Hungarian composer and pianist (1811–1866) who takes a place among the first rank of nineteenth-century musicians. His superhuman prowess at the keyboard earned him a singular cachet as perhaps the greatest virtuoso in the history of the instrument. His advanced, forward-looking musical language made him one of the most important and influential composers of the Romantic era; in this regard, his primary benefactor was his son-in-law, Richard Wagner. ALS in French, signed “F. Liszt,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 3.5 x 4.75, no date. Liszt writes to Comte Gustave Neipperg. In full (translated): “This morning’s concert is postponed till next Monday (the day after tomorrow) due to the preparations that are necessary for tomorrow’s celebration at La Scala. You will thus get off with only one musicaillerie [a neologism, evidently sarcastic] today, Cova’s one tonight, for which fortunately enough no preparations are necessary. I will be there as early as ten. Come as early and stay as late as you can.” Mild wrinkling and handling wear and small marginal loss to corner of second (unsigned) leaf, otherwise fine, bright condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
