One other favour. I have recently made a pianoforte arrangement of the "Tannhauser" march and of the wedding procession (I don't know how to name the piece) in the second act of "Lohengrin" (E flat major), and should like to publish these two pieces. Tell me whether Meser has still the copyright of the melodies of "Tannhauser", and whether I must ask his permission to publish this piece, together with the other from "Lohengrin", with Hartel. As Kistner has already printed the "Evening Star", I do not anticipate any particular difficulty in letting Hartel publish the "Tannhauser" march; at the same time, I should like to be safe from any possible discussion afterwards, and therefore inquire of you how the matter stands.
Joachim goes on the lst of January to Hanover as concert-master. A very able violinist, Ferdinand Laub, has been engaged for our orchestra.
I am glad that my marginal notes to your "Faust" overture have not displeased you. In my opinion, the work would gain by a few elongations.
Hartel will willingly undertake the printing; and if you will give me particular pleasure, make me a present of the manuscript when it is no longer wanted for the engraving. This overture has lain with me so long, and I have taken a great fancy to it. If, however, you have disposed of it otherwise, do not mind me in the least, and give me some day another manuscript.
Au revoir then in a few months! I look forward to the moment with joy. My pen is getting too horribly blunt to write to you. One single chord brings us nearer to each other than any number of phrases:—
[score excerpt] Continue to love me, even as I am cordially devoted to you.
F. L.
Your pamphlet on the rendering of "Lohengrin" I have read with much interest, and, let us hope, with some benefit for our representations. I am glad to see that in several indications of tempo I had guessed your meaning, and that many of your intentions had been realized here in advance. H. will soon write to you about yesterday's performance.
92.