106. To M. Escudier, Music Publisher in Paris
[Autograph (without address) in the possession of Monsieur
Etienne Charavay in Paris. - The contents show to whom it was
written.]
My dear Sir,
My time has been so absorbed by the rehearsals of a new opera in
five acts, "Die Nibelungen", by Mr. Dorn, musical conductor in
Berlin, the first performance of which will take place tomorrow,
and also by a heap of small and great local obligations which
accumulate for me in particular at the beginning of winter, that
I have never yet had a moment in which to send you my very
cordial thanks for your biographical notice on occasion of the
Alexandre Piano, which [i.e., the biographical notice had just
reached me. [A "giant grand piano" with three keyboards and
pedals and registers, made according to Liszt's own directions.]
I hope you will excuse this delay in consideration of the short
time left me, and that you feel sure beforehand how kindly I take
it of you for thus taking my part, in divers circumstances, for
the honor of my name and of my reputation - a matter in which I
will endeavour not to render your task too difficult.
With regard to the Schubert opera of which you again spoke to me
in your last letter, I have a preliminary and very important
observation to make to you - namely, that the rights of the score
of "Alfonso and Estrella," in three acts, were obtained some
years ago by Messrs. Hartel of Leipzig. As this work has not
hitherto been performed anywhere they have not been in a hurry to
publish it, and it was only communicated to me (by a copy) in
case of a performance at Weymar. Therefore, before taking any
other steps, it is indispensable that you should apply to Messrs.
Hartel to obtain their authorization, either for a performance,
or for the right to make a foreign edition of this work, and to
make conditions with that firm relative to the matter. I do not
doubt that Messrs. Hartel will be most obliging in the matter;
but you cannot neglect this first step without serious ulterior
disadvantages.
Hartel's consent once given, you must think of adapting to this
charming music a libretto which is worthy of it, - and, if you are
fortunate in doing this, success, and a popular and productive
success, is undoubted.
Allow me to beg you once more to send me a copy of the ballet of
Gluck's "Don Juan" and of the "Dictionary of Music" which you
have just published, - I have already asked Belloni for them, but
he is a little subject to distractions in these matters, - and
accept, my dear sir, together with my best thanks, the assurance
of my affectionate regard.
F. Liszt
Weymar, January 21st, 1854
107. To Monsieur Marie Escudier, Music Publisher in Paris.
[Autograph in the possession of M. Alfred Bovet at Valentigney.]
My Dear Sir,
Mr. Franck [Cesar Aug.
