Rare ALS in French, signed “F. Liszt,” two pages, 4.5 x 7, August 4, 1878. A letter to Madame Marie Saar (his cousin). In part (translated): “Thank you for the photograph. It has been passed on immediately to my Grand Duke, who very much appreciates Saar’s Tales and is planning to put on one of his plays here and even invite him to stage it at Weimar though asking for the information to be kept in confidence.” Attractively double matted and framed with an engraving and a small plaque to an overall size of 20.75 x 14.75 In fine condition, with mild toning to letter’s edges.
Saar’s husband, Ferdinand Ludwig Adam von Saar, was an Austrian novelist, playwright and poet considered one of the most important German-language realistic writers at the end of the 1800s. It was during this same period that Liszt gained his greatest notoriety throughout Europe for his great skill as a performer—widely considered, even at the time, to be the greatest pianist ever. Liszt’s prowess caught the attention of the Grand Duke of Weimar, who in 1869 requested that the composer return to Weimar, where he had conducted orchestras for years. The Grand Duke provided him with housing, and Liszt offered a regular master class in the city from the spring to the fall. Interesting content referencing Saar’s 1876 collection of stories, Tales from Austria, and covert plans to stage a Saar play in Weimar at the request of the grand duke. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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