Been so kindly designed for me, and that this
number may be given to some other pianist of note. Apart from the
fact that for more than eight years I have not appeared anywhere
in public as a pianist, and that many considerations lead me to
adhere firmly to my negative resolve in this respect, the fact
that the direction of the Festival will require my entire
attention may prove, in this case, my sufficient excuse.
Accept, Your Worship, the assurance of the high esteem with which
I have the honor to remain,
Dear Mr. Mayor, yours very truly,
F. Liszt
Weymar, December 26th, 1855.
148. To Eduard Liszt
My very dear Eduard,
Scarcely had I returned to Weymar [From the Mozart Festival at
Vienna.] when I again put on my travelling coat to help in
Berlioz' concert at Gotha, which took place the day before
yesterday - and the whole day yesterday was spent in rehearsals of
"Cellini;" followed by a Court concert in the evening (in honor
of H.R.H. the Prince Regent of Baden); so that this morning is
the first leisure moment I have had to take up my pen again and
my position...at my writing-table. I profit by it first of all to
tell you how happy I am in this earnest intimacy, as sincerely
felt as it is conscientiously considered - this real intimacy of
ideas and feelings at the same time - which has been cemented
between us in these latter years, and which my stay in Vienna has
fully confirmed.
