I do not know why the "Machle" [forces] do not seem to me
quite right here.
Finally, + D, I think it would be advisable ruthlessly to strike
out the following short sentence: "Indeed it would not be saying
too much if it were to be asserted that in many circles it takes
the place of religion," - apart from the consideration of whether
it is accurate or not, because for the most part the men of the
State are sure to take offence at it. "How," they will say, "you
wish us to support a movement that aims at nothing less than the
doing away with religion?" - and, behold, there is a new bugbear
ready, and the most healthy and just endeavors are checked for
many a year! -
I am in perfect agreement with all the rest, with the exception
of the parenthesis marked * - "without thereby, as has often been
the case hitherto, falling into the unpractical mistake of
conceding to the public things which they do not want, and
diminishing the revenues." For, by the way, let me also say
parenthetically that, if I had not done this with most resolute
intention for many years, Wagner could not truly have said in his
letter to Villot (page 40 of the French edition of his
translation of the four Operas): "Tout a coup mes relations avec
le public prirent un autre tour, sur lequel je n'avais pas compte
le moins du monde: mes operas se repandaient." ["All at once my
relations with the public took a fresh turn, on which I had not
calculated the least bit in the world: my operas were becoming
known."
Both on this account and for other reasons I think this
parenthesis dangerous, and can in no wise subscribe to it!
With friendliest greetings, your sincere
F. Liszt
December 19th, 1860
I have written a long letter to Kahnt today. In case he cannot
read my writing, will you be so good as to help him with it?
250. To Felix Draseke
You have again encouraged and rejoiced me, my excellent friend,
by your affectionate comprehension of my meaning and endeavors in
the "Dante" Symphony.
Once more my heartfelt thanks for it. Later on, when "Hamlet" and
the "Hunnenschlacht" are published, please do not refuse me the
special satisfaction of publishing the whole of your articles on
the Symphonic Poems in the form of a pamphlet. We will speak
further of this by word of mouth, and possibly a few musical
examples could be added to the earlier ones.
How far have you got with the "Loreley"? - Only take hold of the
witch with tender force. - Geibel has lately brought out his
opera-text to the "Loreley," and several composers are already
setting to work on it (or under it). In the present state of
things there is not much to be expected from effusions and feeble
attempts of that kind.
