likes.
“You have drawn down this tirade on your own head by asking me to write!