Have great pleasure in fulfilling his request by
writing these few lines to you. For many years past I have had a
favorable opinion of Mr. Franck's talent in composition, through
having heard his trios (very remarkable, as I think, and very
superior to other works of the same kind published latterly). -
His oratorio "Ruth" also contains beautiful things, and bears the
stamp of an elevated and well-sustained style. If the opera which
he wants to have performed at the Lyric theater answers to these
antecedents and to what I expect of Mr. Franck, the Lyric theater
could only congratulate itself on its choice, and the best chance
of success would be assured. Being unable to judge of it at a
distance, and the score of this opera being unknown to me, I
confine myself simply to drawing your attention to the very real
talent of Mr. Franck, at the same time recommending him
affectionately to your kindness.
Pray accept, my dear Sir, the expression of my sincere regard.
F. Liszt
Weymar, January 28th, 1854
108. To Dr. Franz Brendel
Dear Friend,
I have lately been over-occupied, and in addition to that I have
been working somewhat, so that I have never had a free half-hour
for correspondence.
I send you today the score and pianoforte edition of my
"Kunstler-Chor." By next autumn I hope that half a dozen other
(longer) scores will be in print. "Ha, der Verruchte!" ["Ah, the
wretch!"] we can then say, as in "Tannhauser." Happily, however,
no journey to Rome is necessary to obtain my absolution. We only
wish to have done with so much outcry and tasteless chatter.
I shall beg David to put off my Leipzig rehearsals for a couple
of weeks, as I cannot well get away from here now, and must also
have the parts written out afresh. If David does not arrange it
otherwise I shall probably come in the latter half of March. - .
Cornelius is telling you more fully, at the same time with this,
what I have talked over with him. - Griepenkerl has been here a
couple of days, and yesterday read his drama "Ideal and Welt"
before our Grand Duke. The company was much the same as at
Schlonbach's reading. - .
About your book I am very curious, and beg that you will send it
me immediately. With regard to the opportunity for the paper I
can tell you something when I come to Leipzig. In the course of
next summer a monthly paper will make its appearance here, out of
which much might grow. This is between ourselves, for the public
will learn about it later.
Remember me most kindly to your wife, and remain good to
Your very sincere and grateful friend,
