It, which of course would be very agreeable to me.
Your Leipzig friends will see the announcement of this
performance in the papers, and I think you will consider it your
bounden duty not to be absent from us at this performance.
Wishing you always from my heart the best spirits for your work,
good health, and "every other good that appertains thereto," I
remain unalterably
Yours most sincerely, F. Liszt
Weymar, June 8th, 1852.
84. To Robert Schumann
[Autograph in the Royal Library in Berlin.]
My very dear Friend,
I regret extremely that you could not come to the second
performance [This might perhaps also be read "first
performance."] of your "Manfred," and I believe that you would
not have been dissatisfied with the musical preparation and
performance of that work (which I count among your greatest
successes). The whole impression was a thoroughly noble, deep,
and elevating one, in accordance with my expectations. The part
of Manfred was taken by Herr Potsch, who rendered it in a manly
and intelligent manner. With regard to the mise-en-scene
something might be said; yet it would be unfair not to speak in
praise of the merits of the manager, Herr Genast. It seems to me
therefore that it would be nice of you to write a friendly line
of thanks to Herr Genast, and commission him to compliment Herr
Potsch (Manfred) and the rest of the actors from you.
One only remark I will permit myself: the introduction music to
the Ahriman chorus (D minor) is too short. Some sixty to a
hundred bars of symphony, such as you understand how to write,
would have a decidedly good effect there. Think the matter over,
and then go fresh to your desk. Ahriman can stand some polyphonic
phrases, and this is an occasion where one may rant and rage away
quite comfortably.
Shall I send you your manuscript score back, or will you make me
a lovely present of it? I am by no means an autograph-collector,
but the score, if you don't require it any longer, would give me
pleasure.
A thousand friendly greetings to Clara, and beg your wife to let
me soon hear something of you.
In truest esteem and friendship,
Yours ever,
F. Liszt
Weymar, June 26th, 1852
85. To Peter Cornelius
[The exquisite poet-composer of the operas "The Barber of
Baghdad," "The Cid," and "Gunlod," which have at last attained
due recognition (1824-74).]
Weymar, September 4th, 1852
It has been a great pleasure to me, my dear Mr. Cornelius, to
make the acquaintance of your brother, and I only regret that he
passed several days here without letting me know of his stay.
Your letter, which reached me through him, has given me a real
pleasure, for which I thank you very affectionately.
