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Lot #561
Franz Liszt Autograph Letter Signed: "Concert journeys are quite absurd for me"

Liszt writes to his student and promoter: "Concert journeys are quite absurd for me"

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Description

Liszt writes to his student and promoter: "Concert journeys are quite absurd for me"

ALS in German, signed “F. Liszt,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, June 21, 1874. Handwritten letter to pianist and conductor Walter Bache, who studied under Liszt and served as a champion of his works in England. In full (translated): "In the fond memory and heartfelt enjoyment of your generous approbation, I am often with you; But unfortunately I seldom succeed in writing to my worthiest friends, as my time is frittered away by a crowd of burdensome unprofitable letters. I have just sent such a one to Mr. Eggers in Liverpool. The good man invited me to the festival there, recommended me to 'reflect' about it, and offered me 10 guineas to play as a fee—without considering that after all I might have something other and better to do than accept this sort of invitation. Concert journeys are quite absurd for me. Fulfilling my duties in Pest and Weimar provide me with quite enough trouble and inconvenience. The rest may remain undecided.

This summer and autumn (until my return to Pest in January '75) I shall spend here peacefully and industriously. Bülow granted me the particular pleasure of a visit last Monday and Tuesday. You were remembered kindly then. Bülow is now going to Salzungen (near Meiningen) for a few months to recover from his frightful concert exertions, and will arrive again in London next October.

Give my kind regards, with my sincerest feelings, to Herr Daureuther, and do me the kindness of delivering the enclosed thank-you notes to Messrs Hueffer and Gounod. Our highly intelligent and dear daughter-in-law Madame Laussot told me that you, dear Bache, will probably soon be travelling to Italy. A hearty welcome therefore to old abodes where you can rest once again." Affixed to a larger scrapbook page and in fine condition, with scattered light staining. Accompanied by the original mailing panel, addressed in Liszt's own hand, affixed to a slightly larger card.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #699 - Ended September 11, 2024





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