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Title: Letters of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy from 1833 to 1847
Author: Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix
Language: English
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MENDELSSOHN’S LETTERS,
FROM 1833 TO 1847.
[Illustration: Drawing of Mendelssohn
“AND AFTER THE FIRE THERE CAME A STILL SMALL VOICE
AND IN THAT STILL SMALL VOICE ONWARDS CAME THE LORD.”
ELIJAH
[Illustration: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy signature]
LETTERS
OF
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY,
FROM 1833 TO 1847.
EDITED BY
PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY,
OF BERLIN;
AND
DR. CARL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY,
OF HEIDELBERG:
WITH
A CATALOGUE OF ALL HIS MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS
COMPILED BY
DR. JULIUS RIETZ.
Translated
BY
LADY WALLACE.
LONDON:
LONGMAN, GREEN, LONGMAN, ROBERTS, & GREEN.
1863.
PRINTED BY
JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, LITTLE QUEEN STREET,
LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS.
PREFACE.
The Letters of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy from Italy and Switzerland,
have amply fulfilled the purpose of their publication, by making him
_personally known_ to the world, and, above all, to his countrymen.
Those Letters, however, comprise only a portion of the period of
Mendelssohn’s youth; and it has now become possible, by the aid of his
own verbal delineations, to exhibit in a complete form that picture of
his life and character which was commenced in the former volume.
This has been distinctly kept in view in the selection of the following
letters. They commence directly after the termination of the former
volume, and extend to Mendelssohn’s death. They accompany him through
the most varied relations of his life and vocation, and thus lay claim,
at least partially, to another kind of interest from that of the period
of gay, though not insignificant enjoyment, depicted by him in the
letters written during his travels. For example, the negotiations on the
subject of his appointment at Berlin take up a large space; but this is
inevitable, so characteristic are they of the manner in which he
conceived and conducted such matters, while they reveal to us much that
lies outside his own personal character, and thus possess a more than
merely biographical value.
On the other hand, the minute details of the pure and elevated happiness
which Mendelssohn enjoyed in his most intimate domestic relations, are
expressly withheld, as being the peculiar treasure of his family, and a
few passages only have been selected for publication from these letters,
which however are sufficiently clear on the point. In conclusion, it
should be observed, that no letter addressed to any living person has
been published without express permission readily accorded.
A Catalogue of all Mendelssohn’s compositions, compiled by Herr
Kapellmeister Dr. Julius Rietz, is added as a supplement, which, by its
classification and arrangement, will no doubt prove an object of
interest both to musicians and amateurs of music.
_Berlin and Heidelberg,
June, 1863._
LETTERS.
TO PASTOR BAUER, BESZIG.
Berlin, March 4th, 1833.
Since I set to work again, I feel in such good spirits that I am anxious
to adhere to it as closely as possible, so it monopolizes every moment
that I do not spend with my own family. Such a period as this last
half-year having passed away makes me feel doubly grateful. It is like
the sensation of going out for the first time after an illness; and, in
fact, such a term of uncertainty, doubt, and suspense, really amounted
to a malady, and one of the worst kind too.[1] I am now however entirely
cured; so, when you think of me, do so as of a joyous musician, who is
doing many things, who is _resolved_ to do many more, and who would
_fain_ accomplish all that can be done.
For the life of me I cannot rightly understand the meaning of your
recent question and discussion, or what answer I am to give you.
Universality, and everything bordering on æsthetics, makes me forthwith
quite dumb and dejected. Am I to tell you how you ought to feel? You
strive to discriminate between an excess of sensibility and genuine
feeling, and say that a plant may bloom itself to death.
But no such thing exists as an excess of sensibility; and what is
designated as such is, in fact, rather a dearth of it. The soaring,
elevated emotions inspired by music, so welcome to listeners, are no
excess; for let him who can feel do so to the utmost of his power, and
even more if possible; and if he dies of it, it will not be in sin, for
nothing is certain but what is felt or believed, or whatever term you
may choose to employ; moreover, the bloom of a plant does not cause it
to perish save when forced, and forced to the uttermost; and, in that
case, a sickly blossom no more resembles a healthy one, than sickly
sentimentality resembles true feeling.
I am not acquainted with Herr W----, nor have I read his book; but it is
always to be deplored when any but genuine artists attempt to purify and
restore the public taste. On such a subject words are only pernicious;
deeds alone are efficient. For even if people do really feel this
antipathy towards the present, they cannot as yet give anything better
to replace it, and therefore they had best let it alone. Palestrina
effected a reformation during his life; he could not do so now any more
than Sebastian Bach or Luther. The men are yet to come who will
_advance_ on the straight road; and who will lead others onwards, or
back to the ancient and right path, which ought, in fact, to be termed
the onward path; but they will write no books on the subject.
TO PASTOR BAUER, BESZIG.
Berlin, April 6th, 1833.
My work, about which I had recently many doubts, is finished; and now,
when I look it over, I find that, quite contrary to my expectations, it
satisfies myself. I believe it has become a good composition; but be
that as it may, at all events I feel that it shows progress, and that is
the main point. So long as I feel this to be the case, I can enjoy life
and be happy; but the most bitter moments I ever endured, or ever could
have imagined, were during last autumn, when I had my misgivings on this
subject. Would that this mood of happy satisfaction could but be hoarded
and stored up! But the worst of it is, that I feel sure I shall have
forgotten it all when similar evil days recur, and I can devise no means
of guarding against this, nor do I believe that you can suggest any. As,
however, a whole mass of music is at this moment buzzing in my head, I
trust that it will not, please God, quickly pass away.
Strange that this should be the case at a time, in other respects so
imbued with deep fervour and earnestness, for I shall leave this place
feeling more solitary than when I came. I have found my nearest
relatives, my parents, my brother and sisters, alone unchanged; and this
is a source of happiness for which I certainly cannot be too grateful to
God; indeed, now that I am (what is called) independent, I have learned
to love and honour, and understand my parents better than ever; but then
I see many branching off to the right and to the left, whom I had hoped
would always go along with me; and yet I could not follow them on their
path, even if I wished to do so.
The longer I stay in Berlin, the more do I miss Rietz, and the more
deeply do I deplore his death. X---- declares that the fault lies very
much with myself, because I insist on having people exactly as I fancy
they ought to be, and that I have too much party spirit for or against a
person; but it is this very spirit, the want of which I feel so much
here. I hear plenty of opinions given, but where there is no fervour
there can be no sound judgment; and where it does exist, though it may
indeed not unfrequently lead to error, still it often tends towards
progress too, and then we need not take refuge in past times, or
anywhere else, but rather rejoice in the present, if only for bringing
with it in its course a spring or an Easter festival.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Coblenz, September 6th, 1833.
Dear Schubring,
Just as I was beginning to arrange the sheets of my oratorio,[2] and
meditating on the music that I intend to write for it this winter, I
received your letter enclosing your extracts, which appeared to me so
good that I transcribed the whole text so far as it has gone, and now
return it to you with the same request as at first, that you will kindly
send me your remarks and additions. You will perceive various
annotations on the margin as to the passages I wish to have from the
Bible or the Hymn Book. I am anxious also to have your opinion--1st. As
to the form of the whole, especially the narrative part, and whether you
think that the _general_ arrangement may be retained,--the blending of
the narrative and dramatic representation. I dare not adopt the Bach
form along with this personified recital, so this combination seems to
me the most natural, and not very difficult, except in such passages,
for example, as Ananias, owing to the length of the continuous
narration. 2nd. Whether you are of opinion that any of the principal
features in the history or the acts, and also in the character and
teaching of St. Paul, have been either omitted or falsified. 3rd. Where
the divisions of the first and second parts should be marked. 4th.
Whether you approve of my employing chorales? From this I have been
strongly dissuaded by various people, and yet I cannot decide on giving
it up entirely, for I think it must be in character with any oratorio
founded on the New Testament. If this be also your opinion, then you
must supply me with all the hymns and passages. You see I require a
great deal from you, but I wish first to enter fully into the spirit of
the words, and then the music shall follow: and I know the interest you
take in the work.
If you will do all this for me, write me a few lines immediately to
Berlin, for I am obliged to go there for three or four days with my
father, who went to England with me, and was dangerously ill there.
Thank God, he is now quite restored to health; but I was under such
dreadful apprehensions the whole time, that I shall leave nothing undone
on my part to see him once more safe at home. I must, however, return
forthwith and proceed to Düsseldorf, where you are probably aware that I
directed the Musical Festival, and subsequently decided on taking up my
abode there for two or three years, nominally in order to direct the
church music, and the Vocal Association, and probably also a new theatre
which is now being built there, but in reality for the purpose of
securing quiet and leisure for composition. The country and the people
suit me admirably, and in winter “St. Paul” is to be given. I brought
out my new symphony in England, and people liked it; and now the
“Hebrides” is about to be published, and also the symphony. This is all
very gratifying, but I hope the things of real value are yet to come. I
trust it may be so. It is not fair in me to have written you such a
half-dry and wholly serious letter, but such has been the character of
this recent period, and so I am become in some degree like it.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Berlin, 1833.
... Do you suppose that I have not gone to hear Madame B---- because she
is not handsome, and wears wide hanging sleeves? This is not the reason,
although there are undoubtedly some physiognomies which can never, under
any circumstances, become artistic; from which such icy cold emanates
that their very aspect freezes me at once. But why should I be forced to
listen for the thirtieth time to all sorts of variations by Herz? They
cause me less pleasure than rope-dancers or acrobats. In their case, we
have at least the barbarous excitement of fearing that they may break
their necks, and of seeing that nevertheless they escape doing so. But
those who perform feats of agility on the piano do not even endanger
their lives, but only our ears. In such I take no interest. I wish I
could escape the annoyance of being obliged to hear that the public
demands this style; I also form one of the public, and I demand the
exact reverse. Moreover, she played in the theatre between the acts, and
that I consider most obnoxious. First, up goes the curtain, and I see
before me India, with her pariahs and palm-trees and prickly plants, and
then come death and murder, so I must weep bitterly; then up goes the
curtain again, and I see Madame B---- with her piano, and a concert
ensues in every variety of minor key, and I must applaud with all my
might; then follows the farce of “Ein Stündchen vor dem Potsdamer Thor,”
and I am expected to laugh. No! This I cannot stand, and these are the
reasons why I do not deserve your censure. I stayed at home because I
like best to be in my own room, or with my own family, or in my own
garden, which is wonderfully beautiful this year. If you will not
believe me, come and judge for yourself. I cannot resist always
reverting to this.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, BERLIN.
Düsseldorf, October 26th, 1833.
My dear Sister,
The history of my life during the last few weeks is long and pleasant.
Sunday, Maximilian’s day, was my first Mass; the choir crammed with
singers, male and female, and the whole church decorated with green
branches and tapestry. The organist flourished away tremendously, up
and down. Haydn’s Mass was scandalously gay, but the whole thing was
very tolerable. Afterwards came a procession, playing my solemn march in
E flat; the bass performers repeating the first part, while those in the
treble went straight on; but this was of no consequence in the open air;
and when I encountered them later in the day, they had played the march
so often over that it went famously; and I consider it a high honour,
that these itinerant musicians have bespoken a new march from me for the
next fair.
Previous to that Sunday, however, there was rather a touching scene. I
must tell you that really no appropriate epithet exists for the music
which has been hitherto given here. The chaplain came and complained to
me of his dilemma; the Burgomaster had said that though his predecessor
was evangelical, and perfectly satisfied with the music, he intended
himself to form part of the procession, and insisted that the music
should be of a better class. A very crabbed old musician, in a
threadbare coat, was summoned, whose office it had hitherto been to beat
time. When he came, and they attacked him, he declared that he neither
could nor would have better music; if any improvement was required, some
one else must be employed; that he knew perfectly what vast pretensions
some people made now-a-days, everything was expected to sound so
beautiful; this had not been the case in his day, and he played just as
well now as formerly. I was really very reluctant to take the affair
out of his hands, though there could be no doubt that others would do
infinitely better; and I could not help thinking how I should myself
feel, were I to be summoned some fifty years hence to a town-hall, and
spoken to in this strain, and a young greenhorn snubbed me, and my coat
were seedy, and I had not the most remote idea why the music should be
better,--and I felt rather uncomfortable.
Unluckily, I could not find among all the music here even one tolerable
solemn Mass, and not a single one of the old Italian masters; nothing
but modern dross. I took a fancy to travel through my domains in search
of good music; so, after the Choral Association on Wednesday, I got into
a carriage and drove off to Elberfeld, where I hunted out Palestrina’s
“Improperia,” and the Misereres of Allegri and Bai, and also the score
and vocal parts of “Alexander’s Feast,” which I carried off forthwith,
and went on to Bonn. There I rummaged through the whole library alone,
for poor Breidenstein is so ill that it is scarcely expected he can
recover; but he gave me the key, and lent me whatever I chose. I found
some splendid things, and took away with me six Masses of Palestrina,
one of Lotti and one of Pergolesi, and Psalms by Leo and Lotti, etc.
etc. At last, in Cologne I succeeded in finding out the best old Italian
pieces which I as yet know, particularly two motetts of Orlando Lasso,
which are wonderfully fine, and even deeper and broader than the two
“Crucifixus” of Lotti. One of these, “Populus meus” we are to sing in
church next Friday.
The following day was Sunday, so the steamboat did not come, and knowing
that my presence was necessary in Düsseldorf, I hired a carriage and
drove here. People were crowding along the _chaussée_ from every
direction; a number of triumphal arches had been erected, and the houses
all adorned with lamps. I arrived with my huge packet, but not a single
person would look at it; nothing but “the Crown Prince,” “the Crown
Prince,” again and again. He arrived safely at the Jägerhof on Sunday
evening, passing under all the triumphal arches during the time of the
illuminations, and amidst the pealing of bells and firing of cannon,
with an escort of burgher guards, between lines of soldiers, and to the
sound of martial music. Next day he gave a dinner, to which he invited
me, and I amused myself famously, because I was very jovial at a small
table with Lessing, Hübner, and a few others. Besides, the Crown Prince
was as gracious as possible, and shook hands with me, saying that he was
really quite angry at my forsaking both him and Berlin for so long a
time; listened to what I had to say, called me forward from my corner as
“dear Mendelssohn,”--in short, you see I am thought infinitely more
precious when I am a little way from home.
I must now describe to you the fête that was given in his honour, and
for which I suggested the employment of some old transparencies, to be
connected by appropriate verses for “Israel in Egypt,” with _tableaux
vivants_. They took place in the great Hall of the Academy, where a
stage was erected. In front was the double chorus (about ninety voices
altogether), standing in two semicircles round my English piano; and in
the room seats for four hundred spectators. R----, in mediæval costume,
interpreted the whole affair, and contrived very cleverly, in iambics,
to combine the different objects, in spite of their disparity.
He exhibited three transparencies:--first, “Melancholy,” after Dürer, a
motett of Lotti’s being given by men’s voices in the far distance; then
the Raphael, with the Virgin appearing to him in a vision, to which the
“O Sanctissima” was sung (a well-known song, but which always makes
people cry); thirdly, St. Jerome in his tent, with a song of Weber’s,
“Hör’ uns, Wahrheit.” This was the first part. Now came the best of all.
We began from the very beginning of “Israel in Egypt.” Of course you
know the first recitative, and how the chorus gradually swells in tone;
first the voices of the _alti_ are heard alone, then more voices join
in, till the loud passage comes with single chords, “They sighed,” etc.
(in G minor), when the curtain rose, and displayed the first tableau,
“The Children of Israel in bondage,” designed and arranged by Bendemann.
In the foreground was Moses, gazing dreamily into the distance in
sorrowful apathy; beside him an old man sinking to the ground under the
weight of a beam, while his son makes an effort to relieve him from it;
in the background some beautiful figures with uplifted arms, a few
weeping children in the foreground,--the whole scene closely crowded
together like a mass of fugitives. This remained visible till the close
of the first chorus; and when it ended in C minor, the curtain at the
same moment dropped over the bright picture. A finer effect I scarcely
ever saw.
The chorus then sang the plagues, hail, darkness, and the first-born,
without any tableau; but at the chorus, “He led them through like
sheep,” the curtain rose again, when Moses was seen in the foreground
with raised staff, and behind him, in gay tumult, the same figures who
in the first tableau were mourning, now all pressing onwards, laden with
gold and silver vessels; one young girl (also by Bendemann) was
especially lovely, who, with her pilgrim’s staff, seemed as if advancing
from the side scenes and about to cross the stage. Then came the
choruses again, without any tableau, “But the waters,” “He rebuked the
Red Sea,” “Thy right hand, O Lord,” and the recitative, “And Miriam, the
Prophetess,” at the close of which the solo soprano appeared. At the
same moment the last tableau was uncovered,--Miriam, with a silver
timbrel, sounding praises to the Lord, and other maidens with harps and
citherns, and in the background four men with trombones, pointing in
different directions. The soprano solo was sung behind the scene, as if
proceeding from the picture; and when the chorus came in _forte_, real
trombones, and trumpets, and kettledrums, were brought on the stage, and
burst in like a thunder-clap. Handel evidently intended this effect, for
after the commencement he makes them pause, till they come in again in C
major, when the other instruments recommence. And thus we concluded the
second part.
This last tableau was by Hübner, and pleased me exceedingly. The effect
of the whole was wonderfully fine. Much might possibly have been said
against it had it been a pretentious affair, but its character was
entirely social, and not public, and I think it would scarcely be
possible to devise a more charming fête. The next that followed was a
_tableau vivant_, designed and arranged by Schadow, “Lorenzo de’ Medici,
surrounded by the Geniuses of Poetry, Sculpture, and Painting, leading
to him Dante, Raphael, Michael Angelo, and Bramante,” with a
complimentary allusion to the Crown Prince, and a final chorus. The
second division consisted of the comic scenes from the “Midsummer
Night’s Dream,” represented by the painters here, but I did not care so
much for it, having been so absorbed by the previous one.
How would you translate in the same measure the following line:--
“So Love was crowned, but Music won the cause”?[3]
Ramler, with the genuine dignity of a translator, says, “Heil, Liebe,
dir! der Tonkunst Ehr’ und Dank” (All hail to thee, O Love! to Music
thanks and honour), which has no point, and is anything but a
translation; the first part of the Ode closes with these lines, so the
whole sense would be lost, for the pith of the sentence lies in the word
“_won_.” Give me some good hint about this, for on the 22nd of November
we come before the public with “Alexander’s Feast,” the overture to
“Egmont,” and Beethoven’s concerto in C minor. I am told that an
orchestra is to be constructed in Becker’s Hall, for two hundred
persons. All who can sing, or play, or pay, are sure to be there. Tell
me if I shall resume my Greek here.[4] I feel very much disposed to do
so, but fear it will not go on very swimmingly. Could I understand
Æschylus? tell me this honestly. Further, do you attend to my advice
about pianoforte playing and singing? If you want any songs, as
Christmas draws dear, you can get them from me if you wish it. Send for
the “Hebrides” arranged as a duett; it is, no doubt, published by this
time. I think, however, that the overture to “Melusina” will be the best
thing I have as yet done; as soon as it is finished I will send it to
you. Adieu.
FELIX.
TO HIS FATHER.
Bonn, December 28th, 1833.
Dear Father,
First of all, I must thank you for your kind, loving letter, and I
rejoice that even before receiving it, I had done what you desired.[5]
Strange to say, my official acceptance, I must tell you, was sent last
week to Schadow; the biography was enclosed, so I expect the patent next
week; but I must thank you once more for the very kind manner in which
you write to me on the subject, and I feel proud that you consider me
worthy of such a confidential tone.
The people in Düsseldorf are an excitable race! The “Don Juan” affair
amused me, although riotous enough, and Immermann had a sharp attack of
fever from sheer vexation.[6] As you, dear Mother, like to read
newspapers, you shall receive in my next letter all the printed articles
on the subject, which engrossed the attention of the whole town for
three long days. After the _grand scandale_ had fairly begun, and the
curtain three times dropped and drawn up again,--after the first duett
of the second act had been sung, entirely drowned by whistling,
shouting, and howling,--after a newspaper had been flung to the manager
on the stage, that he might read it aloud, who on this went off in a
violent huff, the curtain being dropped for the fourth time,--I was
about to lay down my _bâton_, though I would far rather have thrown it
at the heads of some of these fellows, when the uproar suddenly
subsided. The shouting voices were hoarse, and the well-conducted people
brightened up; in short, the second act was played in the midst of the
most profound silence, and much applause at the close. After it was
over, all the actors were called for, but not one came, and Immermann
and I consulted together in a shower of fiery rain and gunpowder
smoke--among the black demons--as to what was to be done. I declared
that until the company and I had received some apology, I would not
again conduct the opera; then came a deputation of several members of
the orchestra, who in turn said that if I did not conduct the opera,
they would not play; then the manager of the theatre began to lament, as
he had already disposed of all the tickets for the next performance.
Immermann snubbed everybody all round, and in this graceful manner we
retreated from the field.
Next day in every corner appeared, “Owing to obstacles that had arisen,”
etc. etc.; and all the people whom we met in the streets could talk of
nothing but this disturbance. The newspapers were filled with articles
on the subject; the instigator of the riot justified himself, and
declared that in spite of it all he had had great enjoyment, for which
he felt grateful to me and to the company, and gave his name; as he is a
Government secretary, the president summoned him, blew him up
tremendously, and sent him to the director, who also blew him up
tremendously. The soldiers who had taken part in the tumult were treated
in the same manner by their officers. The Association for the Promotion
of Music issued a manifesto, begging for a repetition of the opera, and
denouncing the disturbance. The Theatrical Committee intimated that if
the slightest interruption of the performance ever again occurred, they
would instantly dissolve. I procured also from the committee full powers
to put a stop to the opera in case of any unseemly noise. Last Monday it
was to be given again; in the morning it was universally reported that
the manager was to be hissed, on account of his recent testiness;
Immermann was seized with fever, and I do assure you that it was with
feelings the reverse of pleasant that I took my place in the orchestra
at the beginning, being resolved to stop the performance if there was
the slightest disorder. But the moment I advanced to my desk the
audience received me with loud applause, and called for a flourish of
trumpets in my honour, insisting on this being three times repeated,
amid a precious row; then all were as still as mice, while each actor
received his share of applause; in short, the public were now as polite
as they formerly were unruly. I wish you had seen the performance:
individual parts could not, I feel sure, have been better given,--the
quartett for instance, and the ghost in the finale at the end of the
opera, and almost the whole of “Leporello,” went splendidly, and caused
me the greatest pleasure. I am so glad to hear that the singers, who at
first, I am told, were prejudiced against me personally, as well as
against these classical performances, now say they would go to the death
for me, and are all impatience for the time when I am to give another
opera. I came over here for Christmas, by Cologne and the Rhine, where
ice is drifting along, and have passed a couple of quiet pleasant days
here.
And now to return to the much talked of correspondence between Goethe
and Zelter. One thing struck me on this subject: when in this work
Beethoven or any one else is abused, or my family unhandsomely treated,
and many subjects most tediously discussed, I remain quite cool and
calm; but when Reichardt is in question, and they both presume to
criticize him with great arrogance, I feel in such a rage that I don’t
know what to do, though I cannot myself explain why this should be so.
His “Morgengesang” must unluckily rest for this winter, the Musical
Association is not yet sufficiently full fledged for it, but the first
musical festival to which I go it shall be there. It is said they will
not be able to have it at Aix-la-Chapelle, and that it is to be given
at Cologne, and many of my acquaintances urge me strongly to pay my
court to one or the other, in which case I should be selected, but this
I never will do. If they should choose me without this, I shall be glad;
but if not, I shall save a month’s precious time (for it will take that
at least), and remain as I am. Having been obliged to give three
concerts this winter, besides the “Messiah” and the “Nozze di Figaro,” I
think I have had nearly enough of music for the present, and may now
enjoy a little breathing time. But how is it, Mother, that you ask
whether I _must_ conduct all the operas? Heaven forbid there should be
any _must_ in the case, for almost every week two operas are given, and
the performers consider themselves absolved by one rehearsal. I am only
one of the members of the Theatrical Association, chosen to be on the
select committee, who give six or eight classical performances every
year, and elect a council for their guidance, this council consisting of
Immermann and myself; we are therefore quite independent of the rest,
who consequently feel increased respect for us.
When the great Theatrical Association is fairly established, and the
theatre becomes a settled and civic institution, Immermann is resolved
to give up his situation in the Justiciary Court, and to engage himself
for five years as director of the theatre. Indeed, I hear that most of
the shareholders have only given their signatures on condition that _he_
should undertake the plays, and _I_ the operas; how this may be, lies
close hidden as yet in the womb of time, but in any event I will not
entirely withdraw from the affair. I have composed a song for
Immermann’s “Hofer,” or rather, I should say, arranged a Tyrolese
popular melody for it, and also a French march; but I like the thing,
and mean to send it to Fanny. We think of giving “Hofer” this winter,
and perhaps also “Das laute Geheimniss” and “Nathan,” or the “Braut von
Messina,” or both. You also advise me, Mother, to acquire the habit of
dictation; but in the meantime I can get through by the use of my own
pen, and intend only to have recourse to such a dignified proceeding in
the greatest possible emergency.[7] Thank you very much for the letter
you sent me from Lindblad.[8] It gave me great pleasure, and made me
like my concerto far better than I did before, for I know few people
whose judgment I respect more than his. I can as little explain this, or
give any reason for it, as for many another feeling, but it is so; and
when I have finished a thing, whether successful or a failure, he is the
first person, next to yourself, whose opinion I should be glad to hear.
That a piece so rapidly sketched as this pianoforte concerto, should
cause pleasure to so genuine a musician, enhances mine, and so I thank
you much for the letter. But it is high time to close this letter and
this year, to which I am indebted for many blessings and much happiness,
and which has been another bright year for me.
I thank you also, dear Father, now as ever, for having gone with me to
England for my sake; and though my advice, which you followed for the
first time, proved so unfortunate, and caused us all so much anxiety and
uneasiness, you never once reproached me. Still I think, since you write
that you are now perfectly well and in good spirits, the journey may
have contributed to this. May these happy results be still further
increased during the approaching year, and may it bring you all every
blessing. Farewell.
FELIX.
TO HIS FAMILY.
Düsseldorf, January 16th, 1834.
We are leading a merry life here just now, casting aside all care; every
one is full of fun and jollity. I have just come from the rehearsal of
“Egmont,” where, for the first time in my life, I tore up a score from
rage at the stupidity of the _musici_, whom I feed with 6-8 time in due
form, though they are more fit for babes’ milk; then they like to
belabour each other in the orchestra. This I don’t choose they should do
in my presence, so furious scenes sometimes occur. At the air,
“Glücklich allein ist die Seele die liebt,” I fairly tore the music in
two, on which they played with much more expression. The music delighted
me so far, that I again heard something of Beethoven’s for the first
time; but it had no particular charm for me, and only two pieces, the
march in C major, and the movement in 6-8 time, where Klärchen is
seeking Egmont, are quite after my own heart. To-morrow we are to have
another rehearsal; in the evening the Prince gives a ball, which will
last till four in the morning, from which I could excuse myself if I
were not so very fond of dancing. I must now tell you about my excursion
to Elberfeld. Sunday was the concert, so in the morning I drove there in
a furious storm of thunder and rain. I found the whole musical world
assembled in the inn, drinking champagne at twelve in the forenoon,
instead of which I ordered chocolate for myself. A pianoforte solo of
mine had been announced, after which I intended to have come away
immediately, but hearing that there was to be a ball in the evening, I
resolved not to set off till night, and as they had introduced music
from “Oberon” in the second part, feeling myself in a vein for
extemporizing, I instantly took up their last _ritournelle_, and
continued playing the rest of the opera. There was no great merit in
this, still it pleased the people wonderfully, and at the end I was
greeted with plaudits loud enough to gratify any one. As the room was
crowded, I promised to return in the course of the winter to play for
the benefit of the poor. The Barmers sent me a deputation of three
Barmer ladies to persuade me to go there on Monday; and as my travelling
companion had both time and inclination for this, I played extempore on
the Monday afternoon in the Barmer Musical Association, and then a
quartett in Elberfeld, travelled through the night, and arrived at home
at four on Tuesday morning, as my hour for receiving people is from
eight to nine. The Barmer fantasia was well designed; I must describe it
for Fanny.
A poem had been sent me anonymously, at the end of which I was advised
to marry (of course this was said in good poetry, interwoven with laurel
leaves and _immortelles_); and, wishing to respond to this compliment, I
began with my “Bachelor’s Song” (though, unluckily, no one found out its
meaning, but that was no matter), continuing to play it gaily for some
time; I then brought in the violoncello with the theme, “Mir ist so
wunderbar,” and so far it was very successful. I was anxious, however,
before closing, to introduce some matrimonial felicity, but in this I
utterly failed, which spoilt the conclusion. I wish, however, you had
been present at the beginning, for I believe you would have been
pleased. I think I already wrote to you that my fantasia in F sharp
minor, Op. 28,[9] is about to be published. I have introduced a fine
massive passage in octaves into my new E flat rondo; I am now going to
work at my _scena_ for the Philharmonic, to edit the three overtures, to
compose another trio or a symphony, and then comes “St. Paul.” Addio.
FELIX.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Düsseldorf, February 7th, 1834.
My own poverty in novel passages for the piano struck me very much in
the _rondo brillant_[10] which I wish to dedicate to you; these are what
cause me to demur, and to torment myself, and I fear you will remark
this. In other respects there is a good deal in it that I like, and some
passages please me exceedingly; but how I am to set about composing a
methodical _tranquil_ piece (and I well remember you advised me strongly
to do this last spring) I really cannot tell. All that I now have in my
head for the piano, is about as _tranquil_ as Cheapside,[11] and even
when I control myself, and begin to extemporize very soberly, I
gradually break loose again. On the other hand, the _scena_ which I am
now writing for the Philharmonic is, I fear, becoming much too tame; but
it is needless to carp so much at myself, and I work hard: by saying
this you will see that I am well, and in good spirits. Dear Madame
Moscheles, when you, however, advise me to remain quite indifferent
towards the public and towards critics, I must in turn ask, Am I not, in
my profession, an _anti-public-caring_ musician, and an _anti-critical_
one into the bargain? What is Hecuba to me, or critics either? (I mean
the press, or rather pressure;) and if an overture to Lord Eldon were to
suggest itself to me, in the form of a reversed canon, or a double fugue
with a _cantus firmus_, I should persist in writing it, though it would
certainly not be popular,--far more, therefore, a “lovely Melusina,” who
is, however, a very different object; only it would be fatal indeed were
I to find that I could no longer succeed in having my works performed;
but as you say there is no fear of this, then I say, long live the
public and the critics! but I intend to live too, and to go to England
next year if possible.
Your observations on Neukomm’s music find a complete response in my own
heart. What does astonish me is, that a man of so much taste and
cultivation should not, with such qualifications, write more elegant and
refined music; for, without referring to the ideas or the basis of his
works, they appear to me most carelessly composed, and even commonplace.
He also employs brass instruments recklessly, which ought, through
discretion even, to be sparingly used, to say nothing of artistic
considerations. Among other things I am particularly pleased by the mode
in which Handel, towards the close, rushes in with his kettle-drums and
trumpets, as if he himself were belabouring them. There is no one who
would not be struck by it, and it seems to me far better to _imitate_
this, than to over-excite and stimulate the audience, who before the
close have become quite accustomed to all this Cayenne pepper. I have
just looked through Cherubini’s new opera,[12] and though I was quite
enchanted with many parts of it, still I cannot but deeply lament that
he so often adopts that new corrupt Parisian fashion, as if the
instruments were nothing, and the effect everything,--flinging about
three or four trombones, as if it were the audience who had skins of
parchment instead of the drums: and then in his finales he winds up with
hideous chords, and a tumult and crash most grievous to listen to.
Compare with these, some of his earlier pieces, such as “Lodoiska” and
“Medea,” etc. etc., where there is as much difference in brightness and
genius, as between a living man and a scare-crow, so I am not surprised
that the opera did not please. Those who like the original Cherubini,
cannot fail to be provoked at the way in which he yields to the fashion
of the day, and to the taste of the public; and those who do not like
the original Cherubini, find far too much of his own style still left to
satisfy them either, no matter what pains he may take to do so,--he
always peeps forth again in the very first three notes. Then they call
this _rococo_, _perruque_, etc. etc.
TO HIS FATHER.
Düsseldorf, March 28th, 1834.
Dear Father,
A thousand thanks for your kind letter on my Mother’s birthday. I
received it in the midst of a general rehearsal of the “Wasserträger,”
otherwise I should have answered it, and thanked you for it, the same
day. Pray do often write to me. Above all, I feel grateful to you for
your admonitions as to industry, and my own work. Believe me, I intend
to profit by your advice; still I do assure you that I have not an atom
of that philosophy which would counsel me to give way to indolence, or
even in any degree to palliate it. During the last few weeks, it is
true, I have been incessantly engaged in active business, but
exclusively of a nature to teach me much that was important, and
calculated to improve me in my profession; and thus I never lost sight
of my work.
My having composed _beforehand_ the pieces bespoken by the Philharmonic
and the English publishers, was owing not only to having received the
commission, but also to my own inward impulse, because it is really very
long since I have written or worked at anything steadily, for which a
certain mood is indispensable. But all this tends to the same point, so
I certainly do not believe that these recreations will dispose me to
become either more careless or more indolent; and, as I said before,
they really are not mere amusements, but positive work, and pleasant
work often too. A good performance in the Düsseldorf theatre does not
find its way into the world at large,--indeed, scarcely perhaps beyond
the _Düssels_ themselves; but if I succeed in thoroughly delighting and
exciting both my own feelings and those of all in the house in favour of
good music, that is worth something too!
The week before the “Wasserträger” was given was most fatiguing; every
day two great rehearsals, often from nine to ten hours each on an
average, besides the preparations for the church music this week, so
that I was obliged to undertake the regulation of everything--the
acting, the scenery, and the dialogue, or it would all have gone wrong.
On Friday, therefore, I came to my desk feeling rather weary; we had
been obliged to have a complete general rehearsal in the forenoon, and
my right arm was quite stiff. The audience, too, who had neither seen
nor heard of the “Wasserträger” for the last fifteen or twenty years,
were under the impression that it was some old forgotten opera, which
the committee wished to revive, and all those on the stage felt very
nervous. This, however, gave exactly the right tone to the first act;
such tremor, excitement, and emotion pervaded the whole, that at the
second piece of music, the Düsseldorf opposition kindled into
enthusiasm, and applauded and shouted and wept by turns. A better
Wasserträger than Günther I never saw; he was most touching and natural,
and yet with a shade of homeliness, too, so that the _noblesse_ might
not appear too factitious. He was immensely applauded, and twice called
forward; this rather spoiled him for the second performance, when he
overacted his part, and was too confident; but I wish you could have
seen him the first time! It is long since I have had such a delightful
evening in the theatre, for I took part in the performance like one of
the spectators, and laughed, and applauded, and shouted “bravo!” yet
conducting with spirit all the time; the choruses in the second act
sounded as exact as if fired from a pistol. The stage was crowded
between the acts, every one pleased, and congratulating the singers. The
orchestra played with precision, except some plaguy fellows who, in
spite of all my threats and warnings, could not be prevailed on to take
their eyes off the stage during the performance, and to look at their
notes. On Sunday it was given again, and did not go half so well, but I
had my full share of enjoyment the first time, though the house, on this
second occasion, was far more crowded, and the effect the same. I write
you all these details, dear Father, for I know that you are interested
in this opera, and in our provincial doings. We really have as much
music, and as good music, as could be expected during my first winter
here. To-morrow evening (Good Friday) we are to sing in church the “Last
Seven Words” of Palestrina, which I found in Cologne, and a composition
of Lasso, and on Sunday we give Cherubini’s Mass in C major.
The Government order prohibiting the celebration of the Musical
Festival on Whitsunday, is a bad business; the news came yesterday, and
has inflicted such a blow on the festival that here we have no idea how
it can be arranged, for on no other day can we reckon on so much support
from strangers. The first meeting of the Theatrical Association took
place recently; the matter has been very sensibly begun, and may turn
out well; but I keep out of the way, because in spite of the pleasure
that the opera, for instance, lately caused me, I can feel no sympathy
for actual theatrical life, or the squabbles of the actors and the
incessant striving after effect; it also estranges me too much from my
own chief purpose in Düsseldorf, which is to work for myself. I am the
chief superintendent of the musical performances, the arrangements of
the orchestra, and the engagement of the singers, and about every month
I have an opera to conduct (but even this is to depend on my own
convenience); of course I still have my three months’ vacation: in
short, I wish to be entirely independent of the theatre, and only to be
considered a friend, but with no official duties; on this account I have
given up all claim to any salary, which is to be transferred to a second
conductor, on whom the chief trouble will devolve. A circumstance that
occurred yesterday will amuse you. During the Carnival there was a
pretty girl here who played the piano, the daughter of a manufacturer
near Aix-la-Chapelle, and whose relations, though strangers to me, asked
me to allow her to play to me occasionally, to benefit by my
advice,--in fact, to give her a few lessons. This I accordingly did, and
read her some severe lectures on all her Herz music and so forth, and on
the day of her departure she left this with a quantity of
newly-purchased Mozart and Beethoven; so yesterday arrived a large
parcel for me, with a very polite letter of thanks from her father,
saying he had sent me a piece of cloth from his manufactory, as an
acknowledgment. I could scarcely believe this at first, but the parcel
really contained enough of the finest black cloth to make an entire
suit. This savours of the middle ages; the painters are mad with envy at
my good luck.
Last week I had a great pleasure, for Seydelmann, from Stuttgart, was
here, and enchanted us all. I have not felt such unalloyed delight since
I saw Wolff; so artistic, so elevated: such acting proves what a noble
thing a play may be. I saw him first in the “Essighändler” and “Koch
Vatel.” People compare him to Iffland; but I never in my life heard so
thrilling a voice, or such pure harmonious German. I then saw him as
Cromwell, in Raupach’s “Royalisten;” it was the first piece I had seen
of Raupach’s, and I am not the least anxious to see a second, for I
thought it quite odious; incongruous, tiresome, and full of theatrical
phrases, so that even Seydelmann could not give it dignity in spite of
his stern and gloomy countenance and costume; but then came “Nathan,”
which went off admirably, and Seydelmann, as Nathan, could not be
excelled. I thought of you, and wished you were here a hundred times at
least; when he told the story of the rings, it was just as if you saw a
broad tranquil stream gliding past, so rapid and flowing, and yet so
smooth and unruffled; the words of the discreet judge were most
exciting. It is indeed a splendid piece! It is good to know that there
is such clearness in the world. It however offends many, and when we
were next day on the Grafenberg we had war to the knife, because Schadow
was so irritable on the subject, and a gentleman from Berlin declared,
that “viewed in a dramatic aspect....” I did not argue the point at all,
for where there is such a total difference of opinion on any subject,
and about first principles, there is nothing to be done.
I must now ask your advice on a particular subject; I have long wished
to ride here, and when Lessing lately bought a horse, he advised me
strongly to do the same. I think the regular exercise would do me
good,--this is in favour of the scheme; but against it, there is the
possibility of its becoming an inconvenient and even tyrannical custom,
as I should think it my duty to ride, if possible, every day; then I
also wished to ask you whether you don’t think it rather too _genteel_
for me, at my years, to have a horse of my own? In short, I am
undecided, and beg now, as I have often done before, to hear your
opinion, by which mine will be regulated. Farewell, dear Father.--Your
FELIX.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Düsseldorf, April 7th, 1834.
Dear Fanny,
You are no doubt very angry with such a lazy _non-writing_ creature as
myself? but pray remember that I am a town music director, and a beast
of burden like that has much to do. Lately on my return home I found two
chairs standing on my writing-table, the guard of the stove lying under
the piano, and on my bed a comb and brush, and a pair of boots
(Bendemann and Jordan had left these as visiting cards). This was, or
rather is, the exact state of musical life in Düsseldorf, and before
things become more orderly here, it will cost no little toil. So you
must now more than ever excuse my indolence about letter-writing, and,
indeed, write yourself oftener to stir me up, and heap coals of fire on
my head. Your letter, to which I am now replying, was inimitable; a few
more such, I beg. You say, by the bye, that you speak of “Melusina” just
like X----. I only wish this was true, and then, instead of a meagre
_Hofrath_, we should have a solid fellow;--but listen! I must fly into a
passion. Oh! Fanny, you ask me _what_ legend you are to read? How many
are there, pray? and how many do I know? and don’t you know the story of
the “lovely Melusina?” and would it not be better for me to hide myself,
and to creep into all sorts of instrumental music without any title,
when my own sister (my wolf sister!) does not appreciate such a title?
Or did you really never hear of this beautiful fish? But when I remember
how you might grumble at me for waiting till _April_, to grumble at your
letter of _February_, I plead guilty and apologize. I wrote this
overture for an opera of Conradin Kreuzer’s, which I saw this time last
year in the Königstadt Theatre. The overture (I mean Kreuzer’s) was
encored, and I disliked it exceedingly, and the whole opera quite as
much; but not Mlle. Hähnel, who was very fascinating, especially in one
scene, where she appeared as a mermaid combing her hair; this inspired
me with the wish to write an overture which the people might not
_encore_, but which would cause them more solid pleasure; so I selected
the portion of the subject that pleased me (exactly corresponding with
the legend), and, in short, the overture came into the world, and this
is its pedigree.
You intend, no doubt, to take me to task also on account of the
four-part songs in my “Volks Lieder,” but I have a good deal of
experience on this point. It seems to me the only mode in which _Volks
Lieder_ ought to be written; because every pianoforte accompaniment
instantly recalls a room and a music desk, and also because four voices
can give a song of this kind in greater simplicity without an
instrument; and if _that_ reason be too æsthetic, then accept _this_
one, that I was anxious to write something of the kind for Woringen, who
sings these things enchantingly. Seriously, however, I find that the
four-part songs do “suit the text (as a _Volks Lied_) and also my
conception,” and so you see we differ very widely.
By the bye, I quite forgot to say that I wished to introduce a
wood-demon into the “Passion.” It is a good idea. Don’t whisper it to
any one, or to a certainty they will really attempt it next year; and
Pölchau declares the Romans were familiar with them, under the name of
_diabolus nemoris_. Only fancy, they have sent me my Academy patent in a
formidable red case (carriage paid), and in it a very ancient statute of
the “Academy for the fine arts and mechanical sciences,” along with a
complimentary letter, hoping I would return to Berlin, where my
“productions” were as highly prized as elsewhere. An excellent reason;
had they only said “because, respected Sir, you can nowhere feel so
happy as in the Leipziger Strasse, No. 3,” or even given any hint about
parents and brother and sisters,--but not a word of this!
One of my Düsseldorf troubles is at this moment beginning; I mean my
next-door neighbour, who has placed her piano against the wall just on
the other side of mine, and to my sorrow practises two hours a day,
making every day the same mistakes, and playing all Rossini’s airs in
such a desperately slow, phlegmatic _tempo_, that I certainly must have
played her some malicious trick, had it not occurred to me that she was
probably at all hours more tormented by my piano than I by hers. Then I
sometimes hear the teacher or the mother, (I can’t tell which,) strike
the right note distinctly seventeen times in succession; and when she is
playing at sight, and gradually out of the darkness developes some old
barrel-organ tune, which could be recognized by a single note,--it is
hard to bear. I know all her pieces by heart now, the moment she strikes
the first chord.--Farewell, dear Sister, ever your
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Düsseldorf, May 23rd, 1834.
... Yesterday week I drove with the two Woringens to Aix-la-Chapelle, as
a ministerial order was issued, only five days before the festival,
sanctioning the celebration of Whitsunday, and expressed in such a
manner that it is probable the same permission may be given next year
also. The diligence was eleven hours on the journey, and I was
shamefully impatient, and downright cross when we arrived. We went
straight to the rehearsal, and, seated in the pit, I heard a movement or
two from “Deborah;” on which I said to Woringen, “I positively will
write to Hiller from here, for the first time for two years, because he
has performed his office so well.” For really his work was unpretending
and harmonious, and subordinate to Handel, from whom he had cut out
nothing, so I was rejoiced to see that others are of my opinion, and act
accordingly. In the first tier was seated a man with a moustache,
reading the score; and when, after the rehearsal, he went downstairs,
and I was coming up, we met in the passage, and who should stumble right
into my arms but Ferdinand Hiller, who almost hugged me to death for
joy. He had come from Paris to hear the oratorio, and Chopin had left
his scholars in the lurch, and come with him, and thus we met again. I
had now my full share of delight in the Musical Festival, for we three
lived together, and got a private box in the theatre (where the oratorio
is performed), and of course next morning we betook ourselves to the
piano, where I had the greatest enjoyment. They have both improved much
in execution, and, as a pianist, Chopin is now one of the very first of
all. He produces new effects, like Paganini on his violin, and
accomplishes wonderful passages, such as no one could formerly have
thought practicable. Hiller, too, is an admirable player--vigorous, and
yet playful. Both, however, rather toil in the Parisian spasmodic and
impassioned style, too often losing sight of time and sobriety and of
true music; I, again, do so perhaps too little,--thus we all three
mutually learn something and improve each other, while I feel rather
like a school-master, and they a little like _mirliflors_ or
_incroyables_. After the festival we travelled together to Düsseldorf,
and passed a most agreeable day there, playing and discussing music;
then I accompanied them yesterday to Cologne. Early this morning they
went off to Coblenz _per_ steam,--I in the other direction,--and the
pleasant episode was over.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Düsseldorf, July 15th, 1834.
Dear Schubring,
It is now nearly a year since I ought to have written to you. I shall
not attempt to ask your forgiveness at all, for I am too much to blame,
or to excuse myself, for I could not hope to do so. How it occurred I
cannot myself understand. Last autumn, when I first established myself
here, I got your letter with the notices for “St. Paul;” they were the
best contributions I had yet received, and that very same forenoon I
began to ponder seriously on the matter, took up my Bible in the midst
of all the disorder of my room, and was soon so absorbed in it, that I
could scarcely force myself to attend to other works which I was
absolutely obliged to finish. At that time I intended to have written to
you instantly, to thank you cordially for all you had done; then it
occurred to me it would be better to wait till I could tell you that the
work was fairly begun, and when I really did commence in spring, so many
anxieties about my composition ensued, that they unsettled me. To-day,
however, I cannot rest satisfied with merely thinking of you, but must
write and ask how you and yours are? for I know that since then you
have had an increase to your family; it was scarcely fair in you not to
write me a single word on the subject, nor even to send me a formal
card, but to allow me to hear of the event by chance, through a third
person; for, though I grant that I well deserved this, still a pastor
like you should be the last to take revenge on any one, or to bear them
a grudge. Now pray don’t do so with me, and let me hear something of
you.
Your contributions for “St. Paul” were admirable, and I made use of them
all without exception; it is singular, and good, that, in the course of
composition, all the passages that from various reasons I formerly
wished to transpose or to alter, I have replaced exactly as I find them
in the Bible--it is always the best of all; more than half of the first
part is ready, and I hope to finish it in autumn, and the whole in
February. How are you now living in Dessau? I hope you will be able to
say, “Just as we used to do.” No doubt you retain your enjoyment of
life, and your cheerfulness, and still play the piano, and still love
Sebastian Bach, and are still what you always were. I ought not to feel
such anxiety on the subject, but we are surrounded here by disagreeable
specimens of pastors, who embitter every pleasure, either of their own
or of others; dry, prosaic pedants, who declare that a concert is a sin,
a walk frivolous and pernicious, but a theatre the lake of brimstone
itself, and the whole spring, with its leaves and blossoms and bright
weather, a Slough of Despond. You have no doubt heard of the Elberfeld
tenets; but when in contact with them, they are still worse, and most
grievous to witness. The most deplorable thing is the arrogance with
which such people look down on others, having no belief in any goodness
but their own.
Our musical life here goes on slowly, but still it does go on. This
summer we executed in church a Mass of Beethoven, one of Cherubini, and
cantatas of Sebastian Bach, an “Ave Maria” from “Verleih’ uns Frieden,”
and next month we are to give Handel’s “Te Deum” (Dettingen).
Of course there is yet much to be wished for, but still we hear these
works, and both the performance and the performers will be gradually
improved by them. Hauser, in Leipzig, has arranged the score (from
manuscript parts) of a cantata in E minor of Sebastian Bach, which is
one of the finest things of his I know. When I can find an opportunity,
I will send you a copy of it, but now my paper and my letter are done.
Farewell, my dear friend, and write soon.--Your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO I. FÜRST, BERLIN.
Düsseldorf, July 20th, 1834.
Dear Fürst,
I know only too well, that I have neither written to you, nor thanked
you, since I received your passages for “St. Paul,”[13] but I assure you
that every day, when I return to my work, I do feel sincerely grateful
to you. I certainly, however, ought to have written, for if the work,
which since the spring entirely absorbs and monopolizes me, turns out
good, I shall have chiefly to thank your friendly aid for it, because I
never otherwise could have procured the groundwork of the text. When I
am composing, I usually look out the Scriptural passages myself, and
thus you will find that much is simpler, shorter, and more compressed,
than in your text; whereas at that time I could not get words enough,
and was constantly longing for more. Since I have set to work, however,
I feel very differently, and I can now make a selection. The first part
will probably be finished next month, and the whole, I think, by
January. Since last autumn, when I came here, I have written many other
works which brought me into a happy vein, and I cannot wish for a more
agreeable position than mine here, where I have both leisure in
abundance, and a cheerful frame of mind, and so I succeed better than
formerly.
This is, indeed, a pleasant, concentrated life, but still not so much so
as you may perhaps imagine, for, unluckily, just as I came here,
Immermann and Schadow, whose combined efforts first imparted life and
animation to this place, had a violent quarrel; aggravated still
further by religious, political grounds, and by wranglings,
misunderstandings, and petulance. As I live in the same house with
Schadow, and am engaged along with Immermann in regulating the new
theatre, I do all I can to smooth over matters; but in vain, which is a
great misfortune. When, however, this is rectified (and, in spite of
everything, I do not despair of it), then all will be delightful, for
the way in which we young people associate is really enjoyable. The
painters are entirely devoid of the slightest arrogance or envy, and
live together in true friendship, and among them are some of the most
admirable persons, who are examples to the others, such as Hildebrand,
and Bendemann, and between them the [Greek: daimonios]--the tall, quiet
Lessing. All this is cheering, and if you could only hear in our church
music the bass of the choir, it would do your heart good to see one
capital fellow of a painter standing next another, and all shouting like
demons. This very morning we had some very good music in the church, in
which all took part; and when Immermann gives a new piece, they paint
the decorations for it gratis, and when they have a feast, he composes a
poem for them, which I set to music,--and all this is pleasant, and in
good-fellowship.
But there is a fair to-day, which means that the whole of Düsseldorf are
drinking wine,--not as if this were not the case every day, but they
walk about besides; not as if they did not do this also every day, but
they dance besides (in this frightful heat), and shout, and get tipsy;
and wild beasts are exhibited, and puppet-shows, and cakes baked in the
public streets. So now you know what a fair means. As a curious
spectator, I must go there late in the evening, but, first, I intend to
plunge into the Rhine with a lot of painters. Farewell, till we meet in
Berlin, in September.--Ever yours,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS PARENTS.
Düsseldorf, August 4th, 1834.
My dear Parents,
For a week past, during which we have had heavy storms and a very sultry
atmosphere, I felt so jaded that I was unable to do anything all day
long; more especially I cannot compose, which vexes me exceedingly. I
seem to care for nothing beyond eating and sleeping, and perhaps bathing
and riding. My horse is a favourite with all my acquaintances, and
deserves their respect from his good temper, but he is very shy; and
when I was riding him lately during a storm, every flash made him start
so violently, that I felt quite sorry for him. Lately we made an
excursion on horseback to Saarn, for Madame T----’s birthday, which was
celebrated by wreaths of flowers, fireworks, shooting, a large society,
a ball, etc. etc. The route was as charming as ever, though different
from what it was in spring; the apple-tree in the bowling-green, which
was then in blossom, was now loaded with unripe green apples; and
sometimes I was able to ride across the stubble fields, and to get into
the thick shady wood by a side path. We met several _diligences_ at the
very same places, and even the very same flocks of sheep, and there was
the same noisy, merry life going on in the blacksmith’s forge; and a
burgher in Rathingen was shaving himself just the same, thus reviving my
old philosophy, which you, dear Father, always ignore.
The next day I rode on to Werden, a charming retired spot, where I
wished to inquire about an organ; the whole party drove with me there;
cherry tarts were handed to me on horseback out of the carriages. We
dined in the open air at Werden; I played fantasias and Sebastian Bachs
on the organ to my heart’s content; then I bathed in the Ruhr, so cool
in the evening breeze that it was quite a luxury, and rode quietly back
to Saarn. The bathing in the Ruhr was peculiarly agreeable; first of
all, a spot close to the water with high grass, in which large hewn
stones were lying, as if placed there by some Sultan to shade him and
his clothes; then close to the shore the water comes up to your chin,
and the green hills opposite were brightly lighted up by the evening
sun; and the little stream flowing very quietly along, and so cool and
shady. I felt myself in Germany indeed when, as I was swimming across,
a man on the opposite bank suddenly stood still, and began a regular
conversation with me while I lay in the water puffing,--whether I could
touch the ground where I was? and if swimming was very difficult? Then,
too, I felt myself, alas! quite in Germany when the wife of the
organist, to whom I paid a visit, offered me a glass of _schnapps_, and
regretted so much that her husband was absent just at this time, for he
had so many enemies, who all maintained that he could not play the
organ, and he might have played to me, and then by my judgment (like
Solomon) I could have put to shame all these talkers. Wrangling and
discord are to be found everywhere. A handsome new organ has just been
put up at considerable expense in a large roomy choir, and there is no
way to reach it but by narrow dark steps, without windows, like those in
a poultry-yard, and where you may break your neck in seventeen different
places; and on my asking why this was, the clergyman said it had been
left so purposely, in order to prevent any one who chose, running up
from the church to see the organ. Yet, with all their cunning, they
forget both locks and keys: such traits are always painful to me.
The evening before this Saarn excursion (a week since) I had a very
great pleasure. I had received the proof-sheets of my rondo in E flat,
from Leipzig, and as I was unwilling to have it published without at
least trying it over once with the orchestra, I invited all our
musicians here to come to the music hall, and played it over with them.
As I could not offer them any payment for this, which they would have
taken highly amiss, I gave them a _souper_ of roast veal and
bread-and-butter, and let them get as tipsy as they could desire. This
was not, however, the great pleasure I alluded to, but my overture to
“Melusina,” which was played there for the first time, and pleased me
extremely. In many pieces I know from the very beginning that they will
sound well, and be characteristic, and so it was with this one as soon
as the clarionet started off into the first bar. It was badly played,
and yet I derived more pleasure from it than from many a finished
performance, and came home at night with a gladness of heart that I have
not known for a long time. We played it over three times, and the third
time, immediately after the last soft chord, the trumpets broke in with
a flourish in my honour, which had a most laughable effect. It was very
pleasant too when we were all seated at dinner, and one of the company
commenced a long oration, with an introduction and all sorts of things,
but, beginning to flounder, he wound up by giving my health, on which
the trumpet and trombone players jumped up like maniacs, and ran off for
their instruments to give me another grand flourish; then I made a
vigorous speech, worthy of Sir Robert Peel, in which I strongly enforced
unity, and Christian love, and steady time, and with a toast to the
progress of music at Düsseldorf I closed my oration. Then they sang
four-part songs, and, among others, one that I gave to Woringen last
year at the Musical Festival, called “Musikanten-prügelei,” the
transcriber (one of the players and singers present) having copied it
for his own benefit at the time, and coolly produced it on this
occasion, which, indeed, I could not myself help laughing at. Then they
all vowed that this was the most delightful evening of their whole
lives; then they began to wrangle again a little, as a proof of the
strong effect my Peel speech had made on them; then the sober ones of
the party, _videlicet_, fat Schirmer and I, pacified them once more, and
towards midnight we separated; they having enjoyed the wine, and I still
more “the lovely Melusina,” and next morning at six o’clock I was on
horseback on my way to Saarn. A couple of charming days they were!
Dear Mother, I saw the Queen of Bavaria, but not in state. I was seated
in a boat, and just going to jump into the Rhine with two friends, when
her Majesty arrived in her steamboat. As none of us possessed any
swimming attire, so were not in a very fit state to appear at Court, we
sprang just _a tempo_ into the water as she came nearer, and thence saw
all the ceremonies, and how Graf S---- presented the clergy and the
Generals, and how the _senatus populusque Düsseldorfiensis_ stood on
shore and made music. I had no opportunity of seeing the Queen again;
but now I must really conclude having gossiped at a great rate.
Farewell, my dear parents!
FELIX M. B.
TO PASTOR SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Düsseldorf, August 6th, 1834.
How could you for one moment imagine that I was annoyed by your showing
the text to Schneider? Why should I take umbrage at that? I hope you do
not consider me one of those who, when once they have an idea in their
heads, guard it as jealously as a miser does his gold, and allow no man
to approach till they produce it themselves. There is certainly nothing
actually wrong in this, and yet such jealous solicitude is most odious
in my eyes; and even if it were to occur, that some one should
plagiarize my design, still I should feel the same; for one of the two
must be best, which is all fair, or neither are good, and then it is of
no consequence. Moreover, I feel very melancholy to-day, and indeed for
some days past have been lying here, completely knocked up and unable to
write a line, whether from feverishness or the sultriness of the
weather, or from what I know not. The first part of “St. Paul” is now
nearly completed, and I stand before it ruminating like a cow who is
afraid to go through a new door, and I never seem to finish it; indeed,
the overture is still wanting, and a heavy bit of work it will be.
Immediately after the Lord’s words to St. Paul on his conversion I have
introduced a great chorus, “Arise and go into the city” (Acts of the
Apostles, ix. 6), and this I, as yet, consider the best moment of the
first part.
I don’t know what to say as to your opinion of X----. I think you are
rather hard on him, and yet there is a good deal of truth in what you
assert too, and quite in accordance with what I find in his
compositions. But my belief is, that you do him great injustice in
pronouncing him to be a flatterer, as he never _intends_ to flatter, but
always fully believes in the truth and propriety of what he is saying;
but when such an excitable temperament is not mitigated by some
definite, energetic, and creative powers, or when it can bring forth
nothing but a momentary assimilation to some foreign element, then it is
indeed unfortunate; and I almost begin to fear that this is his case,
for his compositions I exceedingly disapprove of. For a long time past I
have reluctantly come to this conclusion, and it pained me as much to
admit the truth of it to myself, as to you now.
I grieve also to hear what you write to me of the ---- family, for I
know no feeling more distressing than that of having enemies, and yet it
seems impossible to be avoided; at all events, I can say, to my great
joy, that even now, when I am brought into contact (and disagreeable
contact too) with so many different people, no one can say that there is
one single person with whom I am not on friendly terms, if they will at
all permit me to be so; and I don’t doubt that it is the same in your
case.
Your remarks about the theatre are quite as unlucky as Breitschneider’s
criticisms; for though I am not myself director, I am what is still
worse, a kind of Honorary Intendant (or whatever you choose to call it)
of the new theatre here _in spe_, and therefore my official zeal prompts
me take up the cause of the stage. But to speak seriously, I am by no
means of your opinion that the theatre is pernicious to three-fourths of
mankind, and I believe that those who are injured by it would find the
same detriment, or perhaps worse, elsewhere, without any theatre. For
there at least we do not find the vapid reality that exists in the
world; and, as a general rule, I do not consider anything wrong in
itself, because it _may_ possibly lead to bad results, but only when it
_must_ inevitably produce them; in a theatrical public, such as you
describe, there are only depraved people, and no healthy ones who visit
the theatre to see a piece as a work of art. I know that to myself it
always was either tiresome or elevating (more commonly the former, I
own), but _pernicious_ it never appeared to me; and to prohibit it on
that account ... but this would involve a wide sphere and a very serious
subject, and politics, tiresome as they are, must have their say in the
matter; and all this cannot be thoroughly discussed in so small a sheet
of paper as this: perhaps in conversation,--but scarcely even then.
I intended to have sent you some of my works, but prefer doing so from
Berlin; the “Meeresstille” I have entirely remodelled this winter, and
think it is now some thirty times better. I have also some new songs and
pieces for the piano. You say that the newspapers extol me; this is
always very gratifying, though I seldom read them, either the musical
ones or any others; only occasionally English papers, in which there are
some good articles; but my paper is becoming by degrees shorter and
shorter, so my letter is done. Farewell.--Your
FELIX M. B.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Düsseldorf, November 4th, 1834.
Dear Mother,
At last I have leisure to thank you for your kind letters; you know the
great delight your writing always causes me, and I would fain hope that
it does not fatigue you, for you write in as distinct and classical
characters at the end of the letter as at the beginning of the first
line, as you always do; therefore I do entreat you frequently to bestow
this pleasure on me; that I am truly grateful for it you will readily
believe.
You always take me at once back to my own home, and while I am reading
your letters I am there once more; I am in the garden rejoicing in the
summer; I visit the Exhibition, and dispute with you about Bendemann’s
small picture; I rally Gans on his satisfaction at being invited by
Metternich, and almost think I am again paying court to the pretty
Russians. To be thus transported home is most pleasant to me just at
this time, when, during the last few weeks, I have been fuming and
fretting in a rare fashion at Düsseldorf and its art doings, and Rhenish
_soaring impulses_, and new efforts! I had fallen into a terrible state
of confusion and excitement, and felt worse than during my busiest time
in London. When I sat down to my work in the morning, at every bar there
was a ringing at the bell; then came grumbling choristers to be snubbed,
stupid singers to be taught, seedy musicians to be engaged; and when
this had gone on the whole day, and I felt that all these things were
for the sole benefit and advantage of the Düsseldorf theatre, I was
provoked; at last, two days ago, I made a _salto mortale_, and beat a
retreat out of the whole affair, and once more feel myself a man. This
resignation was a very unpleasant piece of intelligence for our
theatrical autocrat, _alias_ stage mufti; he compressed his lips
viciously, as if he would fain eat me up; however, I made a short and
very eloquent speech to the Director, in which I spoke of my own
avocations as being of more consequence to me than the Düsseldorf
theatre, much as I, etc.: in short, they let me off, on condition that I
would occasionally conduct; this I promised, and this I will certainly
perform. I began a letter to Rebecca long ago, containing the details
of three weeks in the life of a Düsseldorf Intendant, which I have not
yet finished, and I upbraid myself for it.
I have just arrived at that point with “St. Paul” when I should be so
glad to play it over to some one, but I can find no eligible person. My
friends here are very enthusiastic with regard to it, but this does not
prove much in its favour. The _cantor_[14] is wanting, with her thick
eyebrows and her criticism. I have the second part now nearly all in my
head, up to the passage where they take Paul for Jupiter, and wish to
offer sacrifices to him, for which some five choruses must be found, but
as yet I have not the faintest conception what ... it is difficult. You
ask me, dear Mother, whether I have made any arrangements with
publishers in Leipzig; Breitkopf and Härtel lately informed me that they
would purchase every work I chose to publish, and also a future edition
of my collected works, (does not that sound very grand?) and mention
that they have been very much annoyed by an announcement of another
publisher. So you see possibly I may oblige these people! Besides this,
I have had six applications for my music from other publishers in
various places. This savours rather of _renommage_, but I know you like
to read of such things, and will forgive me for it.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Düsseldorf, November 14th, 1834.
My dear Fanny,
May every happiness attend you on this day, and in the year about to
commence, and may you love me as well as ever. I should like this year
also to have sent you some piece or other, underneath which I could have
written November 14th, but the “weeks of the life of an Intendant” have
swallowed up everything, and I am only slowly becoming myself again. A
few days ago I sketched the overture of “St. Paul,” and thought I should
at least contrive to get it finished, but it is still a long way behind.
If we could only be together now, in the evening, at all events; for
when candles are lighted I feel a much greater longing to be at home
than in the morning; and now here are candles, and the days from
November 11th and December 11th, up to Christmas and the New Year,[15]
are certainly not the best to be far from home, even if the evenings
were not so long. But we must be very busy, and next summer set off on
our travels again, and visit each other. My wish at this moment is, that
the time were come!
I wonder what you are doing this evening? Music and society? or the
Government newspaper read aloud? (in which, I am told, Hensel’s school
is much extolled, and considered in many respects preferable to ours
here!)
But, my birthday child! we are not likely to agree on this occasion in
our opinions about pictures; for one of the most repugnant to my
feelings that I ever saw was that of S----. When a work of art aspires
to represent factitious misery, like the famine in the wilderness, I
take no interest in it, if ever so well painted--which this is not. The
whole thing seems to me nothing but a variation on Lessing’s “Royal
Pair,” only this time with dead horses. The tone of art in it is very
commonplace, and even if decked out twenty times over with bright
colours, that does not make it better! I don’t at all approve, either,
of your taking the opportunity of hearing Lafont to speak of the
_revolution_ in the violin since Paganini, for I don’t admit that any
such thing exists in art, but only in people themselves; and I think
that very same style would have displeased you in Lafont, if you had
heard him _before_ Paganini’s appearance, so you must not, on the other
hand, do less justice to his good qualities _after_ hearing the other. I
was lately shown a couple of new French musical papers, where they
allude incessantly to a _révolution du goût_ and a musical transition,
which has been taking place for some years past, in which I am supposed
to play a fine part; this is the sort of thing I do detest. Then I think
that I must be industrious, and work hard, “above all, hate no man and
leave the future to God,”--finish the oratorio completely by March,
compose a new A minor symphony and a pianoforte concerto, and then set
off again on my travels and visit No. 3, Leipziger Strasse. My second
concert took place yesterday, and afterwards a fashionable _soirée_,
with no end of Excellencies and fine titles. The day after to-morrow I
am again to conduct “Oberon,” and shall drive on the orchestra full cry,
like an evil spirit. I have fallen into a very splenetic tone, by no
means in keeping with a birthday tone, but I now resume the latter, and
wish you all possible good fortune; and may 1835 prove a happy year to
you, and may you, and all at home, thoroughly enjoy the day.--Your
FELIX.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, BERLIN.
DÜSSELDORF, NOVEMBER 23RD, 1834.
My dear, dear Rebecca,
Can I still expect you to read anything that I write? I have been
remiss, very remiss, in fact behaved shamefully, and I heartily wish it
were not so; but I can’t help it now! Would that I had an opportunity to
make up for it; but unluckily this is not the case; I can therefore only
say that I hope I am still in your good graces, and that I was very
foolish. I ought indeed to have said this to you long since, but I could
not, for I was resolved to write you a long confidential letter the
first day I could find leisure, and this is the very first leisure day.
Now that it is getting dark, and the shutters closed, and lights
brought in at five o’clock, I thought that I must write to you, and, as
it were, pull your door bell and ask if you are at home. Do look kindly
on me.
How things have been going on with me for some time past it would not be
easy to say, all has been so detestable. But you really must listen to a
little grumbling from me, that you may never take it into your head to
become director of a theatre, nor to permit any one belonging to you to
accept the office of an intendant. Immediately on my return here[16] the
Intendant breezes were wafted towards me. In the statute it is set
forth:--The _intendancy_ is to consist of an intendant and a music
director. The Intendant proposed that I should be the musical intendant,
and he the theatrical intendant. Then the question arose, which was to
take precedence of the other; so here was forthwith a fine piece of
work. I wished to do nothing but conduct and direct the musical studies,
but this was not enough for Immermann. We exchanged desperately uncivil
letters, in which I was obliged to be very circumspect in my style, in
order to leave no point unanswered, and to maintain my independent
ground and basis; but I think I did credit to Herr Heyse.[17] We came to
an agreement after this, but quarrelled again immediately, for he
required me to go to Aix, to hear and to engage a singer there, and this
I did not choose to do. Then I was desired to engage an orchestra,--that
is, prepare two contracts for each member, and previously fight to the
death about a dollar more or less of their monthly salary; then they
went away, then they came back and signed all the same, then they all
objected to sit at the second music desk, then came the aunt of a very
wretched performer, whom I could not engage, and the wife and two little
children of another miserable musician, to intercede with the Director;
then I allowed three fellows to play on trial, and they played so
utterly beneath contempt that I really could not agree to take any of
them; then they looked very humble, and went quietly away, very
miserable, having lost their daily bread; then came the wife again, and
wept. Out of thirty persons there was only one who said at once, “I am
satisfied,” and signed his contract; all the others bargained and
haggled for an hour at least, before I could make them understand that I
had a _prix fixe_. The whole day I was reminded of my father’s proverb,
“Asking and bidding make the sale;” but they were four of the most
disagreeable days I ever passed. On the fourth, Klingemann arrived in
the morning, saw the state of things, and was horrified. In the meantime
Rietz studied the “Templar,” morning and evening; the choruses got
drunk, and I was forced to speak with authority; then they rebelled
against the manager, and I was obliged to shout at them like the Boots
at an inn; then Madame Beutler became hoarse, and I was very anxious on
her account (a new sort of anxiety for me, and a most odious one); then
I conducted Cherubini’s “Requiem” in the church, and this was followed
by the first concert. In short, I made up my mind to abdicate my
Intendant throne three weeks after the reopening of the theatre. The
affair goes on quite as well as we could expect in Düsseldorf: Rietz’s
playing is admirable,--he is studious, accurate, and artistic, so that
he is praised and liked by every one. The operas we have hitherto given
are, the “Templar” twice, “Oberon” twice, which I conducted, “Fra
Diavolo,” and yesterday the “Freischütz.” We are about to perform the
“Entführung,” the “Flauto Magico,” the “Ochsenmenuett,” the “Dorf
Barbier,” and the “Wasserträger.” The operas are well attended, but not
the plays, so that the shareholders are sometimes rather uneasy; five of
the company up to this time have actually run away, two of them being
members of the orchestra.
The Committee gave a supper to the company, which was very dull, and
cost each member of the Council (including myself) eleven dollars; but
pray refrain from all tokens of sympathy, in case of causing my tears to
flow afresh. But since I have withdrawn from this sphere, I feel as if I
were a fish thrown back into the water; my forenoons are once more at my
own disposal, and in the evenings I can sit at home and read. The
oratorio daily causes me more satisfaction, and I have also composed
some new songs; the Vocal Association gets on well, and we intend
shortly to give the “Seasons,” with a full orchestra. I mean soon to
publish six preludes and fugues, two of which you have already seen;
this is the sort of life I like to lead, but not that of an intendant.
How vexatious it is, that at the close of such well-spent days we cannot
all assemble together to enjoy each other’s society![18]
I enclose my translation of “Alexander’s Feast;” you must read it aloud
to the family in the evening, and in various passages where the rhymes
are rugged or deficient, if you will let me have your amendments I shall
be grateful. One stipulation, however, I must make, that Ramler, or
rather, I should say, the English text, should not be sacrificed.
_Apropos_, since then I have once more mounted Pegasus, and translated
Lord Byron’s poem, the first strophe of which, by Theremin, is
incomprehensible, and the second false. I find, however, that my lines
halt a little; perhaps, some evening, you may discover something better.
Schlafloser Augensonne, heller Stern!
Der du mit thränenvollem Schein, unendlich fern,
Das Dunkel nicht erhellst, nur besser zeigst,
O wie du ganz des Glücks Erinn’rung gleichst!
So funkelt längst vergangner Freuden Licht,
Es scheint, doch wärmt sein matter Schimmer nicht,
Der wache Gram erspäht die Nachtgestalt,
Hell, aber fern, klar--aber ach! wie kalt!
The poem is very sentimental, and I think I should have set it to music
repeatedly in G sharp minor or B major, (but, at all events, with no end
of sharps,) had it not occurred to me that the music of Löwe pleases
you and Fanny; so this prevents my doing so, and there is an end of it,
and of my letter also. Adieu, love me as ever.--Your
FELIX.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Düsseldorf, December 16th, 1834.
... So now in these lines you have read my whole life and occupations
since I came here; for that I am well and happy, and often think of you,
is included in them, and that I am also diligent and working hard at
many things, is the natural result. I really believe that Jean Paul,
whom I am at this moment reading with intense delight, has also some
influence in the matter, for he invariably infects me for at least half
a year with his strange peculiarities. I have been reading ‘Fixlein’
again; but my greatest pleasure in doing so, is the remembrance of the
time when I first became acquainted with it, by your reading it aloud to
me beside my sick-bed, when it did me so much good. I also began
‘Siebenkäs’ again, for the first time for some years, and have read from
the close of the prologue to the end of the first part, and am quite
enchanted with this noble work. The prologue itself is a masterpiece
such as no one else could write, and so it is with the whole book, the
friends, and the school-inspector, and Lenette. It revives my love for
my country, and makes me feel proud of being a German, although in
these days they all abuse each other. Yet such people do sometimes rise
to the surface, and I do believe that no country can boast of such a
sterling fellow as this.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, BERLIN.
Düsseldorf, December 23rd, 1834.
Dear Rebecca,
Why should we not, like established correspondents, exchange repeated
letters on any particular subject about which we differ? I on my part
will represent a methodical correspondent, and must absolutely resume
the question of _révolution_. This is chiefly for Fanny’s benefit, but
are not you identical? Can you not therefore discuss the subject
together, and answer me together, if you choose? And have I not pondered
and brooded much over this theme since I got your letter, which now
prompts me to write? You must, however, answer me in due form, till not
one jot or tittle more remains to be said in favour of _révolution_.
Observe, I think that there is a vast distinction between reformation or
reforming, and revolution, etc. Reformation is that which I desire to
see in all things, in life and in art, in politics and in street
pavement, and Heaven knows in what else besides. Reformation is entirely
negative against abuses, and only removes what obstructs the path; but a
revolution, by means of which all that was formerly good (and really
good) is no longer to continue, is to me the most intolerable of all
things, and is, in fact, only a fashion. Therefore, I would not for a
moment listen to Fanny, when she said that Lafont’s playing could
inspire no further interest since the _revolution_ effected by Paganini;
for if his playing ever had the power to interest me, it would still do
so, even if in the meantime I had heard the Angel Gabriel on the violin.
It is just this, however, that those Frenchmen I alluded to can form no
conception of; that what is good, however old, remains always new, even
although the present must differ from the past, because it emanates from
other and dissimilar men. _Inwardly_ they are only ordinary men like the
former, and have only _outwardly_ learned that something new must come,
so they strive to accomplish this, and if they are even moderately
applauded or flattered, they instantly declare that they have effected a
_révolution du goût_. This is why I behave so badly when they do me the
honour (as you call it) to rank me among the leaders of this movement,
when I well know that, for thorough self-cultivation, the whole of a
man’s life is required (and often does not suffice); and also because no
Frenchman, and no newspaper, knows or ever can know what the future is
to give or to bring; and, in order to guide the movements of others, we
must first be in motion ourselves, while such reflections cause us to
look back on the past, not forward. Progress is made by work alone, and
not by talking, which those people do not believe.
But, for Heaven’s sake, don’t suppose that I wish to disown either
reformation or progress, for I _hope_ one day myself to effect a reform
in music; and this, as you may see, is because I am simply a musician,
and I wish to be nothing more. Now answer me, I beg, and preach to me
again.
To-day I have completed and transcribed an entire chorus for “St. Paul.”
I may as well at once reply here to a letter I received this morning,
dictated by my father to Fanny, and to which my mother added a
postscript. First of all, I thank you for writing, and then, dear
Father, I would entreat of you not to withhold from me your advice, as
you say, for it is always clear gain to me; and if I cannot rectify the
old faults, I can at least avoid committing new ones. The non-appearance
of St. Paul at the stoning of Stephen is certainly a blemish, and I
could easily alter the passage in itself; but I could find absolutely no
mode of introducing him at that time, and no words for him to utter in
accordance with the Scriptural narrative; therefore it seemed to me more
expedient to follow the Bible account, and to make Stephen appear alone.
I think, however, that your other censure is obviated by the music; for
the recitative of Stephen, though the words are long, will not occupy
more than two or three minutes, or--_including_ all the choruses--till
his death, about a quarter of an hour; whereas subsequently, at and
after the conversion, the music becomes more and more diffuse, though
the words are fewer.
TO PASTOR BAUER, BESZIG.
Düsseldorf, January 12th, 1835.
[_About a proposal as to some words for sacred music._]
... What I do not understand is the purport--musical, dramatic, or
oratorical, or whatever you choose to call it--that you have in view.
What you mention on the subject--the time before John, and then John
himself, till the appearance of Christ--is to my mind equally conveyed
in the word ‘Advent,’ or the birth of Christ. You are aware, however,
that the music must represent one particular moment, or a succession of
moments; and how you intend this to be done you do not say. Actual
church music,--that is, music during the Evangelical Church service,
which could be introduced properly while the service was being
celebrated,--seems to me impossible; and this, not merely because I
cannot at all see into _which_ part of the public worship this music can
be introduced, but because I cannot discover that _any_ such part
exists. Perhaps you have something to say which may enlighten me on the
subject.... But even without any reference to the Prussian Liturgy,
which at once cuts off everything of the kind, and will neither remain
as it is nor go further, I do not see how it is to be managed that music
in our Church should form an integral part of public worship, and not
become a mere concert, conducive more or less to piety. This was the
case with Bach’s “Passion;” it was sung in church as an independent
piece of music, for edification. As for actual church music, or, if you
like to call it so, music for public worship, I know none but the old
Italian compositions for the Papal Chapel, where, however, the music is
a mere accompaniment, subordinate to the sacred functions, co-operating
with the wax candles and the incense, etc. If it be this style of church
music that you really mean, then, as I said, I cannot discover the
connecting link which would render it possible to employ it. For an
oratorio, one principal subject must be adopted, or the progressive
history of particular persons, otherwise the object would not be
sufficiently defined; for if all is to be only contemplative with
reference to the coming of Christ, then this theme has already been more
grandly and beautifully treated in Handel’s “Messiah,” where he begins
with Isaiah, and, taking the Birth as a central point, closes with the
Resurrection.
When you however say “our poor Church,” I must tell you what is very
strange; I have found, to my astonishment, that the Catholics, who have
had music in their churches for several centuries, and sing a musical
Mass every Sunday if possible, in their principal churches, do not to
this day possess one which can be considered even tolerably good, or in
fact which is not actually distasteful and operatic. This is the case
from Pergolese and Durante, who introduce the most laughable little
trills into their “Gloria,” down to the opera finales of the present
day. Were I a Catholic, I would set to work at a Mass this very evening;
and whatever it might turn out, it would at all events be the only Mass
written with a constant remembrance of its sacred purpose. But for the
present I don’t mean to do this; perhaps at some future day, when I am
older.
TO HERR CONRAD SCHLEINITZ, LEIPZIG.
Düsseldorf, January 26th, 1835.
Sir,
Pray receive my thanks for your kind letter, and the friendly
disposition which it evinces towards myself. You may well imagine that
it would be a source of infinite pleasure to me, to find in your city
the extensive sphere of action you describe, as my sole wish is to
advance the cause of music on that path which I consider the right one;
I would therefore gladly comply with a summons which furnished me with
the means of doing so. I should not like, however, by such acceptance to
injure any one, and I do not wish, by assuming this office, to be the
cause of supplanting my predecessor. In the first place, I consider this
to be wrong; and, moreover, great harm ensues to music from such
contentions. Before, then, giving a decided answer to your proposal, I
must beg you to solve some doubts,--namely, at whose disposal is the
appointment you describe? with whom should I be in connection--with a
society, or individuals, or a Board? and should I by my acceptance
injure any other musician? I hope you will answer this last question
with perfect candour, imagining yourself in my place; for, as I
previously said, I have no wish to deprive any one either directly or
indirectly of his situation.
Further, it is not quite clear to me from your letter, how the direction
of an academy for singing can be combined with my six months’ summer
vacation; for you must be well aware how indispensable continual
supervision is to such an institution, and that anything which can be
accomplished in one half-year, may be easily forgotten in the next; or
is there another director for the purpose of undertaking the duties
instead of me? Finally, I must also confess that in a pecuniary point of
view, I do not wish to accept any position that would be less profitable
than my present one; but as you mention a benefit concert, no doubt this
is a matter that might be satisfactorily arranged, and we should have no
difficulty in coming to an agreement on this point.
I have been quite candid with you, and hope, in any event, you will not
take it amiss; be so good as to oblige me by sending an answer as soon
as possible, and to believe that I shall ever be grateful to you for
your kind letter, as well as for the honour you have done me.
TO CAPELLMEISTER SPOHR, CASSEL.
Düsseldorf, March 8th, 1835.
Respected Capellmeister,
I thank you much for your friendly communication. The intelligence from
Vienna was most interesting to me; I had heard nothing of it. It
strongly revived my feeling as to the utter impossibility of my ever
composing anything with a view to competing for a prize. I should never
be able to make even a beginning; and if I were obliged to undergo an
examination as a musician, I am convinced that I should be at once sent
back, for I should not have done half as well as I could. The thoughts
of a prize, or an award, would distract my thoughts; and yet I cannot
rise so superior to this feeling as entirely to forget it. But if you
find that you are in a mood for such a thing, you should not fail to
compose a symphony by that time, and to send it, for I know no man
living who could dispute the prize with you (this is the second reason),
and then we should get another symphony of yours (first reason). With
regard to the members of the Judicial Committee in Vienna, I have my
own thoughts, which, however, are not very legitimate, but, on the
contrary, somewhat rebellious. Were I one of the judges, not a single
member of the _Comité_ should obtain a prize, if they competed for one.
You wish me to write to you on the subject of my works, and I cordially
thank you for asking about them. I began an oratorio about a year ago,
which I expect to finish next month, the subject of which is St. Paul.
Some friends have compiled the words for me from the Bible, and I think
that both the subject and the compilation are well adapted to music, and
very solemn,--if the music only prove as good as I wish; at all events I
have enjoyed the most intense delight, while engaged in writing it. I
also composed, some time since, a new overture to the “Lovely Melusina,”
and have another in my head at this moment. How gladly would I write an
opera; but far and near I can find no libretto and no poet. Those who
have the genius of poetry cannot bear music, or know nothing of the
theatre; others are neither acquainted with poetry nor with mankind,
only with the boards, and lamps, and side scenes, and canvas. So I never
succeed in finding the opera which I have so eagerly, yet vainly striven
to procure. Each day I regret this more, but I hope at last to meet with
the man I wish for this purpose. I have also written a good deal of
instrumental music of late, chiefly for the piano, but others besides;
perhaps you will permit me to send you some of these as soon as I have
an opportunity to do so. I am, with the highest esteem and
consideration, your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY, FROM HIS FATHER.[19]
Berlin, March 10th, 1835.
This is the third letter I have written to you this week, and if this
goes on, reading my letters will become a standing article in the
distribution of the budget of your time; but you must blame yourself for
this, as you spoil me by your praise. I at once pass to the musical
portion of your last letter.
Your aphorism, that every room in which Sebastian Bach is sung is
transformed into a church, I consider peculiarly appropriate; and when I
once heard the last movement of the piece in question, it made a similar
impression on myself; but I own I cannot overcome my dislike to figured
chorales in general, because I cannot understand the fundamental idea on
which they are based, especially where the contending parts are
maintained in an equal balance of power. For example, in the first
chorus of the “Passion,”--where the chorale forms only a more important
and consistent part of the basis; or where, as in the above-mentioned
movement of the cantata (if I remember it rightly, having only heard it
once), the chorale represents the principal building, and the individual
parts only the decorations,--I can better comprehend the purpose and the
conception; but not so certainly where the figure, in a certain manner,
carries out variations on the theme. No liberties ought ever assuredly
to be taken with a chorale. Its highest purpose is, that the
congregation should sing it in all its purity to the accompaniment of
the organ; all else seems to me idle and inappropriate for a church.
At Fanny’s last morning’s music the motett of Bach, “Gottes Zeit ist die
allerbeste Zeit,” and your “Ave Maria,” were sung by select voices. A
long passage in the middle of the latter, as well as the end also,
appeared to me too learned and intricate to accord with the simple
piety, and certainly genuine catholic spirit, which pervades the rest of
the music. Rebecca remarked that there was some confusion in the
execution of those very passages which I considered too intricate; but
this only proves that I am an ignoramus, but not that the conclusion is
not too abstrusely modulated. With regard to Bach, the composition in
question seems to me worthy of the highest admiration. It is long since
I have been so struck, or surprised by anything, as by the Introduction,
which Fanny played most beautifully; and I could not help thinking of
Bach’s solitary position, of his isolated condition with regard to his
associates and his contemporaries, of his pure, mild, and vast power,
and the transparency of its depths. The particular pieces which at the
time were for ever engraved on my memory, were “Bestelle dein Haus,” and
“Es ist der alte Bund.” I cared less for the bass air, or the alt solos.
What first, through his “Passion,” seemed quite clear to me--that Bach
is the musical type of Protestantism--becomes either negatively or
positively more apparent to me every time that I hear a new piece of
his; and thus it was recently with a Mass that I heard in the Academy,
and which I consider most decidedly anti-Catholic; and, consequently,
even all its great beauties seemed as unable to reconcile the inward
contradiction, as if I were to hear a Protestant clergyman performing
Mass in a Protestant Church. Moreover, I felt more strongly than ever
what a great merit it was on Zelter’s part to restore Bach to the
Germans; for, between Forkel’s day and his, very little was ever said
about Bach, and even then principally with regard to his “wohltemperirte
Clavier.” He was the first person on whom the light of Bach clearly
dawned, through the acquisition of his other works, with which, as a
collector of music, he became acquainted, and, as a genuine artist,
imparted this knowledge to others. His musical performances on Fridays
were indeed a proof that no work begun in earnest, and followed up with
quiet perseverance, can fail ultimately to command success. At all
events, it is an undoubted fact, that without Zelter, your own musical
tendencies would have been of a totally different nature.
Your intention to restore Handel in his original form, has led me to
some reflections on his later style of instrumentation. A question is
not unfrequently raised as to whether Handel, if he wrote in our day,
would make use of all the existing musical facilities in composing his
oratorios,--which, in fact, only means whether the wonted artistic form
to which we give the name of Handel, would assume the same shape now
that it did a hundred years ago; and the answer to this presents itself
at once. The question, however, ought to be put in a different
form,--not whether Handel would compose his oratorios now as he did a
century since, but rather, whether he would compose any oratorios
whatever; hardly--if they must be written in the style of those of the
present day.
From my saying this to you, you may gather with what eager anticipations
and confidence I look forward to your oratorio, which will, I trust,
solve the problem of combining ancient conceptions with modern
appliances; otherwise the result would be as great a failure as that of
the painters of the nineteenth century, who only make themselves
ridiculous by attempting to revive the religious elements of the
fifteenth, with its long arms and legs, and topsy-turvy perspective.
These new resources seem to me, like everything else in the world, to
have been developed just at the right time, in order to animate the
inner impulses which were daily becoming more feeble. On the heights of
religious feeling, on which Bach, Handel, and their contemporaries
stood, they required no numerous orchestras for their oratorios; and I
can remember perfectly in my earliest years, the “Messiah,” “Judas,” and
“Alexander’s Feast” being given exactly as Handel wrote them, without
even an organ, and yet to the delight and edification of every one.
But how is this to be managed nowadays, when vacuity of thought and
noise in music are gradually being developed in inverse relation to each
other? The orchestra, however, is now established, and is likely long to
maintain its present form without any essential modification. Riches are
only a fault when we do not know how to spend them. How, then, is the
wealth of the orchestra to be applied? What guidance can the poet give
for this, and to what regions? or is music to be entirely severed from
poetry, and work its own independent way? I do not believe it can
accomplish the latter, at least, only to a very limited extent, and not
available for the world at large; to effect the former, an object must
be found for music as well as for painting, which, by its fervour, its
universal sufficiency and perspicuity, may supply the place of the pious
emotions of former days. It seems to me that both the oratorios of
Haydn were, in their sphere, also very remarkable phenomena. The poems
of both are weak, regarded as poetry; but they have replaced the old
positive and almost metaphysical religious impulses, by those which
nature, as a visible emanation from the Godhead, in her universality,
and her thousandfold individualities, instils into every susceptible
heart. Hence the profound depth, but also the cheerful efficiency, and
certainly genuine religious influence, of these two works, which
hitherto stand alone; hence the combined effect of the playful and
detached passages, with the most noble and sincere feelings of gratitude
produced by the whole; hence is it also, that I individually could as
little endure to lose in the “Creation” and in the “Seasons” the crowing
of the cock, the singing of the lark, the lowing of the cattle, and the
rustic glee of the peasants, as I could in nature herself; in other
words, the “Creation” and the “Seasons” are founded on nature and the
visible service of God,--and are no new materials for music to be found
there?
The publication of Goethe’s “Correspondence with a Child” I consider a
most provoking and pernicious abuse of the press, through which, more
and more rapidly, all illusions will be destroyed, without which life is
only death. You, I trust, will never lose your illusions, and ever
preserve your filial attachment to your father.
TO HIS FATHER.
Düsseldorf, March 23rd, 1835.
Dear Father,
I have still to thank you for your last letter and my “Ave.” I often
cannot understand how it is possible to have so acute a judgment with
regard to music, without being yourself technically musical; and if I
could _express_, what I assuredly feel, with as much clearness and
intuitive perception as you do, as soon as you enter on the subject, I
never would make another obscure speech all my life long. I thank you a
thousand times for this, and also for your opinion of Bach. I ought to
feel rather provoked that after only one very imperfect hearing of my
composition, you at once discovered what after long familiarity on my
part, I have only just found out; but then again it pleases me to see
your definite sense of music, for the deficiencies in the middle
movement and at the end consist of such minute faults, which might have
been remedied by a very few notes (I mean struck out), that neither I,
nor any other musician would have been aware of them, without repeatedly
hearing the piece, because we in fact seek the cause much deeper. They
injure the simplicity of the harmony, which at the beginning pleases me;
and though it is my opinion that these faults would be less perceptible
if properly executed, that is, with a numerous choir, still some traces
of them will always remain. Another time I shall endeavour to do
better. I should like you, however, to hear the Bach again, because
there is a part of it which you care less for, but which pleases me best
of all. I allude to the alto and bass airs; only the chorale must be
given by a number of alto voices, and the bass very well sung. However
fine the airs “Bestelle dein Haus” and “Es ist der alte Bund” may be,
still there is something very sublime and profound in the plan of the
ensuing movements, in the mode in which the alto begins, the bass then
interposing with freshness and spirit, and continuing the same words,
while the chorale comes in as a third, the bass closing exultantly, but
the chorale not till long afterwards, dying away softly and solemnly.
There is one peculiarity of this music,--its date must be placed either
very early or very late, for it entirely differs from his usual style of
writing in middle age; the first choral movements and the final chorus
being of a kind that I should never have attributed to Sebastian Bach,
but to some other composer of his day; while no other man in the world
could have written a single bar of the middle movements.
My Mother does not judge Hiller rightly, for, in spite of his pleasures
and honours in Paris, and the neglect he met with in Frankfort, he
writes to me that he envies me my position here on the Rhine, even with
all its drawbacks; and as, no doubt, a similar one may still be met with
in Germany, I do not give up the hope of prevailing on him to forsake
the Parisian atmosphere of pleasures and honours, and return to his
studio. Now farewell, dear Father. I beg you soon let me hear from you
again.--Your
FELIX.
TO HIS FATHER.
Düsseldorf, April 3rd, 1835.
Dear Father,
I am delighted to hear that you are satisfied with the programme of the
Cologne Musical Festival. I shall not be able to play the organ for
“Solomon,” as it must stand in the background of the orchestra and
accompany almost every piece, the choruses and other performers here
being accustomed to constant beating of time. I must therefore
transcribe the whole of the organ part in the manner in which I think it
ought to be played, and the cathedral organist there, Weber, will play
it; I am told he is a sound musician and first-rate player. This is all
so far well, and only gives me the great labour of transcribing, as I
wish to have the performance as perfect as possible. I have had a good
deal of trouble too with the “Morgengesang,”[20] as there is much in it
that requires alteration, owing to the impossibility of executing it as
written, with the means we have here. In doing so, however, it again
caused me extreme pleasure, especially the stars, the moon, the
elements, and the whole of the admirable finale. At the words “und
schlich in dieser Nacht,” etc., it becomes so romantic and poetical,
that each time I hear it I feel more touched and charmed; it therefore
gratifies me to be of any use to so noble a man. The _Comité_ were very
much surprised when I maintained that it was a fine composition, and
scarcely would consent to have it, but at that moment they were in a
mood to be persuaded to anything. I would also have insisted on their
giving an overture of Bach’s, if I had not dreaded too strong a
counter-revolution. There is to be nothing of mine; therefore (from
gratitude, I presume) they persist that my “admirable likeness” shall
appear and be published by Whitsunday, a project from which I gallantly
defend myself, refusing either to sit or stand for the purpose, having a
particular objection to such pretensions.
You must be well aware that your presence at the festival would not only
be no _gêne_ to me, but on the contrary, would cause me first to feel
true joy and delight in my success. Allow me to take this opportunity to
say to you, that the approbation and enjoyment of the public, to which I
am certainly very sensible, only causes me real satisfaction when I can
write to tell you of it, because I know it rejoices you, and one word of
praise from you is more truly precious to me, and makes me happier,
than all the publics in the world applauding me in concert; and thus to
see you among the audience, would be the dearest of all rewards to me
for my labours.
My oratorio[21] is to be performed in Frankfort in November, so Schelble
writes to me; and much as I should like you to hear it soon, still I
should prefer your hearing it first next year, at the Musical Festival.
Before decidedly accepting the proposal, I have stipulated to wait till
after the performance at Frankfort, that I may judge whether it be
suitable for the festival; but should this prove to be the case, as I
hope and wish it may, it will have a much finer effect there, and
besides it is the festival that you like, and Whitsunday instead of
November; and above all, I shall then know whether it pleases you or
not, on which point I feel by no means sure.
I cannot close this letter without speaking of the heavenly weather that
delights us here. Light balmy air and sunshine, and a profusion of
green, and larks! To-day I rode through the forest, and stopped for at
least a quarter of an hour to listen to the birds, who in the deep
solitude were fluttering about incessantly and warbling.--Your
FELIX.
TO HERR CONRAD SCHLEINITZ, LEIPZIG.
Düsseldorf, April 16th, 1835.
Sir,
I thank you cordially for your last letter, and for the friendly
interest which you take in me, and in my coming to Leipzig. As I
perceive by the Herr Stadtrath Porsche’s letter, as well as by that of
the Superintendent of the concerts, that my going there does not
interfere with any other person, one great difficulty is thus obviated.
But another has now arisen, as the letter of the Superintendent contains
different views with regard to the situation from yours. The direction
of twenty concerts and extra concerts is named as among the duties, but
a benefit concert (about which you wrote to me) is not mentioned. I have
consequently said in my reply what I formerly wrote to you, that in
order to induce me to consent to the exchange, I wish to see the same
pecuniary advantages secured to me that I enjoy here. If a benefit
concert, as you say, would bring from 200 to 300 dollars, this sum would
certainly be a considerable increase to my salary; but I must say that I
never made such a proposal, and indeed would not have accepted it, had
it been made to me. It would be a different thing if the association
chose to give an additional concert, and to devote a share of the
profits towards the increase of my established salary. During my musical
career, I have always resolved never to give a concert for myself (for
my own benefit). You probably are aware that, personally, pecuniary
considerations would be of less importance to me, were it not that my
parents (and I think rightly) exact from me that I should follow my art
as a profession, and gain my livelihood by means of it. I, however,
reserved the power of declining certain things which, in reference to my
favoured position in this respect, I will never do; for example, giving
concerts or lessons. But I quite acknowledge the propriety of what my
parents insist on so strongly, that in all other relations I shall
gladly consider myself as a musician who lives by his profession. Thus,
before giving up my present situation, I must ascertain that one equally
advantageous is secured to me. I do not consider that what I require is
at all presumptuous, as it has been offered to me here, and on this
account I trust that a similar course may be pursued in Leipzig. An
association was at that time formed here, who entrusted to me the duty
of conducting the Vocal Association, concerts, etc., and made up my
salary partly in common with the Vocal Association, and partly by the
profits of the concerts. Whether anything of this kind be possible with
you, or whether it could be equalized by an additional concert, or
whether the execution of particular duties is to be imposed on me, I
cannot of course pretend to decide. I only wish that, in one way or
another, a definite position should be assured to me, like the one I
enjoy here; and if your idea about the benefit concert could be
modified and carried out, there would then be a good hope for me that
the affair might turn out according to my wish.
If you can induce the directors to fulfil the wishes I have expressed,
you will exceedingly oblige me, for you know how welcome a residence and
active employment in your city would be to me. In any event, continue
your friendly feelings towards me, and accept my thanks for them.
TO THE HERR REGIERUNGS-SECRETAIR HIXTE, COLOGNE.
Düsseldorf, May 18th, 1835.
Sir,
I thank you much for the kind letter you have gratified me by addressing
to me. The idea which you communicate in it is very flattering for me,
and yet I confess that I feel a certain degree of dislike to do what you
propose, and for a long time past I have entertained this feeling. It is
now so very much the fashion for obscure or commonplace people to have
their likeness given to the public, in order to become more known, and
for young beginners to do so at first starting in life, that I have
always had a dread of doing so too soon. I do not wish that my likeness
should be taken, until I have accomplished something to render me more
worthy, according to my idea, of such an honour. This, however, not
being yet the case, I beg to defer such a compliment till I am more
deserving of it; but receive my best thanks for the friendly good-nature
with which you made me this offer.[22]--I am, etc.,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS FAMILY.
Leipzig, October 6th, 1835.
For a week past I have been seeking for a leisure hour to answer, and to
thank you for the charming letters I have received from you; but the
London days, with their distractions, were not worse than the time has
been since Fanny left this till now. At length, after the successful
result of the first concert, I have at last a certain degree of rest.
The day after I accompanied the Hensels to Delitsch, Chopin came; he
intended only to remain one day, so we spent this entirely together in
music. I cannot deny, dear Fanny, that I have lately found that you by
no means do him justice in your judgment of his talents; perhaps he was
not in a humour for playing when you heard him, which may not
unfrequently be the case with him. But his playing has enchanted me
afresh, and I am persuaded that if you, and my Father also, had heard
some of his better pieces, as he played them to me, you would say the
same. There is something thoroughly original in his pianoforte playing,
and at the same time so masterly, that he may be called a most perfect
virtuoso; and as every style of perfection is welcome and acceptable,
that day was most agreeable to me, although so entirely different from
the previous ones with you,--the Hensels.
It was so pleasant for me to be once more with a thorough musician, and
not with those half virtuosos and half classics, who would gladly
combine _les honneurs de la vertu et les plaisirs du vice_, but with one
who has his perfect and well-defined phase; and however far asunder we
may be in our different spheres, still I can get on famously with such a
person; but not with those half-and-half people. Sunday evening was
really very remarkable when Chopin made me play over my oratorio to him,
while curious Leipzigers stole into the room to see him, and when
between the first and second part he dashed into his new Études and a
new concerto, to the amazement of the Leipzigers, and then I resumed my
“St. Paul;” it was just as if a Cherokee and a Kaffir had met to
converse. He has also such a lovely new _notturno_, a considerable part
of which I learnt by ear for the purpose of playing it for Paul’s
amusement. So we got on most pleasantly together; and he promised
faithfully to return in the course of the winter, when I intend to
compose a new symphony, and to perform it in honour of him. We vowed
these things in the presence of three witnesses, and we shall see
whether we both adhere to our word. My collection of Handel’s works
arrived before Chopin’s departure, and were a source of quite childish
delight to him; they really are so beautiful that I am charmed with
them; thirty-two great folios, bound in thick green leather, in the
regular nice English fashion, and on the back, in big gold letters, the
title and contents of each volume; and in the first volume, besides,
there are the following words, “To Director F. M. B., from the Committee
of the Cologne Musical Festival, 1835.” The books were accompanied by a
very civil letter, with the signatures of all the Committee, and on
taking up one of the volumes at random it happened to be “Samson,” and
just at the very beginning I found a grand aria for Samson which is
quite unknown, because Herr von Mosel struck it out, and which yields in
beauty to none of Handel’s; so you see what pleasure is in store for me
in all the thirty-two volumes. You may imagine my delight. Before
setting off on his journey Moscheles came to see me, and during the
first half-hour he played over my second book of “songs without words”
to my extreme pleasure. He is not the least changed, only somewhat older
in appearance, but otherwise as fresh and in as good spirits as ever,
and playing quite splendidly; another kind of perfect virtuoso and
master combined. The rehearsals of the first subscription gradually drew
near, and the day before yesterday my Leipzig music-directorship
commenced. I cannot tell you how much I am satisfied with this
beginning, and with the whole aspect of my position here. It is a quiet,
regular, official business. That the Institute has been established for
fifty-six years is very perceptible, and moreover, the people seem most
friendly and well-disposed towards me and my music. The orchestra is
very good, and thoroughly musical; and I think that six months hence it
will be much improved, for the sympathy and attention with which these
people receive my suggestions, and instantly adopt them, were really
touching in both the rehearsals we have hitherto had; there was as great
a difference as if another orchestra had been playing. There are still
some deficiencies in the orchestra, but these will be supplied by
degrees; and I look forward to a succession of pleasant evenings and
good performances. I wish you had heard the introduction to my
“Meeresstille” (for the concert began with that); there was such
profound silence in the hall and in the orchestra, that the most
delicate notes could be distinctly heard, and they played the adagio
from first to last in the most masterly manner; the allegro not quite so
well; for being accustomed to a slower _tempo_, they rather dragged; but
at the end, where the slow time 4/4 _ff_ begins, they went capitally;
the violins attacking it with a degree of vehemence that quite startled
me and delighted the _publicus_. The following pieces, an air in E major
of Weber, a violin concerto by Spohr, and the introduction to “Ali
Baba” did not go so well; the one rehearsal was not sufficient, and they
were often unsteady; but, on the other hand, Beethoven’s B flat
symphony, which formed the second part, was splendidly given, so that
the Leipzigers shouted with delight at the close of each movement. I
never in any orchestra saw such zeal and excitement; they listened
like--popinjays, Zelter would say.
After the concert I received, and offered in turn, a mass of
congratulations: first the orchestra, then the Thomas School collegians
(who are capital fellows, and go to college, and are dismissed so
punctually that I have promised them an order); then came Moscheles,
with a Court suite of _dilettanti_, then two editors of musical papers,
and so on. Moscheles’ concert is on Friday, and I am to play his piece
for two pianos[23] with him, and he is to play my new pianoforte-concerto.
My “Hebrides” have also contrived to creep into the concert. This
afternoon Moscheles, Clara Wieck, and I, play Sebastian Bach’s triple
concerto in D minor. How amiable Moscheles is towards myself, how
cordially he is interested in my situation here, how it delights me that
he is so satisfied with it, how he plays my rondo in E flat to my great
admiration, and far better than I originally conceived it, and how we
dine together every forenoon in his hotel, and every evening drink tea
and have music in mine,--all this you can imagine for yourself, for you
know him,--especially you, dear Father. These are pleasant days; and if
I have not much leisure to work, I mean to make up for it hereafter, and
shall derive as much benefit from it then as now.
My first concert caused me no perturbation, dear Mother, but to my shame
I confess, that I never felt so embarrassed at the moment of appearing
as on that occasion; I believe it arose from our long correspondence and
treaty on the subject, and I had never before seen a concert of the
kind. The locality and the lights confused me. Now farewell all. May you
be well and happy, and pray write to me very often.--Your
FELIX.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Leipzig, December 6th, 1835.
Dear Schubring,
You have no doubt heard of the heavy stroke that has fallen on my happy
life and those dear to me.[24] It is the greatest misfortune that could
have befallen me, and a trial that I must either strive to bear up
against, or must utterly sink under. I say this to myself after the
lapse of three weeks, without the acute anguish of the first days, but I
now feel it even more deeply; a new life must now begin for me, or all
must be at an end,--the old life is now severed. For our consolation
and example, our Mother bears her loss with the most wonderful composure
and firmness; she comforts herself with her children and grandchildren,
and thus strives to hide the chasm that never can be filled up. My
Brother and Sisters do what they can to fulfil their duties better than
ever, the more difficult they have become. I was ten days in Berlin,
that by my presence my Mother should at least be surrounded by her whole
family; but I need scarcely tell you what these days were; you know it
well, and no doubt you thought of me in that dark hour. God granted to
my Father the prayer that he had often uttered; his end was as peaceful
and quiet, and as sudden and unexpected as he desired. On Wednesday, the
18th, he was surrounded by all his family, went to bed late the same
evening, complained a little early on Thursday, and at half-past eleven
his life was ended. The physicians can give his malady no name. It seems
that my grandfather Moses died in a similar manner,--so my uncle told
us,--at the same age, without sickness, and in a calm and cheerful frame
of mind. I do not know whether you are aware that more especially for
some years past, my Father was so good to me, so thoroughly my friend,
that I was devoted to him with my whole soul, and during my long absence
I scarcely ever passed an hour without thinking of him; but as you knew
him in his own home with us, in all his kindliness, you can well realize
my state of mind. The only thing that now remains is to do one’s duty,
and this I strive to accomplish with all my strength, for he would wish
it to be so if he were still present, and I shall never cease to
endeavour to gain his approval as I formerly did, though I can no longer
enjoy it. When I delayed answering your letter, I little thought that I
should have to answer it thus; let me thank you for it now, and for all
your kindness. One passage for “St. Paul” was excellent, “der Du der
rechte Vater bist.” I have a chorus in my head for it which I intend
shortly to write down. I shall now work with double zeal at the
completion of “St. Paul” for my Father urged me to it in the very last
letter he wrote to me, and he looked forward very impatiently to the
completion of my work. I feel as if I must exert all my energies to
finish it, and make it as good as possible, and then think that he takes
an interest in it. If any good passages occur to you, pray send them to
me, for you know the intention of the whole. To-day, for the first time,
I have begun once more to work at it, and intend now to do so daily.
When it is concluded, what is to come next, God will direct. Farewell,
dear Schubring, bear me in your thoughts.--Your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PASTOR BAUER, BESZIG.
Leipzig, December 9th, 1835.
I received your kind letter here, on the very day when the christening
in your family was to take place, on my return from Berlin, where I had
gone in the hope of alleviating my Mother’s grief, immediately after the
loss of my Father. So I received the intelligence of your happiness, on
again crossing the threshold of my empty room, when I felt for the first
time in my inmost being, what it is to suffer the most painful and
bitter anguish. Indeed the wish which of all others every night recurred
to my mind, was that I might not survive my loss, because I so entirely
clung to my Father, or rather still cling to him, that I do not know how
I can now pass my life, for not only have I to deplore the loss of a
father (a sorrow which of all others from my childhood I always thought
the most acute), but also that of my best and most perfect friend during
the last few years, and my instructor in art and in life.
It seemed to me so strange, reading your letter, which breathed only joy
and satisfaction, calling on me to rejoice with you on your future
prospects, at the moment when I felt that my past was lost and gone for
ever; but I thank you for wishing me, though so distant, to become your
guest at the christening; and though my name may make a graver
impression now than you probably thought, I trust that impression will
only be a grave, and not a painful one, to you and your wife; and when,
in later years, you tell your child of those whom you invited to his
baptism, do not omit my name from your guests, but say to him that one
of them on that day recommenced his life afresh,--though in another
sense, with new purposes and wishes, and with new prayers to God.
My Mother is well, and bears her sorrow with such composure and dignity
that we can all only wonder and admire, and ascribe it to her love for
her children, and her wish for their happiness. As for myself, when I
tell you that I strive to do my duty and thus to win my Father’s
approval now as I always formerly did, and devote to the completion of
“St. Paul,” in which he took such pleasure, all the energies of my mind,
to make it as good as I possibly can; when I say that I force myself to
the performance of my duties here, not to pass quite unprofitably these
first days of sorrow, when to be perfectly idle is most consonant to
one’s feelings; that, lastly, the people here are most kind and
sympathizing, and endeavour to make life as little painful to me as they
can,--you know the aspect of my inner and outer life at this moment.
Farewell.
TO FERDINAND HILLER.
Leipzig, January 24th, 1836.
My dear Ferdinand,
I now send you my promised report of the performance of your D minor
overture, which took place last Thursday evening. It was well executed
by the orchestra; we had studied it repeatedly and carefully, and a
great many of the passages sounded so well as to exceed my expectations.
The most beautiful of all was the first passage in A minor, _piano_,
given by wind instruments, followed by the melody,--which had an
admirable effect; and also at the beginning of the free fantasia, the
_forte_ in G minor, and then the _piano_, (your favourite passage,)
likewise the trombones and wind instruments, _piano_, at the end in D
major. The Finale, too, exceeded my expectations in the orchestra. But,
trusting to our good understanding, I could not resist striking out,
after the first rehearsal, the _staccato_ double-basses in the melody in
A major, and each time the passage recurred in F and D major, replacing
them by sustained notes; you can’t think how confused the effect was,
and therefore I hope you will not take this liberty amiss. I am
convinced you would have done the same; it did not sound as you would
have liked.
I have something else, too, on my conscience that I must tell you. The
Overture neither excited myself nor the musicians during its performance
as I could have wished; it left us rather cold. This would have been of
little consequence, but it was remarkable that all the musicians to whom
I spoke said the same. The first theme and all the beginning, the
melodies in A minor and A major, particularly delighted them; and up to
that point they had all felt enthusiastic, but then their sympathy
gradually subsided; till, when the close came, they had quite forgotten
the striking impression of the theme, and no longer felt any interest in
the music. This seems to me important, for I think it is connected with
the difference which we have so repeatedly discussed together, and the
want of interest with which you at all times regard your art, being now
at length become perceptible to others. I would not say this to you,
were it not that I am perfectly convinced of this being a point which
must be left to each _individual_, as neither nature nor talents, even
of the highest order, can remedy it; a man’s own will alone can do so.
Nothing is more repugnant to me than casting blame on the nature or
genius of any one; it only renders him irritable and bewildered, and
does no good. No man can add one inch to his stature: in such a case all
striving and toiling is vain, therefore it is best to be silent.
Providence is answerable for this defect in his nature. But if it be the
case, as it is with this work of yours, that precisely those very
themes, and all that requires talent or genius (call it as you will), is
excellent and beautiful and touching, but the development not so
good,--then, I think, silence should not be observed; then, I think,
blame can never be unwise, for this is the point where great progress
can be made by the composer himself in his works; and as I believe that
a man with fine capabilities has the absolute duty imposed on him of
becoming something really superior, so I think that blame must be
attributed to him, if he does not develope himself according to the
means with which he is endowed. And I maintain that it is the same with
a musical composition. Do not tell me that it is so, and therefore it
must remain so. I know well that no musician can alter the thoughts and
talents which Heaven has bestowed on him; but I also know that when
Providence grants him superior ones, he _must_ also _develope_ them
properly. Do not declare, either, that we were all mistaken, and that
the execution was as much in fault as the composition. I do not believe
it. I do believe that your talents are such that you are inferior to
_no_ musician, but I scarcely know one piece of yours that is
systematically carried out. The two overtures are certainly your best
pieces, but the more distinctly you express your thoughts, the more
perceptible are the defects, and in my opinion you must rectify them.
Do not ask me how, for that you know best yourself. After all, it is
only the affair of a walk, or a moment,--in short, of a thought. If you
laugh at me for this long lecture, perhaps you may be quite right; but
certainly not so if you are displeased, or bear me a grudge for it;
though indeed it is very stupid in me even to suggest such a
possibility. But how many musicians are there who would permit another
to address them thus? And though you must see in every expression of
mine how much I love and revere your genius, still I have told you that
you are not absolute perfection, and this musicians usually take highly
amiss. But you will not: you know my sincere interest in you too well.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Leipzig, January 30th, 1836.
Dear Fanny,
To-day at length I can reply to your charming letters, and lecture you
severely for saying in your first letter that it was long since you had
been able to please me by your music, and asking me how this was. I
totally deny this to be the fact, and assure you that all you compose
pleases me. If two or three things in succession did not satisfy me as
entirely as others of yours, I think the ground lay no deeper than this,
that you have written less than in former days, when one or two songs
that did not exactly suit my taste were so rapidly composed, and
replaced so quickly by others, that neither of us considered much why it
was that they were less attractive; we only laughed together about them,
and there was an end of it.
I may quote here “Die Schönheit nicht, O Mädchen,” and many others in
the “_prima maniera_ of our master” which we heartily abused. Then came
beautiful songs in their turn, and so it is at present, only they cannot
follow each other in such quick succession, because you must often now
have other things to occupy your thoughts besides composing pretty
songs, and that is a great blessing. But if you suppose that your more
recent compositions seem to me inferior to your earlier ones, you are
most entirely and totally mistaken, for I know no song of yours better
than the English one in G minor, or the close of the “Liederkreis,” and
many others of later date; besides, you are aware that formerly there
were entire _books_ of your composition that were less acceptable to me
than others, because my nature always was to be a screech-owl, and to
belong to the savage tribe of brothers. But you know well how much I
love _all_ your productions, and some are especially dear to my heart;
so I trust that you will write to me forthwith that you have done me
injustice, by considering me a man devoid of taste, and that you will
never again do so.
And then, neither in this letter nor in your former one do you say one
word about “St. Paul” or “Melusina,” as one colleague should write to
another,--that is, remarks on fifths, rhythm, and motion of the parts,
on conceptions, counterpoint, _et cætera animalia_. You ought to have
done so, however, and should do so still, for you know the value I
attach to this; and as “St. Paul” is shortly to be sent to the
publisher, a few strictures from you would come just at the right
moment. I write to you to-day solely in the hope of soon receiving an
answer from you, for I am very weary and exhausted from yesterday’s
concert, where, in addition to conducting three times, I was obliged to
play Mozart’s D minor concerto. In the first movement I made a
_cadenza_, which succeeded famously, and caused a tremendous sensation
among the Leipzigers. I must write down the end of it for you. You
remember the theme, of course? Towards the close of the cadence,
arpeggios come in _pianissimo_ in D minor, thus--
[Illustration: Musical notation]
Then again G minor arpeggios; then
[Illustration: Musical notation]
Then [Illustration: Musical notation] arpeggios, and
[Illustration: Musical notation]
[Illustration: Musical notation]
etc., to the close in D minor. Our second violin player, an old
musician, said to me afterwards, when he met me in the passage, that he
had heard it played in the same Hall by Mozart himself, but since that
day he had heard no one introduce such good _cadenzas_ as I did
yesterday, which gave me very great pleasure.
Do you know Handel’s “Coronation Anthem”? It is most singular. The
beginning is one of the finest which not only Handel, but any man, ever
composed; and all the remainder, after the first short movement,
horridly dry and commonplace. The performers could not master it, but
are certainly far too busy to grieve much about that.
Many persons here consider “Melusina” to be my best overture; at all
events, it is the most deeply felt; but as to the fabulous nonsense of
the musical papers, about red coral and green sea monsters, and magic
palaces, and deep seas, this is stupid stuff, and fills me with
amazement. But now I take my leave of water for some time to come, and
must see how things are going on elsewhere.[25] I received to-day a
letter from Düsseldorf, with the news of the musical doings there, and a
request to send “St. Paul” soon for the Musical Festival. I cannot deny
that when I read the description of their concerts, and some concert
bills which were enclosed, and realized the state of the musical world
there, I had a most agreeable sensation at my change of position. They
cannot well be compared; for while there they are engaged in perpetual
quarrelling and strife and petty criticisms, here, on the contrary,
during the course of this whole winter, my situation has not caused me
to pass one disagreeable day, or to hear hardly one annoying expression,
while I have enjoyed much pleasure and gratification. The whole
orchestra, and there are some able men among them, strive to guess my
wishes at a glance; they have made the most extraordinary progress in
finish and refinement, and are so devoted to me, that I often feel quite
affected by it.
Would that I were less sad and sorrowful; for sometimes I do not know
what to do, and can only hope that the approaching spring and the warm
weather may cheer me.
I trust you and yours may all continue well and happy, and sometimes
think of me.--Your
FELIX.
TO DR. FREDERICK ROSEN, LONDON,
(PROFESSOR OF ORIENTAL LANGUAGES.)
Leipzig, February 6th, 1836.
My dear Friend,
I had intended writing to you long ago, but have always delayed it till
now, when I am compelled to do so by Klingemann’s announcement that your
‘Vedas’ is finished. I wish therefore to send you my congratulations at
once; and though I understand very little of it, and consequently can
appreciate its merits as little, still I wish you joy of being able to
give to the world a work so long cherished, and so interesting to you,
and which cannot fail to bring you new fame and new delight. And when I
feel how little I, who never learnt the language, can do justice to the
vast circumference of such a work, I may indeed congratulate you on the
fact, that no spurious connoisseurs or _dilettanti_ can grope their way
into your most favourite thoughts, while you must feel the more secure
and tranquil in your own vocation, because arrogant ignorance cannot
presume to attack you behind your bulwarks of quaint letters and
hieroglyphics. They must at least first be able to decipher them
tolerably, before they can attempt to criticize; so you are better off
in this respect than we are, against whom they always appeal to their
own paltry conceptions.
I feel like a person waking drowsily. I cannot succeed in realizing the
present, and there is a constant alternation of my old habitual
cheerfulness and the most heartfelt deep grief, so that I cannot attain
to anything like steady composure of mind. In the meantime, however, I
occupy myself as much as possible, and that is the only thing that does
me good. My position here is of the most agreeable nature,--cordial
people, a good orchestra, the most susceptible and grateful musical
public; only just as much work to do as I like, and an opportunity of
hearing my new compositions at once. I have plenty of pleasant society
besides, so that this would indeed seem to be all that was required to
constitute happiness, were it not deeper seated!
Farewell, dear friend, and do not forget your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, February 18th, 1836.
Dear Mother,
I cannot write home without enclosing a few lines for you, and thanking
you a thousand times for your dear letter, and begging you to write to
me as often as you wish to make me very happy. I have scarcely thanked
you, and Fanny, and Rebecca, for the beautiful presents you sent to me
on the 3rd, and which made the day so pleasant to me. The leader of the
orchestra, when I went to rehearsal on the morning of that day,
addressed me in a complimentary speech, which was very gratifying, and
when we sat down to dinner at S----’s, I found a silver cup, which four
of my friends here had ordered for me, with an inscription and their
names, under my napkin. All this was welcome and cheering. In the
evening, when I had carefully put away your store of linen, and placed
Rebecca’s travelling-case beside my map of Germany and the keys of my
trunk, and had read “Fiesko” in Fanny’s book, which I was formerly so
pleased with, (but now less so,) then I felt considerably older, and
thought of Aunt Lette, who wrote me a note on my twentieth birthday,
which began, “My poor Felix! actually ten years hence no longer a boy!”
I am curious to learn whether Gusikow pleased you as much as he did me.
He is quite a phenomenon; a famous fellow, inferior to no virtuoso in
the world, both in execution and facility; he therefore delights me more
with his instrument of wood and straw, than many with their pianofortes,
just because it is such a thankless kind of instrument. A capital scene
took place at his concert here. I went out to join him in the room where
he was, in order to speak to him and compliment him. Schleinitz and
David wished to come with me; a whole group of Polish Jews followed in
our wake, anxious to hear our eulogiums; but when we came to the side
room, they pressed forward so quickly, that David and Schleinitz were
left in the rear, and the door shut right in their faces; then the Jews
all stood quite still, waiting to hear the compliments Gusikow was about
to receive. At first I could not speak for laughing, seeing the small
room crammed full of these bearded fellows, and my two friends shut out.
It is long since I so much enjoyed any concert as this, for the man is a
true genius.
The direction of the St. Cecilia Association at Frankfort-on-the-Maine
has been confidentially offered to me. I can with truth say that it
caused me more pain than pleasure, because it is evident from this that
Schelble’s return is considered out of the question. If it really be so,
(which I shall take care to ascertain), I will on no account accept the
offer. But if there were a possibility of improvement, and I could in
any degree be of service to Schelble, by giving an impetus to his
Institute next summer (for I hear that all the winter it has been almost
dead), and if he could resume the duties himself next winter, I should
feel real pleasure in doing this for him, even if all my travelling
projects were to be overthrown. For once it would be doing a real
service, both to a friend, and to the cause itself.
And now I must dress, for I am going to direct a concert. Merk is here;
he gives a concert next Sunday, where I am to play with him again: it is
the seventh time this winter, but I could not possibly refuse; for when
I see my old companion again, the whole autumn of 1830 is brought before
my eyes, and our music at Eskele’s, our playing billiards at the
Kärnthner Thor, and driving to Baden in a _fiacre_, etc. Besides, he is
beyond all question the very first of all living violoncello players.
Farewell, dear Mother.--Your
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Düsseldorf, June 1st, 1836.
Dear Mother,
I hope you have forgiven my long silence. There was so much to do, both
before and during my journey here, that I was scarcely able to attend
even to the duties of the passing hour; and what has gone on here since
my arrival[26] you know better than if I had myself written, for I trust
Paul and Fanny are now happily returned, and of course described
everything verbally to you.
On Saturday, the 4th, I am to go to Frankfort, a week hence to direct,
for the first time, the St. Cecilia Association. To be sure, my charming
Swiss projects, and the sea-baths in Genoa have thus melted into air;
but still, my being able to do a real service to Schelble and his
undertaking, is of no small value in my eyes. There seemed to be an idea
that the St. Cecilia Association would be dispersed, and Schelble
appeared very much to dread the lukewarmness of the members during his
absence. As they all hoped and believed that I could prevent this by my
presence, I did not for a moment hesitate, though the Frankfort
musicians will be desperately astonished, and will now see what can be
done within eight weeks. Hiller, whom I like so much, is by chance to
be in Frankfort the whole time, which will be a great advantage for me.
It gives me peculiar pleasure to be able to write to you that I am now
fairly established in Germany, and shall not require to make a
pilgrimage into foreign countries to secure my existence. This, indeed,
has only been evident during the last year, and since my being placed at
Leipzig; but now I have no longer any doubts on the subject, and think
there is no want of modesty in rejoicing at the fact, and mentioning it
to you.
The manner in which I was received on my journey, in Frankfort, and
afterwards here, was all that a musician could desire; and although this
may mean in reality little or nothing, still it is a token of friendship
which is always gratifying; and I value all such tokens, because I am
well aware that I have taken no steps to call them forth. I therefore
almost rejoice when you call me “the reverse of a charlatan,” and when
many things fall to my share unasked for, about which others give
themselves a great deal of trouble; for I may then venture to believe
that I deserve them. I wish only I could have written these words to my
father, for he would have read them with satisfaction. But his dearest
wish was progress; he always directed me to press forwards, and so I
think I am doing his will when I continue to labour in this sense, and
endeavour to make progress without any ulterior views beyond my own
improvement. Farewell, dear Mother.--Your
FELIX.
TO HERR ADVOCAT CONRAD SCHLEINITZ, _Leipzig_.
Cologne, July 5th, 1836.
Dear Schleinitz,
I have in vain sought a moment of leisure, after the Musical Festival,
to send you my first greeting and letter since my journey. In Düsseldorf
the bustle was great, and no end to all kinds of music, _fêtes_, and
recreations, which never left me a quiet moment. I have been staying a
day here to revive and to rest, with my old President,[27] and as
evening is now approaching, about the time when you often used to peep
into my room, I feel an impulse, if only for a moment, to shake hands
and say good-evening.
You would certainly have been for some time well amused and delighted
with the Musical Festival; and from your taking so friendly an interest
in me and my “St. Paul,” I thought a hundred times at least during the
rehearsals, what a pity it was that you were not there. You would
assuredly have been delighted by the love and goodwill with which the
whole affair was carried on, and the marvellous fire with which the
chorus and orchestra burst forth, though there were individual passages,
especially in the solos, which might have annoyed you. I think I see
your face, could you have heard the St. Paul’s aria sung in an
indifferent, mechanical manner, and I think I hear you breaking loose
on the Apostle of the Gentiles in a dressing-gown; but then I know also
how charmed you would have been with the “Mache dich auf,” which went
really splendidly. My feelings were singular; during the whole of the
rehearsals and the performance I thought little enough about directing,
but listened eagerly to the general effect, and whether it went right
according to my idea, without thinking of anything else. When the people
gave me a flourish of trumpets or applauded, it was very welcome for the
moment, but then my Father came back to my mind, and I strove once more
to recall my thoughts to my work. Thus, during the entire performance I
was almost in the position of a listener, and tried to retain an
impression of the whole. Many parts caused me much pleasure, others not
so; but I learnt a lesson from it all, and hope to succeed better the
next time I write an oratorio.
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Frankfort, July 14th, 1836.
Dear Mother and dear Rebecca,
I have just received your affectionate letters, and must answer them
instantly, for indeed I had been eagerly expecting them for several days
past, during which I have done nothing but lie on the sofa and read
Eckermann’s ‘Conversations with Goethe,’ and long for letters from home
which I could answer. I am as much delighted with Eckermann as you are,
my dear Mother and Sister. I feel just as if I heard the old gentleman
speaking again, for there are many things introduced into the work which
are the very same words I have heard him use, and I know his tone and
gestures by heart. I must say that Eckermann is not sufficiently
independent. He is always rejoicing over “this important phrase, which
pray mark well.” But it must be admitted that it was a difficult
position for the old man, and we ought to be grateful to him for his
faithful notices, and also for his delicacy,--a contrast to Riemer.
Here I am, seated in the well-known corner room with the beautiful view,
in Schelble’s house, he and his wife being gone to visit his property in
Swabia, and they do not return to Frankfort so long as I am here; but
the accounts his wife has sent here are very consolatory, and inspire us
all with much hope. There is no one living in this house but Schelble’s
mother-in-law, and a maid-servant, on one side,--and myself, with two
travelling-bags and a hat-box, on the other. At first I was unwilling to
come here, owing to many remembrances, but now I am glad that I came. A
very kind reception, an excellent grand pianoforte, plenty of music,
entire rest, and undisturbed tranquillity, are all things which are
nowhere to be found in an inn; and I might well be envied the view from
my corner window. In this splendid summer weather I see all down the
Maine, with its numerous boats, rafts, and ships, the gay shore
opposite, and above all, my old favourite, the Wartthurm, facing the
south, and on the other side the blue hills. I came here with plans for
great industry, but for nearly a week I have done little else every
forenoon, but admire the prospect and sun myself. I must go on in the
same way for a couple of days still,--idleness is so pleasant, and
agrees with me so well. My last days in Düsseldorf, and my first here,
were crammed so full that I could only recover my balance by degrees.
The very day of my arrival here, I had to direct the St. Cecilia
Association; then came my numerous acquaintances, old and new, and the
arrangements for the next few weeks. I was obliged to take a rest after
all this, or at least I said so to myself, to palliate, and furnish a
pretext for my love of idleness. The St. Cecilia Association went on
well, and they were very friendly; I however made a speech that deserved
to have been written down. We sang some things from “Samson,” and some
from the B minor Mass of Bach. There was much worth remembering in the
former. The Bach went almost faultlessly, though it is fully twice as
difficult; and so I had a fresh opportunity of admiring how Schelble, by
dint of his admirable tenacity, has succeeded in making his will obeyed.
I shall not be able to do much for the association. Six weeks are not
sufficient, and even under the most favourable circumstances, Schelble’s
physician wishes him to rest the whole of the ensuing winter. How the
matter will proceed then we know not. All the musicians here think too
much about themselves, and too little about their work; but we shall see
how this may be, and what we have now to do is to provide for the
intervening time; and I rejoice to be able in this respect to oblige
Schelble. I must say my life assumes a most agreeable form here. Never
could I have thought, that through my overtures and songs, I could have
become such a lion with the musical world. The “Melusina” and the
“Hebrides” are as familiar to them as to us at home (I mean No. 3,
Leipziger Strasse), and the _dilettanti_ dispute warmly about my
intentions.
Then Hiller is here, at all times a delightful sight to me, and we have
always much that is interesting to discuss together. To my mind, he is
not sufficiently--what shall I call it?--one-sided. By nature he loves
Bach and Beethoven beyond all others, and would therefore prefer
adopting wholly the graver style of music; but then he is much delighted
also with Rossini, Auber, Bellini, etc., and with this variety of tastes
no man makes real progress. So this forms the subject of all our
conversations as soon as we see each other, and it is most agreeable to
me to be with him for some time, and, if possible, to lead him to my
mode of thinking.... Early yesterday I went to see him, and whom should
I find sitting there but Rossini, as large as life, in his best and most
amiable mood. I really know few men who can be so amusing and witty as
he, when he chooses; he kept us laughing incessantly the whole time. I
promised that the St. Cecilia Association should sing for him the B
minor Mass, and some other things of Sebastian Bach’s. It will be quite
too charming to see Rossini obliged to admire Sebastian Bach; he thinks,
however, “different countries, different customs,” and is resolved to
howl with the wolves. He says he is enchanted with Germany, and when he
once gets the list of wines at the Rhine Hotel in the evening, the
waiter is obliged to show him his room, or he could never manage to find
it. He relates the most laughable and amusing things about Paris and all
the musicians there, as well as of himself and his compositions, and
entertains the most profound respect for all the men of the present
day,--so that you might really believe him, if you had no eyes to see
his sarcastic face. Intellect, and animation, and wit, sparkle in all
his features and in every word, and those who do not consider him a
genius, ought to hear him expatiating in this way, and they would change
their opinion.
I was lately with S---- also, but it was miserable to hear him grumbling
and abusing everybody; at last he vowed that all men were nothing but a
tiresome pack; I answered that I considered this very modest on his
part, as I concluded he did not look upon himself as an angel or a
demigod, when, quite contrary to my expectations, we instantly became
the best of friends, and he ended by declaring, that after all, the
world pleased him very well. This is not surprising, as he was sitting
in his garden in the country, with a beautiful landscape and a lovely
view; and in a region like this, in such weather and under such a sky,
very little fault can be found with the world. The scenery round
Frankfort pleases me this time beyond everything,--such fruitfulness,
richness of verdure, gardens and fields, and the beautiful blue hills as
a background! and then a forest beyond; to ramble there in the evenings
under the splendid beech-trees, among the innumerable herbs and flowers
and blackberries and strawberries, makes the heart swell with gratitude.
Yesterday afternoon I visited André at Offenbach; he sends you his kind
regards, and is the same fiery, eager person he ever was. His reception
of me was however more cordial and more gratifying than that of all the
other musicians; he really does somewhat resemble my father. Is it not
singular that several persons here have lately said to me, that I am
like what André was in his younger days, and you may remember that _he_
was formerly often mistaken for _my father_. He scanned me closely from
head to foot, and said I had now my third face since he had first known
me; the second he had not at all approved of, but now he liked me much
better. The conversation then turned on counterpoint and Vogler, and he
attacked him in spite of Zelter, and dragged forth a couple of folios
as proof on his side. I could not prevail on myself to go to the
Rothschilds, in spite of their very flattering invitation. I am not in
the vein or humour at present for balls or any other festivities, and
“Like should draw to like.” At the same time, these people really cause
me much pleasure, and their splendour and luxury, and the universal
respect with which the citizens here are forced to regard them all
(though they would gladly assault them if they dared) is a real source
of exultation, for it is all owing entirely to their own industry, good
fortune, and abilities. The 15th has actually dawned; this is a regular
chattering, gossiping letter.--Your
FELIX.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, BERLIN.
Frankfort, July 2nd, 1836.
... Such is my mood now the whole day; I can neither compose nor write
letters, nor play the piano; the utmost I can do is to sketch a
little,[28] but I must thank you for your kind expressions about “St.
Paul;” such words from you are the best and dearest that I can ever
hear, and what you and Fanny say on the subject the public say also ...
no other exists for me. I only wish you would write to me a few times
more about it, and very minutely as to my other music. The whole time
that I have been here I have worked at “St. Paul,” because I wish to
publish it in as complete a form as possible; and moreover, I am quite
convinced that the beginning of the first, and the end of the second
part, are now nearly three times as good as they were, and such was my
duty; for in many points, especially as to subordinate matters in so
large a work, I only succeed by degrees in realizing my thoughts and
expressing them clearly; in the principal movements and melodies I can
no longer indeed make any alteration, because they occur at once to my
mind just as they are; but I am not sufficiently advanced to say this of
_every_ part. I have now, however, been working for rather more than two
years at one oratorio; this is certainly a very long time, and I rejoice
at the approach of the moment when I shall correct the proofs, and be
done with it, and begin something else.
I must tell you of the real delight with which I have read here the
first books of Goethe’s ‘Wahrheit und Dichtung.’ I had never taken up
the book since my boyhood, because I did not like it then; but I cannot
express how much it now pleases me, and how much additional pleasure I
take in it, from knowing all the localities. One of its pages makes me
forget all the _misères_ in literature and art of the present day.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, BERLIN.
Leipzig, January 8th, 1837.
... Last Wednesday there was a _fête_ at the Keils’, where it rained
Christmas gifts and poems; among others I got one, celebrating my
betrothal in a romantic vein “at Frankfort-on-the-Zeil,” and which was
much admired. As they began to sing songs at table, and I was looking
rather dismal, Schleinitz suddenly called out to me that I ought to
compose music for my romance on the spot, that they might have something
new to sing, and the young ladies bringing me a pencil and music-paper,
the request amused me very much, and I composed the song under shelter
of my napkin; while the rest were eating cakes, I wrote out the four
parts, and before the pine-apples were finished, the singers got their A
note, and sang it to such perfection and so _con amore_ that it caused
universal delight and animated the whole society.
TO FERDINAND HILLER.
Leipzig, January 10th, 1837.
... You once extolled my position here because I had made friends of all
the German composers: quite the reverse; I am in bad odour with them all
this winter. Six new symphonies are lying before me; what they may be
God knows, (I would rather not know,)--not one of them pleases me, and
no one is to blame for this but myself, who allow no other composer to
come before the public,--I mean in the way of symphonies. Good heavens!
should not these “Capellmeisters” be ashamed of themselves and search
their own breasts? But that detestable artistic pedantry, which they all
possess, and that baneful spark divine of which they so often
read,--these ruin everything. I sent my six preludes and fugues to the
printer’s to-day; I fear they will not be much played, still I should
like you to look over them once in a way, and to say if any of them
pleased you, or the reverse. Next month three organ fugues are to be
published,--_me voilà perruque_! Heaven grant that some spirited
pianoforte piece may occur to me, to efface this unpleasant impression.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Frankfort-a.-M., May 29th, 1837.
This is but a sorry time for musicians. Look at the St. Cecilia
Association,--experienced singers, good respectable people, obliging
chiefs,--nothing requisite but a little pianoforte playing, and a little
goodwill towards music, and a little knowledge; neither genius, nor
energy, nor politics, nor anything else very particular. I should have
thought that fifty people at least would have offered themselves, so
that we might have had a choice; but scarcely two have come forward
whom it is possible to appoint, and not one who is capable of carrying
on the association in the right, true, and noble spirit in which it was
commenced,--that is, in plain German, not one who can perceive that
Handel and Bach, and such people, are superior to what they themselves
can do or say. Neukomm, in whom I would have placed most confidence in
this respect, was in treaty for the situation, and had decidedly
accepted it, and now all of a sudden he as decidedly declines it. So
there will be no one to undertake the affair but Ries, who will probably
do so, but unfortunately he is deficient in that necessary respect for
the great works of art, which is, and always will be to me, the chief
consideration. It is grievous to think of all the trouble and hard work
which it cost Schelble to lay a good foundation, and now the end is that
it will be finally broken up. People here are highly satisfied with
Hiller’s mode of directing, although they were so troublesome to him at
first; but two months hence he goes to Italy, being resolved not to stay
here, and who knows that this may not be the very reason why they all
now regret him so much! This is an odious thing in the world.
It has just occurred to me that if you wish to sing anything during the
next few months, send for “Theodora,” by Handel, and look it over; at
all events it will please you, as there are some splendid choruses and
airs in it, and perhaps you might manage to have it translated into
German (which, indeed, ought to be very much better done, for the text
is perfectly absurd), and perform it in your own house, with a small
choir. Unluckily, it is not adapted for a performance on a large scale,
but some parts of it, the final chorus for instance, are as fine as
anything you ever heard of Handel’s.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Frankfort, June 2nd, 1837.
... You write to me about Fanny’s new compositions, and say that I ought
to persuade her to publish them. Your praise is, however, quite
unnecessary to make me heartily rejoice in them, or think them charming
and admirable; for I know by whom they are written. I hope, too, I need
not say that if she does resolve to publish anything, I will do all in
my power to obtain every facility for her, and to relieve her, so far as
I can, from all trouble which can possibly be spared her. But to
_persuade_ her to publish anything I cannot, because this is contrary to
my views and to my convictions. We have often formerly discussed the
subject, and I still remain exactly of the same opinion. I consider the
publication of a work as a serious matter (at least it ought to be so),
for I maintain that no one should publish, unless they are resolved to
appear as an author for the rest of their life. For this purpose,
however, a _succession_ of works is indispensable, one after another.
Nothing but annoyance is to be looked for from publishing, where one or
two works alone are in question; or it becomes what is called a
“manuscript for private circulation,” which I also dislike; and from my
knowledge of Fanny I should say she has neither inclination nor vocation
for authorship. She is too much all that a woman ought to be for this.
She regulates her house, and neither thinks of the public nor of the
musical world, nor even of music at all, until her first duties are
fulfilled. Publishing would only disturb her in these, and I cannot say
that I approve of it. I will not, therefore, persuade her to this
step,--forgive me for saying so. If she resolves to publish, either from
her own impulse or to please Hensel, I am, as I said before, quite ready
to assist her so far as I can; but to encourage her in what I do not
consider right, is what I cannot do.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Bingen, July 13th, 1837.
Dear Mother,
We have been here for the last eight days, having suddenly left
Frankfort; and as it is nearly decided that we are to reside here for
some weeks, I now write to thank you for your affectionate letters.
I feel rather provoked, that Fanny should say the new pianoforte school
outgrows her,--this is far from being the case; she could cut down all
these petty fellows with ease. They can execute a few variations and
_tours de force_ cleverly enough, but all this facility, and coquetting
with facility, no longer succeeds in dazzling even the public. There
must be soul, in order to carry others along with you; thus, though I
might perhaps prefer listening to D---- for an hour than to Fanny for an
hour, still at the end of a week I am so tired of him that I can no
longer listen to him, whereas then I first begin to enjoy hearing the
other style of playing, and that is the right style. All this is not
_more_ than Kalkbrenner could do in his day, and it will pass away even
during our day, if there be nothing better than mere execution; but this
Fanny also has, so she has no cause to fear any one of them all.
The view from these windows is of itself well worth a journey here, for
our hotel is situated close to the Rhine, opposite Niederwald,--the
Mäusethurm to the left, and to the right Johannisberg. To-day I have at
last succeeded in borrowing a piano and a Bible; both were very
difficult to hunt out, first because the people at Bingen are not
musical, and secondly because they are Catholics, and therefore ignore
both a piano and Luther’s translation; however, I have at length
procured both, and so I begin to feel very comfortable here. I must now
be very busy, for as yet I have not written out a single note of my
concerto, and yesterday I heard from Birmingham that the Musical
Festival is all arranged, and they are in hopes that Queen Victoria will
be present. That would be capital!
Old Schadow and W. Schadow were here lately, along with their families,
and we stumbled upon each other quite unexpectedly in the entrance hall;
I wish you could have heard the description the old man gave of Fanny’s
accompaniment on the piano; he was full of _enthousiasme_, and most
excited on the subject; a sketch also of the _séances_ of the musical
section of the Academy where he is obliged to preside, was not bad by
way of contrast; except Spontini, no one either speaks or shows any
signs of life in it, for which there are good reasons.
It is indeed very sad to see the way in which the latter contrives to
irritate all Berlin against him, destroying and ruining everything, and
yet causing himself only vexation, and anxiety and worry: like an
ill-assorted marriage, where both parties are in the wrong when they
come to blows.
Ask Fanny, dear Mother, what she says to my intention of playing Bach’s
organ prelude in E flat major in Birmingham--
[Illustration: musical notation]
and the fugue at the end of the same book. I suspect it will puzzle me,
and yet I think I am right. I have an idea that _this_ very prelude will
be peculiarly acceptable to the English, and you can play both prelude
and fugue _piano_ and _pianissimo_, and also bring out the full power of
the organ. Faith! I can tell you it is no stupid composition.
I have lately determined to have a new oratorio ready for the next
Düsseldorf Musical Festival; two years are yet to come before then, but
I must stick to my work. I will write about the text as soon as I have
decided on the subject. I hear nothing of Holtei and his opera libretto,
and so I must begin a second oratorio, much as I should have liked to
write an opera just at this moment. I sadly want a true thorough-going
man for many fine projects; whether he will appear, or whether I am
mistaken, I know not, but hitherto I have never been able to discover
him.
I occupy myself continually here in drawing figures, but I don’t succeed
very well. From want of practice this winter, I have forgotten what I
knew much better last summer, when Schadow gave me every day a short
drawing lesson at Scheveling, and taught me to sketch peasants,
soldiers, old apple-women, and street boys. Yesterday, however, I made a
drawing of Bishop Hatto, at the moment of being eaten up by the mice,--a
splendid subject for all beginners. In this letter, music, the Rheingau,
and gossip go hand-in-hand. Forgive this, dear Mother. It is the same in
real life.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Bingen-a.-R., July 14th, 1837.
Dear Schubring,
I wish to ask your advice in a matter which is of importance to me, and
I feel it will therefore not be indifferent to you either, having
received so many proofs to the contrary from you. It concerns the
selection of a subject of an oratorio, which I intend to begin next
winter. I am most anxious to have your counsels, as the best suggestions
and contributions for the text of my “St. Paul” came from you.
Many very apparent reasons are in favour of choosing St. Peter as the
subject,--I mean its being intended for the Düsseldorf Musical Festival
at Whitsuntide, and the prominent position the feast of Whitsunday would
occupy in this subject. In addition to these grounds, I may add my wish
(in connection with a greater plan for a later oratorio) to bring the
two chief apostles and pillars of the Christian Church, side by side in
oratorios,--in short, that I should have a “St. Peter” as well as a “St.
Paul.” I need not tell you that there are sufficient internal grounds to
make me prize the subject, and far above all else stands the outpouring
of the Holy Ghost, which must form the central point, or chief object.
The question therefore is (and this you can decide far better than I
can, because you possess the knowledge in which I am deficient, to guide
you) whether the place that Peter assumes _in the Bible_, divested of
the dignity which he enjoys in the Catholic or Protestant Churches, as a
martyr, or the first Pope, etc. etc.,--whether _what is said of him in
the Bible_ is alone and in itself sufficiently important to form the
basis of a _symbolical_ oratorio. For, according to my feeling, the
subject must not be treated historically, however indispensable this was
in the case of “St. Paul.” In historic handling, Christ must appear in
the earlier part of St. Peter’s career, and, where He appears, St. Peter
could not lay claim to the chief interest. I think, therefore, it must
be symbolical; though all the historical points might probably be
introduced,--the betrayal and repentance, the keys of heaven given him
by Christ, his preaching at Pentecost,--not in an historical, but
prophetic light, if I may so express myself, in close connection.
My question then is, whether you think this possible, or at least so far
possible, that it may become an important and personal object for every
member of the community?--also, whether it is your opinion, that even if
actually feasible, it should be carried out entirely by means of
Scriptural passages, and what particular parts of the Bible you would
especially recommend for the purpose? Lastly, if in this event you will
hereafter, as you previously did, make a selection of certain passages
out of the Bible, and send them to me?
The chief thing, however, is the first point, for I am still in the
dark about it; in fact, about the possibility of the whole undertaking:
write to me as soon as you can on the subject. In thinking it over, my
first idea was that the subject must be divided into two parts: the
first, from the moment of forsaking the fishermen’s nets down to the “Tu
es Petrus,” with which it must close: the second to consist of the Feast
of Pentecost only; from the misery after the death of Christ and
repentance of Peter, to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.[29]
Forgive me for assailing you so suddenly with all this. During the few
months since we have met, I cannot tell you what a great and happy
change has taken place in me.[30] I hope you will come and stay with us
next winter, and pass some days here; then you will in a short time see
for yourself, what even at any length I really could not describe. I
intend to be in Leipzig again, the end of September, and till then,
shall remain principally here on the Rhine, or at Frankfort. Pray answer
me soon, if only by a few lines.--Your
F. M. B.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, October 4th, 1837.
Dearest Mother,
It ought to have been my first occupation to write to you as soon after
the busy time of the last few weeks as I had some leisure, to thank you
for so many loving letters. I wished also to let you know of our safe
arrival here, and yet two days have elapsed without the possibility of
doing so. I seize the early morning for this purpose, or people will
again come, one succeeding another till the post hour is passed, which
happened yesterday and the day before. I cannot at this time attempt to
describe the Birmingham Musical Festival; it would require many sheets
to do so, and whole evenings when we are once more together even
cursorily to mention all the remarkable things crowded into those
days.[31] One thing, however, I must tell you, because I know it will
give you pleasure, which is, that I never had such brilliant success,
and can never have any more unequivocal than at this festival. The
applause and shouts at the least glimpse of me were incessant, and
sometimes really made me laugh; for instance, they prevented my being
able for long to sit down to the instrument to play a pianoforte
concerto; and what is better than all this applause, and a sure proof of
my success, were the offers made to me on all sides, and of a very
different tenor this time from what they ever were before.
I may well say that I now see, beyond doubt, that all this is only
bestowed on me because in the course of my work, I do not in the least
concern myself as to what people wish, and praise and pay for, but
solely as to what I consider good, so I shall now less than ever allow
myself to be turned aside from my own path. I therefore peculiarly
rejoice in my success, and I feel more confident than ever, that not the
smallest effort shall be made by me to ensure success, nor indeed ever
has been made. I had besides a very striking proof of the value of all
such things, in the manner in which Neukomm was on this occasion
received in Birmingham. You know how highly they honoured, and really
overvalued him formerly, and how much all his works were prized and
sought after here, so that the musicians used to call him the king of
_Brummagem_;[32] whereas on this occasion they neglected him shamefully,
giving only one short composition of his the first morning (the worst of
all), and the public receiving him without the slightest attention; this
is really disgraceful in those men who, three years ago, knew nothing
better or higher than Neukomm’s music. The only thing he can be
reproached with is, that three years since he wrote an oratorio for the
Musical Festival, where effect was chiefly studied. The huge organ, the
choruses, the solo instruments, all were introduced on purpose to
please the audience, and people soon find this out, and it never
answers; but that they should treat him with such ingratitude in return,
is a fresh proof of how little their favour is to be relied on, and what
the fruits of it are when sought after.
I found him, as usual, most amiable and as kind as ever, and may well
take example from him in a hundred things. I never met with any one who
combined greater integrity, with calmness and refinement, and he is
indeed a steady, true friend.
I send you a complete _programme_ of the Musical Festival. Imagine such
a mass of music! and besides this prodigious pile, the various
acquaintances who came flocking thither at that time; a man must be as
cold-blooded as a fish to stand all this. Immediately after I had played
the last chord on the splendid organ, I hurried off to the Liverpool
mail, and travelled six days and five nights in succession, till I
arrived in Frankfort to rejoin my family. The mail goes to London in ten
hours and a half, exactly the same distance as between this and Berlin;
I calculated that on my journey, and envied the English on this account.
I arrived in London towards midnight, where I was received by
Klingemann, and we went together to the Committee of the Sacred Harmonic
Society, who formally presented to me a large solid silver box, with an
inscription. At half-past twelve o’clock I was again in the mail, and at
Dover next morning at nine, when there was no time even for breakfast,
as I was obliged to go off directly to the small boat which conveyed us
to the steamboat, for being low water it could not remain in the
harbour, so I was already sea-sick when I reached the ship, had a
miserable passage, and instead of arriving at Calais in three hours, we
were five hours before landing at Boulogne, and just so much further
from Frankfort. I went to the Hôtel Meurice, where I made myself as
comfortable as I could, and set off at nine at night in the diligence to
Lille. This is the moment (however furious Dirichlet may be) to impress
on you, that French and Belgian diligences, with their glass windows, on
a paved _chaussée_, with their three clumsy horses in front, whose tails
are tied up, and who do not go forwards but round and round, are the
most utterly detestable means of being expedited in the whole world, and
that a German _Schnellpost_ is a hundred times pleasanter, quicker, and
better than these utterly detestable, etc., _vide supra_. The September
days were being celebrated all over Belgium, and trees of liberty
erected in the squares in front of the town-halls. I arrived at Cologne
at ten o’clock in the morning; a steamboat was to sail at eleven, and to
go on through the night, so I took my place in it, rejoicing to be able
to lie down full length on this the fifth night, and free from the
rattle of the pavement. I fell asleep about nine, and did not wake till
two in the morning, when I perceived that the steam-boat was not
moving, and in answer to my questions I was told, that the fog was so
thick (as on the previous day) that it would be impossible to set off
again at all events before six o’clock the same evening, and we should
not arrive in Mayence till six at night. The steamer was lying-to quite
close to Horchheim, so I hired two sailors to go with me to carry my
things; I showed them the old familiar footpath by the side of the
Rhine, got to Coblenz at three o’clock in the morning, took post-horses,
and was at Frankfort on Wednesday afternoon at half-past three o’clock.
I found them all well, and we have since made out our journey famously,
from Thursday afternoon till Sunday at two o’clock, when we arrived
here.
The first subscription concert began at six o’clock the same evening. I
directed the “Jubilee” overture and the C minor symphony, but the
trombones and drums were so noisy, that, at the end of the concert, I
own I felt rather _caput_. These were fourteen of the most crowded days
any one could imagine; but as I lived so entirely for enjoyment and
pleasure the whole of last summer, I am glad, just before my return
here, to have had such a busy time, and one so important for my
vocation. It is quite too lovely here, and every hour of my new domestic
life is like a festival; whereas in England, notwithstanding all its
honours and pleasures, I had not one single moment of real heartfelt
enjoyment; but now every day brings only a succession of joy and
happiness, and I once more know what it is to prize life. Have I not
entered into as many minute details about myself, as if I were some
sickly potentate, dear Mother?--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, October 29th, 1837.
Dear Brother,
First of all, my most cordial congratulations on the day when this
letter will reach you; may you pass it happily, and may it prove a good
harbinger of the coming year. You mention in your letter of yesterday,
that your quiet, settled and untroubled position sometimes makes you
almost anxious and uneasy; but I cannot think you right in this feeling;
as little as if you were to complain of the very opposite extreme. Why
should it not be sufficient for a man to know how to secure and to enjoy
his happiness? I cannot believe that it is at all indispensable first to
earn it by trials or misfortunes; in my opinion, heartfelt grateful
acknowledgment is the best Polycrates’ ring; and truly in these days it
is a difficult problem to acknowledge, and to enjoy good fortune, and
other blessings, in such a manner as to share them with others, thus
rendering them cheerful and glad also, and showing too that the
difference is equally great between this and idle arrogance. It is
singular that in my position, I might complain of the very reverse of
what troubles you; the more I find what are termed encouragement and
recognition in my vocation, the more restless and unsettled does it
become in my hands, and I cannot deny that I often long for that rest of
which you complain. So few traces remain of performances and musical
festivals, and all that is personal; the people indeed shout and
applaud, but that quickly passes away, without leaving a vestige behind,
and yet it absorbs as much of one’s life and strength as _better_
things, or perhaps even more; and the evil of this is, that it is
impracticable to come half out, when you are once in; you must either go
on the whole way, or not at all. I dare not even attempt to withdraw, or
the cause which I have undertaken will suffer, and yet I would gladly
see that it was not merely _my_ cause, but considered a good and
universal one. But this is the very point where people are wanting to
pursue the same path--not an approving public (for that is a matter of
indifference), but fellow-workers (and they are indispensable). So in
_this_ sense I long for a less busy life, in order to be able to devote
myself to my peculiar province--composition of music, and to leave the
execution of it to others. It seems, however, that this is not to be,
and I should be ungrateful were I dissatisfied with my life as it is.
Fanny will probably give you to-morrow the parts of my new quartett from
me. Whether it will please you or not is uncertain; but think of me when
you play it and come to any passage which is peculiarly in my style.
How gladly would I have given you something better and prettier, in
honour of your birthday, but I did not know what to send.
Yesterday evening my C minor quartett was played in public by David, and
had great success. They were made to play the scherzo twice, and the
adagio pleased the audience best of all, which caused me very great
astonishment. In a few days I mean to begin a new quartett, which may
please me better. I also intend soon to compose a sonata for violoncello
and piano for you,--by my beard, I will!
And now farewell; till our happy, happy meeting in February.--Your
FELIX.
TO FERDINAND HILLER, MILAN.
Leipzig, December 10th, 1837.
My dear Ferdinand,
You have written to me in spite of my want of punctuality last month,
for which I am heartily grateful, though I really could scarcely have
hoped it. The arrangement of a new house, taking possession of it, the
numerous concerts and affairs, in short, all the various hindrances of
whatever nature, that a steady-going civilian, like myself, can venture
to enumerate to a joyous, lively Italian like you,--my installation as
master and tenant of the mansion, music director of the subscription
concerts,--all these things prevented my being a punctual correspondent
last month. But for that very reason I wished to entreat of you, and now
do so right heartily, even amid the vast difference in our position, and
the objects that surround us, let us steadily adhere to our promise to
write monthly letters. I think it would be a source of great interest
and benefit to both, to hear from each other now, when we must mutually
appear so desperately outlandish--though for this very reason nearer
than ever. I at least, when I think of Milan, and Liszt, and Rossini,
have a singular feeling in knowing that you are in the midst of them
all, and probably you feel the same, when, in the plains of Lombardy,
you think of Leipzig and of me. But next time you must really write me a
long minute letter, full of details; you do not know how much they would
interest me,--you must tell me where you are living, and what you are
writing, and all about Liszt, and Pixis, and Rossini; about the white
Duomo and the Corso. I do dearly love that bright land, and when you
write to me from thence, I love it more than ever. You are not to halve
your sheet of paper. Above all, tell me if you amuse yourself there as
thoroughly and divinely as I did? Do so, I beg, and inhale the air with
the same delight, and idle away your days as deliberately as I did; but
why say all this? you are sure to do so at all events. But pray do write
to me about it at full length. Do you wish to know whether I like this
as much as ever? When I am living as a married man in a pretty, new,
comfortable house, with a fine view over gardens and fields, and the
towers of the city, and feel so comfortable and happy, so glad and so
peaceful, as I have never done since I quitted the parental roof; when,
in addition to this, I have good means, and goodwill on every side, I
ask you how I can be otherwise than happy? If I am to hold any
situation, this is the best; but there are many days when I think that
to have no fixed situation, would be best after all. Directing so
perpetually during two such months, takes more out of me than the two
years when I was composing all day long. I can scarcely ever compose
here in winter, and when I ask myself after the greatest excitement,
what has really occurred, it is in fact scarcely worth naming; at least
it does not interest me much whether the acknowledged good works are
given a degree oftener, or a degree better, or not. The only things that
interest me are new compositions, and of these there is a great lack;
often therefore I feel as if I should like to retire altogether, and not
conduct any longer, but only write; and yet such a regular musical life,
and the duty of directing it, has a certain charm too. What care you for
this in Milan? and still I must write it if you wish to know how I like
my position here. I felt just the same in Birmingham; I never made such
a decided effect with my music as there, and never saw the public so
much, or so exclusively occupied with myself individually, and yet
there is even in this, something--what shall I call it?--fleeting and
evanescent, which I find irksome and depressing, rather than cheering.
Would that there had not been an instance of the exact reverse of all
these enthusiastic praises, with regard to Neukomm, whom they on this
occasion criticized so disdainfully, and received with as much coldness
and neglect, in fact set aside as completely, as three years ago they
extolled him to the skies, when they placed him above all other
composers, and applauded him at every step. Of what value then is their
favour? You will, no doubt, say that Neukomm’s music is not worth
much,--there we quite agree; but those who were formerly enchanted with
it, and now give themselves such airs, don’t know this. The whole thing
made me feel most indignant, while Neukomm’s calm and perfectly
indifferent demeanour, appeared to me the more admirable and dignified,
when contrasted with the others, and I like him better than ever since
this manly conduct.
TO EDOUARD FRANCK, BRESLAU, (NOW DIRECTOR OF THE BERNE CONSERVATORIUM.)
Leipzig, January 8th, 1838.
I did not receive your letter of the 25th of October till two days ago,
and at the same time a splendid copy of your “Études.” I was afraid you
had given up the completion of the work, as it was so long since I had
heard anything of it; I was therefore the more agreeably surprised by
its arrival. You wish me to give you an opinion about the compositions
themselves; but you are well aware how superfluous I consider all such
criticisms, whether of my own or of others; to go on working I consider
the best and only thing to do, and when friends urge this after every
fresh work, their doing so in itself contains a kind of verdict. I
believe that no man ever yet succeeded in controlling and commanding the
minds of others by _one_ work; a succession of works all aiming at one
point can alone do it. Such then is your function, and the duty which
God has imposed on you, by the talents he has given you. Fulfil it then;
I believe that the happiness of life lies entirely on this, and cannot
be attained without it, and the omission would be a very great sin.
Thus the wish that you may go forward on your path, and pursue your
labours, is the sole criticism I have at present to send you of your
work.
We have already discussed most of the details; there are no faults, and
you are master of your tools; but continue to use them more and more, as
I have already said.
No doubt, you can almost imagine you hear me saying all this, and at
last I shall appear to you in the light of a _basso ostinato_, who is
perpetually growling, and ends by being tiresome beyond measure; for
instead of expressing my thanks, I begin the old song all over again,
but still I am not deficient in gratitude either, and I wish to tell you
so again and again in my very best manner. Write to me soon and at
length (or rather by music, which says all things); you know what
sincere pleasure every letter of yours causes me. Farewell, and once
more accept my thanks for the gratification you have bestowed on me, and
doubtless on many others by your first work.--I am, with esteem, yours,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO THE HON. COMMITTEE OF THIS YEAR’S LOWER RHINE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
Leipzig, January 18th, 1838.
I am deeply grateful for the invitation contained in your letter of the
8th of January. Your kind remembrance is not less prized by me than the
prospect of again attending such a pleasant festival, and deriving from
it as much enjoyment as that for which I have already to thank the
Rhenish Musical Festivals. I therefore accept your invitation with
sincere delight, if God grants health to me and mine, and if we can
mutually agree on the selection of the music to the full satisfaction of
both parties. The more successful the previous Cologne festival was with
regard to the arrangement of the pieces performed, especially in
Handel’s work with the organ, the more important it seems to me to have
at least _one_ piece in the programme by which this year’s festival may
be distinguished from others, and by means of which progress may, as far
as possible, be manifested. For this purpose I consider it absolutely
necessary to have the name of Sebastian Bach in the programme, if only
for one short piece; for it is certainly high time that at these
festivals, on which the name of Handel has shed such lustre, another
immortal master, who is in no one point inferior to any master, and in
many points superior to all, should no longer be forgotten. The same
scruples which exist in opposition to this, must also have existed in
former years with regard to the works of Handel, and you are all
grateful to those who, disregarding these obstacles, revealed to you
such treasures of sublimity and elevation. Earn for yourself, then,
similar thanks from the Rhenish friends of music by making a beginning
which is indeed difficult (for this I do not deny), and must be
proceeded with cautiously, but which will certainly be attended with the
best results, and universally imitated by others. When anything of
Bach’s has been once performed, it will be easy to discover that it is
beautiful, and to perform it again; but the difficulty is the beginning.
The proposal that I wish to make to you on this subject is, to introduce
into this Musical Festival a short Psalm of Bach’s (about twenty minutes
or half an hour in length), and if you are afraid of doing this on the
second day, from the dread of scaring away the public, whom this learned
name might alarm, then do so on the first day, and give in addition a
rather shorter oratorio of Handel’s. It is pretty certain that no fewer
people will come to hear Handel, for those who do not fear the one will
be equally disposed to like the other, and there are still three or four
totally unknown and truly admirable oratorios of his, which would not
occupy more than an hour and a half, or scarcely two hours at most, and
would be a welcome novelty to all lovers of music. I became first
acquainted with these works by the splendid gift of the previous
committee,[33] and I shall be very glad if you can derive any benefit
from these volumes for this year’s festival. With regard to the second
day, I may first inquire whether you intend to apply to Cherubini for
his grand “Requiem;” it must be translated, and is entirely for men’s
voices, but as it will only last an hour, or even less, that would not
much matter, and according to the universal verdict it is a splendid
work. At present, however, the chief object seems to me to be the first
point in this letter, and I therefore beg you will arrange about it as
soon as possible.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET.
Leipzig, February, 1838.
... In our concerts we are playing a great deal of what is called
historical music, so in the last but one we had the whole of Bach’s
_suite_ in D major, some of Handel and Gluck, etc. etc., and a violin
concerto of Viotti’s; in the last of all, Haydn, Righini, Naumann, etc.;
and in conclusion Haydn’s “Farewell Symphony,” in which, to the great
delight of the public, the musicians literally blew out their lights,
and went away in succession till the violinists at the first desk alone
remained, and finished in F sharp major. It is a curious, melancholy
little piece. We previously played Haydn’s trio in C major, when all the
people were filled with amazement that anything so beautiful should
exist, and yet it was very long ago published by Breitkopf and Härtel.
The next time we have Mozart, whose C minor concerto I am to play, and
we are also to have a quartett of his for the first time from his
unfinished opera, “Zaïde.” Then comes Beethoven, and two concerts remain
for every possible kind of modern composition, to make up the full
number of twenty.
Yesterday evening we thought much of you. At a late hour, when I had
finished writing, I read aloud ‘Nausikaa’ to Cécile, in Voss’s
translation, repeating to her at the end of every ten verses the
profound philological remarks which you made when we used to read it
together during our Greek lesson, and which now recurred to me in
hundreds. Moreover, this poem is really irresistible when it becomes
sentimental. I always felt an inclination to set it to music, of course
not for the theatre, only as an epic, and this whole day I feel renewed
pleasure in the idea; but is anything at this moment to be done with
German poets? Last week four opera _libretti_ were sent to me, each one
more ridiculous than the other; the only result is to make enemies for
myself. I therefore write instrumental music, and long for the unknown
poet, who perhaps lives close to me or at Timbuctoo,--who knows?...
TO HIS FAMILY.
Leipzig, April 2nd, 1838.
... This evening Madame Botgorscheck’s concert takes place,--an
excellent contralto singer, who persecuted me so much to play, that I
agreed to do so, and it did not occur to me till afterwards that I had
nothing either short or suitable to play, so I resolved to compose a
rondo, not one single note of which was written the day before
yesterday, but which I am to perform this evening with the whole
orchestra, and rehearsed this morning.[34] It sounds very gay; but how I
shall play it the gods alone know,--indeed hardly they, for in one
passage I have marked a pause of fifteen bars in the accompaniment, and
have not as yet the most remote idea what I am to introduce during this
time. Any one, however, who plays thus _en gros_ as I do, can get
through a good deal....
TO A. SIMROCK, BONN.
Berlin, July 10th, 1838.
In recommencing our correspondence, I must first of all thank you for
the great friendliness you showed towards me in Cologne. It is the first
time that any publisher ever assured me of his satisfaction at the
success of my compositions; this occurrence would in itself have been a
source of lively gratification to me, but it is much enhanced by the
kind and flattering manner in which you manifest your satisfaction, and
for which I shall ever feel indebted to you. From the time of your first
letter about “St. Paul,” in which you expressed a wish to have it for
your house, when I had not yet thought of publication at all, much less
of success,--also during the period of its being printed, with its
manifold alterations and interpolations, up to the present moment,--you
have been cordial and complaisant towards me to a degree which, as I
already said, I never before met with, and for which I cordially thank
you.
Would it not be well worth while for any publisher in Germany to publish
just now some of Handel’s principal oratorios from the _original_
scores? This ought to be done by subscription, which would, I think, be
successful, as not one of these scores exists with us. I thought of
composing the organ parts for this purpose; they must, however, appear
in small notes in the score, or in notes of another colour, so that,
first, those who wished it could have Handel pure; second, my organ
parts in addition if required, and where there was an organ; and third,
in a _supplement_, the organ part arranged for clarionets, bassoons, and
other wind instruments of the modern orchestra, when no organ can be
had. Such a score would be useful to all institutes for oratorio music,
and we should at last have the true Handel in Germany, not one first
dipped in the waters of the Moselle and thoroughly diluted. I was
assured in England, that a very considerable number of subscribers to
such a score might be procured there. What do you think of this? You
have published the pianoforte editions of these oratorios,--perhaps a
selection might be made from some of them. Of course I am anxious to
have your really candid and sincere opinion of this proposal, which I
only mention to you, because it has often suggested itself to me, and
recurs to me at this moment.--I am, with sincere esteem, your obedient
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO FERDINAND HILLER.
Berlin, July 18th, 1838.
... The whole condition of music here is connected with the sand, with
the situation, and with official life, so that though you may have great
satisfaction in individuals, it is not easy to be on terms of intimacy
with any one. Gluck’s operas are indeed most charming. Is it not
remarkable that they always attract a full house, and that the public
applaud, and are amused, and shout? And that this should be the only
place in the world where such a thing seems possible? And that on the
next evening the “Postillon” should draw an equally crowded house? And
that in Bavaria it is forbidden to have music in any church, either
Catholic or Protestant, because it is supposed to desecrate them? And
that chorales seem to have become indispensable in the theatre? The
chief thing, however, is to have novelty, and plenty of good and fine
compositions in the world; thence it is that I am so eagerly expecting
your overture and your opera.
You probably heard that I was at Cologne during the Musical Festival:
all went off well. The organ had a fine effect with Handel, and still
more so with Sebastian Bach (in a newly-discovered composition of his,
which you have not yet seen, with a stately double chorus); but even
there, to my mind at least, new and untried works were wanting to excite
interest; I should like so much to have something doubtful, to furnish
both the public and myself with an opportunity of giving an opinion. We
all know beforehand what we are to think of Beethoven, Bach, and Handel.
This ought to be so, but let us have other things besides. You are quite
right in saying that it is better in Italy, where the people insist
every year on having new music, and every year a fresh criticism--if
only the music and likewise the criticisms, were a shade better! I hear
you growl and say, what is better? Well then, more according to my
taste, if you will. To be sure, my taste is peculiar, such a possibility
sometimes suggests itself to me; but I must make use of it as it is, in
which case I can contrive to swallow as little, as the stork out of the
flat dish....
TO CONCERTMEISTER FERDINAND DAVID, LEIPZIG.
Berlin, July 30th, 1838.
Dear David,
Many thanks for your letter, which gave me great pleasure. Since I came
here I have been constantly thinking how really delightful it is that we
are to meet and live together, instead of your being in one place and I
in another, following our avocations without hearing much of each other,
which is, no doubt, the case with many good fellows in our dear yet
rather aggravating Fatherland; but on reflecting further, I discovered
that there are not many musicians who, like yourself, pursue steadily
the broad straight road in art, or in whose active course I could feel
the same intense delight that I do in yours. Such things are seldom said
in conversation, therefore let me write to-day, how much your rapid and
welcome development during the last few years has surprised and rejoiced
me; it is often grievous to me to see so many with the noblest
aspirations, but inferior talents, and others with great talents yet low
tendencies; so that to see true genius, combined with right good will,
is doubly cheering. People of the former class swarm here; almost all
the young musicians who visit me may, with few exceptions, be included
in that number. They praise and prize Gluck and Handel, and all that is
good, and talk about them perpetually, and yet what they do is an utter
failure, and so very tedious. Of the second class there are examples
everywhere. As I said, therefore, the very thought of your character
rejoices me, and may Heaven permit us to succeed more and more in
candidly expressing our wishes and our inmost thoughts, and in holding
fast all that is dear and sacred in art, so that it shall not perish!...
No doubt, you are preparing many new things for next winter, and I
rejoice heartily in the idea of hearing them. I have just finished my
third quartett in D major, and like it much. May it only please you as
well!--I almost think it will, for it is more spirited, and seems to me
likely to be more grateful to the players than the others. I intend in a
few days to begin to write out my symphony, and to complete it in a
short time, probably while I am still here. I should also like to write
a violin concerto for you next winter. One in E minor runs in my head,
the beginning of which gives me no peace. My symphony shall certainly be
as good as I can make it, but whether it will be popular and played on
the barrel-organs, I cannot tell. I feel that in every fresh piece I
succeed better in learning to write exactly what is in my heart, and
after all, that is the only right rule I know. If I am not adapted for
popularity, I will not try to acquire it, nor seek after it; and if you
think this wrong, then I ought rather to say I _cannot_ seek after it,
for really I _cannot_, but would not if I could. What proceeds from
within, makes me glad in its outward workings also, and therefore it
would be very gratifying to me were I able to fulfil the wish you and my
friends express; but I can do nothing towards it or about it. So much in
my path has fallen to my share without my having even once thought of
it, and without any effort on my part, that perhaps it may be the case
with this also; if not, I shall not grumble on the subject, but console
myself by knowing that I did what I could, according to my best powers
and my best judgment. I have _your_ sympathy, and _your_ delight in my
works, and also that of some valued friends. More could scarcely be
desired. A thousand thanks, then, for your kind expressions and for all
your friendship towards me.--Your
FELIX M. B.
TO HERR ADVOCAT CONRAD SCHLEINITZ, LEIPZIG.
Berlin, August 1st, 1838.
Dear Schleinitz,
... What you write me about your increased business rejoices me much.
You know how often we have talked over the subject, but I cannot share
your sentiment, that any one profession is preferable to another. I
always think that whatever an intelligent man gives his heart to, and
really understands, must become a noble vocation; and I only personally
dislike those in whom there is nothing personal, and in whom all
individuality disappears; as, for example, the military profession in
peace, of which we have instances here. But with regard to the others,
it is more or less untrue. When one profession is compared with another,
the one is usually taken in its naked reality, and the other in the most
beautiful ideality, and then the decision is quickly made. How easy it
is for an artist to feel such reality in his sphere, and yet esteem
_practical_ men happy who have studied and known the different relations
of men towards each other, and who help others to live by their own life
and progress, and at once see the fruits of all that is tangible,
useful, and benevolent instituted by them. In one respect, too, an
upright man has the hardest stand to make, in knowing that the public
are more attracted by outward show than by truth. But individual
failures and strife must not be allowed to have their growth in the
heart; there must be something to occupy and to elevate it far above
these isolated external things. This speaks strongly in favour of my
opinion, for it is the best part of every calling, and common to all; to
yours, to mine, and to every other. Where is it that you find beauty
when I am working at a quartett or a symphony? Merely in that portion of
myself that I transfer to it, or can succeed in expressing; and you can
do this in as full a measure as any man, in your defence of a culprit,
or in a case of libel, or in any one thing that entirely engrosses you,
and that is the great point. If you can only give utterance to your
inmost thoughts, and if these inmost thoughts become more and more
worthy of being expressed, ... all the rest is indifferent. I thank you,
therefore, for the report you give me of your occupations, and hope you
will often send me equally good tidings.--Your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Leipzig, October 28th, 1838.
My dear Friend,
A thousand thanks for your continued friendship towards me, and also for
occasionally assuring me of it; a letter from you cheers me for a long
time to come, and what you write of yourself and others is always so
fertile, and as much yourself, as if I heard you speaking, and were
agreeing with you, and rejoicing in doing so. If I were a little more
mild, and a little more just, and a little more judicious, and a good
many other things a little more, perhaps I, too, might then have a
judgment equal to yours; but I am so soon irritated, and become
unreasonable, whereas you love what is good, and yet what is bad appears
to you worth amendment.
On the occasion of Clara Novello’s concert, a vast amount of rivalry,
and bad artistic feeling, was brought to the light of day, which I
neither wish to exist by day, nor by night, nor indeed in the world at
all. In fact, when really _good_ musicians condescend to depreciate each
other, and to be malicious, and to sting in secret, I would sooner
renounce music altogether, or rather, I should say, musicians; it is
such petty, tinkering work, and yet it seems to be the fashion!
formerly, I thought it was so only with bunglers, but I see it is the
same with all. A straightforward character alone is a protection against
such an example, and a straightforward fellow, who despises it. Yet
this serves to endear goodness to us still more, and we rejoice doubly
in the contrast, and in good art, and in good artists, and in letters
from you; and thus the world is by no means so bad after all.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Leipzig, November 2nd, 1838.
Dear Schubring,
Many, many thanks for your letter, which I received the day before
yesterday, and for the parcel, which came to-day. You have again
rendered me an essential service, and I feel most grateful to you; how
can you ask whether I wish you to proceed in the same way? When all is
so well put together, I have almost nothing to do, but to write music
for the words. I ought to have previously told you, that the sheets you
took away with you are by no means to be regarded as containing a mature
design, but as a mere combination of the materials I had before me for
the purpose of eventually forming a plan. So the passage of the widow,
and also of the raven, being left out, is decidedly most advisable, and
also the whole commencement being abridged, in order that the main
points may be dwelt on to one’s heart’s content. I would urgently
entreat you to proceed with your work, so far as your time and leisure
will permit, and soon to send me the continuation of the first part,
from where you left off, and which must now be of considerable length.
Rest assured that, as I already told you, you will earn my most sincere
gratitude.
You say that at first, you could not make anything of the subject, but
that a sudden light dawned on you. I figured to myself Elijah as a
grand, mighty prophet, such, as we might again require in our own day
energetic and zealous, but also stern, wrathful, and gloomy; a striking
contrast to the Court myrmidons and popular rabble,--in fact, in
opposition to the whole world, and yet borne on angels’ wings. Is this
the inference you drew from the subject, and this the sense in which you
conceived an affection for it? I am anxious to do justice to the
_dramatic_ element, and, as you say, no epic narrative must be
introduced. I am glad to learn that you are searching out the real sense
of the Scriptural words, which cannot fail to touch every heart; but if
I might make one observation, it is that I would fain see the Dramatic
Element more prominent, as well as more exuberant and defined,--appeal
and rejoinder, question and answer, sudden interruptions, etc. etc. Not
that it disturbs me, for example, Elijah first speaking of the
assembling of the people, and then forthwith addressing them. All such
liberties are the natural privileges of such a representation in an
oratorio; but I should like the representation itself to be as spirited
as possible; for instance, it annoys me that Elijah does not reply to
Ahab’s words, No. 16 till No. 18; various other speeches and a chorus
intervening. I should like to have had an instant and eager rejoinder,
etc. etc.
But we shall no doubt presently agree on such points, and I would only
entreat you, when you resume your work, to think of this wish of mine.
Above all, accept my thanks for your kindness, and write to me soon on
the same subject.--Ever your
FELIX M. B.
TO HIS FAMILY.
Leipzig, November 5th, 1838.
I have felt unequal to resume the train of my musical compositions since
the measles. You cannot conceive the chaos that accumulates round me,
when I am obliged neither to write, nor to go out, for three weeks. At
last, here I am, correcting the parts of my three violin quartetts,
which are to appear this winter, but I never can contrive to complete
them, owing to so many letters, and affairs, and other _odiosa_. The
Shaws are here, who don’t know one word of German, and not many words of
French, and yet they live with thorough, downright Leipzigers, who only
speak their Leipzig vernacular; and Bennett, with two young English
musicians, and six new symphonies, and letters, and passing strangers,
and rehearsals, and Heaven knows what all the other things are, which
swallow up the day, leaving no more trace than if it had never existed.
Truly the most delightful of all things is to be enabled to store up
precious and enduring memorials of past days, to tell that these days
were; and the most hateful of all things is, when time passes on, and we
pass with it, and yet grasp nothing.
I am reading Lessing just now frequently, with true enjoyment and
gratitude. At the end of the most fatiguing day, this famous fellow
makes me feel quite fresh again; though Germany fares rather badly when
you read his letters to his grandfather, or to Nicolai, Gleim, and
Eckert; and yet Lessing wrote in German, and in such German, too, that
it cannot be well translated!
TO PROFESSOR SCHIRMER, DÜSSELDORF,
(NOW DIRECTOR OF THE CARLSRUHE ACADEMY.)
Berlin, November 21st, 1838.
So I am said to be a saint! If this is intended to convey what I
conceive to be the meaning of the word, and what your expressions lead
me to think you also understand by it, then I can only say that, alas! I
am not so, though every day of my life I strive with greater
earnestness, according to my ability, more and more to resemble this
character. I know indeed that I can never hope to be altogether a saint,
but if I ever approach to one, it will be well. If people, however,
understand by the word ‘saint’ a Pietist, one of those who lay their
hands on their laps, and expect that Providence will do their work for
them, and who, instead of striving in their vocation to press on towards
perfection, talk of a heavenly calling being incompatible with an
earthly one, and are incapable of loving with their whole hearts any
human being, or anything on earth,--then, God be praised! such a one I
am not, and hope never to become, so long as I live; and though I am
sincerely desirous to live piously, and really to be so, I hope this
does not necessarily entail the other character. It is singular that
people should select precisely _this_ time to say such a thing, when I
am in the enjoyment of so much happiness, both through my inner and
outer life, and my new domestic ties, as well as busy work, that I
really never know how sufficiently to show my thankfulness. And, as you
wish me to follow the path which leads to rest and peace, believe me, I
never expected to live in the rest and peace which have now fallen to my
lot. I offer you a thousand thanks for your good wishes, and beg you not
to be uneasy on either of these points.
It is pleasant to learn what you write to me of yourself and your works,
and that you also are persuaded that what people usually call honour and
fame are but doubtful advantages, while another species of honour, of a
more elevated and spiritual nature, is as essential as it is rare. The
truth of this is best seen in the case of those who possess all possible
worldly distinctions, without deriving from them one moment of real
pleasure, but only causing them the more greedily to crave after them;
and this fact was first made quite evident to me in Paris. I rejoice
that you are not one of those who speak in a contemptuous strain of
French painters, for I have always received great pleasure from the good
ones of the present day, and I cannot believe in the sincerity of those
persons who, at sight of one your pictures, fall into ecstasies, and yet
presume from the height of their throne to look down on one of Horace
Vernet’s. What I mean is, that if one beautiful object pleases the eye,
another cannot fail also to inspire sympathy; at least, so it is with
myself.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Leipzig, December 6th, 1838.
Dear Schubring,
Along with this you will receive the organ pieces and “Bonifacius” which
I also enclose. Thank you much for the latter, and for the manuscripts
you have from time to time sent me for “Elijah;” they are of the
greatest possible use to me, and though I may here and there make some
alterations, still the whole affair, by your aid, is now placed on a
much firmer footing. With regard to the dramatic element, there still
seems to be a diversity of opinion between us. In such a character as
that of Elijah, like every one in the Old Testament, except perhaps
Moses, it appears to me that the dramatic should predominate,--the
personages should be introduced as acting and speaking with fervour; not
however, for Heaven’s sake, to become mere musical pictures, but
inhabitants of a positive, practical world, such as we see in every
chapter of the Old Testament; and the contemplative and pathetic element
which you desire, must be entirely conveyed to our apprehension by the
words and the mood of the acting personages.
In your “Bonifacius,” for instance, this was a point to which I was by
no means reconciled; in my opinion he ought to have been treated
dramatically throughout, like a theatrical representation (in its best
sense) only without _visible_ action. The Scriptural allusions too
should, according to my idea, be more sparingly introduced, and placed
in his mouth alone. The contrast between this style of language (which
pervades the whole) and that at the coronation, is not sufficiently
equalized. Pepin, and all the pagans, and pagan priests, flit before me
like shadows or misty forms, whereas, to satisfy me, they must be solid,
robust men. Do not be displeased that I send you a bit of criticism
along with my thanks, for such is my insufferable custom. Besides a cold
and cough make me unusually rabid to day. I am now about to set to work
on the “Elijah,” and to plough away at the soil as I best can; if I do
not get on with it, you must come to my aid; and I hope as kindly as
ever, and preserve the same regard for your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO A. SIMROCK, BONN.
Leipzig, March 4th, 1839.
The manuscripts which I ought to have sent you last year are not yet
finished; I wished to make them as perfect as I could; but for this both
leisure and good humour were requisite, and during the period of
constant concerts these too often failed. Now I hope shortly to complete
the pieces, and thus free myself from debt.
But they are not “songs without words,” for I have no intention of
writing any more of that sort, let the Hamburgers say what they will! If
there were too many such _animalculæ_ between heaven and earth, at last
no one would care about them; and there really is quite a mass of piano
music composed now in a similar style; another chord should be struck, I
say.--I am, with entire esteem, your obedient
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, March 18th, 1839.
You wish to know how the overture to “Ruy Blas” went off. Famously. Six
or eight weeks since an application was made to me in favour of a
representation to be given for the Theatrical Pension Fund (an excellent
benevolent institution here, for the benefit of which “Ruy Blas” was to
be given). I was requested to compose an overture for it, and the music
of the romance in the piece, for it was thought the receipts would be
better if my name appeared in the bills. I read the piece, which is
detestable, and more utterly beneath contempt than you could believe,
and said, that I had no leisure to write the overture, but I composed
the romance for them. The performance was to take place last Monday
week; on the previous Tuesday the people came to thank me politely for
the romance, and said it was such a pity I had not also written an
overture, but they were perfectly aware that time was indispensable for
such a work, and the ensuing year, if I would permit them, they would
give me longer previous notice. This put me on my mettle. I reflected on
the matter the same evening, and began my score. On Wednesday there was
a concert rehearsal, which occupied the whole forenoon. Thursday the
concert itself, yet the overture was in the hands of the copyist early
on Friday; played three times on Monday in the concert room, tried over
once in the theatre, and given in the evening as an introduction to the
odious play. Few of my works have caused me more amusing excitement. It
is to be repeated, by desire, at the next concert, but I mean to call
it, not the overture to “Ruy Blas,” but to the Theatrical Pension Fund.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Frankfort, June 18th, 1839.
Dear Fanny,
Give me your best advice! The eccentric Capellmeister Guhr is become my
particular friend, and we are quite inseparable. Lately we were in a
pleasant cordial mood, and I was eagerly questioning him about his
extensive and rare collection of Bach’s works, among which are two
autographs, the choral preludes for the organ, and the “Passecaille,”
with a grand fugue at the end of it,--
[Illustration: musical notation]
when he suddenly said, “I’ll tell you what, you shall have one of these
autographs; I will make you a present of it, for you take as great
delight in them as I do; choose which you prefer,--the preludes or the
‘Passecaille.’” This was really no trifling gift, for I know that he
has been offered a considerable sum of money for these pieces, but he
refused to part with them, and I would myself have paid a good price for
them had they been for sale, and now he freely gives me one; but the
question is, which shall I take? I have by far the strongest inclination
for the preludes, because they begin with the “Altes Jahr,” because they
include other great favourites of mine, and because the “Passecaille”
and the fugue are already published. But you must also have a voice in
the matter, for you will feel no common interest in it. So send me your
vote, _Cantor_!
Is not Guhr a most singular being? and yet I can get on better with him
than with any other of the Frankfort musicians. He enjoys life, and
lives and lets live, but is sharp enough as a director, and beats common
time so distinctly that they cannot fail to play to it, as if they were
in arm-chairs; and my other colleagues here are so desperately
melancholy, and always talking of musical critiques, and recognition,
and flattering testimonials, and constantly thinking about themselves,
and constantly fishing for compliments (but these compliments must be
genuine; they even aspire to outpourings of the heart!). This is both
provoking and sad; and yet (behind people’s backs) they can play as mad
pranks as any one. Much as I like Frankfort for a summer visit, I do not
wish to be settled here as a musician, owing to all the above reasons,
and many others besides.
At the concert of the St. Cecilia Association, where I had an
opportunity of fairly estimating their musical organization, I felt
quite melancholy at the difference between our sense of music in Leipzig
and what was given here; for though it goes on very fairly, and
sometimes sounds well, still, as a rule, it seems as if they were
playing from sheer weariness, or from compulsion, and vastly little of
that zeal and love are apparent in the orchestra which so often prevail
among us. In fact, when I compare the whole elements of the orchestra
here with ours at Leipzig, I feel just as I did when I returned from
Düsseldorf, and thought myself in Paradise. The St. Cecilia Association,
too, has deteriorated, which is not the fault of one person or another,
but of all combined, for the soil here is far from being favourable to
music, though all the better for apples and cherries and wine, and other
good things. I wish you could see the Sachsenhäusen hill at this moment,
with all its ripe cherries and blooming vines! Moreover, there are many
delightful people here, and some among them genuinely musical. For
painting much is done, and it seems to be making real progress. This is
a very different life from what it was three or four years ago when I
was here, and found everything disorganized by discord and strife.
A tolerably good, though not very extensive exhibition of paintings is
just closed, which contained some admirable, and many very pretty
things. This change of tune and subject brings us back to Hensel. When
does he go to England? when does he return? does he take any pictures
with him? and what may they be? are you going to Italy? do I know
anything of anything? I am writing a trio (the first part is finished),
a sonata for the violin (ditto), a symphony (not ditto), and a letter to
you (which is now quite finished). But when will you write to me?--Your
FELIX.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Hochheim, near Coblenz, August 1st, 1839.
My dearest Friend,
I earnestly hope that you may fulfil your intention of visiting us late
in the autumn. The time seems to me endless till you become acquainted
with my wife; besides, it is indeed very long since you and I have
conversed in the unreserved confidence of home. When I was in England,
two years ago, my wife kept a small diary, which she began after our
marriage, and every day during my stay in England she left a blank space
in its pages, that I might write the record of my days opposite to hers.
For some time past I have accustomed myself to do this, and entered
every detail minutely into the little green book (you ought to know it,
for you gave it to me in 1832),--the date of Rosen’s death, that of my
visit to Birmingham, etc. Now I have arrived exactly at the
anniversary, and my diary clearly shows me how much I was then out of
sorts, and very different from what I ought to have been. The constant
publicity, the grand scale of things on every side, in fact, everything
around me attracted me less than formerly, and made me feel bewildered
and irritable. May we therefore soon meet in Germany! You certainly
would not enjoy yourself less here after England, and I do delight in
this beautiful country. The summer months I recently passed in Frankfort
have thoroughly refreshed me; in the morning I worked, then bathed or
sketched; in the afternoon I played the organ or the piano, and
afterwards rambled in the forest, then into society, or home, where I
always found the most charming of all society: this was the mode in
which my life was agreeably spent, and you must add to all this the
glorious summer days which followed each other in uninterrupted
succession.
We have now been here nearly a fortnight, and three or four days hence
we intend to go up the Rhine, back to Frankfort, and return to Leipzig
about the middle of the month. Your wish to have X---- in London (though
very natural, I admit), is one in which we do not at all agree, and yet
my reasons are by no means egotistical,--quite the reverse. I am
convinced that it would not be for his benefit, were he to assume a
position in the world which would oblige him to take an interest in so
many things, not only foreign to art, but actually adverse to it. A
certain number of guineas might accrue to him, but no real gain, either
for his happiness or his progress in art. Formerly I used positively to
hate all speculators in art, but now I feel chiefly compassion for them,
because I see so few who are at rest; it is a never-ending strife for
money and fame, and the most superior talents, as well as inferior ones,
join in it. Highly as I esteem X----, I am by no means sure that he
would not make shipwreck on this rock, and even if he did not lose the
brightest part of his genius, he would certainly have to deplore the
best part of his life and happiness; and after all, for what? The
reformation and improvement of individual cities, even were they as
important as London, is in fact either impossible or indifferent; but if
a man only strives thoroughly to perfect his own being, and to purify
himself by degrees from all dross, in acting thus he is working for all
cities alike; and if he does so even in a village, his labours are
certain to make their way into the world, and there to exercise their
due influence. I would rather, therefore, that X---- remained in Germany
wherever music is most appreciated; but you must not ask me where that
is,--whether at Frankfort or Vienna? but it lies in the air no doubt;
therefore I shall always advise his not leaving Germany.
Planché’s work gets on very slowly, and possibly I may have a new
oratorio ready before his text is completed. The number of friends that
“St. Paul” has gained me is really quite remarkable. I could never have
anticipated it. It was performed twice at Vienna in the spring, and they
want to have a festival there in November, with one thousand performers
(“St. Paul” is to be given), which I shall probably go to conduct. This
has surprised me the more, because no other work of mine has ever made
its way into Vienna. I must be in Brunswick for the Musical Festival the
end of this month, in order to conduct “St. Paul;” and it is always a
source of twofold pleasure to me when I have no personal acquaintances
in a place, which will be the case there.
My new pieces are a trio, completed for piano, violin, and violoncello,
in D minor; a book of four-part songs, to be sung in the open air; some
songs for one voice, organ fugues, half a Psalm, etc. I mean to continue
the four-part songs, and have thought a good deal about the capabilities
of this style; and it does seem the most natural of all music when four
people are rambling together in the woods, or sailing in a boat, and
have the melody all ready with them and within them. In quartetts for
male voices alone, both for musical and other reasons, there is
something prosaic in the four male voices, which has always been
perceptible; whereas in those I allude to, the combination of male and
female voices will sound more poetical, and this will, I hope, also be
perceptible.
Do send me a song or two, to sing in autumn, or better still, in
summer, or in spring, or on the water, on the grass, or on a bridge, or
in the woods, or in the garden; to the stork, or to a kind Providence,
or to the people of the cities and plains, or for a dance, or a wedding,
or as a _souvenir_. It might be a popular romance!
I should like much to hear your sentiments about the events in your
Fatherland;[35] they interest me more than you perhaps imagine. Be sure
you come to us the end of autumn! Cecilia says your room is ready, and
sends you her remembrances.--I am always yours.
FELIX M. B.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Frankfort, July 3rd, 1839.
Dear Mother,
We are leading the most agreeable, happy life imaginable here. I am
therefore resolved not to go away till obliged to do so, and to give
myself up entirely for the present to a sense of comfort and pleasure.
The most delightful thing I ever saw in society was a _fête_ in the
forest here: I really must tell you all about it, because it was unique
of its kind. Within a quarter of an hour’s drive from the road, deep in
the forest where lofty spreading beech-trees stand in solitary grandeur,
forming an impenetrable canopy above, and where all around nothing; was
to be seen but green foliage glistening through innumerable trunks of
trees,--this was the locality. We made our way through the thick
underwood, by a narrow footpath, to the spot, where on arriving, a
number of white figures were visible in the distance, under a group of
trees, encircled with massive garlands of flowers, which formed the
concert-room. How lovely the voices sounded, and how brilliantly the
soprano tones vibrated in the air; what charm and melting sweetness
pervaded every strain! All was so still and retired, and yet so bright!
I had formed no conception of such an effect. The choir consisted of
about twenty good voices; during the previous rehearsal in a room, there
had been some deficiencies, and want of steadiness. Towards evening,
however, when they stood under the trees, and uplifting their voices
gave my first song, “Ihr Vöglein in den Zweigen schwank,” it was so
enchanting in the silence of the woods, that it almost brought tears to
my eyes. It sounded like genuine poetry. The scene too was so beautiful;
all the pretty female figures in white, and Herr B---- standing in the
centre, beating time in his shirt sleeves, and the audience seated on
camp stools, or hampers, or lying on the moss. They sang through the
whole book, and then three new songs which I had composed for the
occasion. The third (“Lerchengesang”) was rather exultingly shouted than
sung, and repeated three times, while in the interim strawberries,
cherries, and oranges were served on the most delicate china, and
quantities of ice and wine and raspberry syrup carried round. People
were emerging in every direction out of the thicket, attracted from a
distance by the sound of the music, and they stretched themselves on the
ground and listened.
As it grew dark, great lanterns and torches were set up in the middle of
the choir, and they sang songs by Schelble and Hiller, and Schnyder, and
Weber. Presently a large table, profusely decorated with flowers and
brilliantly lighted, was brought forward, on which was an excellent
supper with all sorts of good dishes and wines; and it was most quiet
withal, and lonely in the wood, the nearest house being at the distance
of at least an hour, and the gigantic trunks of the trees looking every
moment more dark and stern, and the people under their branches more
noisy and jovial. After supper they began again with the first song, and
sang through the whole six, and then the three new ones, and the
“Lerchengesang” once more three times over. At length it was time to go;
in the thicket we met the waggon in which all the china and plate was to
be taken back to the town; it could not stir from the spot, nor could we
either, but we contrived to get on at last, and arrived about midnight
at our homes in Frankfort. The donors of the _fête_ were detained in the
forest till two o’clock, packing up everything, and lost their way along
with the large waggon, finding themselves unexpectedly at Isenburg; so
they did not get home till long afterwards. There were three families
who had the merit of this idea, and whom we have to thank for this
memorable _fête_. Two of these we were not at all acquainted with, and
the third only slightly. I know now how songs ought to sound in the open
air, and hope shortly to compose a gay book of them.
It must be tiresome enough for you to read descriptions of _fêtes_ long
past, and indeed such descriptions are of no great interest even to
those who were present, but far more trying to those who were not; and
yet I cannot resist telling you also of an entertainment given by Herr
E----, which took place last week, because I know you rejoice in any
marks of honour bestowed on me, and this was indeed a very great one. We
were invited, along with many whom we knew and some whom we did not
know, chiefly members of the St. Cecilia Association. First, we had some
music, and played and sang; then, the door of a dark room was thrown
open, and from an opposite direction resounded my overture to the
“Midsummer Night’s Dream.” While it was being played a curtain drew up,
and displayed a most charming tableau, Titania sleeping in a flower;
hovering over her was Cobweb spreading out the curtain, Peaseblossom
fanning her, Moth, and the others,--all represented by lovely young
girls; and a whole succession of tableaux followed, accompanied by my
music. The second was a German girl of the olden time in her chamber,
while her lover, in rain and snow, was singing under her window,
“Leucht’t heller als die Sonne,” which seemed to please her uncommonly.
This was succeeded by an “Ave” for eight voices, with the Angel, bearing
a lily in his hand, appearing to the kneeling Mary. Then came a
beautiful Zuleika, in a Persian apartment, who, without changing her
attitude, sang my song in E minor very sweetly and prettily. This was
followed by a masterpiece--Spanish peasants’ nuptials,--three handsome
couples of lovers dancing, admirably costumed and placed, and behind
them a pathetic Don Quixote, when the little chorus in C, “Nun zündet
an” was appropriately sung. Next came a youth with a small neckcloth and
a large shirt-collar, in a vineyard with a sketch-book, and he sang “Ist
es wahr?” and most charmingly he sang it. Seventhly (for I am now
falling into the catalogue style), a chapel, with a handsome Gothic
(mock) organ, at which was seated a nun, with two others standing by
her, who sang from the printed music “Beati omnes,” the choir responding
behind the scenes. Eighthly, two girls at a well, singing by heart, in
the most enchanting manner, my duett, “Ich wollt’, meine Liebe” having
contrived, under some pretext, to get the music transcribed. Ninthly,
St. Paul on the ground, his escort in alarm, and a chorus of women
singing behind the scenes. Tenth and last, before the curtain was drawn
up, “As the hart panteth after the water-brooks” was sung, while I was
wondering how they would manage to represent the panting of the hart,
and who was to attempt it. But now comes something more especially for
you, Mother. They had dressed S----, who is thought to resemble me, to
personate myself; and there he was, sitting in an inspired attitude,
writing music, and chewing away at his handkerchief,[36] and by his side
a lovely St. Cecilia with a wreath. Now, Mother, I hope you will no
longer call me the “reverse of a charlatan;” for my describing all this
myself, without the ink turning red for shame, is really a strong
measure!
As I am in a boasting mood, I may as well tell you at once that I have
proposals from two musical festivals for 1840. And now enough of myself
and my braggadocio. I have however been very busy here, and have
completed a pianoforte trio, five four-part songs for the open air, and
three fugues for the organ, as well as commenced many others. I have
practised the organ so steadily, that on my return to Leipzig I purpose
giving an organ concert there, and I think that my pedal playing is now
very tolerable.
Dear Fanny! I beg that among the six great organ preludes and fugues of
Bach, published by Riedl, you will look at the fugue No. 3, in C major.
Formerly I did not care much about them, they are in a very simple
style; but observe particularly the four last bars, natural and simple
as they are, I fell quite in love with them, and played them over at
least fifty times yesterday. How the left hand glides and turns, and
how gently it dies away towards the close! It pleased me beyond all
measure.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.[37]
Leipzig, September 14th, 1839.
Dear Fanny,
Wishing to note down a great many things for your benefit, I examined my
diaries, but found very little in them, and say to myself, “Hensel will
show her and tell all this a hundred times better than I can.”
So only with a view to perform my promise:--
_Isola Bella._--Place yourself on the very highest point, and look right
and left, before and behind you,--the whole of the island and the whole
of the lake are at your feet.
_Venice._--Do not forget Casa Pisani, with its Paul Veronese, and the
Manfrini Gallery, with its marvellous ‘Cithern Player’ by Giorgione, and
a ditto, ‘Entombment,’ by Titian (Hensel laughs at me). Compose
something in honour of the ‘Cithern Player;’ I did so. When you see the
‘Assumption of the Virgin,’ think of me. Observe how dark the head of
Mary--and indeed her whole figure stands out against the bright sky; the
head looks quite brown, and there is an ineffable expression of
enthusiasm and overflowing felicity, that no one could believe without
having actually seen it. If you don’t think of me, too, at sight of the
golden glory of the sky behind Mary,--then there is an end of all
things! Likewise two certain cherubs’ heads, from which an ox might
learn what true beauty is; and if the ‘Presentation of Mary,’ and the
woman selling eggs underneath, do not please you,--then call me a
blockhead! Think of Goethe when you see the Lions in front of the
Arsenal: “Stehen zwei altgriechische Löwen,” etc. Sail in a gondola at
night, meeting other black gondolas hurrying along. If you don’t then
think of all sorts of love stories, and other things which might occur
within them while they glide by so quickly,--then am I a dolt!
_Florence._--The following are among my notes on the portrait gallery
(see if you find them true, and write to me on the subject):--
“Comparison between the head and its production, between the man’s work
and his exterior--the artist and his portrait. Titian, vigorous and
royal; Domenichino, precise, bright, very astute, and buoyant; Guido,
pale, dignified, masterly, keen; Lanfranco, a grotesque mask; Leonello
Spada, a good-natured _fanfaron_ and a reveller; Annibale Carracci,
peeping and prying; the two Caraccis, like the members of a guild;
Caravaggio, rather commonplace and cat-like; Guercino, handsome and
affected, melancholy and dark; Bellini the red-haired, the stern,
old-fashioned teacher; Giorgione, chivalrous, fantastic, serene, and
clear; Leonardo da Vinci, the lion; in the middle, the fragile, heavenly
Raphael, and over him Michael Angelo, ugly, vigorous, malignant; Carlo
Dolce, a coxcomb; Gerard Dow, a mere appendage among his kitchen
utensils,” etc. etc.
In the large gallery to the left of the tribune, look at a little
picture by Fra Bartolommeo, scarcely larger than this sheet of paper,
but with two doors, all so neatly and carefully painted and finished.
When you enter the gallery, salute first the busts of the Medici, for
they were its founders. In the tribune there are some good things. Do
not fail to see all the painted churches, which are quite beyond
belief,--Maria Novella, St. Annunziata (you must see Andrea del Sarto
there; remark also Fra Bartolommeo falling backwards downstairs from
terror, because the angel has already been painting on his canvas).
Examine also this said angel’s painting in the ‘Annunciation’ of Fra
Bartolommeo; it is very fine (Hensel laughs).
To St. Marco, the Academy, etc. etc.
If the site of Brunelli’s statue, near the Duomo, does not please you, I
can’t help you. The Duomo itself is not bad. Walk about a great deal.
_Milan._--Don’t fail to go to the top of the cathedral, on account of
the millions of pinnacles, and the splendid view.
_Genoa._--It is pleasant to be in the Villetta Negri at nightfall.
_Betwixt Genoa and Florence_, see everything. Do not miss visiting the
church of St. Francesco in Assisi, on any account whatever. The same
with regard to all Perugia.
Drink a flask of _aleatico_ in Florence, and add another of _vino
santo_.
_Rome._--Holy Week; be as weary as you please during the whole chanting
of the Psalms, it’s no matter, but listen carefully when they intone the
_last_, “Benedictus Dominus Israel,”--all four voices _unisono
fortissimo_ in D minor,--it sounds very grand. Observe the strange
modulations produced by chance, when one unmusical priest after another
takes the book and sings; the one finishing in D major, and the other
commencing in B flat minor. Above all, see and hear everything in the
Sistine Chapel, and write some melodies, or something, from thence to
your F. M. B. Greet old Santini. Feast your eyes on the brilliant aspect
of the chapel on Palm Sunday, when all the Cardinals are robed and carry
palms, and when the procession with the singers arrives. The
“Improperia,” on Good Friday, in B flat major, are very fine. Notice
when the old Cardinal sings the “Credo,” the first day of Easter, and
all the bells ring out, and the ceremony becomes all alive once more,
with cannon shots, etc. etc. Drive to the _Grotta ferrata_, it is really
quite too lovely, and all painted by Domenichino. Don’t forget the echo
near Cecilia Metella. The tower stands to the left of the road. In the
same direction, about fifty yards further, among some old ruined walls
and stones, there is the most perfect echo I ever chanced to meet with
in my life; it seems as if it never would cease muttering and murmuring.
It begins in a slight degree, close behind the tower, but the further
you proceed, the more mystical it becomes. You must try to find the
right spot. Learn to distinguish between the different orders of monks.
_Naples._--When there is a storm at Chiatamone, and the grey sea is
foaming, think of me. Don’t fail to live close to the sea. I lived at
Santi Combi, Santa Lucia (I think No. 13), it was most lovely there. Be
sure you go from Castellamare to Amalfi, _over_ Mount St. Angelo. It is
the chief highway of all Italy. Proceed from Amalfi to Atrani, and see
the church there, and then view the whole glorious landscape from above.
Never get overheated. And never fly into a passion. And never be so
delighted as to agitate yourself. Be wonderfully haughty and arrogant;
all the beauty is there for you only.
Eat as a salad, broccoli with ham, and write to me if it is not capital.
So far my good advice. Enough for to-day. Farewell, dearest Fanny, and
dear Hensel family all. We think of you daily and hourly, and rejoice in
your good fortune and in your enjoyment.
FELIX.
TO PROFESSOR NAUMANN, BONN.
Leipzig, September 19th, 1839.
Sir,
Pray accept my thanks for the great proof of confidence you show me, by
the purport of your esteemed letter of the 12th of this month. Believe
me, I thoroughly appreciate it, and can indeed feel how important to you
must be the development and future destiny of a child so beloved and so
talented. My sole wish is, like your own, that _those_ steps should be
taken, best calculated to reward his assiduity and to cultivate his
talents. As an artist, I consider this to be my duty, but, in this case,
it would cause me peculiar pleasure from its recalling an early and
happy period of my life.
But I should unworthily respond to your confidence, did I not
communicate frankly to you the many and great scruples which prevent my
_immediately_ accepting your proposal. In the first place, I am
convinced, from repeated experience, that I am totally deficient in the
talent requisite for a practical teacher, and for giving regular
progressive instruction; whether it be that I take too little pleasure
in tuition, or have not sufficient patience for it, I cannot tell, but
in short, I do not succeed in it. Occasionally, indeed, young people
have stayed with me, but any improvement they have derived was solely
from our studying music together, from unreserved intercourse, or casual
conversation on various subjects, and also from discussions; and none
of these things are compatible with actual teaching. Now the question
is, whether in such early youth, a consecutive, unremitting, strict
course of discipline, be not of more value than all the rest? It also
appears to me that the estrangement of your son from the paternal roof
just at his age, forms a second, and not less important objection. Where
the rudiments of education are not wholly wanting (and the talents of
your wife alone are a security against this), then I consider that the
vicinity of his parents, and the prosecution of the usual elements of
study, the acquirement of languages, and the various branches of
scholarship and science, are of more value to the boy than a one-sided,
even though more perfect cultivation of his genius. In any event such
genius is sure to force its way to the light, and to shape its course
accordingly, and in riper years will submit to no other permanent
vocation, so that the early acquired treasures of interest, and the
hours enjoyed in early youth under the roof of a parent, become doubly
dear.
I speak in this strain from my own experience, for I can well remember
that in my fifteenth year, there was a question as to my studying with
Cherubini in Paris, and I know how grateful I was to my father at the
time, and often since, that he at last gave up the idea, and kept me
with himself. It would of course be very different if there were no
means in Bonn, of obtaining good and solid instruction in thorough-bass
and the piano; but this I cannot believe, and whether that instruction
be rather better or more intellectual (provided indeed it be not
positively objectionable), is of less moment when compared with the
advantages of a longer stay in his own home. Further, my life hitherto
has been so unsettled, that no summer has passed without my taking
considerable journeys, and next year I shall probably be absent from
here for five or six months; this change of associations would only be
prejudicial to youthful talent. The young man therefore must either
remain here alone all summer or travel with me, and neither of these are
advisable for him.
I state all these disadvantages, because I am myself so well aware of
them, and fully estimate the importance of the subject. If you do not
participate in my views on mature consideration, and are still of
opinion that _I_ alone can assist your boy in the attainment of his
wish, then I repeat that in any case (irrespective of this) I should
esteem it my duty to be useful and serviceable, so far as my ability
goes, to a youthful genius, and to contribute to his development by the
exercise of my own powers; but even in this event, a personal interview
is indispensable, if only for a few hours, in order to arrange
everything clearly, and until then I cannot give an unqualified consent.
Were you to bring the lad to me at Easter, I fear I should have already
set off on my summer excursion. Indeed, the only period when I am
certain to be in Leipzig, is from autumn till Easter. I quite agree
with Madame Naumann, that it is most essential to cultivate
pianoforte-playing at present as much as possible, and not to fail in
studying Cramer’s exercises assiduously and steadily; but along with
this daily training on the piano, two hours a week devoted to
thorough-bass might be useful, as such a variety would be a pleasant
change, rather than an interruption. The latter study indeed ought to be
pursued in an easy and almost playful manner, and chiefly the practical
part, that of deciphering and playing figured bass; these are the main
points, and can be entirely mastered in a short time; but the sooner it
is begun, the sooner is it got quit of, and this is always a relief with
such dry things. And now once more accept my thanks for the trust you
have reposed in me, which I thought I could only adequately respond to
by entire sincerity.--I am, your faithful
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Leipzig, November 30th, 1839.
My dear Friend,
Your letter from Paris delighted me exceedingly, although the
proceedings you describe are not very gratifying. The state of matters
there must be very curious. I own that I always felt a kind of
repugnance towards it, and this impression has not been diminished by
all we have recently heard from thence. Nowhere do variety and outward
consideration play so prominent a part as there, and what makes the case
still worse is, that they not only coquet with orders and decorations,
but with artistic inspiration and soul. The very great inward poverty
which this betrays, along with the outward glitter of grandeur and
worldly importance which such _misères_ assume, is truly revolting to
me, even when I merely read of them in a letter. I infinitely prefer our
German homeliness and torpor and tobacco-pipes, though, indeed, I can’t
say much in their favour since the recent events in Hanover, in which I
am deeply interested, though I grieve to say they do not exhibit our
Fatherland in a pleasing aspect; so that neither here nor there is life
at present very enjoyable: therefore we ought the more heartily to thank
God, that within the domain of art there lies a world far removed from
all besides; solitary, yet replete with life, where refuge is to be
found, and where we can feel that it is well with us.
Chorley seems to have taken great pleasure in our concerts. On what a
splendid scale we could have them if a very little money were only
forthcoming! but this hateful money is a hindrance and a stumbling-block
all over the world, and we do not get forward as we ought. On one side
we have the worthy civilians, who think that Leipzig is Paris, and that
everything is admirable, and that if the members of the orchestra were
not starving it would no longer be Leipzig; and on the other side we
have the musicians, or rather they leave us as soon as they possibly
can, and I give them letters to you in the hope that they may be thus
rescued from their misery.
I have not assisted Pott’s undertaking by any musical contribution. If
you could only see the detestable proceedings in Germany at present with
regard to monuments, you would have given nothing either. They speculate
on great men, in order, through their reputation, to make a name for
themselves, and trumpet forth in the newspapers, while with their real
trumpets they make very bad music, “as deadening as a foggy breeze.” If
Halle for Handel, Salzburg for Mozart, and Bonn for Beethoven, etc., are
really desirous to form good orchestras, capable of playing and
comprehending thoroughly their works, then I shall be delighted to give
them my aid, but not for mere stones, when the orchestra are themselves
even more worthless stones, and not for their _conservatoriums_, where
there is nothing worth conservation. My present hobby is our poor
orchestra and its improvement. By dint of incessant running to and fro,
writing, and tormenting others, I have at last contrived to scrape
together about five hundred _thalers_, and before I leave this I expect
to get twice that sum for them. If the town does this, it can then
proceed to erect a monument to Sebastian Bach, in front of the Thomas
School. But first of all, the money. You see I am a rabid Leipziger. It
would touch your feelings, too, if you saw all this close at hand, and
could hear how the people strain every nerve to accomplish what is
really good.
Has Onslow written anything new? and old Cherubini? That is a matchless
fellow! I have got his “Abencerrages,” and cannot sufficiently admire
the sparkling fire, the clever original phrases, the extraordinary
delicacy and refinement with which the whole is written, or feel
sufficiently grateful to the grand old man for it. Besides, it is all so
free and bold and spirited.
TO FANNY HENSEL, ROME.
Leipzig, January 4th, 1840.
This little page shall go to Rome from here,
And wish you prettily a good new year.
You see my letter begins in the true ballad-monger style; if you chance
to be in the Coliseum at the moment you receive it, the contrast will be
rather grotesque. Whereabouts do you live in Rome? Have you eaten
broccoli and ham? or _zuppa Inglese_? Is the convent of San Giovanni and
Paolo still standing? and does the sun shine every morning on your
buttered roll? I have just played to Ferdinand Hiller your Caprices in
B flat major, G major, E major, and F major, which surprised us both;
and though we tried hard to detect the cloven foot in them, we could not
do so,--all was unmixed delight. Then I vowed at last to break through
my obstinate silence. Pray forgive it! It happened thus:--First came the
christening, and with it my mother and Paul. In the meantime the
subscription concerts had begun; then my mother left us; then Paul, a
fortnight later; then came Hiller to stay with us, intending to remain a
week, heard a couple of rehearsals, and decided to remain the whole
winter, for the purpose of completing his oratorio of “Jeremiah,” and
producing it here in March; then came an abominable cold and catarrh,
which for three weeks confined me to bed, or to my room, but always in
very bad humour; then came Breitkopf and Härtel, begging to have the
manuscript of my second set of four-part songs, which they have now got,
and the trio, which they have not yet got; then came the copyist,
petitioning for the score of the new Psalm, which was performed most
gloriously the day before yesterday, as a commencement to the new year’s
concert; then came 116 friends; then came Madame Pleyel, who counts for
216 more, and she played the piano right well; then came Christmas, to
which I was forced to contribute fourteen gifts, some musical, some
pictorial, some practical, and some juvenile; and now comes the benefit
concert of Madlle. Meerti,--so here you have an _abrégé_ of my
_histoire universelle_ since my last letter.
But tell me, for Heaven’s sake, what are you doing at Rome? “The finest
part of the _old hole_ is its situation,” said General Lepel once; but
he is mistaken. There are still greater charms within her walls. What do
you say, by the bye, to the drone of the _Pifferari_, whom the painters
paint so admirably, and which produce such indescribable sensations in
every nose, while sounding through it?--and to the church music in St.
Luigi dei Francesi and others? I should like to hear you on that
subject. Can you tell me the names of all the Cardinals from a mere
glimpse of their hoods or trains? I could do this. When you are with a
certain _Madame_ by Titian in the Sciarra Palace, and with two other
certain _Mesdames_ also by him (the one in a state of nature, the other
unfortunately not) in the Borghese Palace,[38] or with the ‘Galatea’ or
any other Raphael, if you do not then think of me, and wish I were in
Rome, I shall assuredly in that case wish you were the Marchesa Muti
Papazurri, whose breadth is greater than her height, and that is five
feet six inches. I will now give you some advice. Go to Monte Testaccio,
and settle yourself comfortably in one of the little inns there; you
will feel precisely the same as if you were in Rome. If you have already
seen Guido’s ‘Aurora.’ be sure you go to see it again. Mark well the
horrible fifths of the Papal singers when they adorn each of their four
parts at the same moment with flourishes. On a fine Sunday, go on
walking the whole day, till the sun sets, and it becomes cool; then come
down from Monte Pincio, or wherever you may be, and have your dinner.
Compose a vast deal, for it gets on famously at Rome. Write me soon a
long letter. Look out of the windows of any convent near the Lateran,
towards the Albano mountains. Count the houses in Frascati in the
sunshine; it is far more beautiful there than in all Prussia and Poland
too.
Forgive this harebrained letter, for I could not make it better.
Farewell, dearest Fanny. May God bless you, and your journey, and your
whole year; and continue to love your
FELIX.
TO I. FÜRST, BERLIN.
[_On the subject of a Libretto that he was writing for an Opera._]
Leipzig, January 4th, 1840.
Dear Fürst,
You upbraid me extravagantly in the beginning of your welcome letter,
but at its close you draw so admirable a moral, that I have only to
thank you anew for the whole. You do me injustice in suggesting that my
sole reason for wishing to see the _scenarium_ is that I may raise
difficulties from the starting-point, and bring the child into the world
forthwith in its sickly condition.
It is precisely on opposite grounds that I wish this, in order to
obviate subsequent difficulties and organic maladies. If these are, as
you declare, born with him, it is best to abstract them from the child,
while it is still possible, without injuring every part; if the injury
admits of a remedy at all, it can now be cured, without attacking the
whole organization.
No longer to speak figuratively, what deters me, and has always hitherto
deterred me from the composition of a _libretto_ is neither the verse,
nor the individual words, nor the mode of handling (or whatever you call
it), but the course of the action, the dramatic essence, the march of
events,--in short, the _scenarium_. If I do not consider this to be good
and solid in itself, then my firm conviction is that the music will not
be so either, nor the whole satisfy the pretensions that I must make in
executing such a work, though they may indeed entirely differ from those
which are usually made, and from those of the public. But I have long
since given up all idea of conforming to their tastes, simply for this
reason, that is impossible; so I must follow the dictates of my own
conscience, now as ever.
Planché’s text can never, even with the best will on both sides, become
such a work as I want; I am almost disposed to give up my purpose as
utterly hopeless. I would rather never compose an opera at all, than one
which from the very commencement I considered only indifferent; moreover
I could not possibly compose for such a one, were you to give me the
whole kingdom of Prussia to do so. All this, and the many annoyances
certain to occur at the completion of a text, if I should not feel
disposed to undertake it, render it my duty to proceed step by step, and
rather to move too slowly than too hastily; on this account I have
resolved, unless we first agree about the _scenarium_, never to beguile
any poet into undertaking so laborious a work, which may after all prove
vain. This _scenarium_ may be prolix or brief, detailed or merely
sketched,--on these points I do not presume to dictate, and quite as
little, whether the opera should be in three, four, or five acts; if it
be really good, just as it is written, then eight acts would not be too
many for me, nor one too few, and I say the same as to a ballet or no
ballet. The only criterion is, whether it harmonizes or not with the
musical and other existing feelings of my nature; and I believe that I
am able to discern this quite as well from the _scenarium_ as from the
finished text, and that is moreover a point which no one can decide save
myself personally.
I have thus placed the whole truth before you, and Heaven grant that all
these things may not deter you from writing an opera, that you may also
entrust it to me for composition, and that I may at length through you
see a long-cherished wish fulfilled. I need not tell you how eagerly I
shall await your decision.--Yours,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, February 7th, 1840.
Dear Brother,
Every word, alas! that you write about Berlin and the course of things
there, corresponds but too well with my own views on the subject. The
proceedings there are far from gratifying, and what strikes me as the
most hopeless part is, that all its inhabitants are of one accord on the
subject, and yet, in spite of this universal feeling, no change to what
is good and healthy is ever effected. But where cannot the individual
man live and thrive? especially in Germany, where we are all compelled
to isolation, and must, from the very first, renounce all idea of
working together in unison. Still it has its bright side and its
original aspect. When are you coming here again to play billiards with
us? I have been living a stirring life all through this winter. Fancy my
being obliged to play in public four times last week, and two pieces on
each occasion. Last Saturday week, the first Quartett Soirée took place,
where pianoforte music was introduced; so I played Mozart’s sonata in A
major, with David, and the B flat major trio of Beethoven. On Sunday
evening Ernst played four quartetts at Hiller’s; one of them was the E
minor of Beethoven, and mine in E flat major. Early on Monday the
rehearsal took place, and in the evening the concert, where I
accompanied him in his “Elegie,” and in three songs besides; on the
following Thursday, Hiller and I played Mozart’s concerto, written for
two pianos, into which we introduced two grand _cadenzas_, and at the
close of the second part of the concert, we played Moscheles’ duett in G
major.[39] The Saturday after, I again played with David at the Quartett
Soirée, a new rondo of Spohr’s, and wound up with my trio. In addition,
we are to have a musical soirée at D----’s, a meeting of the
Liedertafel, a ball, etc. etc.; and yet, with all this, every one
complains that I persist in living so retired. Latterly I have become
quite tired of music, and think I must take to painting once more; but
my Swiss sketches are coming to an end, and fain would I return thither
to make new ones, but I already see that there is no hope of such a
thing this summer. Hiller lately said that I was like those ancient
barbarians, who took such delight in the luscious fruits and the warm
sun of the South, that they were always longing for them once more; and
there really is some truth in this. Would that our orchestra had not so
many attractions. Yesterday they played the B flat major symphony of
Beethoven famously. In the course of a few days the choruses (now
completed) in Hiller’s oratorio are to be rehearsed. I feel as much
anxiety on the subject as if they were my own, or even greater.
Last week I had an agreeable occupation, which was that of distributing
the five hundred dollars, granted to the orchestra, amongst its various
members; the sum is small and the aid trifling, still I felt great
satisfaction in having even accomplished this much. Next year I mean to
begin it all over again, and then I hope to do a real service to the
musicians; whether they thank me or not, is after all quite a matter of
indifference.
Pray send for a little work, which contains the most beautiful and
interesting descriptions I have read for a long time. They are Eastern
translations by Rückert, and the title is ‘Erbauliches und Beschauliches
aus dem Morgenlande.’ If this book does not delight you beyond measure,
I will never recommend one to you again. Do look into it often, for it
is most extraordinary.--Your
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, March 30th, 1840.
The turmoil of the last few weeks was overpowering. Liszt was here for a
fortnight, and caused quite a paroxysm of excitement among us, both in a
good and evil sense. I consider him to be in reality an amiable
warm-hearted man, and an admirable artist. That he plays with more
execution than all the others, does not admit of a doubt; yet Thalberg,
with his composure, and within his more restricted sphere, is more
perfect, taken as a virtuoso; and this is the standard which must also
be applied to Liszt, for his compositions are inferior to his playing,
and, in fact, are only calculated for virtuosos. A fantasia by Thalberg
(especially that on the “Donna del Lago”) is an accumulation of the most
exquisite and delicate effects, and a continued succession of
difficulties and embellishments that excite our astonishment; all is so
well devised and so finished, carried out with such security and skill,
and pervaded by the most refined taste.
On the other hand, Liszt possesses a degree of velocity and complete
independence of finger, and a thoroughly musical feeling, which can
scarcely be equalled. In a word, I have heard no performer whose musical
perceptions, like those of Liszt, extended to the very tips of his
fingers, emanating directly from them. With this power, and his enormous
technicality and practice, he must have far surpassed all others, if a
man’s own ideas were not after all the chief point, and these, hitherto
at least, seem denied to him; so that in this phase of art, most of the
great virtuosos equal, and indeed excel him. But that he, along with
Thalberg, _alone_ represents the highest class of pianists of the
present day, is, I think, undeniable. Unhappily the manner in which
Liszt has acted towards the public here has not pleased them. The whole
misunderstanding is, in fact, as if you were listening to two persons
disputing, who are both in the wrong, and whom you would fain interrupt
at every word. As for the citizens in general, who are angry at the high
prices, and do not wish to see a clever fellow prosper too much, and
grumble accordingly, I don’t in the least care about them; and then the
newspaper discussions, explanations, and counter-explanations,
criticisms and complaints, and all kinds of things are poured down on
us, totally unconnected with music; so that his stay here has caused us
almost as much annoyance as pleasure, though the latter was indeed often
great beyond measure.
It occurred to me that this unpleasant state of feeling might be most
effectually allayed, by people seeing and hearing him in private; so I
suddenly determined to give him a _soirée_ in the Gewandhaus, of three
hundred and fifty persons, with orchestra, choir, mulled wine, cakes, my
“Meeresstille,” a Psalm, a triple concerto by Bach (Liszt, Hiller, and
I), choruses from “St. Paul,” fantasia on “Lucia di Lammermoor,” the
“Erl King,” the “Devil and his Grandmother,” and goodness knows what
else; and all the people were delighted, and played and sang with the
utmost enthusiasm, and vowed they had never passed a more capital
evening,--so my object was thus happily effected in a most agreeable
manner.
I have to-day formed a resolution, in which I heartily rejoice, and that
is, never again to take any part as judge of the prizes at a musical
competition. Several proposals of this kind were made to me, and I did
not know why I should be so annoyed by these, till I clearly saw that it
was in fact a display of arrogance on my part, to which I would not
myself submit from others, and should therefore carefully avoid; thus
setting oneself up as a proficient, and my taste as incontrovertible,
and in an idle hour passing in review all the assembled competitors, and
criticizing them, and, God knows, possibly being guilty of the most
glaring injustice towards them. So I resolved once for all to renounce
the office, and feel quite relieved by having done so.
TO THE KREIS-DIRECTOR VON FALKENSTEIN, DRESDEN.
Leipzig, April 8th, 1840.
Sir,
Emboldened by the assurance of your kind feelings in our recent
conversation, and by the conviction that you have sincerely at heart the
condition of art here, and its further cultivation (of which you have
already given so many proofs), permit me to lay before you a question
which seems to me of the highest importance to the interest of music.
Would it not be possible to entreat his Majesty the King, to dispose of
the sum bequeathed by the late Herr Blümner for the purpose of
establishing an institution for art and science (the investment of which
is left to the discretion of his Majesty), in favour of the erection and
maintenance of a fundamental music academy in Leipzig?
Permit me to make a few observations on the importance of such an
institution, and to state why I consider that Leipzig is peculiarly
entitled to aspire to such a one, and also what I consider to be the
fitting basis for its organization.
For a long period music has been indigenous in this country, and the
sense of what is true and genuine, the very phase which must be nearest
the heart of every ardent and thoughtful friend to art, has at all times
struck its roots deep into this soil. Such universal sympathy does not
certainly come by chance, nor is it without influential results on
general cultivation; music having thus become an important power, not as
a mere passing enjoyment, but as a more elevated and intellectual
requirement. Those who feel sincere solicitude about this art, must
eagerly wish that its future prospects in this land should rest on the
most solid foundation.
The positive, technical, and material tendencies so prevalent at the
present day, render the preservation of a genuine sense of art, and its
further advancement, of twofold importance, but also of twofold
difficulty. A solid basis alone can accomplish this purpose; and as the
extension of sound instruction is the best mode of promoting every
species of moral improvement, so it is with music also. If we had a good
music academy,--embracing all the various branches of this art, and
teaching them from one sole point of view, as only the means to a higher
end,--then the practical and material tenets, which, alas! can number
even among our artists many influential adherents, might, no doubt, yet
be effectually checked.
Mere private instruction, which once bore much good fruit for the world
at large, on many accounts now no longer suffices. Formerly, students
of various instruments were to be found in every class of society,
whereas now this amateurship is gradually passing away, or is chiefly
confined to one instrument--the piano.
Scholars desirous of enjoying further instruction, almost invariably
consist of those who propose devoting themselves to this branch of art,
and who rarely possess the means of paying for private lessons. The most
admirable talent is indeed often to be found amongst this class; but, on
the other hand, teachers are seldom placed in such fortunate
circumstances as to be able to devote their time, without remuneration,
to the training of even the finest genius; thus both sides endure
privation; the former being unable to obtain the wished-for instruction,
and the latter losing the opportunity of implanting, and practically
enforcing, their own knowledge. A public institution would, at this
moment, be of the most vital importance to teachers as well as to
pupils; and the latter would thus acquire the means of improving
capabilities which otherwise must often remain undeveloped and wasted;
while, for the teachers of music, such a standard of combined action
from _one_ point of view, and for the attainment of _one_ purpose, would
also be advantageous, as the best remedy against lukewarmness and
isolation, the unfruitfulness of which, in these days, is but too apt to
exercise a ruinous influence on the mind.
In Leipzig the need of a school for music, in which Art may be pursued
with conscientious study and an earnest mind, is deeply felt; and for
various reasons Leipzig seems peculiarly suited for it. The university,
already a central locality for intellectual aspiring young men, and the
school of knowledge, would, in many relations, connect itself with that
of music. In most of the other large towns of Germany public amusements
dissipate the mind, and exercise an injurious influence over the young;
here, however, most of these amusements are more or less connected with
music, or consist wholly of it; thus there are very few public
recreations except those allied to music; so this institution would
benefit both the cause and the individual; moreover, for that especial
branch of art which must always remain the chief basis of musical
studies--the more elevated class of instrumental and sacred
compositions--Leipzig, by its very numerous concerts and oratorios,
possesses the means of cultivating the taste of young artists to an
extent that few other German cities can offer.
Through the lively sympathy with which the principal works of the great
masters for the last fifty years have been received and acknowledged
here (often for the first time in Germany), and by the careful attention
with which these works have been invariably executed, Leipzig has
assumed a high position among the musical cities of our Fatherland.
Lastly, in support of this petition I may add that Herr Hofkriegsrath
Blümner, who cherished so great a love for poetry and the poetical in
every art, always devoted special attention to the state of music here,
and indeed took an active charge in the direction of the concerts, in
which he was warmly interested; so that such an apportionment of his
bequest, would undoubtedly be quite in accordance with the artistic
feelings of the testator.
While other establishments of public utility are constantly encouraged,
and some even richly endowed, the music here has never received the
smallest aid from any quarter. The musical institution in the capital
being supported by Government, is it not then peculiarly desirable that
this city should receive the sum bequeathed by one of its inhabitants,
where such a boon would be received with peculiar gratitude on every
side. On all these grounds, may his Majesty then be graciously disposed
not to refuse the fulfilment of a wish so warmly cherished, and thus
impart a new stimulus and a fresh impulse to art. It would give an
impetus to musical life here, the effects of which would speedily and
enduringly be disseminated, with the best influence.
Allow me to enclose in this envelope some general outlines for the
arrangement of such a musical academy, and receive the assurance of the
distinguished esteem, with which I have the honour to remain, your
devoted servant,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, August 10th, 1840.
On Thursday I gave an organ concert here in the Thomas Church, from the
proceeds of which old Sebastian Bach is to have a monument erected to
his memory in front of the Thomas School. I gave it _solissimo_, and
played nine pieces, winding up with an extempore fantasia. This was the
whole programme. Although my expenses were considerable, I had a clear
gain of three hundred dollars. I mean to try this again in the autumn or
spring, and then a very handsome memorial may be put up.[40] I practised
hard for eight days previously, till I could really scarcely stand
upright, and nothing was heard all day long in my street but organ
passages!
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Leipzig, October 24th, 1840.
Dear Fanny,
I make use of my first morning’s leisure since my return from England,
to thank you for your most admirable and charming letter, which welcomed
me on my return here. When I first saw it lying, and broke the seal, I
had somehow a kind of presentiment that it might contain some bad
news--(I mean, something momentous). I don’t know how this was, but the
very first lines made me see it in a very different light, and I read on
and on with the greatest delight. What a pleasure it is to receive such
a letter, with such a flavour of life and joy, and all that is good! The
only tone in a minor key, is that you do not expect to like Berlin much
after Rome; but this I consider a very transitory feeling; after a long
sojourn in Italy where could any one be contented? There, all is so
glowing! and our dear German home life, which I do so heartily love, has
this in common with all that is German and dear, that it is neither
splendid nor brilliant, but its stillness and repose only the more
surely fascinate the heart. After every absence I felt just the same
when the joy of the first days of reunion were past; I missed the
variety and the excitement of travelling so much, that home seemed sadly
monotonous, and I discovered all sorts of deficiencies, whereas during
my journey all was perfect, and all was good. The same feelings have
often recurred to me recently at the Leipzig Liedertafel, and at the
innumerable demands and intrusions, etc. etc.; but this did not last,
and was certainly only a fallacy. All that is good, and that we like in
our travels, is, in fact, our wonted property at home, only we there
exact a still larger portion. If we could only preserve through life the
fresh, contented, and lofty tone of feeling which, for the first few
days on returning from a journey, leads us to look at every object with
such satisfaction, and on the journey makes us rise superior to all
annoyances; if we could only remain inwardly in this buoyant travelling
spirit, while continuing to live in the quiet of home,--we should indeed
be vastly perfect! Instead of this, last night, at the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the Liedertafel, I was as angry as if I had been a young
boy. They sang so false, and talked even more falsely; and when it
became peculiarly tiresome, it was in the name of “our German
Fatherland,” or “in the good old German fashion.” Yet, when I came back
from England I had formed such a strong resolution never to discompose
myself about anything, and to remain entirely neutral![41] I was eight
days in London, and the same in Birmingham, and to me the period passed
like a troubled dream; but nothing could be more gratifying than meeting
with so many friends quite unchanged. Although I could only see them for
so short a time, yet the glimpse into so friendly an existence, of
which we hear nothing for years, but which remains still linked with our
own, and will ever continue to be so, causes most pleasurable
sensations.
Of course I was constantly with Klingemann and Moscheles, and with the
Alexanders also, where, in the most elegant _rococo_ drawing-rooms,
among all the newest and most fashionable objects, I found my father’s
portrait, painted by Hensel, in its old favourite place, and standing on
its own little table; and I was with the Horsleys also, and in many
other houses where I felt happy and at home; when I recall my excessive
uneasiness at the prospect of the journey, and how we paced up and down
here together and discussed it, making each other, in fact, only
mutually more nervous, and yet all is now so happily over, and I so
happily returned to my family,--I ought scarcely to do anything all day
long but rejoice and be thankful,--instead of which I fly into a passion
with the Liedertafel, and you do the same with the Art Exhibition!
You ask me whether we are to have peace or war? How have I got such a
fine reputation as a newsmonger? Not that I do not deserve it, for I
maintain through thick and thin that we shall have peace, but combined
with much warlike agitation; though when a _politicus_ by profession
like Paul is in the family, he must be applied to. He may say what he
likes, but no war shall we have.
Though, when I think of yesterday’s Liedertafel, I almost wish we had!
Pray write again soon, my very dear Sister, and a long letter.--Your
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, October 27th, 1840.
Dear Mother,
A thousand thanks for your kind letter, received yesterday, which was
truly charming, in spite of the well-merited little hit at the
beginning. I ought indeed to have written to you long since; but during
the last three months, you can have no idea how entirely I have been
obliged to play the part of “Hans of all work.” There are trifling
minute occupations too, such as notes, etc., of daily recurrence, which
seem to me as tiresome and useless in our existence as dust on books,
and which, like it, at last thickly accumulate, and do much harm, unless
fairly cleared away every morning; and then I feel so keenly the impulse
to make some progress with my daily labours as soon as I am in a happy
vein. All these things cause the weeks and months to fly past like the
wind.
You probably already know, through the newspapers, that we had recently
a second performance of the “Hymn of Praise” for the King of Saxony, at
an extra subscription concert, and it went off famously. All the music
was given with such precision that it was a real pleasure to listen to
it. The King sent for me between the parts, which obliged me to pass
through a double row of ladies (you know the arrangement of our
concert-room), in order to reach the place where the King and his Court
were seated. He conversed with me for some time, in the most
good-natured and friendly manner, and spoke very judiciously about
music. The “Hymn of Praise” was given in the second part, and at the
conclusion, just as I had quitted my music-desk, I suddenly heard people
round me saying, “The King is coming to him this time;” and he was in
fact passing through the rows of ladies, and came up to my desk: (you
may imagine what universal satisfaction this caused.) He spoke to me in
so animated a manner, and with such cordiality and warmth, that I did
indeed feel it to be a great pleasure and honour. He mentioned the
particular passages that had pleased him most, and, after thanking all
the singers, he took his departure, while the whole orchestra, and the
whole audience, made the very best bows and curtsies they could
accomplish. Then came a hubbub and confusion like Noah’s ark. Perhaps
the King will now bestow the 20,000 _thalers_ which I long ago
petitioned might be given towards the music here. In that case, I could
with truth say that I had done good service to the music of
Leipzig.[42]
Eckert has returned here in the character of a zealous Prussian patriot,
and goes nearly as far as the Prussian Government paper, which declares
that the rain which beat in the King’s face only fanned his fire still
more. But to my incredulous grimaces, Eckert replied that _you_ were
quite of his way of thinking, and had charged him to let me know this.
It is so provoking that a distance even of twenty miles should exercise
so irresistible an influence, and that, notwithstanding all the minute
descriptions and details in the newspapers, we cannot rightly understand
the proceedings which take place in your presence, and _vice versâ_. A
thousand minutiæ are involved in the affair, which appear insignificant,
and are consequently omitted by the narrator; and yet they are the links
that connect the whole, and the chief cause of many of these events.
So far as I can gather the real meaning of it all, just so far does it
displease me, and that is perhaps the reason why I cannot approve of all
the other fine adjuncts, down to the “fiery rain” of the Government
paper. In the meanwhile, time pursues its steady jog-trot pace. Thiers
is no longer minister. A number of arrests have been made in Frankfort,
and Queen Christina is welcome to my little room. By Heavens! I would at
this moment far rather be a musician than a sovereign!
I say nothing about the silver wedding-day of the Leipzig Liedertafel,
for I have not yet recovered from it. God help us! what a tiresome
thing our German Fatherland is, when viewed in this light! I can well
remember my Father’s violent wrath against Liedertafels, and indeed
against everything at all connected with Cousin Michael, and I feel
something similar stirring within me.
Farewell, dearest Mother.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Leipzig, November 14th, 1840.
Dear Fanny,
My brightest, best, and most heartfelt good wishes for this day! Once
upon a time, I used to send you a new manuscript, bound in green, in
honour of the occasion; now I must content myself with a mere scanty
letter, and yet the old custom pleases me very much better.
No doubt, in the course of your birthday, you too think of us here; but
that does not mend matters much for me. This evening, at the
recommencement of the Quartett Soirées, I am to play to the Leipzigers
Mozart’s quartett in G minor, and the Beethoven trio in D major, and, as
I already said, this kind of birthday celebration does not please me; it
will be very differently commemorated where you are. Would that we could
be with you! My best thanks also for your last letter. Do you know, I
think your suggestion as to the “Nibelungen” most luminous! It has been
constantly in my head ever since, and I mean to employ my first leisure
day in reading over the poem, for I have forgotten the details, and can
only recall the general colouring and outlines, which seem to me
gloriously dramatic. Will you kindly communicate to me your more
specific ideas on this subject? The poem is evidently more present to
your memory than to mine. I scarcely remember what your allusion means,
as to the sinking into the Rhine. Can you point out to me the various
passages which struck you as particularly dramatic, when the idea first
occurred to you? and above all, say something more definite on the
subject, as the whole tone and colouring, and characteristics, take my
fancy strongly; therefore I beg of you to do so, and soon too; it will
be an essential service to me. Refer entirely to the poem itself, for
before your letter can arrive, I shall certainly have read it, though I
shall not the less eagerly expect your opinion. Accept my thanks for
this happy thought, as for all else.
Yes! the arpeggios in the chromatic fantasia[43] are certainly the chief
effect. I take the liberty to play them with all possible _crescendos_,
and _pianos_, and _fortissimos_, pedal of course, and to double the
notes in the bass; further, to mark the small passing notes at the
beginning of the arpeggios (the crotchets in the middle parts), etc.,
and likewise the principal notes of the melody just as they come:
rendered thus, the succession of glorious harmonies produces an
admirable effect on our rich-toned new pianos. For example, the
commencement, merely thus:--
N.B.--Each chord played in double arpeggios; afterwards only once,
as they come.
[Illustration: musical notation]
Then to the end thus:--
[Illustration: musical notation]
[Illustration: musical notation]
People vow that this is quite as fine as Thalberg, and even more so.
Don’t show this receipt, however, to any one; it is a mystery, like all
domestic receipts. When you see Herr v. Zucalmaglio, thank him for his
packet and the letter I received from him; at the same time (though this
is quite between ourselves) I cannot compose music for the songs he sent
me; they are patriotic, and at this moment I have no taste whatever for
this style of song,--they might cause a great deal of bad feeling; and
in the present state of things, people seem to me to begin to sing
against the French, at the very moment when they must know that the
French will not fight against them: for such a purpose I have no music.
But adieu for the present. I do wish that instead of being obliged to
dress, and to go through a vast amount of music, I were going across to
you. We could play at “Black Peter,” or some other merry game, and eat
cakes.--Your
FELIX.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Leipzig, November 18th, 1840.
My dearest Friend,
I am living here in as entire quiet and solitude as I could possibly
desire; my wife and children are well, God be praised! and I have work
in abundance; what can any man wish for beyond this? I only long for its
continuance, and pray that Heaven may grant it, while I daily rejoice
afresh in the peaceful monotony of my life. At the beginning of the
winter however, I had some difficulty in avoiding the social gatherings
which bloom and thrive here, and which would cause both a sad loss of
time and of pleasure if you were to accept them, but now I have pretty
well succeeded in getting rid of them. Moreover, this week there is a
fast, so we have no subscription concert, which gives us a pleasant
domestic season of rest. My “Hymn of Praise” is to be performed the end
of this month for the benefit of old invalided musicians. I am
determined, however, that it shall not be produced in the imperfect form
in which, owing to my illness, it was given in Birmingham, so that makes
me work hard. Four new pieces are to be added, and I have also much
improved the three sets of symphonies, which are now in the hands of
the copyist. As an introduction to the chorus “Die Nacht ist vergangen,”
I have found far finer words in the Bible, and admirably adapted to the
music. By the bye, you have much to answer for in the admirable title
you hit on so cleverly, for not only have I sent forth the piece into
the world as a _symphony cantata_, but I have serious thoughts of
resuming the first “Walpurgis Nacht” (which has been so long lying by
me) under the same cognomen, and finishing and getting rid of it at
last. It is singular enough that at the very first suggestion of this
idea, I should have written to Berlin, that I was resolved to compose a
symphony with a chorus; subsequently I had not courage to begin, because
the three movements were too long for an introduction, and yet I never
could divest myself of the impression, that something was wanting in the
shape of an introduction. Now the symphony is to be inserted, according
to my original intention, and the piece brought out at once. Do you know
it? I scarcely think that it is well adapted for performance, and yet I
like it much.
The whole town here is ringing with a song, supposed to have a political
tendency against the French, and the journals are striving with all
their might to render it popular. In the present dearth of public
topics, they succeed in this without any difficulty, and every one is
speaking of the “Rheinlied” or the _Colognaise_, as they significantly
call it. The thing is characteristic, for the first line begins, “Sie
sollen ihn nicht haben, den freien Deutschen Rhein,” and at the
commencement of each verse is repeated “Never shall they have it,” as if
there were the least sense in such words! If they were at least changed
into “We mean to keep it,”--but “Never shall they have it” seems to me
so sterile and futile. There is certainly something very boyish in this
idea; for when I actually possess an object, and hold it sure and fast,
it is quite superfluous to sing, or to say, that it shall belong to no
one else. This song is now sung at Court in Berlin, and in the clubs and
casinos here, and of course the musicians pounce upon it like mad, and
are immortalizing themselves by setting it. The Leipzig composers have
already brought out no less than three melodies for it, and every day
the papers make some allusion to it. Yesterday, amongst other things,
they said I had also set the song, whereas I never even dreamt of
meddling with such a merely defensive inspiration.
So the people here lie like print, just as they do with you, and
everywhere else.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, November 20th, 1840.
Dear Paul,
How much I wish that you would perform your promise, and come here for
the “Hymn of Praise;” I shall be glad to know what you think of it, and
to hear if it pleases you, for I own that it lies very near my heart. I
think too that it will be well executed by our orchestra; but in spite
of this, if by arriving in time for its performance, your proposed visit
must be in any degree shortened, then I would urge you to come on some
other occasion, for our happy quiet intercourse must always form the
chief object in our Leipzig life, and even one day more is pure gain. If
indeed both could be combined, a visit of the usual length _and_ the
concert, that would of course be best of all. The “Hymn of Praise” is to
form the second part; in the first, probably Weber’s “Jubilee Overture”
will be given, Kreuzer’s “Rheinlied” and some other pieces. I could
write you a long complaint about this said “Rheinlied.” You can have no
idea of the fuss they make about it here, and how utterly repugnant to
me this newspaper enthusiasm is; to make such a piece of work about a
song, the chief burden of which is, that others shall not deprive us of
what we have already got; truly this is worthy of such a commotion and
such music! I never wish to hear a single note of it sung, when the
_refrain_ is always the resolve not to give up what you possess. Young
lads and timid men may make this outcry, but true men make no such piece
of work about what is their own; they have it, and that suffices. I felt
provoked to see recently in a newspaper, that in addition to four
compositions on these words, one by me had just appeared, and my name
was printed full length; yet I cannot give a direct contradiction to
this, for as regards the public I am dumb. At the same time Härtel sent
me a message that if I would compose for it, he would undertake to
dispose of 6000 copies in two months. No! Paul, I won’t do it. May we
soon have a happy meeting!--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, December 7th, 1840.
Dear Brother,
Just as I was about to write to you yesterday, to thank you cordially
again and again for the fresh proof of your true brotherly love which
you have given me,[44] your letter arrived, and I can only repeat the
same thing. Even if the affair leads to nothing further than to show me
(what is the fact) that you participate in my wish once more to pass a
portion of our lives together, that you, too, feel there is something
wanting when we are not all united in one spot; this is to me
invaluable, and more gratifying than I can express. Whether it be
attended with a happy result or not, I would not give up such a
conviction for anything in the world.
Your letter, indeed, demands mature deliberation, but I prefer replying
to it at once, for the coincidence of Herr Massow’s journey is most
fortunate, and you can thus hear my opinion before your interview with
him.
I am prepared to acknowledge to the utmost extent the high honour
conferred on me, and the excellence of the position offered to me. On
this very account, however, I wish to obviate any difficulties, and to
make the matter as clear as possible. One thing occurs to me in the
proposal, which you can perhaps remedy in your conversation with Massow.
It would not be easy to explain it by letter, and at all events it would
lose much time, and not further the affair.
You may remember the general overtures as to the Academy and school for
music that you brought me, and you know that I named the concerts as a
positive _stipulation_; on the other hand, I said to you, that _without_
a definite sphere of work (as an appointed composer, like Grimms, you
can say) I should hesitate much to accept the proposal. Either of these
situations would suit me, but not the two combined. I would at once
most decidedly refuse this, much as I should regret being obliged to do
so, and however advantageous it might seem to me in other points. Your
condition No. 2, sets forth that I am to be director of the musical
classes, without any definite sphere of work, etc.; and then No. 4
declares that I am to give sundry concerts every year,--but that is a
combination to which I never can consent. For instance, were I to
undertake to give concerts in Berlin (and the acceptance of these
proposals would render it my duty so to do, even towards you), then I
must stand in a different relation to the orchestra from what I could
possibly do as the mere director of the music classes. I must be quite
as much their real chief there as I am here, and as every ordinary
director must be, which is only possible by the establishment of a
Musical Academy as a Royal Institution, and by its connection with the
orchestra in Berlin. The number, too, of such concerts should not be
very limited, as you say, otherwise they would not repay the trouble of
such great preparations. In a word, you may easily perceive that I can
only accept proposals that either define _every_ point, or are confined
to my personal, and _not_ to my official position; if the two are to be
blended, I cannot consent to undertake them.
Finding (after you left us) on more mature deliberation that a situation
as a composer is impossible, and, in fact, is nowhere to be met with,
it occurred to me that the offer might be renewed of a public sphere of
activity, and that I am quite prepared to accept; it must, however, be
within special limits, despotic as regards the musicians, and
consequently imposing even in outward position (not merely brilliant in
a pecuniary point of view), otherwise, according to my ideas, it would
be fatal to my authority after the very first rehearsal. I merely say
all this, in order to indicate to you the point of the compass for which
you must steer your course, in your conversation with Massow, and that
the affair may pursue as clear a path as possible.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, December 20th, 1840.
Dear Brother,
You wish to have some tidings from me as to _our_ affair (for well may I
call it so). The letter from Massow came eight days since, and I
answered it on Wednesday, just as I would have written or spoken to
yourself, without reservation or disguise, but still without that eager
acceptance which was probably expected. I think you would have been
satisfied with my letter, and I hope and trust Massow may be so also. He
wrote far less explicitly about the details of the institution than you
did in a former letter; he mentions the salary, the direction of the
classes, and the concerts to be given by Royal command, but without
entering into any further particulars. I replied that I was so fully
aware of the advantage and honour of his offer, that I feared he would
be surprised by my not instantly closing with it. There was but one
obstacle in the way, which was, that I did not precisely know what was
expected from me in return for such a proposal. I then brought under his
notice, the difficulties opposed to a _bonâ fide_ direction of the
present classes; and as he had mentioned that these would not now occupy
much of my time, but that it was expected I should, under the new
system, undertake additional work, I begged, therefore, at least to be
told what were the limits of this system, and the duties I had to
perform; that I was indeed quite willing to work, but did not choose to
pledge myself to the performance of functions that were not precisely
defined. With regard to the concerts, I told him my opinion as to the
only mode of arranging them now in Berlin; that little good could accrue
from merely occasional performances, even by Royal command; for in that
case all sorts of counter-influences (and those I specified to him)
would have full scope; that an institute must be founded exclusively for
similar concerts, and likewise days fixed for the rehearsals and
concerts, and the instruction of the performers, etc.; that I would have
nothing to do with the orchestra, except on _this_ condition, that I
was to be absolute director-in-chief of these concerts, etc.
In short, I showed that I was well disposed to accept the situation, but
should require the most unqualified support throughout, otherwise I
could not efficiently perform the duties of the office,--it being a
public one. I hope you agree with me on this point, for though money and
ready complaisance are indeed of no small value, still neither are
sufficient, without that entire tranquillity and security about the
future, which can now be given if they are in earnest in the matter. I
can assure you that there was no undue particularity in my words, but I
am certain you will not blame me for going on sure grounds, before
giving up such a position as my present one.
I considered it also my duty before writing to Massow, to communicate
the circumstance under the seal of the strictest secrecy to my friends
here, Schleinitz and David, who are quite of my opinion, that I ought to
leave this, however much they regret it, if my wishes are fulfilled with
regard to a defined position. At the same time, I purpose, in the course
of a few days, to make known to our Concert Director, and Government
President, that I have received such an offer (without naming the
place), and that it is probable I may accept it. Perhaps you may not
approve of this, but I feel I cannot act otherwise. If my negotiations
with Massow were to terminate by our agreeing, without my having given
any hint of such a transaction, it would show a want of good feeling on
my part, and, indeed, in my present circumstances, a want of common
gratitude. But this is in fact a mere matter of form, for it is not
probable that they will for a moment think of entering into competition
with the recent overtures from Berlin, and yet I delay the announcement
from day to day, because such a step must be final.--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, Jan. 2nd, 1841.
Dear Paul,
Receive my heartfelt good wishes, and may God grant us all a happy new
year! Now I have one earnest request to make. Do not allow any
misunderstanding between Massow and me, to impair that delightful and
perfect harmony between us which always rejoices me, and makes me so
happy. I will not say, let us not become more mistrustful, but not even
more reserved towards each other. Since the great sacrifice that you
unhesitatingly made for my sake in coming here, I confess I am in great
anxiety on this subject, and it makes me very uneasy when I think it
possible that you may be dissatisfied with me, for not being prepared to
accept your opinion at once--_angry_, I do not think you will be, but
as I have already said, do not permit anything whatever to be changed
between you and me,--promise me this; you know how much I have at heart
our being able to live together at some future day; but if we were only
to pass a few untroubled years together, and I were then to go on my way
in vexation, that would be worse than it is now, and I would gladly
avoid this. I tell you so, because in your letter you urge me so
strongly fairly to speak out, as if I had not in my answer to Massow
already spoken out on many points, more, perhaps, than I ought to have
done. You also wish to persuade me to go now to Berlin, but you will
soon be convinced, that this winter, such a thing is impossible. I have
five subscription concerts, and three extra concerts to direct in
January, and in the beginning of March, Bach’s “Passion,” of which not a
single note is known here, and I certainly cannot get away during the
time of the concerts, without injuring them. But independent of this,
what should I do in Berlin? The statutes of a new Academy are better
arranged by writing than verbally, and from the tenor of Massow’s
letters, the affair does not seem so far advanced, as to permit of its
being definitively settled in the course of a couple of days; at least,
not in the sense that we mutually wish; so, as I said, dear Paul,
promise me, never under any circumstances, to be displeased with me.
I told Massow in a letter to-day, that I should be happy to explain my
views with regard to reorganizing the Musical Academy, either to him,
or to Eichhorn; for this purpose he has only to send me the statutes
hitherto in force, and the composition of the classes, of which I am
entirely ignorant, and also say how far the modifications are to be
carried, whether to the extent of a radical change, or merely a reform;
this I must learn of course, or I should not know what to say; I will
gladly devote my time and efforts to the mere possibility of our once
more living together, but I must confess, that since Massow’s last
letter, such a possibility seems even more distant than I myself
thought. It sounds all so different from what they commissioned you to
say to me when you came here, and if it begins in such a way, no doubt
the sequel will be still worse. The salary they offer is certainly
handsome and liberal, but if they in return expect me to accept an
unlimited obligation to work, that also would be a change in their
proposals, and no compensation to me. The salary is the only point on
which Massow spoke in a decided manner to me, and my position is too
fortunate for mere money to influence my views. All that you told me
here about a _rota_ between the different directors, and the duties of
the Capellmeister of the Royal Chapel, and of the engagement of other
foreign musicians,--not a word of this was brought forward; on the
contrary, Massow writes to me, that he is glad I have declared myself
satisfied with the title and the salary, which is totally opposed to the
sense of my previous letter, in which I expressed a wish to know my
duties, before I could explain my intentions. Indeed, even if the
alteration in the musical class were to be entered into, and carried
through exactly according to my wishes, I scarcely know (as the title is
in question) whether I should quite like to go to Berlin as “Director of
the Musical Class,” which is by no means in good odour with musicians at
present. I can say all this to you without incurring the suspicion of a
fondness for titles, for what annoys me is their _drawing back_ in all
their proposals; perhaps I am mistaken; at all events, I hope in my
letter to Massow you will find no trace of the dissatisfaction which I
have frankly expressed to you. I shall assist in establishing the new
regulations as well and as firmly as possible; in any event, good
service will be done to the cause, so far as I can accomplish it, and if
the result is to be satisfactory, the affair must first be made clear;
not merely in reference to my personal acceptance, but because it is
right and desirable for the affair itself, and in order to enable _any_
good musician (not merely myself) to interest themselves in it
hereafter; for now the question again recurs, whether I, or some other
efficient musician shall be placed at the head, and all the other
questions become mere secondary considerations.
For Heaven’s sake! tell me, how came you to be reading that abominable
thing of Diderot’s? He was ashamed of it later in life, but the traces
of his genius are to be discovered even in this muddy pool. I may
possibly feel more mildly disposed towards him just now, because two
pietistic works were sent to me yesterday from Berlin,--so gloomy, such
a perfect type of the worst time of the priesthood, that I am almost
inclined to welcome the French with their audacity, and Voltaire with
his broom. Perhaps you know one of these? It is called “Die Passion, ein
kirchliches Festspiel;” it is written in doggerel rhymes, and is the
most wretched trash I have lately read,--Heine included. The other is a
criticism written by a person on his own oratorio, in which he exhorts
the people to piety and frequent communion, and says no one is entitled
to pronounce any opinion on his music, who does not listen to it in the
spirit of true piety, and in faith. Alas! alas!
Remember my first request in this new year, and love me as much as
ever.--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, Jan. 9th, 1841.
Dear Paul,
Your letter of yesterday made me very happy; God knows why I could not
get it out of my head that you were angry with me, for delaying an
affair which you wished to expedite, and have so kindly expedited. I
however see from your letter that I was entirely and totally wrong, and
I thank you much for it, and subscribe to all you say on the subject.
But there is one idea you must dismiss from your thoughts as much as I
have done the other, and that is the dread of foreign influences, as you
call them, which you allude to in your letter. You must not suppose that
I ever act in any affair but from my own conscientious impulses, far
less in a matter in which I myself and my happiness are so very closely
involved. Believe me, that in general, I invariably strive to do and say
nothing but what I hold to be right in my conscience and instinct, and
it is a proof that we have, alas! lived much asunder, and only met in
days of enjoyment, and not of work, when you fear that I am easily
swayed, not only in conversation, but in action. No! all goes on very
slowly with me, but when at last I do a foolish thing, I have at least
_one_ merit, which is, to have devised it entirely myself. With regard
to this _special_ case, I probably gave you cause for suspicion, by
writing to you that I told my friends here, David and Schleinitz of the
offer, and in my last letter I did not allude to them again. I can
assure you, however, that both have long ago given me such proofs of
sincere friendship, that I could not possibly have been silent to them
on this occasion, and both urged my acceptance, and saw the thing in the
most favourable light.
That not the smallest step I have taken in the whole affair may be
unknown to you, I must add, that I felt myself obliged to communicate
the circumstance candidly, some days ago, to the Kreis-Director, Herr
von Falkenstein; for in this month the money becomes due which the King
has the disposal of, and which, as you are aware, I last winter
petitioned might be appropriated to found a school of music here. The
King, who expressed himself in a very kind manner towards me, when he
came to one of our subscription concerts, seemed well disposed to give
his consent; then came Falkenstein to ask me if I would pledge myself
(which really was my idea at that time) to organize this music school
for some years to come. I now no longer could or would do this, so I
thought it best to tell him the whole affair. He gave me his faithful
promise to preserve the strictest silence, and I in turn agreed to give
him due notice if I settled to go to Berlin, because that, he said,
might be prejudicial to the plan of the music school; and thus it now
stands.
I await the arrival of the statutes; at all events an opportunity may
then occur to render an occasional service to the cause there, and to
place many things on a better footing, and perhaps to introduce a better
system into the whole class, and some good would be thus effected.
The examples which you quote of the advantage of public opinion
interested me very much, but I own were far from pleasing to me. I do
not call that public opinion, which is shown by sending anonymous and
libellous verses, and by hissing an old masterpiece.[45] You will
perhaps say this is only the beginning; but that is the very point; if a
thing is not rightly begun it never comes to a good end, and I do not
believe that public _tracasseries_ can pave the way to public opinion;
indeed, I believe that such things have always existed, and always will
exist, independent of the _vox populi_, which is the _vox Dei_. It would
be more important to me if you would tell me some particulars of the
_curiosa_ which are related of Minister Schön; pray do this if you
possibly can. He seems to be a determined fellow!--Your
FELIX.
TO HERR X----.
Leipzig, January 22nd, 1841.
Sir,
I beg to offer you my thanks for the confidence you have shown me by
your polite letter, and the accompanying music. I have looked over your
overture with much pleasure, and discovered many unmistakable traces of
talent in it, so that I should rejoice to have an opportunity of seeing
some more new works of yours, and thus to make your musical acquaintance
in a more intimate and confidential manner. The greater part of the
instrumentation, and especially the melodious passage which is in fact
the principal subject, pleased me much. If I were to find any fault, it
would be one with which I have often reproached myself in my own works;
in the very overtures you allude to, sometimes in a greater, and
sometimes in a lesser degree. It is often very difficult, in such
fantastical airy subjects, to hit the right medium. If you grasp it too
firmly, it is apt to become formal and prosaic; and if too delicately,
it dissolves into air and melody, and does not become a defined form.
This last rock you seem to have split upon; in many passages, especially
at the very beginning, but also here and there in other parts, and
towards the close again, I feel the want of a musical well-defined form,
the outlines of which I can recognize, however misty, and grasp and
enjoy. I should like, besides the _meno allegro_, to see some other more
definite idea, and to have it worked out; only then, the other rock is
too apt to show itself, and modulations be seen, where there should be
nothing but moonlight. In order, however, to give free course to these
poetical thoughts, the spirit of entire supremacy must hover over the
whole (that fact should not become too dry, nor fancy too misty); and it
is only where this complete mastery over thought and arrangement exists,
that the reins may be given to imagination. This is the very point which
we are all obliged, more or less, to study; I hope you will not be
offended, therefore, that I do not find this problem entirely solved in
your work either; in your future productions, with which I hope to
become acquainted, the connection will, no doubt, be closer, and my
critical remarks rendered unnecessary.--I am, with sincere esteem,
yours,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, January 25th, 1841.
... This is the thirty-fifth letter I have written since the day before
yesterday; it makes me quite uneasy to see how the flood swells, if a
few days elapse without my stemming it, and guarding against it.
Variations from Lausitz and Mayence; overtures from Hanover, Copenhagen,
Brunswick, and Rudolstadt; German Fatherland songs from Weimar,
Brunswick, and Berlin, the latter of which I am to set to music, and the
former to look over and take to a publisher: and all these accompanied
by such amiable, polite letters, that I should be ashamed if I were not
to reply to them in as amiable and kind a manner as I possibly can. But
who can give me back the precious days which pass away in these things?
Add to this, persons who wish to be examined, eagerly awaiting my report
for their anxious relatives, whether they are to become professional
musicians or not; two Rhenish youths are here at this moment for that
purpose, and the verdict is to be given in the course of a few hours. It
is really a heavy responsibility, and I often think of La Fontaine’s
rat, who retired into a cheese, and thence delivered oracles.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, February 13th, 1841.
My dear Brother,
It is curious how certain years elapse, when both time and people seem
to stand quietly still; and then again come weeks, when everything seems
to run about like billiard balls, making cannons, and losing and winning
hazards, etc. etc. (_vide_ the Temperance Hotel in Gohlis). Such has
been the case with me during the last few months. Since you were here,
everything is so far advanced and altered, that it would take me a week
at least, and walks innumerable, without letting you utter a word,
before I could tell you all, and probably it has been the same with you.
The Berlin affair is much in my thoughts, and is a subject for serious
consideration. I doubt whether it will ever lead to _that_ result which
we both (I believe) would prefer; for I still have misgivings as to
Berlin being a soil where a person of my profession could feel even
tolerably at home, in spite of all honours and money, but the mere offer
in itself gives me an inward impulse, a certain satisfaction, which is
of infinite value to me, even if I were never to speak of it to any one;
in a word, I feel that an honour has been done me, and I rejoice in it.
Massow writes in his last letter, which I received before yours, that
the King wishes to delay the definitive arrangement of the Academy till
I go to Berlin in spring; whether I choose to make proposals in writing
as to the alteration of the statutes which he sends me, he leaves
entirely to my own decision. As this point is left to myself, and I
would far rather _not_ write at all on the subject, I shall delay doing
so till I know to a certainty whether I go to Berlin in spring or not,
and only in the latter case write. Remarkable, very remarkable these
statutes are, especially those of the school for composition. Imagine!
out of eleven different branches of instruction which they have
instituted, seven are positively useless, and indeed preposterous. What
do you think of the following, among others? No. 8. “The relation Music
bears to the other arts, especially to the _plastic_ and to the stage;”
and also No. 11, “A guide to the spiritual and worldly Drama.” I
formerly read these things in the Government paper, and laughed at them;
but when a grave minister or official actually sends such stuff, it is
pitiable. Pray do go to some public place where newspapers are
collected, and send me the one which advertises this course, and where
the teachers of the different branches are named. I require these _data_
thoroughly to understand the affair. It is all in the worst possible
state; you will say this is the very reason why I should try to
extricate it. In that case there would indeed be plenty to do, if I
could only think myself the man to do it; to improve what is already
good, or to create what is new and good, would be an undertaking that I
should rejoice in, and which might be learned, even if there were no
previous knowledge of the subject; but to change what is positively bad
into better things, is both a hard and a thankless task.
A very momentous change has taken place here since what is called the
King’s concert. You cannot think what a good impulse the mere visit of
the King, and his really cordial and kind approbation, has imparted to
our concerts here. A person is almost to be envied who, by pure, kindly,
natural feelings, and words of the same tenor, can give such an
immediate impetus, were it not after all quite as difficult, in such a
position, to preserve such feelings (which is the main point) as it is
with us to maintain many less essential. By his demeanour here, us well
as by the way in which he has sounded forth our praises in Dresden, he
has facilitated a number of things for us which were not thought of
formerly. Since that time, we have strangers from Dresden at every
concert, and the female singers there vie with each other in their
efforts to appear in public here. The grant, too, of the legacy
bequeathed two years ago, will now probably be entirely devoted to
musical purposes, and perhaps be finally decided this month. All these
are only mere outlines; but how many details I might have added during
the walks I alluded to! There has been one thing, however, and that
indeed the chief thing, which I have not been able to accomplish during
all these winter months, and that is composition. I sent my “Hymn of
Praise” to be published, and have written a couple of songs; this is
however all, and little enough too.
Now as to literature, I am but in a poor state in that respect. Last
week I had scarcely time to eat or to sleep my _pensum_, without being
fairly stranded, and no possibility of reading. I read Immermann’s
‘Münchhausen’ some time ago, but only the first volume; and I must
confess that the first half of it, which you too do not praise,
displeased me so much, that I was out of sorts with the second also,
although I do not deny the great beauties in the second Westphalian
portion, and in all those works of his which I have seen. I feel the
same with regard to X----’s critical article. When I see an old
companion, endowed by a kind Providence with every good capability,
roaming about for many long years, employing his really fine talents in
writing for newspapers, and criticizing a book which perhaps had better
never have been written (but for the money the bookseller gave for it),
and with these exceptions bringing nothing of his own into the world,
advancing nothing and contributing nothing, I cannot help thinking that
it is the greatest blasphemy which can be committed against Providence,
and so I don’t wish to know anything of his clever criticisms, and feel
a much higher esteem for every honest bookbinder and cobbler. This is,
no doubt, one-sided, and too severe also; but I know nothing worse than
the abuse, or non-use of God’s gifts, and have no sympathy for those who
trifle with them.
Fie, for shame! what a cynical tone I have adopted; and I have not yet
thanked you for all the good and loving and kind things you say to me of
my music! But you must not estimate it so highly in contradistinction to
that of others. To deserve all your praise, it ought to be very much
better; and this I hope it will one day become. At all events, I think
that the recitative, and the middle of my “Hymn of Praise” are more
fervent and spirited than anything I have yet written. When shall we be
able to sing it to you! With this I close my letter. Write to me soon
again.--Your
FELIX.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Leipzig, February 14th, 1841.
Salut et Fraternité!
Have you read the wrathful letter which the Emperor of China wrote to
Lin, with a bright red pencil? Were this the fashion with us, I would
write to you to-day with a grass-green pencil, or with a sky-blue one,
or with whatever colour a pleasant pencil ought to assume, in gratitude
for your admirable epistle on my birthday. My especial thanks also for
the kind and friendly interest you have shown in the faithful Eckert; he
is a sound, practical musician, and further than this, in my opinion (to
which I sometimes adhere for twenty-four hours), no man should concern
himself about another. Whether a person be anything extraordinary,
unique, etc., is entirely a private matter. But in this world, every one
ought to be honest and useful, and he who is not so, must and ought to
be abused, from the Lord Chamberlain to the cobbler. Of all the young
people whom I have had anything to do with here, he is the most
good-natured, and by far the most inoffensive; and these are two
precious qualities.
Don’t, I beg, write me anything more about your Sunday music, it is
really a sin and a shame that I have not heard it; but though I feel so
provoked at this, it is equally vexatious that you have heard none of
our truly brilliant subscription concerts. I tell you we glitter
brightly--in Bengal fire. The other day, in our last historical concert
(Beethoven), Herr Schmidt was suddenly taken ill, and could not sing to
his “Ferne Geliebte” in the “Liederkreis.” In the middle of the first
part David said, “I see Madame Devrient.” She had arrived that morning
by rail, and was to return next day. So during an interval, I went up to
her, was vastly polite, and she agreed to sing “Adelaide;” on which an
old piano was carried into the orchestra from the anteroom. This was
greeted with much applause, for people suspected that Devrient was
coming. So come she did, in a shabby travelling costume, and Leipzig
bellowed and shouted without end. She took off her bonnet before the
_publicum_, and pointed to her black pelisse, as if to apologize for it.
I believe they are still applauding! She sang beautifully, and there was
a grand flourish of trumpets in her honour, and the audience clapped
their hands, till not a single bow of the shabby pelisse was any longer
visible. The next time we are to have a medley of Molique, Kalliwoda,
and Lipinski,--and thus, according to Franck’s witticism, we descend
from Adam to Holtei.
As to the _tempi_ in my Psalm, all I have to say is, that the passage of
the Jordan must be kept very watery; it would have a good effect if the
chorus were to reel to and fro, that people might think they saw the
waves; here we have achieved this effect. If you do not know how to
take the other _tempi_, ask G---- about them. He understands that
capitally in my Psalms. With submission, allow me to suggest that the
last movement be taken very slow indeed, as it is called “Sing to the
Lord for ever and ever,” and ought therefore to last for a very long
time! Forgive this dreadful joke. Adieu, dear Fanny.--Your
FELIX.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Leipzig, February 27th, 1841.
Dear Schubring,
Thank you a thousand times for your friendly letter, which caused me
much pleasure, and was a most welcome birthday gift. Our correspondence
had certainly become rather threadbare, but pray don’t give up sending
me your little notes of introduction; large letters would indeed be
better, but in default of these I must be contented with little ones,
and you well know that they will always be received with joy, and those
who bring them welcomed to the best of my ability.
Now for my critical spectacles, and a reply about your Becker
“Rheinlied.” I like it very much; it is well written, and sounds joyous
and exhilarating, but (for a _but_ must of course be uttered by every
critic) the whole poem is quite unsuitable for composition, and
essentially unmusical. I am well aware that in saying this, I rashly
throw down the gauntlet both to you, and many of my colleagues in
Germany; but such is my opinion, and the worst part of it is, that I am
confirmed in it by most of the compositions that I know. (For Heaven’s
sake, let this remain a secret between us, otherwise, as journalists
publish every trifle nowadays, I may possibly be some day conveyed
across the frontiers as a Frenchman.) But, jesting apart, I can only
imagine music when I can realize the mood from which it emanates; mere
artistically correct tones to suit the rhythm of the poetry, becoming
_forte_ when the words are vehement, and _piano_ when they are meek,
sounding very pretty, but expressing nothing,--I never yet could
comprehend; and still such is the only music I can discover for this
poem. Neither forcible, nor effective, nor poetical, but only
supplementary, collateral, musical music. The latter, however, I do not
choose to write. In such cases, the fable of the two vases often recurs
to me, who set off together on a voyage, but in rolling to and fro one
smashed his companion, the one being made of clay and the other of iron.
Besides, I consider the poem to be neither bold nor cautious, neither
enthusiastic nor stoical, but only very positive, very practical, very
suitable indeed for many at the present day; however, I cannot even
momentarily interest myself in any object of which I can perceive the
momentary nature, and from which I can expect no durability. I am
becoming philosophical; pray forgive me, and forgive the whole
diatribe, which is uncivil besides, because you composed the song
yourself. But as you have an immense majority of musicians on your side,
you will not, I think, be offended by my dissentient protestation, but
probably rather disposed to laugh at it. I could not help coming out
with what I thought.
You wish to know how I am. As well as possible. Yet if we see each other
in the course of a few weeks, you may perhaps hear the same complaints
from me that you did last year. I often thought of them since, and
laughed at them, because I was so well and so gay; but for a week past
such languor seems to creep over me, that, as I told you, I might sing
the very same old song of a year ago. I don’t know whether this arises
from the approach of spring, or the enormous quantity of music which I
was engaged in during the winter, and which has fairly exhausted me; for
several years past the two always come together. But I believe it is the
latter; I have conducted fifteen public performances since
January,--enough to knock up any man. Farewell, my dear friend.--Your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, March 3rd, 1841.
Dear Paul,
You gave me extreme pleasure by the _brochure_[46] you sent me
yesterday, and after having exulted not a little in its contents, I must
now thank you much for having forwarded it to me. I read of it in the
‘Allgemeine Zeitung,’ but had it not been for your kindness, this clever
publication would not have found its way to my room for many a day. I
have read it through twice with the deepest attention, and agree with
you that it is a most remarkable sign of the present time in Prussia,
that nothing more true, more candid, or more sober in form and style
could be desired, and that a year ago a similar pamphlet could not have
appeared. In the meanwhile, it is prohibited, and we shall soon see in
how far it is merely an individual lofty spirit expressing his views, or
a spirit that has really impressed and fired the whole community, for
the great misfortune with us has always been want of unanimity, of
_esprit de corps_. A sorrowful feeling oppresses me when I so surely
see, or think I see, that the path lies open, level and plain, on which
the whole of Germany might receive a development which it probably never
had, except in years of war, and not even then, because these years of
war were years of violence also: a path on which no one would lose, and
all would gain in life, power, movement, and activity; this path is
likewise that of truth, and honour, and fidelity to promises, and yet
time after time it is never trodden, while new reasons are perpetually
found for avoiding it. This is most melancholy! In the meantime it is
fortunate that there are people who know how to set forth, what by far
the greater number feel, but cannot express. I should have to quote the
whole of the pamphlet, to name all the particular passages written so
entirely in consonance with the feelings of my heart; but I started up
from joy at both the little paragraphs on the Dantzic letter and
Hanover, for they came in so naturally, and quite as a matter of course;
and then the glorious close! As I said before, the next fortnight will
prove, whether such a spirit has the right on his side in these days,
not merely in theory but in practice. God grant it may be so!
If you hear anything further of your statesman[47] (I do not believe the
_brochure_ is his, though quite in accordance with his creed), or any
more details that can be communicated to me, I beg you will not fail to
do so. I begin to interest myself very much in this man. What a glorious
contrast this work forms to all the French ones of last year that I
have seen. Here is indeed real substance, not merely subtleties;
vigorous truth and inborn dignity, not merely well-bred politeness or
evasion of the laws.
But the work is prohibited! This is a humiliation, even amid all my
delight. Farewell; thank you again cordially for your kindness
always.--Your
FELIX.
TO JULIUS RIETZ, MUSIC DIRECTOR AT DÜSSELDORF, (NOW CAPELLMEISTER AT
DRESDEN.)
Leipzig, April 23rd, 1841.
Add
Dear Rietz,
Yesterday evening we performed your overture to “Hero and Leander” and
the “Battle Song,” amid loud and universal applause, and with the
unanimous approbation of the musicians and the public. Even during the
rehearsal of the overture, towards the end in D major, I perceived in
the orchestra those smiling faces and nodding heads, which at a new
piece of yours I am so glad to see among the players; it pleased them
all uncommonly, and the audience, who yesterday sat as still as mice and
never uttered a sound, broke out at the close into very warm applause,
and fully confirmed the judgment of the others. I have had great delight
in all these rehearsals, and in the performance also; there is
something so genuinely artistic and so genuinely musical in your
orchestral works, that I feel happy at the first bar, and they captivate
and interest me till the very end. But as you persist in wishing me to
place my critical spectacles on my nose, I must tell you that there was
one wish I formed in hearing both pieces: that you may now write many
works in succession. The chief reason for this I do not require to tell
you, for it lies on the surface. But I have yet another wish: I perceive
a certain spirit, especially in the overture, which I myself know only
too well, for in my opinion it caused my “Reformation Symphony”[48] to
fail, but which can be surely and infallibly banished by assiduous work
of different kinds. Just as the French, by conjuring tricks and
overwrought sentiment, endeavour to make their style harrowing and
exciting, so I believe it possible, through a natural repugnance to this
style, to fall into the other extreme, and so greatly to dread all that
is _piquant_ or sensuous, that at last the musical idea does not remain
sufficiently bold or interesting; that instead of a tumour, there is a
wasting away: it is the contrast between the Jesuit churches, and their
thousand glittering objects, and the Calvinists, with their four white
walls; true piety may exist in both, but still the right path lies
between the two. I entreat you to pardon this preaching tone, but how is
it possible to make oneself understood on such subjects? The fundamental
thoughts in your overture and my “Reformation Symphony” (both having,
in my opinion, similar qualities), are more interesting from what they
indicate, than actually interesting in themselves; of course I do not
plead for the latter quality alone (as that would lead us to the
French), nor for the first alone either; both must be united and
blended. The most important point is to make a thema, or anything of the
kind which is in itself musical, really interesting: this you well
understand in your instrumentation, with every second oboe or trumpet,
and I should like to see you steer boldly in _that_ direction in your
next works,--without, however, injuring by the greater finish and
sharpness of your musical thoughts, your excellent foundation, or your
masterly and admirably carried out details of instrumentation, etc. As
ideas cannot be either more highly finished or sharpened, but must be
taken and made use of as they come, and as a kind Providence sends
them--so work is the only thing which either I or others can possibly
desire for such an artist as yourself, and for works of art like yours,
where the only question is of any trifling deviation in their tendency.
_Report to his Majesty the King of Prussia,[49] from the Wirklich
Geheimrath Herr von Massow._
Berlin, May 20th, 1841.
Your Majesty was pleased verbally to desire me to enter into
communication with Herr Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, in Leipzig, with a
view to summon him to Berlin, and to fix his residence there by
appointment. I therefore on the 11th of December last wrote to Herr
Mendelssohn, in accordance with your Majesty’s commands, and made the
following offer:--
That he should be appointed Director of the musical class of the Academy
of Arts, with a salary of three thousand thalers.
I also mentioned that it was your Majesty’s intention to reorganize the
musical class of the Academy, and to connect it with some existing
establishments for the development of musical cultivation, as well as
with others yet to be formed; that Herr Mendelssohn’s advice on the
subject was requested; that he was to be appointed the future head of
this institute. Further, that it was your Majesty’s pleasure a certain
number of concerts (to be hereafter fixed) were to be given every year
under his direction, with the aid of the Royal orchestra and the members
of the opera, in which oratorios especially, but also other works, such
as symphonies, etc., were to be performed. Herr Mendelssohn, in two
letters addressed to me, on the 15th December and the 2nd January,
expressed his gratitude to your Majesty for so honourable an offer, as
well as his entire satisfaction with regard to the title and the salary;
he however reserved his full acceptance of the proposal, until the
duties involved in the situation offered to him in Berlin, were more
minutely detailed. The conscientiousness thus shown by Herr Mendelssohn
cannot fail to be acknowledged and respected; at the same time, he
promised to come to Berlin this spring.
The Academy of Arts being regulated by the _Ministerium_ of the
departments of science, instruction, and medicine,--it was from this
source alone, that the wished-for copy of the rules could be obtained
for Herr Mendelssohn; as this, however, could not be immediately
effected, Minister Eichhorn resolved to discuss the whole affair himself
with Herr Mendelssohn regarding the reorganization of the musical class,
and your Majesty was pleased to permit the affair to rest for the time.
Herr Mendelssohn, according to his promise, recently came here, and he
adheres to his resolution not to accept any _fixed situation_ in your
Majesty’s service, till he is previously informed what duties he is
expected to undertake.
The proposed reforms in the musical section, which are probably to be
effected, in connection with many other changes in the Academy of Arts,
necessitate the dissolution of existing arrangements, and the formation
of entirely new relations. The Royal _Ministerium_, if a larger musical
institute were established, would put in their claim for the Royal
Theatre, which, by previous regulations of existing institutes, must be
included, along with most of the artists attached to it. The sum of
money requisite for this purpose must be fixed and granted. These are
all reasons which prevent the Royal Ministerium, within so short a
period, being able to arrange such a comprehensive affair sufficiently
to lay these proposals before your Majesty; and also render it
impossible to define the situation for Herr Mendelssohn, or to prescribe
the duties which, as Director of the musical class, he must undertake to
fulfil.
Herr Mendelssohn, on the other hand, must declare, in the course of a
few weeks, whether it is his intention to give up his situation in
Leipzig or not; he therefore presses for a decision.
Under these circumstances, with the express stipulation however of your
Majesty’s approbation, I have made the following proposal to Herr
Mendelssohn:--
That for the present he should only for a certain period fix his
residence in Berlin,--say, a year,--_placing himself at your Majesty’s
disposal_, in return for which, your Majesty should confer on him the
title of _Capellmeister_; but without imposing on him the performance of
the duties of this office in the Royal Opera; likewise the
previously-named salary of three thousand _thalers pro anno_ to be
bestowed on him; during this time, however, he is neither to hold _any_
office, nor to undertake any _definite duties_, unless in the course of
this period Herr Eichhorn should furnish him, with the long wished-for
details, and he should declare himself satisfied with them, in which
case the reserved consent as to a definitive nomination should ensue.
Herr Mendelssohn has already assured me that he is prepared to accept
the proposal, and if your Majesty be pleased to give your consent, Herr
Eichhorn would gain time to consult with Herr Mendelssohn on this
affair, and to place distinct proposals before your Majesty. From the
well-known honourable character of Herr Mendelssohn, it may be
confidently anticipated, that in this kind of interim relation, he will
be the more anxious to devote all his powers to your Majesty, from the
very fact of his duties not being more closely defined. Such a relation,
however, can only be advisable for a certain time; one year has
therefore been agreed on. If, contrary to expectation, the
reorganization of the musical class of the Academy and the establishment
of a musical institute, be not so carried out as to cause Herr
Mendelssohn the conviction of finding a field of activity for his bent
and his vocation, or if the claims on him should prevent his acceptance,
or lastly, which I subjoin at the express desire of Herr Mendelssohn,
should the expectations now entertained by your Majesty with regard to
him not be fulfilled, then the relation now formed shall be dissolved at
the end of the appointed period on the above conditions, and therefore
in an honourable manner.
Herr Eichhorn, whom I have informed of the proposal made through me to
Herr Mendelssohn, and also of his acceptance, has, on his side, stated
no objections.
Your Majesty’s decision is respectfully solicited at your pleasure; and
awaiting your Majesty’s further commands, I am, with the deepest
reverence,
Your Majesty’s faithful servant,
V. MASSOW.
_Memorandum by Mendelssohn, on the subject of a Music Academy to be
established at Berlin._
Berlin, May, 1841.
It is proposed to establish a German Music Academy in Berlin, to
concentrate in one common focus the now isolated efforts in the sphere
of instruction in art, in order to guide rising artists in a solid and
earnest direction, thus imparting to the musical sense of the nation a
new and more energetic impetus; for this purpose, on the one side, the
already existing institutes and their members must be concentrated, and
on the other, the aid of new ones must be called in.
Among the former may be reckoned the various Royal academies for
musical instruction, which must be united with this Musical Academy, and
carried on as branches of the same, with greater or less modifications,
in _one_ sense and in _one_ direction. In these are included, for
example, the Institute for Élèves of the Royal Orchestra; the Organ
Institute; that of the Theatre (limited to the theatre alone) for
instruction in singing, declamation, etc. Further, the members of the
Royal _Capelle_ must be required to give instruction on their various
instruments. A suitable locality can no doubt be found among the Royal
buildings, and also a library, with the requisite old and new musical
works, scores, and books.
The new appointments to consist of--
1. A head teacher of composition; the best that can be found in Germany,
to give regular instructions in theory, thorough-bass, counterpoint, and
fugues.
2. A head teacher of solo singing; also the best to be had in Germany.
3. A head teacher of choral singing, who should strive to acquire
personal influence over the scholars under his care, by good
pianoforte-playing and steady direction.
4. A head teacher of pianoforte-playing, for which office a man of the
most unquestionable talent and reputation must alone be selected. The
other teachers for these departments could be found in Berlin itself;
nor would there be any difficulty in procuring teachers of Æsthetics,
the history of music, etc.
The complete course to last three years; the scholars, after previous
examination, to be instructed _gratis_; no prize works to be admitted
but at stated periods; all the works of the scholars, from the time of
their admission, to be collected and criticized in connection with each
other, and subsequently a prize (probably consisting of a sum sufficient
for a long journey through Germany, Italy, France, and England) to be
adjudged accordingly. Every winter a certain number of concerts to take
place, in which all the teachers (including the above-named members of
the Royal _Capelle_) must co-operate, and by which, through the
selection of the music, as well as by its execution, direct influence
may be gained over the majority of the public.
The following principle must serve as a basis for the whole Institute:
that every sphere of art can only elevate itself above a mere
handicraft, by being devoted to the expression of lofty thought, along
with the utmost possible technical finish, and a pure and intellectual
aim; that also solidity, precision, and strict discipline in teaching
and learning, should be considered the first law, thus not falling short
in this respect of any handicraft; that in every department, all
teaching and learning should be exclusively devoted to the thoughts
intended to be expressed, and to that more elevated mood, to which
technical perfection in art must ever be subordinate.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, July 9th, 1841.
Dear Brother,
I send you with this, a copy of the Minister Eichhorn’s letter, which I
received this evening. It is evident from it, that the King only intends
to make me Capellmeister, if the plan, for the Academy is carried out;
not otherwise. If this be his irrevocable determination, I have only to
choose between two alternatives; to go to Berlin on the 1st of August
without the title, and without any further public appointment, and
merely receive the salary there--or at once to break off all further
negotiations on the matter, and never to renew them.
Now I must confess, first, that I could not without unpleasant feelings
enter on an office, after having considerably abated my own demands;
secondly, that I still find all those reasons valid, now as heretofore,
which made such a title necessary, in Herr Massow’s opinion, as well as
in my own, in order to enable me to give the desired concerts and
performances in the course of the winter; and, thirdly, it appears to me
only just, that from the first I should receive a public proof of the
King’s confidence; for very possibly after the lapse of a year, no
renewal of the relation may be desired on the _other_ side, in which
case I alone shall be the losing party, for _they_ only risk conferring
a title for nothing, while _I_ lose my present situation, and you know
that this costs me no small sacrifice. I beg you will communicate this
letter and Eichhorn’s to Von Massow. He will observe that his proposals,
and the results of my whole residence in Berlin, are again detailed, so
that I must go to Berlin under very different circumstances, which, as I
said, I am very unwilling to do. Hear what Massow says, and let me know.
Do not forget to place strongly before him, that I always thought it
probable, and now more likely than ever, that no definitive arrangement
about the Academy should take place in one year; not indeed from any
fault on my side, or from any want of complaisance in me, but from want
of decision on their part. I therefore wished at that time, and wish
now, that there should be something definite, _for which_ I am called to
Berlin. I cannot say to any one that the mere direction of the Academy
is a sufficient purpose. If they choose to make me “Geheimsecretär,”
instead of Capellmeister, I am equally content, but I should like to
have some ostensible ground for going there, if I am to go at all;
probably the affair will be now more complicated by my having in the
meanwhile received the much-discussed title (deuce take it!) in Saxony;
they will say, what is the use of a second? and pronounce it to be
obstinacy on my part. I appeal however to the above reasons, and think,
on the contrary, that it proves I did not, or do not, insist on this
point from any love of a title.
Pray, pray forgive me, dear Brother, you have most cause to complain;
for in any case I shall reap some advantage, having at the worst gained
valuable experience, but you only much plague and lost time (even at the
best, by which I mean my remaining in Berlin). Forgive me.--Ever your
FELIX.[50]
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Leipzig, July 15th, 1841.
My dear Friend,
To-morrow I go with some pleasant friends to Dresden to hear Ungher and
Moriani sing, to see Raphael and Titian paint, and to breathe the air of
that lovely region. A few days after my return I am off for a year to
Berlin, one of the sourest apples a man can eat, and yet eaten it must
be. Strangely enough, there seems to be a misunderstanding between _us_
on this affair, and hitherto we have scarcely ever had one. You think I
want your advice, and mean to act according to it; but, in fact, when I
say anything to you, or discuss anything, I say it and do it from no
other reason than from instinct. I _must_ speak to you or discuss
whatever is of importance to me, or nearly concerns me; it cannot be
otherwise, and this proceeds so little from that tiresome asking for
advice, that I am convinced, if you had not answered me at all, and if
we had not spoken to each other for ten years, I should have asked you
the same questions, and expected your answer as eagerly, and received it
with as much pleasure as now. There is a curious misapprehension on your
part, with regard to the comparison between the two cities. You believe
(and several of the residents here, as well as strangers, have told me
the same), that here in Leipzig we have comfort, domestic life, and
retirement; and in Berlin, public efficacy in and for Germany, and
active work for the benefit of others, etc. etc.; whereas it is in truth
exactly the reverse. It is just because I am so unwilling to be burdened
with a sinecure, the public active efficiency which you so urged on me
formerly, and which seemed to myself so necessary, having become
gradually dear to me, and nothing of the kind being possible in
Berlin,--it is for these very reasons I go there unwillingly. There, all
efforts are private efforts without any echo in the land, and _this_
they certainly do have here, small as the nest is. I did not establish
myself in Leipzig with a view to a quiet life; on the contrary, I felt a
longing to do so, because here all is so gay and motley. On the other
hand, I have mastered and learned many things, which could only be thus
mastered and learned, nor have I been idle either; I think I am on a
better footing with my countrymen, in Germany, and have gained their
confidence more than I should probably have done all my life long in
Berlin, and that is worth something too. That I am now to recommence a
private life, but at the same time to become a sort of school-master to
a Conservatorium, is what I can scarcely understand, after my excellent
vigorous orchestra here. I might perhaps do so if I were really to enjoy
an entirely private life, in which case I should only compose and live
in retirement; but the mongrel Berlin doings interfere; the vast
projects, the petty execution, the admirable criticism, the indifferent
musicians, the liberal ideas, the Court officials in the streets, the
Museum and the Academy, and the sand! I doubt whether my stay there will
be more than a year; still I shall of course do all in my power, not to
allow this time to pass without some profit to myself and others. I
shall have no solitude during the time, for I must bestir myself and
write what I can; a couple of earlier melodies may bring up the
rear-guard. Many others have come to light since their date; you see I
defend myself vigorously, with claws and teeth. Believe me, Berlin is at
the present day the city which is the least efficacious, and Leipzig the
most beneficial to the public. Do you know what I have recently been
composing with enthusiasm? Variations for the piano,--actually eighteen
on a theme in D minor, and they amused me so famously, that I instantly
made fresh ones on a theme in E flat major, and now for the third time
on a theme in B flat major. I feel quite as if I must make up for lost
time, never having written any before.
TO CONCERT-MEISTER FERDINAND DAVID, LEIPZIG.
Berlin, August 9th, 1841.
Dear Friend,
You wish to hear some news about the Berlin Conservatorium,--so do
I,--but there is none. The affair is on the most extensive scale, if it
be actually on any scale at all, and not merely in the air. The King
seems to have a plan for reorganizing the Academy of Arts; this will not
be easily effected, without entirely changing its present form into a
very different one, which they cannot make up their mind to do; there is
little use in my advising it, as I do not expect much profit for music
from the Academy, either in its present or future form. The musical
portion of the new academy is, I believe, to become a Conservatorium;
but to reorganize one part alone, is an idea which cannot be entertained
under any circumstances, so it depends now on the three others. A
director is not yet found for the architectural department, and in the
four different departments the existing members cannot (or at least will
not) be superseded, or their privileges diminished,--so these members
must first die off; but we must die off as well as they, and whether the
reorganization will then take place in the wished-for manner is the
question. _One_ service I have at all events accomplished here, in
having placed these relations in a clear light, and free from all
circumlocution,--so that there will be no longer any necessity to refer
to these projects, or the discussions connected with them, until the
obstacles are removed.
You will ask, then, what in the world do they want with me just now in
Berlin? My answer is, on the one side, I really do not know; on the
other, I believe that it is intended to give, during the winter, some
great concerts, with the addition of all their best means, and that I am
to direct them, some in church, and some in the concert hall; but
whether they will ever take place seems to me very doubtful: at all
events these are, in my opinion, the only projects which can or will be
carried out at this time.
TO PRESIDENT VERKENIUS, COLOGNE.
Berlin, August 14th, 1841.
Dear and esteemed Herr President,
Though so much delighted by recognizing on the address of your letter of
yesterday the well-known writing, I was equally grieved by the grave and
mournful tone of your words, and I cannot tell you how much the
intelligence of your continued illness alarms and distresses me. It is,
indeed, often the case, that in moments of indisposition, everything
seems to us covered with a black veil,--that illness drags within its
domain, not only the body, but also the spirit and the thoughts (thus it
is always with me when I am ailing or ill), but with returning health,
these mournful images are chased away. God grant this may be the case
with you, and soon, too, very soon; such sorrowful moments, however, are
not less distressing at the time, though they quickly pass away, and are
forgotten. Would that I could do anything to make you more cheerful, or
to drive away such sad thoughts! These are the moments when distance
seems doubly painful; when cordially-loved and honoured friends are in
suffering, and yet we must go on living apart from them, instead of
being near to sympathize with them, even if unable to do them good, or
to alleviate their troubles.
You say that my letters are agreeable to you. I shall therefore
frequently write; let me know if I do so too often; and Heaven grant
that, in return, I may soon receive good news of your recovery, from
yourself, or one of your family!
I have now been a fortnight here with my family, and am living with my
mother and brother and sisters, in the very same house, which I quitted
twelve years ago, with a heavy heart. The more unaccountable is it to
me that, in spite of the delight of being with my mother and family
once more, in spite, also, of every advantage, and many and glad
memories, there is scarcely a place in all Germany where I feel so
little at home as here. The ground of this may be, that all the causes
which formerly made it impossible for me to begin and to continue my
career in Berlin, and which drove me away, still subsist, just as they
formerly did, and are likely, alas! to subsist to the end of time. There
is the same frittering away of all energies and all people, the same
unpoetical striving after outward results, the same superfluity of
knowledge, the same failure in production, and the same want of nature,
the same illiberality and backwardness as to progress and development,
by which, indeed, though the latter are rendered safer and less
dangerous, still they are robbed of all merit, and of all life. I
believe that these qualities will one day be reproduced here in all
things; that it is the case with music, there can be no doubt whatever.
The King has the best inclination to alter and to improve all this; but
if he were to hold fast his will steadily for a succession of years, and
were he to find none but people with the same will, working unweariedly
in accordance with it,--even then, results and happy consequences could
not be anticipated, till _after_ a succession of years had elapsed; yet
here these are expected first and foremost. The soil must be entirely
ploughed and turned up before it can bring forth fruit, at least so it
seems to me in my department; the musicians work, each for himself, and
no two agree; the amateurs are divided and absorbed into thousands of
small circles; besides, all the music one hears is, at the best, only
indifferent; criticism alone is keen, close, and well-studied. These are
no very flattering prospects, I think, for the approaching period, and
to “organize this from the foundation” is not my affair, for I am
deficient both in talent and inclination for the purpose. I am,
therefore, waiting to know what is desired of me, and probably this will
be limited to a certain number of concerts, which the Academy of Arts is
to give in the coming winter, and which I am then to direct. In my next
letter, I will write you some musical details. Heaven grant that I may
soon be tranquillized about your recovery, and may we meet again in
cheerfulness and health; God grant it!--Ever your faithful
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PRESIDENT VERKENIUS, COLOGNE.
Berlin, August 23rd, 1841.
Dear Herr President,
You see that I take advantage of your permission, and write constantly;
if it be too much for you, let me know it, or do not read my letters.
May it please God that I shall soon receive good news of your returning
health! I think of it every day, and I wish it every day! In my
previous letter, I promised you some details of musical life here, so
far as I am acquainted with it. Unfortunately, there is very little that
is cheering to relate. Here, as everywhere else, it is principally the
committees which ought to be answerable for this; while, as these are
appointed, more or less, by the public, I cannot make the distinction
which seems so usual with the Berliners, who abuse and revile all
committees, both musical and others, and yet like to see them remain in
their old form. The whole tendency of the musicians, as well as of the
_dilettanti_, is too little directed to the practical; they play chiefly
that they may talk about it, before and afterwards, so the discussions
are better and wiser than in most other places in Germany, but the music
more defective. Unfortunately, there is very little to discuss with
regard to music and its deficiencies; the only thing to be done is to
feel, and to improve it; so I have not the least idea how it is ever to
become better. In the orchestra (excellent as some individual members of
it are), this is, alas! too perceptible. In operas and symphonies, I
have heard blunders, and false notes constantly played, which could only
proceed from the grossest carelessness. The people are Royal
functionaries, and cannot be brought to account, and if the conversation
turns on these faults afterwards, they strive to prove that there is no
such thing as time, or should be none,--what can I say? but _item_, it
goes badly. I have played my trio ten or twelve times here; on each
occasion the same mistakes were made in the time, and the same careless
blunders in the accompaniment, though they were the first artists here
who played with me. The blame of this state of things rests chiefly on
Spontini, who was for so long a period at their head, and who rather
oppressed, than sought to elevate and improve, the many excellent
musicians in this orchestra. My conviction is, that Spohr would be the
man to aid them, and to restore proper order; but just because he is so,
he will not be elected; too many talk about it, and wish to have
everything in ideal beauty; and this produces mediocrity. The
_dilettanti_ doings are even worse. Their chief organ and institution is
the Academy for Singing, and there each individual considers himself far
superior to the Director. But if they really did all know properly how
things should be, they would sing better together,--whoever
directed,--and the false notes, and errors in time, would
disappear,--but they by no means disappear. So here again, it is mostly
all talk. I lately heard Pasta in “Semiramide.” She sings now so
fearfully out of tune, especially in the middle notes, that it is quite
painful to listen to her; but, of course, the splendid remains of her
great talent, the traces of a first-class singer, are often
unmistakable. In any other city, this dreadful want of tune would have
been felt first of all, and, afterwards, the remembrance that she was a
great artist would have recurred; here every one said, beforehand, that
here was the Pasta, she was old, she could no longer sing in tune, so
this must be put out of the question. In other places, they would
perhaps have unjustly abased her; here they as unjustly praised her to
the skies, and after deliberate reflection, and entire consciousness of
the state of things, they continued to be delighted,--this is a bad kind
of delight!
How hypochondriacal this letter is become! I ought rather to write to
you in a gayer strain, to cheer you. Next time I shall try to find a
more rose-coloured aspect; forgive the dark-brown hues of to-day.[51]
With the most heartfelt and cordial wishes for your recovery, I am
always, your loving
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO FRANZ HAUSER,
(PRESENT DIRECTOR OF THE CONSERVATORIUM IN MUNICH.)
Berlin, October 12th, 1841.
... I do not know what you have been told about Berlin and its
prospects. If, however, you allude to the project of which all the
people and all the journals are speaking, that of establishing a Musical
Conservatorium here, then I regret to be obliged to say, that I know no
more about it than every one else seems to know. It is said the desire
for it exists, and perhaps a remote prospect, but far too remote for
anything to be told about it with the least certainty at present. Years
may pass away, nothing may ever come of it (which is not at all
improbable), and also it may soon be again discussed. During the last
three months which I passed here I came to this conclusion, on seeing
the proceedings more closely. I am so kindly received on every side,
that personally I can wish for nothing better, and have only cause for
gratitude. But though it is easy for a person here to do what he
chooses, it is proportionably difficult to aid the cause; and yet that
is, after all, the most important point, and should be the very first.
If I only knew how to make this better! In the meanwhile I write music,
and when asked a question I answer it.
TO CONCERT-MEISTER FERDINAND DAVID, LEIPZIG.
Berlin, October 21st, 1841.
Dear David,
Thanks for your having at once read through ‘Antigone.’ I felt assured
beforehand that it would please you beyond measure when you did so; and
the very impression which reading it made on me, is in fact the cause of
the affair being accomplished. There was a great deal of talking about
it, but no one would begin; they wished to put it off till next autumn,
and so forth, but as the noble style of the piece fascinated me so much,
I got hold of old Tieck, and said “Now or never!” and he was amiable,
and said “Now!” and so I composed music for it to my heart’s content; we
have two rehearsals of it daily, and the choruses are executed with such
precision, that it is a real delight to listen to them. All in Berlin of
course think that we are very sly, and that I composed the choruses to
become a court favourite, or a court _musicus_, or a court fool; while
at the beginning I thought, on the contrary, that I would not mix myself
up with the affair; but the piece itself, with its extraordinary beauty
and grandeur, drove everything else out of my head, and only inspired me
with the wish to see it performed as soon as possible. The subject in
itself was glorious, and I worked at it with heartfelt pleasure. It
seems to me very remarkable that there is so much in art quite
unchangeable. The parts of all these choruses are to this day so
genuinely musical, and yet so different from each other, that no man
could wish anything finer for his composition. If it were not so
difficult here to come to any kind of judgment about a work! There are
only shameless flatterers, or equally shameless critics to be met with,
and there is nothing to be done with either, for both from the very
first deprive us of all pleasure. As yet I have had only to do with
admiration. After this performance the learned will, no doubt, come
forward and reveal to me how I should and must have composed, had I been
a Berliner.--Your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PROFESSOR DEHN, BERLIN.[52]
Berlin, October 28th, 1841.
Sir,
The kind and amiable feelings which your letter of yesterday testified
towards me, caused me great pleasure, and I beg to thank you very
sincerely and truly. Although I entirely agree with you that my choruses
to ‘Antigone’ will furnish an opportunity for a number of unfair and
malignant attacks, still I cannot meet these unpleasant probabilities by
the means which you are so good as to propose to me. I have always made
it an inviolable rule, never to write on any subject connected with
music, even in newspapers, nor either directly or indirectly to prompt
any article to be written on my own compositions; and although I am well
aware how often this must be both a temporary and sensible disadvantage,
still I cannot deviate from a resolution which I have strictly followed
out under all circumstances. I decline, therefore, accepting your
obliging offer; but I beg you will believe that my gratitude for the
friendly intentions you expressed remains the same; and in the hope of
soon finding an opportunity to repeat this assurance in person, I am,
etc.[53]
TO PROFESSOR KÖSTLIN, TÜBINGEN.
Berlin, December 15th, 1841.
... When I was lately in society, I was seated next a lady at supper who
spoke the South German dialect, and seemed at home in Stuttgart, so I
thought I would ask her if she knew anything of Tübingen, and inquired
about Professor Köstlin. She said she did not know him, but one of her
acquaintances had written to her that he had been recently betrothed.
This was the first happy news. She did not know the name of the bride,
but so far she remembered, that she was from Munich, and a fine musical
genius. I had instantly a presentiment. I vowed it must be Josephine
Lang. She thought it was another name; but she would look at the letter
when she went home. Next morning I got a note. “The bride of Herr
Köstlin is Josephine Lang after all, and he has been recently in Munich,
and then in Stuttgart with her,” etc. Had it not been for this last
piece of intelligence, I would have written to you instantly, to offer
you both my congratulations, and to express my most heartfelt joy. Now I
have got your welcome letter, and the details of the piece of good news
the South German lady told me; first, then, receive my thanks for it,
and then accept my fervent prayers for a blessing on your fortunate
union, my wishes for health for you and your bride (happiness and every
other good you already have), and my cordial, most cordial sympathy in
all connected with you both, now and for the future. Whatever concerns
you, concerns me also. If I were not the most miserable correspondent in
the world, I should have written to your bride six months ago, to thank
her for the two books of songs she published. I have done so in thought
twenty times at least. It is long since I have seen any new music so
genial, or which affected me so deeply, as these charming songs; their
appearance was equally unexpected and welcome, not only to me, but to
all those whose predilections are in accordance with my own, who
participate in my love of music, and feel in a similar manner with
myself. I sent my Sister a copy at the time from Leipzig, but when it
arrived she had already bought one, without our ever having corresponded
on the subject. The “poem” in F sharp major, is, I think, best of all,
and the “Lenau Meer,” in C major, and the “Frühlingskinder” in E, and
the “Goethe’schen geliebten Bäume” in D; I also think the
“Blumauer’sche” in F major 3/8 wonderfully lovely. Nothing more charming
could be devised than the happy way in which they prattle together, one
after the other telling their tale, and all so delicate and sportive,
and a little amorous too. In so many passages in both books, I thought I
heard Josephine Lang’s voice, though it is a long time now since I have
heard her sing; but there are many inflections peculiar to her, and
which she inherits from the grace of God, and when such a turn occurred
in the music, she made a little turn with her head; and in fact the
whole form, and voice, and manner, were once more placed before my eyes
by these songs. I intended to have written all this to her, and to have
thanked her a thousand times in my name, and in that of all my friends.
Now this will come sadly in the background, for our cordial
congratulations must take place of everything else, and prevent any
other topic being alluded to. But when you tell her of these, tell her
at the same time what pleasure she caused us all.
For Heaven’s sake, urge her to continue composing. It is really your
duty towards us all, who continually long and look for good new music.
She once sent me a collection of the music of various composers, with
some of her own, saying that among so many master-works she hoped I
would view her attempts with indulgence, etc. Oh, Gemini! how petty many
of these _chefs-d’œuvre_ appear beside her fresh music! So, as I
said, instigate her strongly to new compositions.
If I have still a wish to form, it is that your blissful betrothal mood
may be continued in marriage; that is, may you be like me, who feel
every day of my life that I cannot be sufficiently thankful to God for
my happiness.
Do not punish me for my laziness as a correspondent. I really cannot
contrive to write a tolerably sensible letter to-day; still, you must
write to me from time to time. If it were by music I should not
complain, for _your_ music is speech, though probably you have other
things to think of.
And now farewell for to-day, and remember kindly your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO HIS MOTHER.
London, June 21st, 1842.
Dear Mother,
Your letter of yesterday was most charming, and gave us so much
pleasure,[54] that I must thank you for it in detail to-day; I could
scarcely do so as I wished for the previous one, containing quite a
kaleidoscope of events in Berlin, which through the glasses of your
description assumed constant novel and pleasing forms. If I could write
half as well, you should receive to-day the most charming letter, for we
are daily seeing the most beautiful and splendid objects; but I am
somewhat fatigued by the incessant bustle of this last week, and for two
days past I have been chiefly lying on the sofa reading ‘Wilhelm
Meister,’ and strolling through the fields with Klingemann in the
evening, to try to restore myself.
So if the tone of this letter is rather languid and weary, it
accurately paints my feelings. I have really been urged to do too much.
Lately, when playing the organ in Christ Church, Newgate Street, I
almost thought, for a few moments, I must have been suffocated, so great
was the crowd and pressure round my seat at the organ; and two days
afterwards I played in Exeter Hall before three thousand people, who
shouted hurrahs and waved their handkerchiefs, and stamped with their
feet till the hall resounded with the uproar; at the moment I felt no
bad effects from this, but next morning my head was confused and
stupefied. Add to this the pretty and most charming Queen Victoria, who
looks so youthful, and is so gently courteous and gracious, who speaks
such good German and who knows all my music so well; the four books of
songs without words and those with words, and the symphony, and the
“Hymn of Praise.” Yesterday evening I was sent for by the Queen, who was
almost alone with Prince Albert, and who seated herself near the piano
and made me play to her; first seven of the “songs without words,” then
the serenade, two impromptus on “Rule Britannia,” Lützow’s “Wilde Jagd,”
and “Gaudeamus igitur.” The latter was somewhat difficult, but
remonstrance was out of the question, and as they gave the themes, of
course it was my duty to play them. Then the splendid grand gallery in
Buckingham Palace where they drank tea, and where two boars by Paul
Potter are hanging, and a good many other pictures which pleased me
well. I must tell you that my A minor symphony has had great success
with the people here, who one and all receive us with a degree of
amiability and kindness which exceeds all I have ever yet seen in the
way of hospitality, though this sometimes makes me feel my head quite
bewildered and strange, and I am obliged to collect my thoughts in order
not to lose all self-possession.
_June 22nd._--To-day, however, I can continue my letter in a more
cheerful spirit; I have slept away my weary mood, and feel again quite
fresh and well. Yesterday evening I played my concerto in D minor, and
directed my “Hebrides” in the Philharmonic, where I was received like an
old friend, and where they played with a degree of enthusiasm which
caused me more pleasure than I can describe. The people make such a fuss
with me this time that I feel really quite abashed; I believe they
clapped their hands and stamped for at least ten minutes after the
concerto, and insisted on the “Hebrides” being repeated. The directors
are to give a dinner at Greenwich next week, and we are to sail down the
Thames _in corpore_ and to make speeches. They talk of bringing out
‘Antigone’ at Covent Garden as soon as they can procure a tolerable
translation. Lately I went to a concert in Exeter Hall where I had
nothing whatever to do, and was sauntering in quite coolly with
Klingemann,--in the middle of the first part, and an audience of about
three thousand present,--when just as I came in at the door, such a
clamour, and clapping, and shouting, and standing up ensued, that I had
no idea at first that I was concerned in it; but I discovered it was so.
On reaching my place, I found Sir Robert Peel and Lord Wharncliffe close
to me, who continued to applaud with the rest till I made my bow and
thanked them. I was immensely proud of my popularity in Peel’s presence.
When I left the concert they gave me another hurrah.
Oh! how splendidly Mrs. Butler, at Chorley’s, lately read aloud
Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra;’ we have always been on the most
friendly terms since our acquaintance twelve years ago, when she was
Miss Fanny Kemble; and she gave this reading in honour of me, and quite
too beautiful it was; and Lady Morgan was there, and Winterhalter, and
Mrs. Jameson, and Duprez, who afterwards sang a French Romance of a
starving old beggar, and another of a young man losing his reason, with
the _refrain_, “Le vent qui vient à travers la montagne me rendra fou!”
“Sweet!” said the ladies; and Benedict, and Moscheles, and the
Grotes--who can enumerate them all! This evening at seven o’clock we
dine with Bunsen, and as we do not know what to do with our evening
afterwards, we shall probably drive to Charles Kemble’s about eleven
o’clock and be among his early guests; the late ones will not arrive
till after midnight. We have too such invariably bright and beautiful
weather. One day lately we saw first in the morning the Tower, then the
Katharine Docks, then the Tunnel, and ate fish at Blackwall, had
luncheon at Greenwich, and home by Peckham; we travelled on foot, in a
carriage, on a railway, in a boat, and in a steamboat. The day after
to-morrow we intend to go to Manchester for a couple of days, and next
week be on our way back to Frankfort. I have given up the musical
festival at the Hague, though they pressed me very hard to go there for
my “Hymn of Praise.” I wish to have nothing to do with music during the
next few weeks.
I have still a vast deal to say to Fanny about the Bridgewater
Collection, where pictures and sketches by Hensel are hanging up, and
Sutherland House, and Grosvenor House, etc. etc.; and to Rebecca, about
the meeting of scientific men at Manchester, to which I was invited, but
unfortunately I could not go to greet Whewell. Jacoby and Enke were also
there; I alone was absent.
But I must conclude. May we soon have a happy meeting, dearest Mother,
and dearest Brother and Sisters.--Your
FELIX.
TO CARL ECKERT, PARIS.
Berlin, January 26th, 1842.
Dear Eckert,
I have been long in your debt for an answer to your kind letter; pray
forgive this. I have been living such a stirring, excited life this
year, that I am more than ever unable to carry on any correspondence. I
need not tell you the great pleasure I felt in hearing from you, and
always shall feel every time that I do so. You know how entirely you won
my regard during the years when you resided in Leipzig, and how highly I
both honour and estimate your talents and your character. It is really
difficult to say which, in the present day, should be considered most
important; without talent nothing can be done, but without character
just as little. We see instances of this day after day, in people of the
finest capacities, who once excited great expectations, and yet
accomplish nothing. May Heaven bestow on you a continuous development of
both, in the same measure that within the last few years you have made
progress; or rather, _bestow all this on yourself_, for Heaven can do no
more than endow you with the germs and capabilities for this end, with
which it has already so richly endowed you: the rest becomes the affair,
and the responsibility, of each individual. Such a preaching tone must
sound very strange to you, living in joyous Paris; but it is a part of
the world and of life, that every wild animal has its own special skin
and roar, so I continue to roar in my old tones.
Hofrath Förster sent me yesterday your “Lieder ohne Worte,” and your
overture, so I have occupied myself with little else than with you and
your compositions, and heartily rejoice in both; in the former from the
memory of the past, and in the latter from the pleasure of the present.
Both yesterday and to-day I have looked through, and played through,
your charming “Lieder” with the greatest delight; they all please me,
and are thoroughly genial, earnest music. More, more, a thousand times
more, in this and every other style! The overture in F sharp major, too,
caused me great pleasure, and suits me almost throughout; a few passages
only seem to me rather too amplified: we must not write, however, but
speak on this subject when we meet again, although the only really
important thing I have to say with regard to your music, I have already
said in this letter,--more, more! You have reached a standard, that may
in every relation well be called a mastership, which all musicians or
friends to music must highly esteem, and beyond which nothing actually
extrinsic (whether it be called erudition or recognition, facility and
knowledge, or honour and fame) is any longer worth striving for; but
this is, in my opinion, just the time when true work really first
begins. The question is then solely what is felt and experienced within
a man’s own breast, and uttered from the depths of his heart, be it
grave or gay, bitter or sweet,--character and life are displayed here;
and in order to prevent existence being dissipated and wasted when
brilliant and happy--or depressed and destroyed when the reverse--there
is but one safeguard--to work, and to go on working. So, for your sake,
I have only _one_ wish, that you may bring to light what exists within
you, in your nature and feelings, which none save yourself can know or
possess. In your works, go deeper into your inmost being, and let them
bear a distinct stamp; let criticism and intellect rule as much as you
please in all outward questions and forms, but in all inner and original
thought, the heart alone, and genuine feeling. So work daily, hourly,
and unremittingly,--_there_ you never can attain entire mastery or
perfection; no man ever yet did, and therefore it is the highest
vocation of life.
I was three weeks in Leipzig not long since, where I was well amused,
and both heard and assisted in much good music. One morning I went to
the Klengels; it was on the Wednesday of the fast-week, at eleven
o’clock in the forenoon; the old gentleman was sitting in his
dressing-gown at the piano. As during the whole week there had been no
rehearsal of any concert, he had made Nanné sing a little. The
conversation turned on Julius’s “Lieder.” “If we only had an alto!” said
they. I offered to sing _falsetto_; the music was brought, and good red
wine beside. We sat round the table, and sang all his songs, which
delighted me exceedingly, and some of yours also. I had a great deal to
do that morning, but I stayed on till half-past one o’clock, and could
not resolve to come away. See if you can find such mornings in Paris!
“And you in Berlin,” you will reply.
Now, farewell; continue your regard for me, and ever believe me your
friend,
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Interlachen, August 18th, 1842.
My dearest Mother,
Do you still remember our staying, twenty years ago, in a pretty small
inn here, shaded by large walnut-trees (I sketched some of them), and
our lovely young landlady? When I was here ten years ago, she refused to
give me a room, I looked so shabby from my pedestrian journey; I believe
that was the only single vexation I at that time experienced, during the
whole course of my tour. Now we are living here again as substantial
people. The Jungfrau, with her silver horns, stands out against the sky,
with the same delicate, elegant, and pointed outlines, and looks as
fresh as ever. The landlady, however, is grown old, and had it not been
for her manner, I should never have recognized her to be the same
person. I have again sketched the walnut-trees, much better than I did
at that time, but far worse than they deserve; the post in Untersee
brings us letters from the same house as it did then, and many new
houses are built; and the Aar gurgles, and glides along as rapid, and
smooth, and green as ever,--_time is, time was, time is past_. I have,
in fact, nothing more to write about, except that we are all well, and
think of you daily and hourly.[55]
Descriptions of Switzerland are impossible, and instead of a journal,
such as I formerly kept, I this time sketch furiously, and sit in front
of a mountain, and try to draw its likeness, and do not give it up till
I have quite spoiled the sketch; but I take care to have at least one
new landscape in my book every day. He who has not seen the Gemmi knows
nothing of Switzerland; but this is what people say of every new object
in this most incredibly beautiful country. With regard to this land, I
feel just as I do about clever books; when one is exchanged for another,
in every exchange a new phase presents itself, always equally fine and
equally admirable. So now, when I see this country with my wife, I have
quite a different impression from the previous times; then I wished
forthwith to climb every-crested mountain, and to run into every meadow;
this time, on the contrary, I should like to stay everywhere, and to
remain for months in one spot. I am by no means sure that some fine
spring I may not set off, bag and baggage, not returning to the north
till all the leaves are gone. Such, at least, are my daily thoughts, and
castles in the air. In a few days we are going into Oberland; I rejoice
at the thoughts of the full moon in Lauterbrunn. We then return here,
across Furka and Grimsel to the Lake of Lucerne and the Righi, and
thence away from the land of all lands, and back to Germany,--where it
is not so bad, after all. I own there are many days when the world
pleases me most exceedingly. I am writing fine novelties, dear Mother!
Forgive me, for I have nothing better to say; besides, I know that Paul
wrote to you at full length a few days ago. When we meet, I shall have a
tale to tell that will know no end. I wish I only knew whether I am to
remain in Berlin permanently, or merely for a few weeks. How gladly
would I write to you that it was to be the former; but the whole affair
has taken so many strange twists and turns of late, that I feel quite
astray and bewildered when I try to think what is to be done. On my
return it will all come right, no doubt. Do not be displeased with me, I
entreat, on account of this prolonged uncertainty; it is no fault of
mine.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Zurich, September 3rd, 1842.
Dear Mother,
I am not so hard-hearted a correspondent as to rest satisfied with only
writing to you once from Switzerland. Indeed, our Swiss expedition is
drawing nearly to a close for the present. There are few more herdsmen’s
huts to be seen; neither glaciers, nor anything of the kind; rocks, and
so forth, just as little; but we still have the greenish-blue lake, and
the clean houses, and the bright gardens, and a chain of mountains, such
as could only stand on the confines of a land like this. So my
greetings to you all once more from Switzerland! How beautiful all has
been, and most thoroughly have we enjoyed it! A gay mood, perfect
health, and clear weather, combined to impress all the marvels indelibly
on our souls. We were obliged to give up the expeditions we had planned
the last few days, owing to the rain, and mists, and unfavourable
weather; unfortunately the Righi was among the number, and the
Schaffhausen Rheinfall, neither of which is there any chance of our
seeing, for the weather continues cloudy, and the air very cold and
comfortless for a journey. But, with these two exceptions, we have seen
everything in as great beauty as we could have wished or expected; and I
am particularly delighted that, on the last fine forenoon, I
accomplished my expedition over the _Surene_ (“Durch der Surener
furchtbar Eisgebirg,” _vide_ ‘William Tell’). On the same afternoon it
began to rain in Engelberg, and next day I was obliged to tramp through
the whole of the Unterwalden under an umbrella, nor has it ever been
fair since. I sought out my former guide, and we mutually recognized
each other, to our great joy.[56] He is now the landlord of the ‘Crown’
in Meiringen. Dearest Mother, recommend the man and his house to all
your correspondents. I am quite determined to write to London and ask
Murray to praise the ‘Crown’ in Meiringen, in his next red Guide-book to
Switzerland; he can do so with a clear conscience. Michael has a good
house, an extremely pretty wife, and five fine children, for whom I
bought a few little trifles and some toy soldiers in Untersee, and thus
we had a happy meeting after the lapse of eleven years. He brought me
the words of the song in G major he sang at that time, the melody of
which I had retained, but always plagued myself in vain about the
verses. When I told him that we wished to go to the Grimsel, he got very
red, and said, “Then I must go too--I must go.” He entrusted the public
room (which is his department) to the care of a friend, and was ready
next morning with his mountain staff and blouse, and led the horses past
some awkward places, and the ladies past the most dangerous ones, and us
too, when it was possible to cut off the distance by footpaths; and the
people in Guttann laughed at seeing him again. “It is only for a little
while,” said he; and a man who was making hay called out to him, “Oho!
Michael, so you can’t give up being a guide yet?” He confided to me,
that it did sometimes seem hard to be obliged to do so, and if he did
not think of his wife and children, who knows what might happen? We
separated on the Grimsel. This was a pleasant episode. I have sketched a
great deal, and taken much trouble, but more than a mere scrawl cannot
be accomplished here. Still, it may serve as a kind of diary, and as
such I feel an attachment to all the old leaves in my book, and to the
present ones also.
Kücken has just been with me; he is going to Paris, having composed an
opera, which he is anxious to have performed first in Berlin; he got the
_libretto_ from a man in Vienna. The Faulhorn, Meyerbeer, Rungenhagen,
the Brünig, the Lungernsee, Donizetti, and the drivers, enlivened the
conversation by turns,--not forgetting the Conservatorium in Berlin, and
the Grimsel and Furka in the snow. But what kind of letter is this? Paul
is resolved to see Zurich, so I must conclude. I feel as if you must be
provoked at my chit-chat, all about nothing. Well, then, we are all
perfectly hale and hearty, and love you very dearly, and think of you
always and everywhere, and send you a thousand greetings, and hope for a
joyful meeting. Such is, after all, the chief substance of every letter
we long for, and so it is of this one also. _Au revoir_, dearest
Mother.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO A. SIMROCK, BONN.
Frankfort, September 21st, 1842.
Dear Herr Simrock,
I write to you to-day on a particular subject, relying on your most
entire discretion and perfect secrecy; but I know too well from
experience, your kindly feeling towards myself, to doubt the fulfilment
of my wish, and in full confidence in your silence I shall now come to
the point. During my stay here I heard by chance that my friend and
colleague in art, Herr X----, had written to you about the publication
of some new works, but hitherto had received no answer. Now both in the
interest of art, as well as in that of my friend, I should indeed be
very glad if the answer were to prove favourable; and as I flatter
myself that you place some value on my opinion and my wish, it occurred
to me to write to you myself on the subject, and to beg of you, if you
possibly can, to make some of my friend’s works known to the German
public. My wish for the secrecy which I beg you to observe _towards
every one_ and under _all circumstances_, is owing to this: that I feel
certain Herr X---- would be _frantic_ if he had the most remote idea
that I had taken such a step on his behalf. I know that nothing would be
more intolerable to him than not to stand absolutely on his own ground,
and therefore he _never_ must know of this letter; but, on the other
hand, it is the positive duty of one artist towards another to assist as
much as possible in overcoming difficulties and annoyances, when such
efforts are noble and in a good cause, and both of these are so to the
highest degree in this case. I therefore beg you to publish some of his
compositions, and, above all, if possible, to enter into a more
permanent connection with him. I am well aware that the German
publishers have not hitherto had any very brilliant success (as it is
called) with the works he has written, and whether this may be otherwise
in future I cannot pretend to say; but that they _well deserve_ to
succeed, is a point on which I have no doubt; and on that account, and
_solely_ on that account, I now make my request. Were it not so, however
great a friend he might be of mine, I would not do this. In fact, the
only consideration which ought to have any influence, is the _intrinsic_
value of a work,--that being the only thing which would _inevitably_
ensure success, if there were any honesty in the world. It is too
provoking to hear the oft-told tale of clever, meritorious artists, who,
at the beginning of their career, are in such a state of anxious
solicitude that their works should be purchased and made known, and when
one of these chances to make a good hit, and gains great applause and
becomes vastly popular, still this success does not cause him
satisfaction equal to all his previous anxiety and vexation; for this
very reason I should like you to act differently, and to place more
value on true worth than on any chance result. This system, in fact,
must soon be abolished, and in such a case the only question is, how
soon? and after how many more annoyances? and this is just the point
where a publisher can be useful and valuable to an artist. When
universal popularity ensues, they are all ready enough to come forward,
but I think you are the very man to act differently, not losing sight of
the ideal, but also doing what is practical and right. Forgive the
liberty I have taken, and if possible, comply with my wish. So far as I
have heard, there is no pretension to any considerable sum for these
works, but a very strong desire that they may be generally circulated
and made known, and that the correspondence should be carried on in a
friendly artistic spirit. If you will or can enter into the affair, I
rely on your _sacred silence_ as to my interference, my name, or my
request. If I shortly hear from my friend that you have written to him
in a kind manner, and have agreed to assist him in making the public
familiar with his songs and pianoforte works, how heartily shall I then
rejoice! Perhaps you will say, what does this lazy composer, and still
more lazy correspondent, mean? But I have improved in the latter
respect, as the _figura_ proves; and with regard to the former, I mean
to set to work shortly, and to overwhelm you with music-paper (as soon
as it is well filled), and to request in my own name, what I now so
urgently and anxiously entreat in that of my friend.--Ever yours, with
esteem,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO A. SIMROCK, BONN.
Berlin, October 10th, 1842
Sir,
If I ever was agreeably surprised by any letter, it was by yours, which
I received here yesterday. Your kind and immediate compliance with my
request, and also the very handsome present you make me for my “Songs
without Words,” render it really difficult for me to know how to thank
you, and to express the great pleasure you have conferred on me; I must
confess that I had not expected such ready courtesy, and satisfactory
compliance with my letter of solicitation. I now doubly rejoice in
having taken a step which a feeling of false shame, and that odious
worldly maxim, “Don’t interfere in the affairs of others,” which
occurred to me while writing, nearly deterred me from carrying out. Your
conduct, as displayed in your letter of yesterday, has confirmed me more
than ever in what I esteem to be good and right; so I intend to lay
aside for ever the (so-called) highly-prized worldly wisdom, and
henceforth to pursue a straightforward course according to my own first
impulse and feeling; if it fails a hundred times, still _one_ such
success is ample compensation. What artist, too, would not, at the same
time, be highly delighted by the kind manner in which you allude to my
compositions, and evince your approbation? Who would not prize and
esteem this beyond all other recognition? I ought especially to feel
thus, and by hereafter producing better works, strive to deserve the
good and friendly feeling shown to me for my present ones. I hope one
day, in some degree at least, to succeed in doing so; and if not, you
will at all events know that neither goodwill nor earnest efforts were
wanting. So I thank you for the fulfilment of my request, I thank you
for the flattering and handsome present, and, above all, I thank you for
your kindly sentiments about myself and my music, both of which are so
much indebted to you, and which will fill me with gratitude and pleasure
so long as I live.--I am, with esteem, your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO MARC-ANDRÉ SOUCHAY, LÜBECK.[57]
Berlin, October 15th, 1842.
... There is so much talk about music, and yet so little really said.
For my part I believe that words do not suffice for such a purpose, and
if I found they did suffice, then I certainly would have nothing more to
do with music. People often complain that music is ambiguous, that their
ideas on the subject always seem so vague, whereas every one understands
words; with me it is exactly the reverse; not merely with regard to
entire sentences, but also as to individual words; these, too, seem to
me so ambiguous, so vague, so unintelligible when compared with genuine
music, which fills the soul with a thousand things better than words.
What the music I love expresses to me, is not thought too _indefinite_
to be put into words, but, on the contrary, too _definite_. I therefore
consider every effort to express such thoughts commendable, but still
there is something unsatisfactory too in them all, and so it is with
yours also. This, however, is not your fault, but that of the poetry,
which does not enable you to do better. If you ask me what _my_ idea is,
I say--just the song as it stands; and if I have in my mind a definite
term or terms with regard to one or more of these songs, I will disclose
them to no one, because the words of one person assume a totally
different meaning in the mind of another person, because the music of
the song alone can awaken the same ideas and the same feelings in one
mind as in another,--a feeling which is not, however, expressed by the
same words.[58] Resignation, melancholy, the praise of God, a
hunting-song,--one person does not form the same conception from these
that another does. Resignation is to the one, what melancholy is to the
other; the third can form no lively idea of either. To any man who is by
nature a very keen sportsman, a hunting-song and the praise of God would
come pretty much to the same thing, and to such a one the sound of the
hunting-horn would really and truly be the praise of God, while we hear
nothing in it but a mere hunting-song; and if we were to discuss it ever
so often with him, we should get no further. Words have many meanings,
and yet music we could both understand correctly. Will you allow this to
serve as an answer to your question? At all events, it is the only one
I can give,--although these too are nothing, after all, but ambiguous
words!
TO WIRKLICH GEHEIMRATH HERR VON MASSOW.
Berlin, October 23rd 1842.
Your Excellency,
Permit me respectfully to ask whether you will be so good as to assist
in procuring me an audience of his Majesty, to place before him my
present position here, and my wishes with regard to it.
Your Excellency is aware that I am not so situated as to be able to
accept the proposal of Herr Eichhorn to place myself at the head of the
whole of the Evangelical Church music here. As I already told the
Minister (and your Excellency quite agreed to this in our last
conversation), such a situation, if considered _practically_, must
either consist of a general superintendence of all the present
organists, choristers, school-masters, etc., or of the improvement and
practice of the singing choirs in one or more cathedrals. Neither of
these, however, is the kind of work which I particularly desire.
Moreover, the first of these functions is superfluous if such places are
properly filled; and the second, to be really effectually carried out,
demands more vast and comprehensive regulations, and greater pecuniary
resources than could be obtained at this moment.
With regard to the other plans which were proposed, partly for the
reorganization of the present Institute, and partly for the
establishment of a new one, difficulties have arisen which render the
establishment of these plans void; and thus the case now occurs which
your Excellency may remember I always anticipated, much to my regret, at
the very beginning of our correspondence in December, 1840,--there is no
opportunity on my side for a practical, influential, musical efficiency
in Berlin.
Herr Eichhorn declared that this would be altered in the course of time;
that everything was being done in order to bring about a different state
of things, and he requested me to wait with patience till the building
was completed which it was proposed to erect.
I think, on the contrary, that it would not be responding properly on my
part to the confidence the King has placed in me, if I were not at once
to employ my energies in fulfilling what your Excellency at that time
told me, in the name of the King, were his designs; if, instead of at
least making the attempt to animate and ennoble my art in this country
(as your Excellency was pleased to say), I were to continue to work for
myself personally; if I were to wait instead of to act. The very depth
of my gratitude for such flattering confidence constrains me to say all
this candidly to his Majesty,--to state that circumstances, over which I
have no control, now render the fulfilment of his commands impossible.
My wish is that his Majesty would permit me in the meantime to reside
and to work, and to await his commands in some other place, where I
could for the moment be useful and efficient. As soon as the building is
finished, of which Herr Eichhorn spoke, or so soon as the King required
any service from me, I should consider it a great happiness to hasten
back and to exert my best energies for such a Sovereign, whose mandates
are in themselves the highest rewards for an artist.
I would fain have written this to the King sooner, but when I reflected
that my communication would only meet his Majesty’s eye among a vast
number of others, I thought I could express my views and feelings of
most sincere gratitude, more plainly and better, verbally, even if only
by a few words; and that your Excellency may be so obliging as to
promote my wish is my present request, and the object of this letter.--I
am, your Excellency’s most devoted
FELIX M. B.
TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF PRUSSIA.[59]
Berlin, October, 28th, 1842
Your Majesty,
In the memorable words your Majesty was pleased to address to me, you
mentioned that it was intended to add a certain number of able singers
to the existing Royal Church choirs, to form a nucleus for these
choirs, as well as for any amateurs of singing who might subsequently
wish to join them, serving as a rallying-point and example, and in this
manner gradually to elevate and to ennoble church music, and to ensure
its greater development.
Also, in order to support the singing of the congregation by
instruments, which produce the most solemn and noble effects,--as your
Majesty may remember, during the celebration of the Jubilee in the
Nicolai Church,--it is proposed that a small number of instrumentalists
(probably selected from the members of the Royal Orchestra) should be
engaged, who are also intended to form the basis for subsequent grand
performances of oratorios, etc.
The direction of a musical choir of this instructive nature, a genuine
Royal Orchestra, your Majesty expressed your intention to entrust to me,
but, till its formation, to grant me entire freedom of choice with
regard to my place of residence.
The execution of this plan will fulfil to the utmost all my wishes as to
public musical efficiency; I can never cease to be grateful to your
Majesty for it, and I do not doubt that the organization of such an
institution could be effected here without any serious difficulties.
But I would request your Majesty not to devolve this organization on me
personally, but merely to permit me to co-operate with my opinion and
advice, which I shall always be gladly prepared to give. Until however,
to use your Majesty’s own expression, the instrument is ready on which I
am hereafter to play, I wish to make use of the freedom of action so
graciously accorded me, and shortly to return to Leipzig, for the
direction of the Town Hall concerts. The orders which your Majesty was
pleased to give me, I shall there with the utmost zeal and to the best
of my abilities carry into execution; at the same time I entreat your
Majesty, as I am engaged in no public sphere of action here till the
organization of the Institute, and am till then to enjoy entire liberty,
to be allowed to give up one-half of the salary, previously granted to
me, so long as I take advantage of this entire freedom from work.
In repeating my heartfelt thanks for all the favours which your Majesty
has so liberally bestowed on me,--I am, till death, your Majesty’s
devoted servant,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Leipzig, November 23rd, 1842.
We are now again settled in Leipzig, and fairly established here for
this winter and till late in the spring. The old localities where we
passed so many happy days so pleasantly are now re-arranged with all
possible comfort, and we can live here in great comfort. I could no
longer endure the state of suspense in Berlin; there was in fact nothing
certain there, but that I was to receive a certain sum of money, and
that alone should not suffice for the vocation of a musician; at least I
felt more oppressed by it from day to day, and I requested either to be
told plainly I should do _nothing_ (with which I should have been quite
contented, for then I could have worked with an easy mind at whatever I
chose), or be told plainly what I was to do. As I was again assured that
the results would certainly ensure my having employment, I wrote to Herr
von Massow begging him to procure me an audience of the King, that I
might thank him verbally, and endeavour to obtain my dismissal on such
and such grounds, requesting him to communicate the contents of this
letter to his Majesty; this he did, and appointed a day for the
audience, at the same time saying that the affair was now at an end; the
King very much displeased with me, and that it was his intention to take
leave of me in very few words. He had made me some proposals in the name
of the King to which I could not altogether agree, and with which I do
not now detain you, as they led to nothing, and could lead to nothing.
So I was quite prepared to take my leave of Berlin in very bad odour,
however painful this might be to me. I was at length obliged also to
speak to my mother on the subject, and to break to her that in the
course of eight days I must return to Leipzig; I could not have believed
that this would have affected her so terribly as it actually did. You
know how calm my mother usually is, and how seldom she allows any one to
have a glimpse of the feelings of her heart, and therefore it was doubly
and trebly painful to me to cause her such a pang of sorrow, and yet I
could not act otherwise; so next day I went to the King with Massow--the
most zealous friend I have in Berlin--and who first took a final leave
of me in his own house. The King must have been in an especial good
humour, for instead of finding him angry with me, I never saw him so
amiable and so really confidential. To my farewell speech he replied: he
could not indeed compel me to remain, but he did not hesitate to say,
that it would cause him heartfelt regret if I left him; that by doing
so, all the plans which he had formed from my presence in Berlin would
be frustrated, and that I should leave a void which he could never fill
up. As I did not admit this, he said if I would name any one capable of
carrying such and such plans into execution as well as he believed I
could do, then he would entrust them to the person I selected, but he
felt sure I should be unable to name one whom he could approve of. The
following are the plans which he detailed at full length; first of all,
to form a kind of real _capelle_, that is, a select choir of about
thirty very first-rate singers, and a small orchestra (to consist of the
_élite_ of the theatrical orchestra); their duties to consist in Church
music on Sundays and at festivals, and besides this, in performing
oratorios and so forth; that I was to direct these, and to compose
music for them, etc. etc. “Certainly,” said I, “if there were any chance
of such a thing here, if this were only accomplished;” it was the very
point at issue on which I had so much insisted. On which he replied
again, that he knew perfectly well I must have an instrument to make
music on, and that it should be _his_ care to procure such an instrument
of singers and players; but when he had procured it, he must know that I
was prepared to play on it; till then I might do as I liked, return to
Leipzig, or go to Italy,--in short, be entirely unfettered; but he must
have the certainty that he might depend on me when he _required_ me, and
this could only be acquired by my remaining in his service. Such was at
least the essential substance of the whole long conversation; we then
separated. He said I was not to give him my decision _immediately_,
because all difficulties could not be for the moment entirely obviated;
I was to take time to consider, and to send my answer to Massow, who was
present during the whole of this conversation of an hour and a quarter.
He was quite flushed with excitement when we left the room, repeating
over and over again, “Surely you can never _now_ think of going away!”
and to tell you the truth, I thought more of my dear mother than of all
the rest. In short, two days afterwards I wrote to the King, and said
that after his words to me I could no longer think of leaving his
service, but that, on the contrary, my best abilities should be at his
command so long as I lived. He had mentioned so and so (and I repeated
the substance of our conversation), that I would take advantage of the
liberty he had granted me, and remain in Leipzig _until_ I was appointed
to some _definite_ sphere of work; on which account, I begged to
relinquish one-half of my salary, so long as I was not really engaged in
active work. This proposal he accepted, and I am now here again with my
wife and child. I have been obliged definitively to decline the offers
of the King of Saxony; but in order to do so in the most respectful
manner, I went to Dresden a few days after my return here, thanked the
King once more verbally, and entreated him not the less to bestow the
twenty thousand _thalers_ (which an old Leipziger bequeathed in his will
to the King for the establishment of an Academy of Art) to found a
school for music in Leipzig, to which he graciously acceded. The
official announcement came the day before yesterday. This music school
is to be organized next winter, at least in its chief features; when it
is established, I may well say that I have been the means of procuring a
durable benefit for music here. If they begin anything solid in Berlin,
I can settle there with a clear conscience; if they allow the matter to
stand over, it is probable that I may go on with my half-salary and my
situation here for more than a year, and my duties be confined, as now,
to executing particular commands of the King,--for instance, I am to
supply him with music for the “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the “Storm,”
and “Œdipus Coloneus.”
Such then is the desired conclusion of this long, long transaction.
Forgive all these details, but I wished to inform you minutely of every
particular.
A request occurs to me which I long ago intended to have made to you. In
Switzerland I saw my former guide, Michael, whom, on my previous
mountain-expeditions, I always found to be an excellent, honest,
obliging fellow, and on this occasion I met with him again, married to a
charming pretty woman; he has children, and is no longer a guide, but
established as landlord of the ‘Krone.’ During our first visit to
Meiringen this summer, we lived at the Hôtel de Reichenbach, but the
second time we were at the ‘Krone,’ and quite delighted with the
cleanliness, and neatness, and the civil behaviour of all the people in
the house. It is a most genuine Swiss village inn, taken in its best
sense. Now Michael’s greatest wish is to be named among the inns at
Meiringen, in the new edition of Murray’s ‘Switzerland,’ and I promised
to endeavour to effect this for him.[60] Is it in your power to get this
done? The first inn there is the ‘Wilde Mann,’ the second the
‘Reichenbach,’ and the third undoubtedly the ‘Krone;’ and if Murray
recommends it as such, I am convinced it will do him credit. He might
also mention that it is most beautifully situated, with a full view of
the Engelhorn, and the glacier of the Rosenlaui. Michael said that the
editor of the Handbook had been there, and very much _fêté_ by the other
landlords; his means did not admit of this, still he would give him a
good round sum of money if he would only mention him. I was indignant,
and said, “_Without money, or not at all_.” But I thought of many
musical newspapers and composers, so I did not lecture him much on the
subject, from the fear that he might one day hear something of the same
sort from one of my colleagues, and take his revenge. There is now a
general complaint, that the large town hotels have superseded the
smaller comfortable genuine Swiss inns; this is one of the latter sort.
Murray must really recommend it. Pray do what you can about this, and
tell me if you succeed. Forgive my troubling you, the secretary to an
embassy, with such things, but if you knew Michael you would like him, I
know. I would fain draw a great deal now, and gladly devote myself to
all manner of _allotria_, including composition; but I see lying before
me an enormous thick packet of proofs of my A minor symphony, and the
‘Antigone,’ which must absorb all my leisure time; and then the
frightful heap of letters!
My dearest friend, may these lines find you in good health, and in a
happy frame of mind; may you think of me, as I shall of you, so long as
life lasts; and may you also soon be able to tell me yourself that it is
so, and again rejoice your true friends by your presence, for Cecile
writes this letter from first to last along with me, and knows all I
have said, and is, like myself, for ever and ever your friend.
F. M. B.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, November 28th, 1842.
Dearest Mother,
As pen and paper must again serve instead of our usual evening hour for
tea, I begin by making a suggestion, which is, whether you would like me
to write to you regularly every Saturday (perhaps only a few words, but
of this hereafter); and that one of the family, as often as you cannot
or will not write, should undertake to send me a punctual reply. In
addition to the joy of knowing beforehand the day when I am to hear of
you, it is in some degree indispensable to ensure my writing to you, for
time _must_ be found for a weekly letter; while, were this not the case,
I should be ashamed to send you only a few lines, should it happen that
I could not accomplish more. You can have no idea of the mass of
affairs--musical, practical, and social--that have accumulated on the
table in my study since my return here. The weekly concerts; the extra
ones; the money the King has at length bestowed at my request on the
Leipzigers, and for the judicious expenditure of which I only yesterday
had to furnish the prospectus; the revisal of “Antigone” and of the A
minor symphony, its score and parts; and a pile of letters. These are
the principal points, which, however, branch off into a number of
secondary ones. Besides, Raupach has already sent me the first chorus of
“Athalia.” The “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Œdipus” daily work more
busily in my head; I am really anxious at last to make the “Walpurgis
Nacht” into a symphony cantata, for which it was originally intended,
but did not become so from want of courage on my part, and I must also
complete my violoncello sonata.
Old Schröder’s concert took place three days ago, in which I played, and
directed the overture to “Ruy Blas;” the old _déclamatrice_ delighted us
all exceedingly by the great power and spirit of her voice, and every
gesture. In particular passages I thought she laid rather too much
stress on the expression of the words, and gave too much preference to
details over the voice; but as a whole her genius was highly remarkable.
In her youth, had she the reputation of laying more stress on effect
than was admissible? and what were her best parts in those days? Her
daughter (looking younger, and wilder, and more of a madcap than ever)
sang also, and sings this evening in Döhler’s concert; she will also
probably sing in our subscription concert next Thursday; the days which
she passes in any town, are not of the most quiet description for her
acquaintances. We had besides, Tichatschek, Wagner, Döhler,
Mühlenfels,--so there was a continual hurry and excitement last week.
Make them read aloud to you at the tea-table the passage from the last
of Lessing’s ‘Antiquarian Letters,’ “Wenn ich Kunstrichter wäre,” etc.
etc.,--and tell me whether any of you dispute the point, or whether you
all agree with me, that it is the most exhaustive address which can be
made to a critic, indeed to every critic. At this moment, when so many
artists, old and young, good and bad, come here, this passage daily
recurs to me.--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, December 5th, 1842.
My dear Brother,
As we agreed (and indeed very properly) that I was to take no step with
regard to my affairs in Berlin without informing you immediately of
every detail, I write you these lines to-day, although I am over head
and ears in business. I received yesterday from the King the following
communication:--
“By the enclosed written document you will perceive the tenor of the
communication I have this day made on the subject of an Institute for
the Improvement of Church Singing; it is addressed to the Special
Commissioners, W. G. R. von Massow and W. G. R. General Intendant of
Court Music, Graf von Redern. I have also, in compliance with your own
wish, informed the Minister of State, Eichhorn, and the Finance
Minister, Von Bodelschwingh, that, until you enter on your functions,
you decline receiving more than fifteen hundred _thalers_, instead of
three thousand. I nominate you General Music Director, and entrust to
you the superintendence and direction of church and sacred music as your
appointed sphere of action.--Charlottenburg, November 22nd, 1842.”
The enclosure consists of a Cabinet order, which is drawn up in a most
clear and judicious style, entirely in the spirit of our interview, and
thoroughly in accordance with my wishes, manifestly with the
co-operation of Herr von Massow, and with the true and honest purpose of
carrying out the affair. That no material obstacles exist, is again
evident from this cabinet order, but whether I may consider the
accomplishment of the project as certain, I cannot say with any security
till I actually see it. The affair of the Conservatorium was still
further advanced, and seemed even more decided. On the other hand, I
adhere to my former views, and do what I can to promote the project, and
to display my goodwill towards it.
Herr von Massow writes to me (only yesterday) that I had better soon
come again to Berlin, to converse with him and Graf von Redern, and that
only one or two days would be required; I shall, however, answer him
that I mean to go there on the 17th, and have arranged to remain till
the 23rd. A longer stay is unfortunately impossible; still you and I can
have some political gossip together, and be inseparable during my stay.
The King having on this occasion conferred on me a new title,[61] almost
embarrasses me; I am unwilling to be of the number of those in the
present day, who possess a greater number of decorations than they have
written good compositions, and yet it seems rather like it; at all
events, I really have no idea what return I can possibly make for all
this, still, as I have not in any way sought it, I may be excused. To
refuse such a thing is out of the question, and there is no one who does
not rejoice in being over-estimated, because on some other occasion the
balance is sure to be made even by depreciation.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO HIS MOTHER.
Leipzig, December 11th, 1842.
Dearest Mother,
On the 21st or 22nd, we give a concert here for the King, who has sworn
death and destruction to all the hares in the country round. In this
concert we mean to sing for his benefit (how touching!) the partridge
and hare hunt out of the “Seasons.” My “Walpurgis Nacht” is to appear
once more in the second part, in a somewhat different garb indeed from
the former one, which was somewhat too richly endowed with trombones,
and rather poor in the vocal parts; but to effect this, I have been
obliged to re-write the whole score from A to Z, and to add two new
arias, not to mention the rest of the clipping and cutting. If I don’t
like it now, I solemnly vow to give it up for the rest of my life. I
think of bringing with me to Berlin a movement from the “Midsummer
Night’s Dream,” and one from “Œdipus.” The music school here, please
God! will make a beginning next February; Hauptmann, David, Schumann and
his wife, Becker, Pohlenz, and I, are to be the teachers at first. It
commences with ten sinecures; the rest who may wish to have instruction,
must pay seventy-five _thalers_ a year. Now you know all that I know,
the rest can only be taught by experience and trial.
I wished for you recently at a subscription concert. I think I never
played the Beethoven G major concerto so well,--my old _cheval de
bataille_; the first cadence especially, and a new return to the solo,
pleased me exceedingly, and apparently the audience still more.
What you write to me about the _répertoire_ of your Berlin concerts,
does not inspire me with any wish to hear more about them. The
arrangement of the “Aufforderung zum Tanz,” and the compositions of
English ambassadors,--these are valuable things! If experiments are to
be thus made and listened to, it would be advisable to be rather more
liberal towards the works of our Fatherland. You will again say that I
am cynical; but many of my ideas are so intimately connected with my
life and my views on art, that you must be indulgent with regard to
them.
The monument to old Sebastian Bach is now very handsome.[62] Bendemann
was here the day before yesterday, to inspect it once more. All the
inner scaffolding had been removed, so the pillars and smaller columns,
and scrolls, and above all the bas-reliefs, and the grand, antiquated
old features sparkled clearly in the sun, and caused me great delight.
The whole structure, with its numerous elegant decorations, is really
typical of the old fellow. It is now covered up again, and will remain
so till March, when it is to be inaugurated on his birthday, by one of
his motetts. Cedars are to be planted round the monument, and a Gothic
seat placed in front of it. We are anxious, however, not to make too
much fuss on the subject, and to avoid the present pompous style of
phraseology, and the worship of art and artists, which is so much the
fashion.
Here, the outward aspect of things is now as much too flourishing, as it
formerly was too miserable for artists, which would be very pleasant for
us, but it does harm to the cause. Art is becoming spoiled and sluggish,
so we should rather be grateful to our present enemies than be angry
with them. I also consider it too much good fortune that the King of
Prussia has nominated me General Music Director. This is another new
title and new honour, whereas I really do not know how to do enough to
deserve the old ones.
This is a hallowed day for us all, with its delightful and memorable
recollections;[63] think of me too on this anniversary, as I do of you
and of him, so long as life endures.--Your
FELIX.
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Leipzig, December 16th, 1842.
My dear Schubring,
I now send you, according to your permission, the text of “Elijah,” so
far as it goes. I do beg of you to give me your best assistance, and
return it soon with plenty of notes on the margin (I mean Scriptural
passages, etc.). I also enclose your former letters on the subject, as
you wished, and have torn them out of the book in which they were. They
must, however, be replaced, so do not forget to send them back to me. In
the very first of these letters (at the bottom of the first page), you
properly allude to the chief difficulty of the text, and the very point
in which it is still the most deficient--in universally valid and
impressive thoughts and words; for of course it is not my intention to
compose what you call “a Biblical Walpurgis Night.” I have endeavoured
to obviate this deficiency by the passages written in Roman letters,
but there is still something wanting, even to complete these, and to
obtain suitable comprehensive words for the subject. This, then, is the
first point to which I wish to direct your attention, and where your
assistance is very necessary. Secondly, in the “dramatic” arrangement. I
cannot endure the half operatic style of most of the oratorio words,
(where recourse is had to common figures, as, for example, an Israelite,
a maiden, Hannah, Micaiah, and others, and where, instead of saying
“this and that occurred,” they are made to say, “Alas! I see this and
that occurring.”) I consider this very weak, and will not follow such a
precedent. However, the everlasting “he spake” etc., is also not right.
Both of these are avoided in the text; still this is, and ever will be,
one of its weaker aspects.
Reflect, also, whether it is justifiable that no positively dramatic
figure except that of Elijah appears. I think it is. He ought, however,
at the close, at his ascension to heaven, to have something to say (or
to sing). Can you find appropriate words for this purpose? The second
part, moreover, especially towards the end, is still in a very
unfinished condition. I have not as yet got a final chorus; what do you
advise it to be? Pray study the whole carefully, and write on the margin
a great many beautiful arias, reflections, pithy sentences, choruses,
and all sorts of things, and let me have them as soon as possible.
I also send the ‘Méthode des Méthodes.’ While turning over its leaves, I
could not help thinking that you will here and there find much that will
be useful. If that be the case, I beg you will keep it as long as you
and your young pianoforte player may require it. I don’t use it at all.
If it does not please you, I can send you instead, a sight of
Zimmermann’s ‘Pianoforte School,’ which is composed pretty much on the
same principle, and has only different examples, etc.
Speaking is a very different thing from writing. The few minutes I
lately passed with you and yours, were more enlivening and cheering than
ever so many letters.--Ever your
FELIX M. B.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, December 22nd, 1842.[64]
My dear Brother,
I wrote to you the day after our arrival here that we were all well, and
living in our sorrow as we best could, dwelling on the happiness we once
possessed. My letter was addressed to Fanny, but written to you all;
though it seems you had not heard of it, and even this trifle shows,
what will day by day be more deeply and painfully felt by us,--that the
point of union is now gone, where even as children we could always
meet; and though we were no longer so in years, we felt that we were
still so in feeling. When I wrote to my Mother, I knew that I wrote to
you all, and you knew it too; we are children no longer, but we have
enjoyed what it really is to be so. Now, this is gone for ever! At such
a time, with regard to outward things, we are as if in a dark room,
groping to find the way, hour after hour. Tell me if we cannot arrange
that I should write to one of you by turns once every week, and get an
answer from you, so that we may at least hear of each other every three
weeks, independent of more frequent letters; or say whether any better
arrangement occurs to you. I thank you a thousand times for your kind
question about the house. I had thought of asking you for it, and now
you offer it to me. But before we finally settle this, I should like you
to bring the subject cautiously on the _tapis_, in the presence of our
sisters and brother-in-law. If you perceive that any unpleasant feeling
is awakened in their minds by such a proposal, when for the first time,
in Berlin, I am not to live under the same roof with them, and if they
give any indication of such a feeling, even by a single word or remark,
(you will quickly observe this, and I rely entirely on you,) then we
must give it up. In any other event, I shall thankfully accept your
kindness. My next visit to Berlin will be a severe trial to me; indeed,
all I say and do is a trial to me,--anything, in short, that is not
mere patient endurance. I have, however, begun to work again, and that
is the only thing which occupies me a little. Happily, I have some
half-mechanical work to do,--transcribing, instrumentation, and similar
things. This can be accomplished by a kind of almost animal instinct,
which we can follow, and which does us more good than if we had it not.
But yesterday I was obliged to direct. That was terrible. They told me
that the first time would be terrible, but sooner or later it must be
done. I thought so too, but I would fain have waited for a few weeks.
The first thing was a song of Rochlitz’s; but when in the rehearsal the
alto sang, _piano_, “Wie der Hirsch schreit,”[65] I was so overcome,
that I was obliged afterwards to go out of the room, to give free vent
to my tears.
To-day, Heaven be praised, I am not required to see or speak to any one,
and my cough is better. Thus time glides on; but what we have once
possessed is not less precious, and what we have now lost not less
painful with time. Farewell, dearest Brother. Continue to love me.--Your
FELIX.
TO PROFESSOR KÖSTLIN, TÜBINGEN.
Leipzig, January 12th, 1843.
Dear Herr Köstlin, or rather, dear Herr Godfather,
You have caused me much joy by your kind letter of yesterday, and by the
happy intelligence it contained, and above all, by your wish that I
should be godfather! Indeed, you may well believe that I gladly accede
to the request, and after reading your letter, it was some moments
before I could realize, that I could not possibly be present at the
baptism. In earlier days, no reasoning would have been of any avail; I
would have taken post horses and arrived in your house for the occasion.
This I cannot now do, but if there be such a thing as to be present in
spirit, then I shall indeed be so. The remembrance of me by such
well-beloved friends, and this proof of your regard, which causes a
still more close and enduring tie between us, cannot fail to cause true
joy and exhilaration of heart; and believe me, I feel this joy, and
thank you and your wife for it.
That I am to be godfather is then settled; but there are a thousand
things I still wish to know, and if, when the christening is over, you
do not write me all the details which you omit in this letter, you must
expect a good scolding. You forget that I have myself three children, so
I am doubly interested in such things. You do not even mention the name
the boy is to have, and whether he is fair or dark, or has black or blue
eyes. My wife is as desirous as I am to know all this, and we hope that
after the christening you will write to us every particular. You were
rather displeased with me for being so bad a correspondent. I earnestly
entreat of you never to be displeased with me on that account; I cannot
remedy this; it is a fault which, in spite of the best resolutions on my
part, I constantly fall into, and which I shall never be cured of so
long as I live. There is so much that stands in my way; first, a really
instinctive dislike to pen and paper, except where music is concerned;
then the various scattered branches of a perfect maze of professional
and other avocations, which I am obliged to undertake partly for myself
and partly for others, so that I really sometimes can only carry on life
like a person in a crowd pushing his way, and shoving along with both
his elbows, using his feet too, as well as his fists and teeth, etc.
This is, in fact, my mood many a week; I extort the time for writing
music, otherwise I could not go on from day to day, but I cannot find
leisure to write letters.
We have had recently a bitter heavy loss to bewail,--that of my dear
Mother. I intended to have written in a gay mood all through this
letter, and not by a single word to allude to anything, that by its
melancholy nature might disturb your happiness, but I feel that I must
write this to you, otherwise all that I say would appear mere hypocrisy.
You must therefore take part in my sorrow, for I could not conceal from
you the event that during the last few weeks, has so bowed us down from
grief, and which it will be long before we can recover from. Yet such a
letter as yours is welcome at all times, and in all sorrow, and just as
I know how you will feel towards me on hearing this, so you know how
cordially I sympathize with your joy; this may well be called sincere
attachment! Give your wife a thousand greetings and congratulations from
me. Tell me if she has composed new songs or anything else; what I
should like best would be to receive one from her in a letter; they
always delight me so much, when I hear and play them.--Ever your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Leipzig, January 13th, 1843.
... We yesterday tried over a new symphony by a Dane of the name of
Gade, and we are to perform it in the course of the ensuing month; it
has given me more pleasure than any work I have seen for a long time. He
has great and superior talents, and I wish you could hear this most
original, most earnest, and sweet-sounding Danish symphony. I am writing
him a few lines to-day, though I know nothing more of him than that he
lives in Copenhagen, and is twenty-six years of age, but I must thank
him for the delight he has caused me; for there can scarcely be a
greater than to hear fine music; admiration increasing at every bar, and
a feeling of congeniality; would that it came less seldom!
TO A. W. GADE, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC, COPENHAGEN.
Leipzig, January 13th, 1842.
Sir,
We yesterday rehearsed for the first time your symphony in C minor, and
though personally a stranger, yet I cannot resist the wish to address
you, in order to say what excessive pleasure you have caused me by your
admirable work, and how truly grateful I am for the great enjoyment you
have conferred on me. It is long since any work has made a more lively
and favourable impression on me, and as my surprise increased at every
bar, and yet every moment I felt more at home, I to-day conceive it to
be absolutely necessary to thank you for all this pleasure, and to say
how highly I esteem your splendid talents, and how eager this symphony
(which is the only thing I know of yours) makes me to become acquainted
with your earlier and future compositions; but as I hear that you are
still so young, it is the thoughts of those to come in which I
particularly rejoice, and your present fine work, causes me to
anticipate these with the brightest hopes. I once more thank you for it
and the enjoyment I yesterday had.
We are to have some more rehearsals of the symphony, and shall probably
perform it in the course of three or four weeks. The parts were so full
of mistakes, that we were obliged to revise them all, and to have many
of them transcribed afresh; next time it will not be played like a new
piece, but as one familiar and dear to the whole orchestra. This was
indeed the case yesterday, and there was only one voice on the subject
among us _musicians_, but it must be played so that _every one_ may hear
it properly. Herr Raymond Härtel told me, there was an idea of your
coming here yourself in the course of the winter. I hope this may be the
case, as I could better and more plainly express my high estimation and
my gratitude to you verbally, than by mere empty written words. But
whether we become acquainted or not, I beg you will always look on me as
one who will never cease to regard your works with love and sympathy,
and who will ever feel the greatest and most cordial delight in meeting
with such an artist as yourself, and such a work of art as your C minor
symphony.--Your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Leipzig, January 13th, 1843.
I cannot as yet at all reconcile myself to distraction of thought and
every-day life, as it is called, or to life with men who in fact care
very little about you, and to whom what we can never forget or recover
from, is only a mere _piece of news_. I now feel however more vividly
than ever what a heavenly calling Art is; and for this also I have to
thank my parents; just when all else which ought to interest the mind
appears so repugnant, and empty, and insipid, the smallest real service
to Art lays hold of your inmost thoughts, leading you so far away from
town, and country, and from earth itself, that it is indeed a blessing
sent by God. A few days previous to the 11th, I had undertaken to
transcribe my “Walpurgis Nacht,” which I had long intended to do, and
caused the voice parts of the whole of the voluminous score, to be
written out and copied afresh. Then I was summoned to Berlin, and after
an interval of some weeks, I have now begun to write the instrumental
parts in my little study, which has a pretty view of fields, and
meadows, and a village. I sometimes could not leave the table for hours,
I was so fascinated by such pleasant intercourse with the old familiar
oboes and tenor violins, which live so much longer than we do, and are
such faithful friends. I was too sorrowful, and the wound too recent, to
attempt new compositions; but this mere mechanical pursuit and
employment, was my consolation the whole time that I was alone, when I
had not my wife and children with their beloved faces, who make me
forget even music, and cause me daily to think how grateful I ought to
be to God, for all the benefits he bestows on me.
You have not quite understood my previous letter. You say “I _could not
act otherwise_ in my official position.” It was not _that_, it was my
Mother I alluded to. All the plans and projects have since then been
dragging on slowly; I have my half-salary, and begun the music for the
“Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Œdipus” and others for the King. My
private opinion is still, that he is resolved to allow things to rest as
they are; in the meantime, I have established the Conservatorium here,
the official announcement of which you will read in the newspapers, and
it gives me a great deal to do.
TO MADAME EMMA PREUSSER.
Leipzig, February 4th, 1843.
Dear Lady,
I send “Siebenkäs,” according to your desire. May it cause you half the
pleasure it caused me when I first read it, and very frequently since. I
believe that the period when we first learn to love, and to know such a
glorious work, is among the happiest hours of our lives. As you have
read very little of Jean Paul, were I in your place, I would not concern
myself much about the prologues, but at first entirely discard the
“Blumenstücke,” and begin at once at page 26, and follow the story of
“Siebenkäs” to its close. When you have read this, and perhaps also the
“Flegel Jahre,” and some more of his wonderful works, then no doubt you
will like and prize all he has written,--even the more laboured, the
less happy, or the obsolete,--and then you will no longer wish to miss
the “Blumenstücke,” the prologues, and the “Traum im Traum,” etc. etc.
As soon as you wish for anything new, you will always find me at the
service of you and yours.--Your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO A. W. GADE, PROFESSOR OF MUSIC, COPENHAGEN.
Leipzig, March 3rd, 1843.
Sir,
Your C minor symphony was performed for the first time yesterday at our
eighteenth subscription concert here, to the lively and unalloyed
delight of the whole public, who broke out into the loudest applause at
the close of each of the four movements. There was great excitement
among the audience after the scherzo, and the shouting and clapping of
hands seemed interminable; after the adagio the very same; after the
last, and after the first,--in short, after all! To see the musicians so
unanimous, the public so enchanted, and the performance so successful,
was to me a source of delight as great as if I had written the work
myself, or indeed I may say greater,--for in my own compositions, the
faults and the less successful portions always seem to me most
prominent, whereas in your work, I felt nothing but pure delight in all
its admirable beauties. By the performance of yesterday evening you have
gained the whole of the Leipzig public, who truly love music, as
permanent friends; none here will ever henceforth speak of you or of
your works but with the most heartfelt esteem, and receive with open
arms all your future compositions, which will be assiduously studied,
and joyfully hailed, by all friends to music in this town.
“Whoever wrote the last half of this scherzo is an admirable genius, and
we have a right to expect the most grand and glorious works from him.”
Such was the universal opinion yesterday evening in our orchestra and in
the whole hall, and we are not fickle here. Thus you have acquired a
large number of friends for life by your work; fulfil then our wishes
and hopes by writing many, many works in the same style, and of the same
beauty, and thus imparting new life to our beloved art; and to effect
this, Heaven has bestowed on you all that He can bestow.
Besides the rehearsal which I formerly wrote to you about, we recently
had two others, and with the exception of some trifling unimportant
mistakes, the symphony was played with a degree of spirit and enthusiasm
which at once showed how highly enchanted the musicians were with it. I
hear that it is to be published by Kistner, so permit me to ask, whether
the heading of the first introduction, 6/4 time, afterwards repeated,
may not give rise to misapprehension? If I am not mistaken it is marked
_moderato sostenuto_. Instead of this _sostenuto_, ought it not rather
to be printed _con moto_, or _con molto di moto_? That heading would, it
seems to me, lead to the right _tempo_, if it were 6/8 time instead of
6/4; but in 6/4 time, it is so very customary to count the separate
crotchets slowly and deliberately, that I think the movement would be
taken too slow, which I found to be the case at the first rehearsal,
until I no longer paid any attention to the notes or the heading, but
adhered to the sense alone. As many musicians cling so closely to such
headings, I was resolved at all events to mention to you my doubts on
this subject.
Allow me to thank you once more for your obliging letter, and the
friendly intention which you inform me of in it;[66] but I thank you
still more for the pleasure which you have caused me by the work itself;
and pray believe that no one will follow your future course with warmer
sympathy, or anticipate your future works with more anxiety and hope
than your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Leipzig, April 30th, 1843.
... Our Music Academy here has made a famous beginning; fresh notices
of students arrive almost daily, and the number of teachers, as well as
of lessons, have been necessarily very much increased.
Two serious maladies, however, are apparent, which I mean vigorously to
resist with might and main so long as I am here: the Direction is
disposed to increase and generalize,--that is, to build houses, to hire
localities of several stories,--whereas, I maintain that for the first
ten years, the two rooms we have, in which simultaneous instruction can
be given, are sufficient. Then all the scholars wish to compose and to
theorize, while it is my belief that practical work, thorough steady
practising, and strict time, a solid knowledge of all solid works, etc.,
etc., are the chief things which can and must be taught. From these, all
other knowledge follows as a thing of course, and anything further is
not the affair of learning, but the gift of God. I need not however, I
am sure, say that notwithstanding this, I am far from wishing to render
Art a mere handicraft.
TO M. SIMROCK, BONN.
Leipzig, June 12th, 1843.
Sir,
Herr Herrmann, some time since, inquired of you once, in my name, about
the printed score of the “Zauberflöte;” but I now apply to yourself to
know whether any copy of it still exists in the original German, or if
any ever did exist? And if neither be the case, I should like to know
whether you are disposed to allow the original correct text to be
substituted in your plates of this opera, and some proofs to be taken?
It appears to me almost a positive duty, that such a work should descend
to posterity in its unvitiated form; _we_ indeed all know perfectly
well, for instance, the aria beginning, with the words “Dies Bildniss
ist bezaubernd schön,” but if in the course of a few years the younger
musicians always see it printed thus, “So reizend hold, so zaub’risch
schön,” they will acquire a false idea of Mozart’s thoughts; and I go so
far as to assert, that even the most undeniably bad passages in such a
text deserve to be retained, as Mozart composed music for them, and they
have thus become household words all through Germany. If improvements
are to be proposed, it is all very well, but in that event they ought to
stand _side by side_ with the original words; in no case must they be
entirely banished, otherwise fidelity towards the great deceased master
is not properly observed. I beg you will say a few words on this point
when you write to Herr Herrmann; and if you resolve to alter your
plates, then I shall be the first, but certainly not the last, of your
customers to thank you for it.--Your obedient
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO G. OTTEN, HAMBURG.
Leipzig, July 7th, 1843.
Sir,
My best thanks for your obliging letter, which contains much that is
really far too kind and flattering about myself and my music. Gladly, in
compliance with your friendly invitation, would I at some future time
come to express my thanks to you personally, and to play to you as you
wish me to do. Since we met in Dessau I have learnt a good deal more,
and have made progress. But you must not compare my playing with my
music; I feel quite embarrassed by such an idea, and I am certainly not
the man to prevent people worshipping the golden calf, as it is called
in the fashion of the day. Moreover, I believe that this mode will soon
pass away, even without opposition. To be sure, a new one is sure to
start up; on this account therefore it seems to me best to pursue one’s
own path steadily, and especially to guard against an evil custom of the
day, which is not included in those you name, but which however does
infinite harm,--squandering and frittering away talents for the sake of
outward show. This is a reproach which I might make to most of our
present artists, and to myself also more than I could wish; I have no
great inclination therefore to extend my travels, but rather to restrict
them far more, in order to strive with greater earnestness for my own
improvement instead of the good opinion of others.
I conclude by thanking you for your friendly letter, and pray remember
kindly your obedient
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, July 21st, 1843.
Dear Brother,
I had almost hoped to be able to answer your letter in person, for I was
very nearly taking a journey to Berlin again. Herr von Massow has sent
me a communication connected with that tedious everlasting affair, which
irritated me so much that it almost made me ill, and I do not feel right
yet. In my first feeling of anger, I wished to go to Berlin to speak to
you and break off the whole affair; but I prefer writing, and so I am
now writing to you. Instead of receiving the assent to the proposals on
which we had agreed in the interview of the 10th,[67] Herr von Massow
sends me a commission to arrange for orchestra and chorus, without
delay, the chorale, “Herr Gott, Dich loben wir,” the longest chorale and
the most tiresome work which I ever attempted; and the day after I had
finished it and sent it off, I receive an official document which I
must sign before the assent of the King can be solicited; when I had
signed it, the others present at that conference would also subscribe
their names. In this deed all the stipulations are correctly stated, but
six or eight additional clauses are written on the margin, not one
syllable of which had ever been named during the conference,
invalidating the whole intention of the above stipulations, and placing
myself and the Institute in the most entire subservience to Herr von
Küstner,--and in short, showing in the clearest light all the
difficulties to which I formerly alluded, and the existence of which
Herr von Massow denied. Among other things, it is said, the appointment
of the orchestra for all church music is to be devolved on the
_theatrical_ music direction; before every concert there must be an
application made to the General _Intendancy_, whether the day, which
according to our agreement was to be settled once for all at the
beginning of the winter, is to continue the same or be altered, etc.;
all things of which _not one syllable_ had been alluded to in the
conference. As I told you, I fretted myself till I was quite ill about
it. Remembering your words, I thought it the most judicious plan to
write direct to the King, and break off the affair. After two days’
consideration, I did not think I was justified in doing so; I therefore
wrote to Herr von Massow, why and wherefore I could not give my
signature, requesting him to inform me whether the King intended to
carry out our former agreement. If he did not feel disposed to do so,
or if he, Herr von Massow, considered it necessary to insert new clauses
in the agreement, I should then consider the affair impracticable, and
must act accordingly. In the other view of the case, he knew that I was
prepared to come; I was also to say how far I had got with “Œdipus.”
I answered that in accordance with Tieck’s wish, I had arranged the
“Midsummer Night’s Dream” with music, to be performed in the new palace;
that I had also, by special commission from the King, written
choruses,[68] and that I had not resumed the choruses of “Œdipus”
since the previous autumn, because another Greek piece had been
appointed to be performed. I said all this in a friendly manner, but I
do assure you that the affair cost me four most angry, disturbed, and
irksome days. If I could only have spoken to you for a single hour! I
should have been glad to know whether you approved of my course, that is
of my letter, or whether you would have preferred a short letter
resigning the appointment. It is really too provoking that in all and
everything the same spirit prevails; in this case too, all might be
smoothed over and set to rights by a few words, and every moment I
expect to hear them spoken, and then there would be a possibility of
something good and new; but they are not spoken, and they are replaced
by a thousand annoyances, and my head at last is so bewildered that I
think I become almost as perverted and unnatural, as the whole affair
is at last likely to turn out. Forgive me for causing you to have your
share of annoyance, but now I have told you all--and enough. I have not
been able to work during these days. To make up for this, I have done
the “Jungfrau” for you in Indian ink; the mountain I think is excellent,
but I have again utterly destroyed the pines in the foreground. I mean
now, too, to resume your sonata.--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, July 26th, 1843.
Dearest Brother,
I have just received your kind letter, and indeed at the very moment
when I was about to write to you and beg you to give me quarters. Next
Tuesday, the 1st of August, I am obliged to return to Berlin to rehearse
and perform the “Tausendjährige Reich,” and to hear from the King his
views with regard to the composition of the Psalms. He yesterday
summoned me for this purpose, and of course I must go, and of course I
must live with you; but is it also of course that my visit is convenient
to you? This time I shall remain at least eight days; on the sixth is
the celebration of the above-mentioned “Reich.” Give me a line in
answer.
I have a reply to my letter from Von Massow, who writes me the King’s
invitation; he says we are sure to agree, and that some matters of form
are the only things in question; that I shall spare myself the annoyance
and vexation which such a tiresome correspondence must entail, and that
as I am coming at all events for the “Tausendjährige Reich,” I can also
reply personally to the _zehntausendjährige_ affair. Herr von Massow, in
fact, says pretty plainly, “Asking and bidding make the bargain;” that
he wished to see whether I would sign; and this not being the case, the
others would no doubt give way, etc. etc. All this is very confusing,
and I do not at all like it. To be sure, it is true that his head must
also be in a maze, and he appears to take all imaginable trouble about
the affair. I mean to bring you the whole of the everlasting papers for
your inspection; we can read them together when we meet. I hope, on this
occasion, not merely to have a Court dinner with the King, but a
satisfactory discussion on business; probably the easiest mode of
bringing about a result. I wish, if possible, to defer this till after
the celebration of the _tausendjährig_ festival; the chorale, that I
wrote for it, is, I believe, just what the King wishes, at all events it
furnishes an opportunity for a complete understanding.
My anger, which was indeed greater on this occasion than for a long time
past, I shook off in a defile on the way to Naumburg, close to Rippach,
where you drive down to Meissenfels; and a couple of good talks and
walks with Mühlenfels, fairly banished every trace of it. Kösen was a
pretty sight; we met Mlle. F---- and Herr C---- under the hazel bushes
and lovely lime-trees, and from every shrub, instead of glow-worms
glittered the order of the red eagle, of different classes; but it was
really beautiful. And now I am writing music once more instead of
painting fir-trees; therefore I cannot positively promise to finish the
“Jungfrau” before eight days. I have washed out the forest recently, for
the second time. It is a year the day after to-morrow since we set off
to Switzerland.--Your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, August 26th, 1843.
Dear Brother,
I yesterday received a letter from Herr von Massow containing the
intelligence that the King had fully sanctioned the affair of the
Wirklich Geheimrath; I wished to write this to you instantly.[69] To-day
I got a second letter, with the information that the King desires to
have three representations in the New Palace in the second half of
September, namely, 1, “Antigone;” 2, “The Midsummer Night’s Dream;” 3,
“Athalia” (“Medea” is to be given between Nos. 1 and 2, and all the four
within fourteen days), and I am invited to Berlin for the purpose. Now I
would rather not write, for I have a frightful quantity of things to do
before then, as not one of the scores is yet fit for the transcriber,
and the overture to “Athalia” still wanting, as well as the
instrumentation of the whole, etc. etc. I have written nevertheless that
I would come, and the music should be finished.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, September 16th, 1843.
Dear Brother,
Six days ago, Herr von Küstner (after a silence of ten days, in spite of
all my letters and messages) wrote to me, that the whole project of the
representations in the New Palace was postponed till October. So of
course I receive from him a letter to-day, saying that “on Tuesday, the
19th, ‘Antigone’ is to be given.” Luckily I smelt a rat, and shall set
off to Berlin by the first train the day after to-morrow.
I defer all else till we meet. You gave me permission to occupy the only
hotel in Berlin that I like, so I mean to go to you. _Au revoir._--Your
FELIX.
TO THE HOCH EDELRATH OF LEIPZIG.
(THE CORPORATION.)
Leipzig, October 3rd, 1843.
To the Corporation of the City of Leipzig, I am indebted for the
privilege of considering myself as in every sense belonging to that
city. I therefore take the liberty to address myself to the Corporation
on a subject which, though it does not personally concern me, is closely
connected with the interests of Art in this place, and with the city
itself. I hope on this account for their indulgence, and esteem it my
plain, bounden duty as a citizen, not to be idly silent on such an
occasion, but to express my dutiful wish, and request, in confidence to
the corporation.
The town orchestra here has communicated to me a memorial, in which they
beg that some alterations may be made in the terms of their contract
with the lessee of the theatre. Their chief object is an increase of
their salaries, which have for many years remained the same, and also an
improvement in the deputy regulations; and for the attainment of this
purpose the intervention of the Corporation is requested.
The petition has been rejected in its most essential points; for,
instead of the increase of salary demanded, the reply is that the lessee
of the theatre means to expend three hundred thalers more yearly on the
orchestra (which three hundred thalers must be divided among thirty-one
persons), and that “if he is satisfied with the performances of the
orchestra, and if his receipts admit of it, he may possibly be disposed
to grant a donation to the orchestra.”
I can only attribute such a proposal to some indistinct statement in the
memorial, or some obscure expressions. For, in my opinion, it is not a
question of alms, but of just claims.
I am well aware that it may be no easy matter to apply a scale of
payment to an intellectual body like that of the orchestra, and to tax
it in thalers and groschen; but in days like the present, when so much
is said about intellectual qualifications, there is one thing absolutely
certain, that it is possible for _justice_ and _injustice_, _fairness_
and _unfairness_, to exist in the remuneration of intellectual services;
that this does not depend upon the goodwill, more or less, or on the
favour of those who pay, but that a positive _right_ exists, which he
has the privilege of claiming who devotes his life to an intellectual
vocation, and can therefore legitimately demand that his life should be
sustained, if he carries out his calling well and blamelessly. This the
orchestra here, do in the most admirable manner; and under such a
conviction I do, in my inmost heart, consider that the salaries fixed in
the contract between the lessee of the theatre and the orchestra, are
unjust. Perhaps they were so even at the time they were settled, but are
now, owing to the change in the times, infinitely more so; the evidence
of which is so clearly set forth in the first memorial of the orchestra,
that I believe only a glance at it is necessary to prove the justice of
my assertion.
If the Corporation be also of this opinion, and convinced of the
unfairness of these points, the question would then be, in how far it is
_possible_ for the lessee of the theatre to comply with the wishes of
the orchestra; if, by his consent to increase the salaries, he would not
become bankrupt himself; and whether, in endeavouring to obtain justice
for the orchestra, injustice might not be done to the lessee?
Three things may form a criterion on this point,--the average receipts
of the lessee hitherto; the comparison between other theatrical salaries
and those of this orchestra; and lastly, the pay of other German
orchestras, in cities of the same standing as Leipzig.
With regard to the receipts of the lessee, it will be difficult to
obtain exact information. In spite of all the official documents and
rendering of accounts, I venture to assert that there is not a person in
Leipzig who is thoroughly acquainted with the fact, except the former
lessees themselves, who will at once decline answering any such
questions. In so far as I have seen of similar official documents, here
and in other cities, it seems an undeniable truth that, in an
undertaking of the kind, a yearly additional payment of two thousand
thalers would not cause the speculation to become a losing instead of a
good one. This is evident by a glance at the variable and sometimes
enormous salaries of the singers, male and female, for whose engagement
no theatre _entrepreneur_ would grudge an outlay like the above, in
order to cast greater lustre on his stage.
These salaries also furnish a complete answer to the second point; being
almost everywhere so greatly increased during the years when the
orchestra here have only received the old scale of payment, that a
theatrical lessee of the former date, would perhaps also have declared,
that such an amount of money was utterly irreconcilable with any profits
to himself. Singers, after a certain number of years, deteriorate; their
places must be supplied, new contracts made, and thus they can obtain
for themselves that justice which the members of the orchestra in vain
demand. Singers are paid in Leipzig at the same rate as in other places;
but not so the orchestra. If it be said, singers are only selected and
paid according to the requirements and fashion of the day, whereas, with
regard to the orchestra, it is so in a minor degree, for whether it be
better or worse constituted or paid, the public know nothing,--then this
is an additional reason for my writing this letter; for I consider it my
duty, and that of every friend to music, to protest against such a
theory. Just because the orchestra is not an article of luxury, but the
most necessary and important basis for a theatre,--just because the
public invariably regard with more interest articles of luxury than
more essential things,--on this very account, it is a positive duty to
endeavour to effect, that what is legitimate and necessary, should not
be disparaged and superseded by a love of glitter. Indeed, this was why
the Corporation took under their protection this orchestra, in the new
theatre contracts. If, however, they sanction the lessee of the theatre
making a contract with the orchestra, and permit the old and obsolete
salaries to remain as they are, then such protection would be no
benefit, but rather an injury to the orchestra. Things would thus
necessarily remain, year after year, in a position which has no parallel
in any German city of the same rank as Leipzig.
This leads me to the third point. It has been said that a comparison of
the salaries here with those in other towns is inadmissible. But how is
it possible to arrive in a better manner at a scale of justice or
injustice, in similar payments? As in other towns orchestras are better
paid, as in spite of this, lessees do not become bankrupt (and I believe
no instance was ever known of a theatrical manager being ruined by the
high salaries of an orchestra), as the same pretensions with regard to
services are made by the musicians here as elsewhere,--is it not clear
from all this, that the same mode of acting is possible here as
elsewhere? The pay which the orchestra in Frankfort-on-the-Maine
receives from the _theatre alone_, is not only higher than it would be
here, were the increase in question granted, but it is almost without
exception _higher than it is here for the theatre, concert, and church
music combined_, even if the demand in question were complied with.
Should not this prove that the prayer of the orchestra here is not
unreasonable,--that the theatre lessee may accede to it without any
risk? Indeed, may not a refusal on his part, lead to the inference that
this city considers its own musicians inferior to those of other towns
of a similar class? And yet such cannot be the case, for the
performances of our orchestra are not only equal to that of Frankfort,
but to those of every other German city; indeed, undeniably superior to
most of those with which I am acquainted! The favourable and wide-spread
musical reputation which Leipzig enjoys through the whole of Germany, it
owes entirely and solely to this orchestra, the members of which must
get on as they best can, in the most sparing and scanty manner. Such a
good reputation is certainly not without material advantage for the town
of Leipzig, even independent of the intellectual benefit to art. Shall,
then, those individuals to whom such happy results are owing, remain in
a state of privation, now as formerly, irrespective of these services,
and the change in the times, while the whole community thrives by their
merits, and the city itself derives honour and profit from them?
I shall only add a few words with regard to the deputy rule, or rather
_misrule_, as it ought more properly to be called; for it is really
difficult to form an idea of the confusion in this department, without
knowing it from personal experience, which I had an opportunity of
doing. This also has been minutely stated in former memorials, and I now
add an example from my own knowledge. In the concert of the day before
yesterday, the clarionet players were obliged to pay a silver thaler
each to their theatre deputy, so that each of them, for his services at
the rehearsal, and performance in the first subscription concert, _paid_
eight groschen. It may be suggested to raise the prices of the
concert-tickets; but this would not check the mischief. A strict rule as
to deputies can alone effect this. On the contrary, it is very desirable
that the scale adopted for payment of the concerts, should equally be
applied to the payment of extra performances in the theatre, which
demand the same amount of time and energy.
This brings me to the last point on which I wish to touch. If there be
the greatest difficulties in the way of repairing these evils, what
difficulty can there be in greatly raising the former fixed salaries for
extra performances? It is notorious that they are in no degree in
proportion to the increased receipts of the lessee; they are not in
proportion to the remuneration for other extra services, such as
concerts, church music, etc.; they are not even in proportion to the set
price fixed for the town musicians for balls, weddings, and so forth. I
am perfectly convinced that such an augmentation could be effected
without difficulty, and without any injury to the theatre lessee, and a
portion of the just complaints of the orchestra would thus be obviated.
May they all meet with that consideration to which their equity and
justice entitle them!
In conclusion, I beg forgiveness from the Corporation for the great
liberty which I have taken in writing this letter; it regards a matter
which does not personally concern me, and from which neither evil nor
good can accrue to me, and which only affects me in so far as it relates
to the interests of artists whom I so highly prize and esteem; it is of
importance to art also in this city; and I certainly can never see with
calmness or indifference, the increasing or decreasing reputation of
such an artistic institution as Leipzig possesses in this admirable
orchestra. May my words accordingly prove the heartfelt love and esteem
with which, so long as I live, I must ever regard all that affects the
honour of Leipzig in her artistic and musical sphere.--I am always the
devoted servant of the Corporation,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO THE KING OF PRUSSIA.
Berlin, 1844.
Your Majesty,
I venture in these lines to bring before you a petition which I have
much at heart.
Among the vast number of compositions sent to me from musicians here and
in other places, I lately received some works of a young man of the name
of G----, in which I perceived such unmistakable talent and such genuine
musical feeling, that they seemed to me like an oasis in the desert.
They consisted of a set of songs, and a grand piece of music for Good
Friday, which, (each in its own peculiar style,) displayed genuine
conceptions, and a true artistic nature. Indeed, the sacred music
inspires me with a strong hope, that the composer may accomplish
something really important in this sphere. Nothing is wanting for the
full development of his talents save that he should reside for some time
in a large city, in order to hear music and to become acquainted with
musicians; for since his youth, he has for the last eight years been a
teacher in the country, and during all that long period has lived
entirely apart from music, with no one but himself to rely on.
His most anxious wish is therefore to come to Berlin, there to pursue
his musical studies and compositions, and to cultivate his talents for
future practical efficacy. But for the fulfilment of this wish all
pecuniary resources are wanting, and gladly as I would lend him a
helping hand to attain his aim in a musical point of view, as far as my
ability goes, and willing as he is by his own labours in giving lessons
to endeavour to gain his own livelihood, still this latter resource is
always very precarious, and especially just at first, accompanied by so
many difficulties, that I could scarcely advise him to give up the
situation of tutor, by which he now gains his living.
If your Majesty were graciously pleased to furnish the young man with
the means of residing here, where he could hear and practise music till
he could become familiar with the musical world, from which he has been
so long estranged, then all obstacles would be removed, and your Majesty
have made one happy man the more.
I believe if he were allowed for two years two hundred thalers each
year, this would suffice, with his modest ideas and simple mode of
living, to enable him to accomplish the visit to Berlin he so eagerly
desires, and along with what he could and would make by his own
industry, secure his existence in the meantime.
His Excellency Herr von Massow, to whom I had an opportunity of
detailing personally the circumstances of the young man, encouraged me
to approach your Majesty with this petition. May, in any event, my
presumption be forgiven. The fulfilment of my request will be a fresh
reason, among many others, to feel the most heartfelt gratitude and
thankfulness towards your Majesty, and I need not say that such a
fulfilment would make the young man happy for life.[70]
_From Wirklich Geheimrath Ritter Bunsen, to Felix Mendelssohn
Bartholdy_, _Frankfort-on-the-Maine_.[71]
Berlin, Sunday morning, April 28th, 1844.
My dear and esteemed Friend,
I hope that these lines may find you free from all cares and anxieties.
I send them to you in a kindly spirit for the sake of the cause and
yourself.
You have _hurt_ the feelings of the King by your refusal to compose
music for the “Eumenides.” I was with him when Graf Redern gave him back
the book with this decision. As I saw this touched the King very nearly,
though he was not in the least _excited_, I remarked that perhaps you
conceived that the whole trilogy was to be set to music. His Majesty
answered, “That would be all the better, but it could not prevent
Mendelssohn composing for the ‘Eumenides,’ which, in itself, may be
regarded as a splendid whole.” I really did not know what to say, and I
confess to you that your answer has deeply grieved myself. The affair,
too, is much talked of _here_, and minutely discussed. In this good town
it is thought “very wrong” in you to go to England instead of composing
for the King. The King himself is quite determined not to let the affair
drop. It has been suggested to him to entrust the work to another
artist, who, it seems, has promised to undertake the affair at once. You
neither _must_ nor _can_ permit this; you neither can nor will annoy the
King. I also heard Tieck speaking of the affair the day before
yesterday, who began to talk of it when I was with him. The King sent
him also a message on the subject. You can understand that his Majesty,
taking into consideration the short span of life remaining to the great
_Chorodidascalos_, and knowing that _he_ alone can put it on the stage
here, is somewhat impatient. Tieck shares the universal opinion about
you here, although with the most entire recognition of your character
and of your genius. I may also further say to you, quite in confidence,
that your declining to compose some songs for “Wie es euch gefällt” has
left a painful impression on Tieck, and elsewhere; he is of opinion that
your reason for this, “to allow some time to elapse between this and the
Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is a very insufficient one; for the more and
the oftener the public are offered good food, the sooner will they turn
away from the wretched stuff on which they are now nourished.
But this is immaterial compared with the chief point.
Rejoice me soon by the intelligence that the whole thing is a
misunderstanding, and that you are willing to compose music for the
“Eumenides.” Tieck himself says that the choruses might be here and
there shortened; a trilogy, too, might be accomplished with great
curtailments. But the “Eumenides,” as a whole, with any curtailments
which may appear advisable to you, must first be separately performed.
What a glorious subject! What an unparalleled effect! Your “Antigone”
choruses are making the tour of Europe; those of Æschylus would do the
same. You will aid in establishing a new phase in art. Reflect that the
King loves you; that your refusal affected him very painfully; that
after having endured so much misapprehension, so many bitter
disappointments, so many obstacles in the noblest paths of his reign, he
is not prepared to meet with difficulties in this quarter also. “Et tu
Brute fili.” Pour out your heart to me as I have done to you. You know
that you may depend upon me. We must all assist in supporting this noble
Prince in his good and grand ideas. The world requires new elements of
life; happy he who can help to create them!--Unchangeably your faithful
friend,
BUNSEN.
TO THE WIRKLICH GEHEIMRATH BUNSEN.
Frankfort-a.-M., May 4th, 1844.
Your Excellency’s kind letter I received here when on the point of
setting off for England. First of all, I hasten to thank you in the most
heartfelt manner for this fresh proof of your friendly feelings towards
myself. I wish I may one day be able to express more clearly my
gratitude for all your kindness and friendship! I know how to
appreciate these to the fullest extent, and am proud of them, as the
best and dearest which can ever be my portion in this world.
To all those who have discussed with me the performances of Æschylus’s
“Eumenides,” to the King, to Graf Redern, and more particularly to
Geheimrath Tieck,--I have declared that I consider this representation,
and, above all, the composition of the choruses, a most difficult and
perhaps impracticable problem, _but that I would nevertheless make the
attempt to solve it_. I asked Herr Geheimrath Tieck what time was
allowed me to make my decision; whether my attempt would be considered
by the King worthy of being performed, or if it were likely to be
permitted to rest in my desk? He answered me that the representation
could only take place in the _large Opera-House_; that pieces of this
kind could not be produced in small localities; this was a very
different affair from the “Antigone,” etc., and as the opening of the
Opera-House was fixed for the 15th of December, it would be time enough
if I occupied myself with the music during my stay in England, or after
my return thence. Moreover, it was signified to me that in the event of
my not undertaking the commission, some other composer would be
selected. In accordance with truth I was obliged to answer, that it
would certainly be more agreeable to me if another person were chosen
for this purpose, as in my eyes the difficulties were immense; but I
always and everywhere declared my entire readiness to attempt the
composition, adding that my decision on the point should at all events
be made early enough, to give ample time to any other composer who could
more easily solve the difficulties, so that no obstacles should be
thrown in the way on my side.
What your Excellency therefore has written to me about this affair,
comes upon me the more unexpectedly and vexatiously since Herr
Geheimrath Tieck, in the conversations we held together on the subject,
thoroughly agreed in my views of the difficulties attending its
execution,--acknowledging them in his turn to be almost insuperable; and
yet, to his express question, whether I would not undertake the
composition of the choruses he received from me, agreeably to the
above-mentioned explanations, the following answer,--that I was, _on the
contrary_, ready to make the _attempt_, and I should certainly _not be
any hindrance_ in the matter. Indeed, with a view to facilitate the
idea, I suggested _to him_ that some of the choruses, which appeared to
me unsuitable, should be curtailed, a proposal which, as you write to
me, he fully concurs in.
I have always spoken only of an attempt, and must now do the same. My
not being able at once to accept and consent to the request as I would
to any other, is partly owing to the novel nature and extraordinary
difficulty of the piece itself, (I can appeal to the judgment of any
musician as to the fact,) and partly to the high estimation in which I
hold the refined artistic feeling of the King--to whom it is impossible
to offer indiscriminately failures and successes--and lastly owing to a
certain duty that I owe to myself, which makes me unwilling to undertake
music, in the success of which I, at least to a considerable degree,
place no faith. I thought I might hope that this should not cause my
goodwill to be doubted, which I have already proved in the course of
this year by the accomplishment of various very difficult tasks, which
were demanded in the _shortest_ time.
The key of the riddle seems to me to be, that my views as to the
difficult nature of the representation, are shared by many who may
probably have wished to convince the King also of the fact; for this
purpose they have selected me as the origin of these difficulties, which
I am not, and never will be; they lie, unluckily, far more in the piece
itself. And now permit me a few words on this point also.
Because I owe so much gratitude to the King,--because I honour him in
the depths of my soul as an admirable, noble prince and man,--on this
very account I think that all I do by his command should be done with a
good conscience, and in a cheerful spirit. If I were to accept his ideas
_without that_, were I to produce them before people without being
myself really and truly inspired by them, were I to use his commands as
a cloak for my failure, and further, to represent my failure as the
result of his ideas,--then I should utterly ruin these ideas, and then I
should utterly ruin the good opinion which I trust he still has of me;
_then_ he would have a right to apply to me the words, “Et tu Brute.”
For thus it appears to me most of those seem to act who entail on him,
as you say, so many obstacles and deceptions, and I never will join such
“assassins.”
I will always obey the commands of a sovereign so beloved by me, even at
the sacrifice of my personal wishes and advantage. If I find I cannot do
so with a _good artistic conscience_, I must endeavour candidly to state
my scruples or my incapacity, and if that does not suffice, then I must
go. This may sound absurd in the mouth of a musician, but shall I not
feel duty as much in _my_ position as others do in _theirs_? In an
occurrence so personally important to me, shall I not follow the
dictates of integrity and truth, as I have striven to do all my life?
After this fresh experience, I fear even what I verbally mentioned to
your Excellency already,--that my stay on such slippery ground, and
under such perplexing circumstances, is impossible. But by this mode of
acting, and this _alone_, can I hope, independently of momentary
impressions, to preserve the good opinion of his Majesty, which is more
important to me than all the rest; indeed it is only thus that I can
hope _really_ to serve the King and his ideas. I cannot be an
indifferent, doubtful, or secretly discontented servant to such a
monarch; he could not employ me _thus_, and _thus_ I would not only be
useless to him, but sacrifice myself.
TO JULIUS STERN, PARIS, (NOW PROFESSOR IN BERLIN.)
London, May 27th, 1844.
Dear Herr Stern,
You well know the very great pleasure your kind letter was sure to cause
me; at the same time I was perfectly aware that in the first moments
after the representation[72] you would view in far too favourable a
light, and far too highly prize, my music and its success. But that you
should do so, and feel yourself thus rewarded for the many and great
efforts which this representation has cost you, is indeed to me a source
of the highest gratification. Accept my most cordial thanks. May I, by
better works, deserve your too partial opinion! May all my works find
friends as loving to adopt them, and to bring them to a satisfactory
execution! May this also be the case at all times with your own works; I
cannot desire anything better for you.
I am also exceedingly indebted to you for having been so kind as to
thank the performers in my name. According to your suggestion, I am
writing some lines to Herr Morel, who directed the music, requesting him
to be assured of my gratitude, and to express this also to Herr Boccage;
but do not be displeased with me if I decline taking the other
hint,--as to making a present to the leading performers. This would be
contrary to the fixed principles which I adopted at the beginning of my
musical career,--never in any way to mix up my personal position with my
musical one, or ever to improve the latter by the influence of the
former, or in any manner to bribe public or private opinion with regard
to me, or even to attempt to strengthen it. Precisely owing to the
heartfelt gratitude I entertain towards all those who interest
themselves in my music, it would be impossible for me to follow the
fashion of giving similar presents, without for ever embittering for the
future, the gratitude, and the joy emanating from it. And although this
fashion may have been introduced by great authorities, I must always
remain true to myself, and to what I deem to be right, and feel to be
right; so you must excuse me for not complying with this practice.[73] I
trust that you will not be angry with me, and rather defend me against
those who may attack me on this account. You will acknowledge that every
man must fix certain rules by which he is to live and act, and will not
therefore misconstrue my adhering to mine. My hearty greeting to all my
friends, and may we have a happy meeting in our Fatherland.--Your
devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Soden, near Frankfort-a.-M., July 17th, 1844.
My dearest Friend,
I found all my family well, and we had a joyful meeting when I arrived
here on Saturday, in health and happiness, after a very rapid journey.
Cécile looks so well again,--tanned by the sun, but without the least
trace of her former indisposition; my first glance told this when I came
into the room, but to this day I cannot cease rejoicing afresh every
time that I look at her. The children are as brown as Moors, and play
all day long in the garden. I employed yesterday and the day before
entirely in recovering from my great fatigue, in sleeping and eating,--I
did not a little in that way, and so I am myself again now, and I take
one of the sheets of paper that Cécile painted for me to write to you.
Once more I thank you from my very heart for the past happy time,--all
that is good and imperishable in it comes from you; so I feel most
grateful to you, and pray continue to love me, as I shall you so long as
I live.
I am sitting here at the open window, looking into the garden at the
children, who are playing with their “dear Johann.”[74] The omnibus to
Königstein passes this twice every day. We have early strawberries for
breakfast, at two we dine, have supper at half-past eight in the
evening, and by ten we are all asleep. Hoffmann von Fallersleben is
here, and paid me a visit yesterday. All those who are entitled to do
so, wear a bit of ribbon in their button-holes, and are called
“Geheimrath;” all the world talking of Prussia and blaming her,--in fact
they speak of nothing else. The country is covered with pear-trees and
apple-trees, so heavy with fruit that they are all propped up; then the
blue hills, and the windings of the Maine and the Rhine; the
confectioner, from whom you can buy thread and shirt-buttons; the
well-spring No. 18, which is also called the Champagne Spring; the Herr
Medicinalrath Thilenius; the list of visitors, which comes out every
Saturday, as ‘Punch’ does with you; the walking-post, who, before going
to Frankfort, calls as he passes to ask what we want, and next day
brings me my linen back; the women who sell cherries, with whom my
little four-year-old Paul makes a bargain, or sends them away, just as
he pleases; above all, the pure Rhenish air,--this is familiar to all,
and I call it Germany!
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Soden, July 19th, 1844.
My dear Brother,
I am once more on German ground and soil; well, fresh, and happy at
home, having found all my family in the best health possible; and we
now pass our days pleasantly here, in this most lovely country.
My visit to England was glorious; I never was anywhere received with
such universal kindness as on this occasion, and I had more music in
these two months than elsewhere in two years. My A minor symphony twice,
the “Midsummer Night’s Dream” three times, “St. Paul” twice, the trio
twice; the last evening of my stay in London the “Walpurgis Nacht,” with
quite wonderful applause; besides these, the variations for two
performers on the piano, the quartett twice, the D major and E minor
quartett twice, various songs without words, Bach’s D minor concerto
twice, and Beethoven’s G major concerto. These are some of the pieces
which I played in public. Then, in addition, the direction of all the
Philharmonic and other concerts, the innumerable parties, the
publication of “Israel in Egypt,” which I worked at for the Handel
Society, and revised from the manuscript; and in the midst of all this
the composition of the overture to “Athalia,” which, being excessively
troublesome, was no slight task.[75]
You can gather from this how gay and stirring my life was. My chief
aim--to do a service to the Philharmonic Society--succeeded beyond all
expectation; it is the universal opinion that they have not had such a
season for years past. This, to be sure, does not cure the radical evil
which I this time amply experienced, and which, must prevent the Society
continuing to prosper--the canker in its constitution--musical _rotten
boroughs_, etc. But more of this and many other points when we meet. One
thing I must also mention, which I regretted chiefly on your account. I
was invited to go to Dublin, to be made a Doctor by the University
there, and Morgan John O’Connell wished to give me a letter to his uncle
in prison; but I could not accept it, on account of the short time, and
the intense excitement of such a journey, in five days. The thought of
the great pleasure you would have felt in my doing so was constantly
present with me, and I gave up the idea with sincere regret. What a
strange contrast this quiet little spot forms to all the previous
immense excitement! Here a walk of ten minutes brings you to the heights
of the Taunus, with a view over the valleys of the Maine and Rhine, as
far as Frankfort, Worms, and Mayence. Here I can look all around for
days and days, and require nothing further, and yet do as much, or, in
fact, more, than in the midst of the excitement in London.--Your
FELIX.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Soden, July 25th, 1844.
If you refuse to come to Soden for a fortnight, to enjoy with me the
incredible fascinations of this country and locality, all my
descriptions are of no avail; and, alas! I know too well that you will
not come. I therefore spare you many descriptions. My family improve
every day in health, while I lie under apple-trees and huge oaks. In the
latter case, I request the swine-herd to drive his animals under some
other tree, not to disturb me (this happened yesterday); further, I eat
strawberries with my coffee, at dinner and supper; I drink the waters of
the Asmannshäuser spring, rise at six o’clock, and yet sleep nine hours
and a half (pray, Fanny, at what hour do I go to bed?). I visit all the
wondrously beautiful environs, I generally meet Herr B. in the most
romantic spot of all (happened yesterday), who gives me the latest and
best report of you all, and addresses me as General Music Director,
which sounds as strange here as Oberursel, and Lorschbach, and
Schneidheim would to you. Then towards evening I have visits from Lenau,
and Hoffmann von Fallersleben, and Freiligrath, when we stroll through
the fields for a quarter of an hour near home, and find fault with the
system of the world, utter prophecies about the weather, and are unable
to say what England is prepared to do in the future. Further, I sketch
busily, and compose still more busily. (_A propos_, look for the organ
piece in A major, that I composed for your wedding, and wrote out in
Wales, and send it to me here immediately; you shall positively have it
back, but I require it. I have promised an English publisher to furnish
him with a whole book of organ pieces, and as I was writing out one
after another, that former one recurred to me. I like the beginning, but
detest the middle, and am re-writing it with another choral fugue; but
should like to compare it with the original, so pray send it here.)
Further, I must unluckily go to-morrow to Zweibrücken,[76] and I don’t
feel much disposed for this; still, there is first-rate wine at Dürkheim
(as credible witnesses inform me), and I hear the country is very
beautiful, and to-morrow week (God willing) I shall be here again, when
I shall once more lie under the apple-trees, etc., _dal segno_. Ah! if
this could go on for ever!
Jesting apart, the contrast of these days with my stay in England is so
remarkable, that I can never forget it. The previous three weeks _not a
single hour_ unoccupied, and here the whole of the bright days free,
without an employment of any kind, except what I choose for myself
(which is the sole fruitful and profitable kind), and what is not done
to-day is done to-morrow, and there is leisure for everything. In
England this time, it was indeed wonderful; but I must describe to you
when we meet each concert there, and each bramble-bush here.
Now, tell me what you are doing, and _he_, and all of you. It is high
time that Sebastian[77] should write me a letter. Read him these lines
from his uncle (no other part of the letter; he ought to think it
contained something worth reading), and do really make him write to me.
But I stipulate beforehand, that none of you are to read his letter, or
he would be on ceremony, and write in a fine style, or even write first
a rough copy.
Farewell, dear Sister; may we soon meet again. Do not forget the piece
for the organ, and still less its author; forget, however, the stupidity
of this letter, and that I am such a lazy correspondent.--Your
FELIX.
TO FANNY HENSEL, BERLIN.
Soden, August 15th, 1844.
Look again in the music shelves, in the compartment where there is a
great deal of loose music lying; among it you will find an open red
portfolio, which contains a quantity of my unbound manuscript
music--songs, pianoforte pieces, printed and unprinted; there you will
positively find the organ piece in A major. It is just possible that I
may in so far be mistaken; that it is in a _bound_ music-book which lies
in “_my_ compartment,” and in which many similar pieces are bound
together. I found the piece, however, in one of the two last winter,
and _stans pede in uno_ (Sebastian will explain this) looked through it,
marvelled at the odious middle part, and also at the charming
commencement (between ourselves, all from modesty). Now, pray search
diligently, and send it off to Soden as soon as you find it. I shall
laugh heartily if, by describing to you at the distance of Soden where
the piece is, you find it. I must tease you about this for the rest of
my life.
I am going to make an expedition on foot to Wiesbaden to-morrow, to
visit Uncle Joseph; and the day after to Hamburg, also on foot, to
attend Döhler’s concert. Prume is to call for me, and we are to go
together. I heard Döhler and Piatti in their last concert in London, and
clapped and shouted for them; and now I mean to do the same at Hamburg,
which will be diverting enough. The day before yesterday I was at
Eppstein, where there was a new organ and a church festival, and where
the Vocal Associations of Frankfort, Wiesbaden, and Mayence offered to
sing, and were present; but a letter came from the Amtmann in Königstein
forbidding them to sing, so they set off, and went to Hofheim, (do you
know the white chapel, which is visible in the whole country round? Paul
will tell you about it,) and there they sang. Towards evening, as I was
driving quietly with the ladies and all the children on the high-road
through Hofheim, we saw heads innumerable peeping out of the windows of
the inn,--all, I suspect, more or less tipsy,--shouting out loud
_vivats_ to me. The ladies wished to stop there to have some coffee, but
I opposed this strongly, so we ate pound-cake in the carriage.
But I must now tell you of my works; there is little enough to say about
them as yet. With the exception of five great organ pieces, and three
little songs, nothing is finished; the symphony makes but slow progress;
I have resumed a Psalm. If I could only continue to live during half a
year as I have done here for a fortnight past, what might I not
accomplish? But the regulation and direction of so many concerts, and
attending others, is no joke, and nothing is gained by it. I feel always
at home among cows and pigs, and like best to be with my equals,--the
one is the result of the other, you will say; but to let bad jokes
alone, I am not a little pleased with your new songs. Would that I could
hear them forthwith! But it will certainly be September before we see
each other again, as Madame Bunsen has written that she has been charged
to inform me the King does not expect me back in Berlin till the end of
September. We have had for some days past such abominable weather, that
this is the first day I have been able to cross the threshold since I
left Eppstein. My letter, therefore, is not so cheerful as you could
desire; but I cannot help it, for the Altkönig looks too stern and
gloomy. I must describe to you my journey back from Zweibrücken. My
landlord drove me the first stage in his carriage; there the Landrath
von Pirmaseus received us with a breakfast, and very fine wine, (this
was at eight o’clock in the morning,) and drove us a stage further in
his carriage, to a grand old castle in the Vosges, where we dined, and
ascended a hill in the afternoon. Cannons were fired there to show the
echo, and champagne drunk, and at every fresh toast the cannons were
discharged. He then drove us another stage, where the proprietor of St.
Johann took us under his charge, and gave us quarters for the night, and
good wine; and next morning came another Zweibrückner with his carriage,
and after drinking a little more good wine, we drove on to Deidesheim,
where Herr Buhl was waiting to receive us in his vaults; but who and
what Herr Buhl and his vaults are, it is quite impossible for me to
describe to you,--you must come and taste for yourself, I mean the
Forster of 1842, which he fabricates. The cellars were lighted up, and
there lay all the valuable hogsheads; and the rooms above these cellars
were as elegant as possible, adorned with paintings by Spasimo, and the
great Roberts, and Winterhalter’s ‘Decameron;’ and a fine new grand
pianoforte, by Streicher; and a pretty woman, who in autumn selects the
particular grapes in the bunches to be used in making the wine,
which--but excuse the rest. Still, those who have not paid a visit to
Herr Buhl (or to his brother-in-law, Herr Jordan), do not know what
Forster is here below. They insisted on our dining with them, though we
ought not to have done so, being expected to dinner at Dürkheim; still,
we dined all the same (Richard Boeckh will fully confirm all this, for
he was with us the whole time), and when dinner was over, Herr Buhl
drove us in his phaeton to Durkheim (three-quarters of a German mile) in
twenty minutes, so that we might not arrive too late for dinner; and in
Dürkheim we found half the musical festival again assembled, and
wreaths, and inscriptions, and ripe grapes; only we could drink no more
wine after that of Herr Buhl!
[Illustration: musical notation]
This is the national song of the Palatinate, called “Der Jäger aus
Kurpfalz.” It is sung the whole live-long day, blown on horns by
postilions, played as a serenade by regimental bands, and used as a
march; and, if a native of the Palatinate comes to see you, and you wish
to give him pleasure, you must play it to him; but with _abandon_, and
with great expression,--that is, jovially.
Such was my journey back from the Palatinate; and if you find this
description somewhat inebriated, I have certainly hit on the right key,
for, from nine o’clock in the morning, we were never really quite
steady, though I can assure you that until the evening, I invariably
displayed great dignity and propriety. (I refer you to Richard Boeckh.)
After the performance of “St. Paul,” he suddenly and unexpectedly
emerged from among the public, and you may imagine with what joy I
recognized my _Boccia_ comrade from the Leipziger Strasse, No. 3,[78]
among all the strange faces; and, to use an expression of the
Palatinate, I held him fast. As to the performances themselves,--now, I
must of course resume my usual sober style, for the other forms too
great a contrast to my _métier_,--but no! I think I must continue my
tipsy tone, and tell you that amid a great many deficiencies, we had the
best St. Paul and Druid Priest there whom I have yet met with in
Germany, namely, a Herr Oberhofer, a singer from Carlsruhe, who was
formerly in the capital. I do not know what he may be on the stage, but
it is impossible for any one to sing, or to deliver the music which I
heard better, with more intelligence, or more impressively, than he did.
He made the third in our merry return journey. How the Landrath
Pirmaseus was thrown into a brook, how Herr Sternfeld used a sausage to
conduct the orchestra, and how, in the first part of the oratorio, the
player of the kettle-drum beat it in two, and his remark on the subject,
when sitting in the street with the others, at half-past two o’clock in
the morning, drinking punch,--all this you must hear from my own lips.
Keep the whole of this letter strictly private from Sebastian; but thank
him repeatedly from me for his nice letter. Tell him that I care very
little about his No. 1, and that he ought not to be in any hurry to come
to _Untersecunda_. When all number _ones_, and classes, and
examinations, come to an end, and when no man living either asks for or
gives testimonials, then learning will first begin in good earnest, and
all our energies will be called forth, and yet we shall obtain no red
certificates; and that would indeed be delightful, and that would indeed
be life itself. And thus it is that I care so little about No. 1 of
_Untertertia_, or for No. 1 of the Order of the Red Eagle, or for all
the other numbers in the world. Or, if this be too philosophical for
you, or too unphilosophical, then keep it from him also; but it forms a
part of my creed. May we have a pleasant, happy, speedy meeting!--Your
FELIX.
TO PROFESSOR VERHULST, THE HAGUE.
Berlin, November 17th, 1844.
Sir,
Pray accept my thanks for your kind letter, and the accompanying parcel,
with its rich and valuable contents.
If you are like me, you can hear nothing more welcome about your works,
than when you are told that you have made progress in them; and in those
you have now sent me, this is very manifest throughout them all. They
are almost in every respect masterly and defined, and devoid of all that
is false or incongruous, in individual passages; and when taken as a
whole, if one piece appears more finished or more sympathetic than
another, what is so fine in Art is precisely, that it gives no mastery
so entire as to _rise superior_ to this; and one of the secrets of
honest assiduous work is, that what is less successful does not give
rise to despair, and what is more successful does not give rise to
arrogance; and thus others may get a just insight into the workshop of
the soul of an artist. Such a survey of your present production you have
enabled me to make, by the valuable packet you have sent me. A
succession of many works, displays decidedly what one solitary work
cannot do, that you have won for yourself a higher and loftier position
by the cultivation of your talents, which rejoices me much, and for
which I owe you my sincere and heartfelt thanks.
May your praiseworthy endeavours to diffuse the knowledge of songs in
your mother-tongue prove successful, and meet with that grateful
acknowledgment which they so well deserve! I know of no more noble aim
that any one could propose to himself, than to give music to his own
language and to his own country, as you have done, and still design to
do. These works are a fine commencement for such a purpose; but, that
their tones may not die away unheard by your fellow-countrymen, many,
many more must yet follow, and with ever-increasing progress. Vocation
and endowments are your own. So, may Heaven grant you also health and
steady perseverance, and a happy life!
This is the wish of your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
_From Minister Eichhorn,[79] to Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, at
Frankfurt-am-Main._
Berlin, March 2nd, 1845.
Sir,
You may remember that I made a report to his Majesty, some years since,
on proposals which had been suggested for the establishment of a
Conservatorium here; his Majesty, however, was pleased to declare that
the establishment of such a Conservatorium was not at present in
accordance with his Majesty’s views. The affair has consequently
remained since that time in abeyance. The absolute necessity of a reform
in the Royal Academy of Arts seems daily to be more urgent, it therefore
becomes a duty to obtain as clear a view as possible of the measures to
be pursued, and to settle the preliminary arrangements for the best mode
of fulfilling this design. The musical section of the Academy, which
cannot be continued under its present regulations, must form one of the
most essential points in this reform. As, however, in accordance with
the good pleasure of his Majesty, the eventual enlargement of this
section to a real Conservatorium is not at present to take place, it
seems most advisable not to lose sight of the principle which forms the
basis of the present section, and to direct every effort to secure its
most perfect development. This principle assumes that the chief object
of the musical section should be especially to form a school for
_musical composition_. For this purpose, it is, in my opinion, above all
expedient that a master should stand at the head of such a section who,
by his own energetic, creative powers, may become a guiding star for
others, and thus be enabled to exercise a genuine and stimulating
influence; possessing also the ability to examine critically the
productions of the scholars, and by his zealous co-operation to guide
them on the right path, in the very same way that in the plastic arts,
the master of the _atelier_ stands in relation to his scholars.
Instruction in the theory and history of music might be shared by other
teachers. Steps should besides be taken, by a closer connection with
other institutes, or by any other suitable means, to endeavour to form a
limited choir and orchestra, which might furnish an opportunity for the
performance of classical _chefs-d’œuvre_, as well as of the works of
the scholars, and likewise for practice in conducting,--an arrangement
which, in the event of an urgent and manifest necessity for such a
thing, might perhaps at some future day lead to a real Conservatorium.
You will, Sir, earn my best thanks by being so good as to transmit to me
your sentiments on these suggestions, and more especially if, in case
you agree to these proposals in their general outline, you could also
assure me that you are eventually disposed yourself to undertake the
direction and the situation of teacher of composition, in the said
musical section. Should this latter proposal, however, not be in
conformity with your plans in life, may I request you to name the person
among our composers here or elsewhere who, according to your competent
judgment, is best suited to superintend with success the situation in
question, as it seems to me very desirable to discuss any further
measures that may be necessary with the director selected for that
section.--Accept, Sir, etc.,
EICHHORN.
TO MINISTER EICHHORN, BERLIN.
Frankfurt-am-M., March 6th, 1845.
I must first of all thank your Excellency for the flattering proof of
confidence contained in the letter I have received from your Excellency,
and also for your wish to hear my opinion in so important a matter. That
the reform of the Academy of Arts and its musical section, which your
Excellency refers to in your letter, will be of the greatest value to
the whole musical condition of Berlin, does not admit of the smallest
doubt. Your Excellency informs me that it is your intention to effect
this by placing a composer at the head of the musical section to be a
guiding star to the pupils by his own energetic creative powers, like
the master of the _atelier_ in the plastic arts, and you do me honour to
mention my name on this occasion, or in the event of my being prevented
accepting this offer, you commission me to point out one of my
colleagues in art whom I consider best suited for such a situation. But
in order to form a decided opinion on the matter, I must beg for an
explanation of various points which, in this and every other affair of
the same kind, appear to me the most important, and before which all
personal questions must retire into the background.
Is the reform which you have in view in the musical section, to consist
solely in the appointment of such a composer, and the musical section
to continue in the same shape as formerly? If this be the case, what
relation will such a director assume to the former members of the senate
or section, and to the director of the whole Academy? Is the
distribution of the different branches of instruction to remain the
same, or is a reform proposed in this respect also? In what does the
actual practical efficacy of such a teacher consist? It is not possible
to show the act of composition, as the master in an _atelier_ does the
design of a picture or the form of a model, and according to your
Excellency’s words, an intellectual influence is what is chiefly
required. Such an influence, according to my conviction, is only to be
obtained in the School of Art, when the whole course of instruction has
already laid a sound foundation, when all the teachers in their positive
departments strive towards the same point, when no actual deficiency is
anywhere overlooked in the organization, and finally, when, as a
key-stone, the corresponding impulses of this organization are combined
and placed before the scholars in their practical application, and thus
more strongly impressed on their minds. In this sense I could well
imagine such a new active situation fruitful for good and for influence;
but it seems to me that for this purpose it is not merely the situation
itself which is to effect it, but in reality a reform of the whole
_inner_ constitution of the Academy; and I do not know whether this
enters into your Excellency’s views, or indeed be within the range of
possibility. Without this, the position, though undoubtedly highly
honourable, would be devoid of all real, practical utility; a merely
universal excitement, however great, can at best only call forth an
unfruitful enthusiasm in the minds of the scholars, if indeed it calls
forth anything whatsoever. The teachers of positive science alone would,
in such a case, acquire a decided influence on the development of young
artists; the professor at the head, influencing only by example, would,
on the other hand, be like a mere airy phantom, and the connection
between the head and the limbs fail, without which neither the head nor
the limbs can live or thrive.
If your Excellency will be so good as to give me some more precise
information on this matter, I shall then be in a position to form a
clearer view of the affair itself, as well as of the personal questions
connected with it; and I shall esteem it my duty on this as on every
other subject, to state my opinion candidly to your
Excellency.[80]--Your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
_To Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, from the Geheim Cabinetsrath
Müller._[81]
Berlin, March 5th, 1855.
It is proposed to set to music the choruses of the trilogy of
“Agamemnon,” the “Choëphorœ,” and the “Eumenides,” to be combined and
curtailed for performance. According to Tieck’s information, you
declined the composition in this form. The King can scarcely believe
this, as his Majesty distinctly remembers that you, esteemed Sir,
personally assured him that you were prepared to undertake this
composition. I am therefore commissioned by the King to ask, whether the
affair may not be considered settled by your verbal assent, and whether,
in pursuance of this, you feel disposed to be so kind as to declare your
readiness to undertake the composition, which will be a source of much
pleasure to the King, and in accordance with your promise, gladly to
comply with any wishes of his Majesty.--I am, Sir, your obedient,
MÜLLER.
TO GEHEIM CABINETSRATH MÜLLER, BERLIN.
Frankfort, March 12th, 1845.
His Majesty the King never spoke to me on the subject of the choruses
in the combined and curtailed trilogy of “Agamemnon,” the
“Choëphorœ,” and the “Eumenides.” His Majesty certainly was pleased
to appoint me the task last winter of composing music for the choruses
in Æschylus’s “Eumenides.” I could not promise to supply this music,
because I at once saw that the undertaking was beyond my capabilities;
still I promised his Majesty to make the attempt, not concealing at the
same time the almost insuperable difficulties which caused me to doubt
the success of the attempt.[82]
Since then, I have occupied myself for a considerable time, in the most
earnest manner, with the tragedy. I have endeavoured by every means in
my power to extract a musical sense from these choruses, in order to
render them suitable for composition, but I have not succeeded, and have
only been enabled to fulfil the task in the case of one of them, in such
a manner as is demanded by the loftiness of the subject, and the refined
artistic perceptions of the King. Of course the question was not that of
writing tolerably suitable music for the choruses, such as any composer
conversant with the forms of art could write for almost every word, but
the injunction was to create for the Æschylus choruses music in the good
and scientific style of the present day, which should express their
meaning, with life and reality. I have endeavoured to do this in my
music to “Antigone,” with the Sophocles choruses; with regard, however,
to the Æschylus choruses, in spite of all my strenuous efforts, I have
not hitherto succeeded even in any one attempt.
The contraction of these pieces into one, exceedingly augments the
difficulty, and I venture to assert that no living musician is in a
position to solve this giant task conscientiously,--far less then can I
pretend to do so.
In requesting your Excellency to communicate this to his Majesty, I also
beg you at the same time to mention the three compositions of mine,
which, by his Majesty’s commands, are now ready for performance, namely,
the “Œdipus Coloneus,” the “Athalie” of Racine, and the “Œdipus
Rex” of Sophocles. The entire full scores of the two former are
completed, first and last, so that nothing further is required for their
representation, except the distribution of the parts to the actors and
singers. The sketch of the “Œdipus Rex,” is also completed. I mention
these, in the hope that they may furnish a proof that I always consider
the fulfilment of his Majesty’s commands as a duty and a pleasure, so
long as I can entertain any hope of performing the task worthily; and to
show that when I allow even one to remain unfulfilled, it arises solely
from want of ability, and never from want of intention.
_Answer from Müller._
Berlin, March 19th, 1845.
Immediately on receipt of your esteemed letter of the 12th instant, I
took an opportunity to inform his Majesty of its contents. The King
laments being obliged to resign the great pleasure it would have caused
his Majesty to see the Æschylus choruses composed by you, but rejoices
in the completion of the Sophocles trilogy, and also in that of
“Athalie.” The King hopes for your presence here in the approaching
summer, as his Majesty wishes to become acquainted with these new
compositions under your direction alone.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Frankfort, March 7th, 1845.
My dear Friend,
It is so good and kind of you to write me a gossiping letter again, as
in the good old times. I leave everything undone and untouched till I
have answered you, and thanked you for all your continued friendship and
kindness towards me. What you say of the English musical doings
certainly does not sound very satisfactory, but where are they really
satisfactory? Only within a man’s own heart; and there we find no such
doings, but something far better. So little benefit is derived even by
the public itself from all this directing and these musical
performances,--a little better, a little worse, what does it matter? how
quickly is it forgotten! and what really influences all this and
advances and promotes it, are after all the quiet calm moments of the
inner man, taking in tow all these public fallacies and dragging them to
and fro as they well deserve. Probably you will say this is the way in
which a domestic animal, or a snail, or an old-fashioned grumbler would
speak; and yet there is some truth in it; and one book of your studies
has had more influence on the public and on Art, than I do not know how
many morning and evening concerts during how many years. Do you see what
I am aiming at? I should like so very much to get the sonata as a duett,
or the “Études” as duetts or solos, or in short something.
I much regret the affair with the _Handel Society_,[83] but it is
impossible for me to alter my views on the subject. Though quite ready
to yield in non-essential points, such as the mode of marking
accidentals,--though, in this even, owing to the long bars, I prefer the
old fashion--yet on no account whatever would I interpolate marks of
expression, _tempi_, etc., or anything else, in a score of Handel’s, if
there is to be any doubt whether they are mine or his; and as he has
marked his _pianos_ and _fortes_, and figured bass wherever he thought
them essential, I must either leave these out altogether, or place the
public under the impossibility of discovering which are his marks, and
which are mine. To extract these signs from the pianoforte edition, and
transfer them to the score, _if mine are to be inserted_, would cause
very little trouble to any one who wishes to have the score thus marked;
while, on the other hand, the injury is very great, if the edition does
not distinguish between the opinion of the editor and the opinion of
Handel. I confess that the whole interest I take in the Society is
connected with this point, for the edition of the Anthems which I
formerly saw, was of a kind, precisely owing to the new marking, that I
could never adopt for performance. Above all, I must know exactly and
beyond all doubt, what is Handel’s and what is not. The Council
supported me in this opinion when I was present, now they seem to have
adopted a contrary one; if this is to be followed out, I, and I fear
_many_ others, would much prefer the old edition with its false notes,
to the new, with its different readings and signs in the text. I have
already written all this to Macfarren. I am sure you are not angry with
me for stating my opinion so candidly? it is too closely connected with
all that I have considered right, during the whole course of my life,
for me now to give it up.
André has just sent me the original score, to look over, of Mozart’s
symphony in C major, “Jupiter;” I will copy for you something out of it
that will amuse you. The eleven bars at the close of the adagio were
formerly written thus:--
[Illustration: musical notation]
and so on to the end.
He has written the whole repetition of the _thema_ on a separate leaf,
and struck out this passage, bringing it in again only three bars before
the end. Is not this a happy alteration? The repetition of the seven
bars is to me one of the most delightful passages in the whole symphony!
Give my kind remembrances to your family, and retain a kindly regard for
your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, FLORENCE.
Frankfort, March 25th, 1845.
Dear Sister,
I continue faithful to the new custom I have adopted, and answer your
welcome letter on the spot; it is just come, and brings spring with it.
For the first time to-day we have, out of doors, that kind of atmosphere
in which ice and winter cold melt away, and all becomes mild, and warm,
and enjoyable. If, however, you have no driving ice in Florence, you
ought to _envy us_, instead of the reverse, for it is a splendid
spectacle to see the water bubbling under the bridge here, and springing
and rushing along, and flinging about the great blocks and masses of
ice, and saying, “Away with you! we have done with you for the present!”
it also is celebrating its spring day, and showing that under its icy
covering, it has preserved both strength and youth, and runs along twice
as rapidly, and leaps twice as high, as in the sober days of other
seasons. You should really see it for once! The whole bridge and the
whole quay are black with people, all enjoying the fine sight gratis,
with the sun shining on them gratis too. It is very pitiable in me, that
instead of speaking of the poetry of spring, I only talk of the economy
she brings in wood, light, and overshoes, and how much sweeter
everything smells, and how many more good things there are to eat, and
that the ladies have resumed their bright gay-coloured dresses, and
that the steamboats are going down the Rhine, instead of diligences,
etc. etc. From the above you will perceive, and Fanny also (for you must
send _her_ all my letters to Rome), that, God be praised, there is
nothing new with us, which means that we are all well and happy, and
thinking of you. I came with S---- last night at one o’clock from a
punch party, where I first played Beethoven’s sonata 106, in B flat, and
then drank 212 glasses of punch _fortissimo_; we sang the duett from
“Faust” in the Mainz Street, because there was such wonderful moonlight,
and to-day I have rather a headache. Pray cut off this part before you
send the letter to Rome; a younger sister may be entrusted with such a
confidence, but an elder one, and in such a Papal atmosphere,--not for
your life!
I have only seen X---- three times this winter; he is, unfortunately,
very unsociable; I cannot get on with him even with the best will on my
side, and I believe he is going on worse now than for many years past.
Any one who at all enters into the religious squabbles of the moment,
and does not steadily refuse to listen to them, one and all, will get so
deeply involved, as to be ere long severed unawares from both friends
and happiness, and instances of this begin to be manifest in Germany in
all circles. In my inmost heart I feel uncertain as to which extreme is
the most repugnant to me, and yet I cannot clearly decide between them.
In Düsseldorf they announced on the second day of the Musical Festival,
Mozart’s “Requiem,” my “Walpurgis Nacht,” and finally Beethoven’s choral
symphony. “O tempora! O mores!” If you ask what this letter contains,
the answer is, that we are all well, and hope you are the same, and
rejoice at the thoughts of our meeting again.--Your (in spring weather)
very pleased
FELIX.
TO EMIL NAUMANN,
(NOW MUSIC DIRECTOR AT BERLIN.)
Leipzig, March, 1845.
Dear Herr Naumann,
I have observed with much pleasure very important progress in the
compositions which you have sent me, and essential improvement in your
whole musical nature and efficiency. I consider these works in every
particular preferable to your earlier ones, and consequently they cause
me most extreme gratification. There is much in them to be unreservedly
commended; almost all, when compared with your productions of past
years, awaken in me a fresh hope that you will one day be able to
produce something really vigorous and good, and that it only rests with
yourself to fulfil this hope.
I have nothing special to say to you with regard to the works, and
indeed, owing to the mass of affairs and occupations which crowd on me
here, I can now less than ever find time to write. But it is not
necessary, for throughout I see traces of the good advice of your
present instructor,[84] and feel increased respect for him in
consequence of your progress. You are certainly, with him, in the best
hands possible; attend assiduously therefore to his advice, and take
advantage of his instructions, and of the time in which you can and must
learn.
I should like to hear you play the capriccio in C, for if you can play
it with steadiness and clearness, and keep correct time, you must have
improved very much. I like this capriccio better than the one in E
minor, and it seems to me more original. On the other hand, there is a
great deal that pleases me in the sonata; particularly the beginning and
end of the first movement, and the _tempo di marcia_, etc. etc. As I
said before, you must _continue_ to work; I must also beg you to place
the same reliance henceforth on me, that you so kindly express in your
letter. And as you apply Goethe’s words to me, and call me a _master_, I
can only reply once more in Goethe’s words:--
“Learn soon to know wherein he fails;
True Art, and not its type, revere.”
The advice in the first line is not difficult to follow, and the latter
is not to be feared with you. Towards Whitsunday, when I am to be at
Aix, I intend to pass through Frankfort, and hope then to see and hear
something new of yours.--Always yours sincerely,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO SENATOR BERNUS, FRANKFORT.
Leipzig, October 10th, 1845.
... I cannot tell you how often, indeed almost daily, I think of the
last winter and spring which I passed so pleasantly with you in
Frankfort. I could scarcely myself have believed that my stay there
would have caused such a lasting and happy impression on my mind! So
strong is it, that I have often pictured to myself, in all earnest,
giving you a commission (according to your promise) to buy or to build
for me a house with a garden, when I would return permanently to that
glorious country with its gay easy life. But such happiness cannot be
mine; some years must first elapse, and the work I have begun here must
have produced solid results, and be a good deal further advanced (at
least I must have tried to effect it), before I can think of such a
thing.
But I have the same feeling as formerly, that I shall only remain in
this place so long as I feel pleasure and interest in the outward
occupations which _here_ seem the most agreeable to me. As soon,
however, as I have won the right to live solely for my inward work and
composing, only occasionally conducting and playing in public just as it
may suit me, then I shall assuredly return to the Rhine, and probably,
according to my present idea, settle at Frankfort. The sooner I can do
so, the more I shall be pleased. I never undertook external musical
pursuits, such as conducting, etc., from inclination, but only from a
sense of duty; so I hope, before many years are over, to apply myself to
building a house.
Before then, probably, either a true and solid nucleus will have been
formed among the German Catholics in favour of enlightenment and other
new German ideas, and free ground and soil won for these, or the whole
movement will have vanished and been superseded by other catastrophes.
If neither the one nor the other occurs, I fear we run the risk of
losing our finest national features, solidity, constancy, and honourable
perseverance, without gaining any compensation for them. A collection of
French phrases and French levity would be too dearly bought at such a
price. It is to be hoped that something better will ensue!
TO PASTOR BAUER, BESZIG.
Leipzig, May 23rd, 1846.
Your kind letter and the book caused me great pleasure. I received the
parcel some weeks since, but as I have very little time left for
reading, and as a work like yours cannot be quickly perused by a layman,
you will be able to understand the delay in expressing my thanks. I have
learnt much from your book, for it is in fact the first summary of
Church history that I ever read; but from this very circumstance you are
mistaken in my position if you think I could attempt either verbally or
in writing to maintain my own opinions on such a matter, when opposed to
yours, and that I might see it in a different light as a musician, etc.
The only point of view from which I can consider such questions is that
of a learner, and I confess to you that the older I become, the more do
I perceive the importance of _first_ learning and _then_ forming an
opinion; not the latter previous to the former, and not both
simultaneously. In this I certainly differ much from very many of our
leading men of the present day, both in music and theology. They declare
that he alone can form a right judgment who has learned nothing, and
indeed requires to learn nothing; and my rejoinder is, that there is no
man living who does not require to learn. I think, therefore, that it is
more than ever the duty of every one to be very industrious in his
sphere, and to concentrate all his powers to accomplish the very best of
which he is capable; and thus the recent Church movements are more
unknown to me than you probably believe (perhaps more than you would
approve), and I rejoice that the very reverse is the case with you. I
cannot, in fact, understand a theologian who at this moment does not
come forward, or who feels no sympathy in these matters; but just as
little, many of those _non_-theologians whom I often see, and who talk
of reformation and of improvement, but who are equally incompetent to
know or to comprehend either the present or the past, and who, in short,
wish to introduce _dilettanteism_ into the highest questions.
I believe it is this very _dilettanteism_ which plays us many a trick,
because it is of a twofold nature,--necessary, useful, and beneficial,
when coupled with sincere interest and modest reserve, for then it
furthers and promotes all things,--but culpable and contemptible when
fed on vanity, and when obtrusive, arrogant, and self-sufficient. For
instance, there are few artists for whom I feel so much respect, as for
a genuine _dilettante_ of the first class, and for no single artist have
I so little respect as for a _dilettante_ of the second class. But where
am I wandering to?...
TO PASTOR JULIUS SCHUBRING, DESSAU.
Leipzig, May 23rd, 1846.
Dear Schubring,
Once more I must trouble you about “Elijah;” I hope it is for the last
time, and I also hope that you will at some future day derive enjoyment
from it; and how glad I should be were this to be the case! I have now
quite finished the first part, and six or eight numbers of the second
are already written down. In various places, however, of the second part
I require a choice of really fine Scriptural passages, and I do beg of
you to send them to me! I set off to-night for the Rhine, so there is no
hurry about them; but in three weeks I return here, and then I purpose
forthwith to take up the work and complete it. So I earnestly beseech of
you to send me by that time a rich harvest of fine Bible texts. You
cannot believe how much you have helped me in the first part; this I
will tell you more fully when we meet. On this very account I entreat
you to assist me in improving the second part also. I have now been able
to dispense with all historical recitative in the form, and introduced
individual persons. Instead of the Lord, always an angel or a chorus of
angels, and the first part and the largest half of the second are finely
rounded off. The second part begins with the words of the queen, “So let
the gods do to me, and more also,” etc. (1 Kings xix. 2); and the next
words about which I feel secure are those in the scene in the wilderness
(same chapter, fourth and following verses); but between these I want,
_first_, something more particularly characteristic of the persecution
of the prophet; for example, I should like to have a couple of choruses
_against_ him, to describe the people in their fickleness and their
rising in opposition to him; _secondly_, a representation of the third
verse of the same passage; for instance, a duett with the boy, who
might use the words of Ruth, “Where thou goest, I will go,” etc. But
what is Elijah to say before and after this? and what could the chorus
say? Can you furnish me with, first, a duett, and then a chorus in this
sense? Then, till verse 15, all is in order; but there a passage is
wanted for Elijah, something to this effect:--“Lord, as Thou willest, be
it with me:” (this is not in the Bible, I believe?) I also wish that
_after_ the manifestation of the Lord he should announce his entire
submission, and after all this persecution declare himself to be
entirely resigned, and eager to do his duty. I am in want too of some
words for him to say at, or before, or even after his ascension, and
also some for the chorus. The chorus sings the ascension historically
with the words from 2 Kings ii. 11, but then there ought to be a couple
of very solemn choruses. “God is gone up” will not do, for it was not
the Lord, but Elijah who went up; however, something of _that_ sort. I
should like also to hear Elijah’s voice once more at the close.
(May Elisha sing soprano? or is this inadmissible, as in the same
chapter he is described as a “bald head”? Joking apart, must he appear
at the ascension as a prophet, or as a youth?)
Lastly, the passages which you have sent for the close of the whole
(especially the trio between Peter, John, and James) are too historical
and too far removed from the grouping of the (Old Testament) story;
still I could manage with the former, if, instead of the trio, I could
make a chorus out of the words; it would be very quickly done, and this
will probably be the case. I return you the pages that you may have
every necessary information, but pray send them back to me. You will see
that the bearing of the whole is quite decided; it is only the lyric
passages (from which arias, duetts, etc., could be composed) which fail
towards the end. So I beg you will get your large Concordance, open it,
and bestow this time on me, and when I return three weeks hence at
latest, let me find your answer. Continue your regard for your
FELIX.
TO I. MOSCHELES, LONDON.
Leipzig, June 26th, 1846.
My dear Friend,
The cause of this letter is a line in a recent communication from Mr.
Moore, who writes, “Nearly the whole of the Philharmonic band are
engaged;[85] a few only are left out who made themselves unpleasant when
you were there.”[86] This is anything but pleasing to me, and as I think
that you have the principal regulation of such things, I address my
remonstrance to you, and beg you to mention them to Mr. Moore.
Nothing is more hateful to me than the revival of old worn-out
squabbles; it is quite bad enough that they should ever be in the world
at all. Those of the Philharmonic I had quite forgotten, and they _must
on no account_ have any influence on the engagements for the Birmingham
Festival. If people are left out because they are incapable, that is no
affair of mine, and I have nothing to say against it; but if _any one_
is to be left out because “he made himself unpleasant” to me, I should
consider it a piece of injustice, and beg that this may not be the case.
There is certainly no cause to fear that those gentlemen will again be
troublesome; at least, I feel none, and do not believe that any one can
do so. So I beg you earnestly to let the affair proceed exactly as it
would have done if I had no thoughts of coming to England; and if it be
really desired to show me _consideration_, the greatest favour that can
be conferred on me would be _not_ to take notice of any such personal
considerations.
I know you will be so good as to bring this subject under the notice of
Mr. Moore, and I hope I shall hear nothing further of these obsolete
stories; that is, if my wishes are complied with, and _no kind of
vindictiveness_ exercised. Otherwise I shall protest against it ten
times at least by letter.--Ever your
FELIX.
TO HERR VELTEN, CARLSRUHE.
Leipzig, July 11th, 1846.
Sir,
When I received your letter of May the 10th, I felt most anxious to
convey to you a word of consolation, and the assurance of my heartfelt
sympathy; but I could find no words for such a loss as yours, or
adequately express what I wished to say.
Far more could I appreciate the extent of this loss when I had become
acquainted with the musical compositions which you so kindly sent me, in
the name of your deceased son. Every one who is in earnest with regard
to Art, must indeed mourn with you, for in him a true genius has passed
away, a genius that only required life and health to be developed, and
to be a source of joy and pride to his family, and a benefit to Art. How
very superior many of these works are to those we every day see, even by
better musicians, and how there shines forth, in every part, a striving
after progress, and the promise of a genuine vocation, along with the
most perfect development! And all this was not to be! and everything in
Art and in life remains so inscrutable? And thus _we_ lament him, who
only know a few compositions of this young artist; so how could suitable
words of comfort be found for you, his father?
But I must _thank_ you for having made me acquainted with those works,
and for having written me those few lines; and I will waft my thanks
after your son also, for having destined these works for me. May Heaven
grant you consolation, and alleviate your grief, and one day permit you
to rejoin your son, where it is to be hoped there is still music, but no
more sorrow or partings.--Yours,
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Birmingham, August 26th, 1846.
My dear Brother,
From the very first you took so kind an interest in my “Elijah,” and
thus inspired me with so much energy and courage for its completion,
that I must write to tell you of its first performance yesterday. No
work of mine ever went so admirably the first time of execution, or was
received with such enthusiasm, by both the musicians and the audience,
as this oratorio. It was quite evident at the first rehearsal in London,
that they liked it, and liked to sing and to play it; but I own I was
far from anticipating that it would acquire such fresh vigour and
impetus at the performance. Had you only been there! During the whole
two hours and a half that it lasted, the large hall, with its two
thousand people, and the large orchestra, were all so fully intent on
the one object in question, that not the slightest sound was to be heard
among the whole audience, so that I could sway at pleasure the enormous
orchestra and choir, and also the organ accompaniments. How often I
thought of you during the time! More especially, however, when the
“sound of abundance of rain” came, and when they sang and played the
final chorus with _furore_, and when, after the close of the first part,
we were obliged to repeat the whole movement. Not less than four
choruses and four airs were encored, and not one single mistake occurred
in the whole of the first part; there were some afterwards in the second
part, but even these were but trifling. A young English tenor sang the
last air with such wonderful sweetness, that I was obliged to collect
all my energies not be affected, and to continue beating time steadily.
As I said before, had you only been there! But to-morrow I set off on my
journey home. We can no longer say, as Goethe did, that the horses’
heads are turned homewards, but I always have the same feeling on the
first day of my journey home. I hope to see you in Berlin in October,
when I shall bring my score with me, either to have it performed, or at
all events to play it over to you, and Fanny, and Rebecca, but I think
probably the former (or rather both). Farewell, my dear Brother; if this
letter be dull, pray forgive it. I have been repeatedly interrupted, and
in fact it should only contain that I thank you for having taken such
part in my “Elijah,” and having assisted me with it.--Your
FELIX.
After the first performance of the “Elijah” in London, Prince
Albert wrote the following in the book of words which he used on
that occasion, and sent it to Mendelssohn as a token of
remembrance:--“To the noble artist who, though encompassed by the
Baal-worship of false art, by his genius and study has succeeded,
like another Elijah, in faithfully preserving the worship of true
art; once more habituating the ear, amid the giddy whirl of empty,
frivolous sound, to the pure tones of sympathetic feeling and
legitimate harmony;--to the great master who, by the tranquil
current of his thoughts, reveals to us the gentle whisperings, as
well as the mighty strife of the elements,--to him is this written
in grateful remembrance, by
“_Buckingham Palace._
“ALBERT.”
TO FRAU DOCTORIN FREGE, LEIPZIG.
London, August 31st, 1846.
Dear Lady,
You have always shown such kind sympathy in my “Elijah,” that I may well
consider it incumbent on me to write to you after its performance, and
to give you a report on the subject. If this should weary you, you have
only yourself to blame; for why did you allow me to come to you with the
score under my arm, and play to you those parts that were half
completed, and why did you sing so much of it for me at sight? Indeed,
on this account you in turn should have considered it incumbent on you
to go with me to Birmingham; for it is not fair to make people’s mouths
water, and to disgust them with their condition, when you cannot remedy
it for them; and really the state in which I found the soprano solo
parts here was most truly miserable and forlorn.
There was, however, so much that was good to make up for this, that I
shall bring back with me a very delightful impression of the whole; and
I often thought what pleasure it would have caused you.
The rich, full sounds of the orchestra and the huge organ, combined with
the powerful choruses who sang with honest enthusiasm, the wonderful
resonance in the grand giant hall, an admirable English tenor singer;
Staudigl, too, who took all possible pains, and whose talents and powers
you already well know, and in addition a couple of excellent second
soprano and contralto solo singers; all executing the music with
peculiar spirit, and the utmost fire and sympathy, doing justice not
only to the loudest passages, but also to the softest _pianos_, in a
manner which I never before heard from such masses, and in addition, an
impressionable, kindly, hushed and enthusiastic audience,--all this is
indeed sufficient good fortune for a first performance. In fact, I never
in my life heard a better, or I may say so good a one, and I almost
doubt whether I shall ever again hear one equal to it, because there
were so many favourable combinations on this occasion. Along, however,
with so much light, as I before said, there were also shadows, and the
worst was the soprano part. It was all so neat, so pretty, so elegant,
so slovenly, so devoid both of soul and head, that the music acquired a
kind of amiable expression, which even now almost drives me mad when I
think of it. The voice of the contralto, too, was not powerful enough to
fill the hall, or to make itself heard beside such masses, and such solo
singers; but she sang exceedingly well and musically, and in that case
the want of voice can be tolerated. At least to _me_, _nothing_ is so
repugnant in music as a certain cold, soulless coquetry, which is in
itself so unmusical, and yet so often adopted as the basis of singing,
and playing, and music of all kinds. It is singular that I find this to
be the case much less even with Italians than with us Germans. It seems
to me that our countrymen must either love music in all sincerity, or
they display an odious, stupid, and affected coldness, while an Italian
throat sings just as it comes, in a straightforward way, though perhaps
for the sake of money,--but still not for the sake of money, _and_
æsthetics, _and_ criticism, _and_ self-esteem, _and_ the right school,
and twenty-seven thousand other reasons, none of which really harmonize
with their real nature. This struck me very forcibly at the Musical
Festival. Moscheles was ill on the Monday, so I conducted the rehearsals
for him.[87] Towards ten o’clock at night, when I was tired enough, the
Italians lounged quietly in, with their usual cool _nonchalance_. But,
from the very first moment that Grisi, Mario, and Lablache began to
sing, I inwardly thanked God. They themselves know exactly what they
intend, sing with purity and in time, and there is no mistaking where
the first crotchet should come in. That I feel so little sympathy for
their music is no fault of theirs. But this digression is out of place
here. I wished to tell you about the Birmingham Musical Festival, and
the Town Hall, and here I am abusing the musical execution of our
countrymen. You will say, I have often enough, and too often, been
obliged to listen to you on that subject already. So I prefer reserving
all further description of the festival till I can relate it to you in
your own room.
May I soon meet you in health and happiness, and find you unchanged in
kindly feelings towards myself.--Your devoted
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, October 31st, 1846.
My dear Brother,
From my only being able to-day to wish you joy of yesterday, that is, in
writing and by words, you will at once see that I have even more than my
full share of affairs at this moment. What I wish most to do, I cannot
accomplish all day long, and what I most particularly dislike often
occupies my whole day,--but no more _Jérémiades_, and now for true
heartfelt good wishes. A thousand good wishes, which may all be summed
up in one,--health for you and yours, and all those you love; in this
wish lies the continuance of your happiness, in this lies your enjoyment
of it, in this lies all that is good, all that I can possibly desire for
you, and no human being could possibly wish or desire anything better
for any man? Were you very happy on the day? were all your family well?
(this however is included in my previous question;) had you a cake
decorated with lights? This is certainly an entirely novel question, but
not absolutely indispensable to the happiness of life (like the last).
Did you drink chocolate? were my sisters with you, or you with them at
dinner or supper? did you think of us? May God bless you, my dear
Brother, on that day, and on every day of your life!
It is shameful in me, not to have thanked you yet for the beautiful copy
of Dahlmann, but it is still more shameful, that such ordinary--not
extraordinary--but honest, able, true words, are so seldom to be met
with in our Fatherland; and the cause of this is, that mediocrity, or
what is still worse, vapid superficiality, is so prevalent in Germany,
parading itself till we would fain drive out of sight; and this is also
why I have been hitherto prevented from even thanking you. I never yet
encountered such an accumulation of strangers, of inquiries and
proposals, and almost all entirely worthless; many so modest--and many
so immodest! Singers, players, a fine heap of compositions, and scarcely
one that can be called even tolerably good, but at the same time
overflowing with the longest words, full of patriotic ardour, full
of--anything but striving after high aims, though laying claim to the
highest of all; and then the impossibility of fulfilling even _one_ of
these demands with a good conscience, or recommending them to others.
But why should I tell you all this? you, no doubt, know it by experience
in your own department, for it pervades every department. All this
however confirms me in my resolution, not to continue in this public
official situation more than a few years; and just as it formerly was my
duty to fill such an office to the best of my ability, it is now equally
my duty to give it up. Everything here is gradually assuming a pleasant
aspect. Moscheles has set to work very vigorously with the
Conservatorium; the concerts also pursue their steady course now as
ever; when all this is secure and certain, I daily meditate on the
possibility of being able to pass the summer in some pretty country
(somewhere near the Rhine), and the winter in Berlin, and this I hope to
be able to do, without any public duties to perform in Berlin, and
without all that has now irrevocably passed away there; I intend to live
entirely with you in all happiness, and to write music. _Ainsi soit-il._
I should have been glad to bring the “Elijah” with me, but I am still at
work on two passages, which I am striving to remodel, and they cause me
great tribulation. In the meantime, I have been obliged to compose
afresh the whole Liturgy for the King. He has desired that I should be
repeatedly written to on the subject, and now at last it is finished. I
am often too in no happy mood, for poor Johann[88] is very seriously
ill, and causes us really very great anxiety. “May I be so bold as to
ask who is to play the part of the servant?” says Goethe, and lately
these words often recurred to me. May God soon restore the poor faithful
fellow! Love me as ever, and may you be happy in the approaching
year.--Your
FELIX.
TO PROFESSOR EDWARD BENDEMANN.
Leipzig, November 8th, 1846.
... Have I already thanked you for your excellent contributions, and
advice about “Elijah”? All your notes on the margin are most acceptable,
and are a fresh proof that you have not only a different, but a much
deeper insight than almost any one else into a subject of this kind. You
recommend that the “Sanctus” should be followed by the command of God to
Elijah to resume his mission; such was indeed my original intention, and
I think of replacing it, but I cannot dispense with an answer from
Elijah; and I think _both_ can and ought to be there. I shall not
however be able to bring in King Ahab again. The greatest difficulty in
the whole undertaking, was after the manifestation of the Lord in the
“still small voice,” to discover a conclusion for the whole, with
sufficient breadth (and yet not long); and if Elijah were to be
_afterwards_ introduced again in person as a zealous and avenging
prophet (in a dramatic aspect) it would in my opinion be difficult to
represent, without great circumlocution, his significance for the new
dispensation (which however must necessarily be alluded to), while I
think it most important, that from the moment of the appearance of the
Lord, all should go on in grand narrative to the close. But when you say
that one of these passages should relate how he came down, and again
came down in vain, you are quite right, and I will try to accomplish it,
as I am at this moment revising the whole, and re-writing several
passages before sending it to the engraver. It is singular that the
passage which caused me the greatest trouble, is the very one that you
would like to see omitted,--that of the widow. To me it seems, that by
introducing some phrases (either by the chorus or otherwise), the part
might become more significant and comprehensive, whereas you prefer its
being a simple narrative. After all, you are possibly right, which would
be unfortunate, for I believe that in the distribution of the whole, the
passage in its present expansion could not possibly be spared. This is a
point therefore which I shall weigh well.
TO CARL KLINGEMANN, LONDON.
Leipzig, December 6th, 1846.
... Montaigne says, and so does Vult, that a man can have but _one_
friend; you will find this too in the ‘Flegeljahre.’ I also said this
from my heart when I received your letter, my _one_ friend!
How gladly would I have burst forth into joy and gratitude, at the news
it contained, and have replied in a gay and happy spirit; but this was
impossible, as at the time your letter arrived, we were in great anxiety
about our servant Johann, who had been confined to bed for the last two
mouths, with a species of dropsy, becoming daily worse, and when, about
a fortnight since, the improvement took place that we had been so
anxiously longing for during three weeks, his vital powers suddenly
sank, and to our great sorrow he died. You know that I valued him very
highly, and can well understand, that during the whole time when I saw
him suffer so much, and become worse and worse, and then the momentary
hope that ensued, followed by his sudden and inevitable death, must
cause me to be in a very grave mood for long, long to come. His mother
and sister did not arrive here till the day after his funeral. It
distressed us also very much, not to be able to say one consolatory word
to them! Among his things, which were all in the most exemplary order,
we found a letter to me containing his last will; I must show you this
the next time we meet,--no man, no poet indeed, could have written
anything more heartfelt, earnest and touching; then there was a great
deal to do and to regulate, until all the trunks, with his clothes,
etc., were sent off to his mother, and his brothers and sisters: and
this was why I have been unable to write to you during the last few
weeks. I relate all this to you in detail, because you are my _one_
friend, and because you sympathize in all that really affects and
concerns me. Happily, I was able to work the whole time (though, indeed,
not to compose). I got the parts of Bach’s B minor Mass from Dresden.
(Do you remember it on Zelter’s Fridays?) It is chiefly in his own
writing, and dedicated to the Elector of that day. (“To his Royal
Highness the most noble the Elector of Saxony, the accompanying Mass is
dedicated, with the most respectful devotion of the author, J. S. Bach.”
This is inscribed on the title-page.) From it I have gradually corrected
all the mistakes in my score, which were innumerable, and which I had
frequently remarked, but never had a proper opportunity to rectify. This
occupation, mechanical, though now and then interesting enough, was most
welcome to me. For the last few days, however, I have again begun to
work with all my might at my “Elijah,” and hope to amend the greatest
part of what I thought deficient in the first performance. I have quite
completed one of the most difficult parts (the widow), and you will
certainly be pleased with the alterations,--I may well say, with the
improvements. “Elijah” is become far more impressive and mysterious in
this part, the want of which was what annoyed me. Unluckily I never find
out this kind of thing till _post festum_, and till I have improved it.
I hope, too, to hit on the true sense of other passages that we have
discussed together, and shall seriously revise all that I did not deem
satisfactory; so that I hope to see the whole completely finished within
a few weeks, and then be able to begin something new. The parts that I
have hitherto remodelled prove to me that I am right, not to rest till
such a work is as good as I can make it, although in these matters very
few people either remark or wish to hear about them, and yet they cost a
very, very great deal of time; but, on the other hand, such passages
make a very different impression when they are really made better, both
in themselves, and with regard to all other portions,--you see I am
still so very much pleased with the part of the widow, that I completed
to-day,--so I think it will not do to rest satisfied with them just as
they are. Conscience, too, has a word to say on this matter.
TO HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW, PROFESSOR DIRICHLET, BERLIN,
Leipzig, January 4th, 1847.
Dear Dirichlet,
I write you these lines to say that I wish for my sake, I might say for
your sake also, that you should remain at Berlin.[89] Jesting apart, I
would gladly repeat in writing, and at this new year’s time, all that I
said to you about it personally. The more I reflect on this plan _here_
(not in Berlin), the more I feel convinced that its execution would
grieve me, first, for your own sake, and secondly, for mine (which comes
to one and the same thing); for when I look repeatedly around here, and
thus try to discover what kind of weather there is in Germany (and you
know that it is often long, long before this can be perceived in
Berlin), I everywhere see the current setting in towards large cities,
but receding from the smaller ones. It might be said, then, a residence
in small towns will now become really agreeable; but they, too, will not
be content to remain in their state of quiet comfort, but strive to
become great cities: and this is why I could not see any one, far less
yourself, leave a large city at this moment to settle in a small one,
without the most extreme concern. There are a thousand wants, both
material and spiritual, which these smaller places are at this moment
seeking to supply (thus making these wants only more perceptible), a
thousand pleasant things in life and knowledge,--all linked for many
long years with yourself and with Rebecca’s early days,--which you value
less than they deserve, because you have always been accustomed to have
things in one fashion and in no other, and because you are uneasy about
the present, and dissatisfied with what is going on. But, in truth, you
will find the same uneasiness, and the same dissatisfaction, prevailing
everywhere through all Germany; at present, indeed, only in those whom
you meet, and not in yourself, the new-comer; but, alas! alas! in these
days such contamination spreads hourly in our Fatherland, where these
evils daily strike deeper root, and you will and must experience them
also, wherever you go, and not in any respect improve your condition in
this chief point. By your change of residence, you cannot effect any
cure in the prevailing malady, and I as little with my subscription
concerts; it can only be done by very different means, or by a very
sharp crisis; and, in any event, it would then be best not to be placed
in new, but in old familiar circumstances. A third thing may happen,
and, alas! not the most improbable; all may remain in its old form. In
that case also, however, it is best not to begin a new life, which holds
out no prospect of any improvement in itself. I do wish, then, that you
would remain in Berlin.
That you, by any kind of promise, however well meant, or positive, are
now in the hands of the people of Heidelberg, and _must_ say Yes, if
_they_ say Yes also, I _cannot_ believe. Such a connection as yours with
Berlin is not to be dissolved by a letter and a few words; and if these
people believe that by your answer they have acquired any right over
you, it is not to be denied that the others have at least an equal
right. Simply from an overweening sense of justice, and from too much
delicacy, a person often chooses that which costs him the greatest
sacrifice, and thus, I believe, you would at last rather choose
Heidelberg; but they will not be sensible of this: they only wish to
conclude a bargain, and you must do the same, and no more. In the
meanwhile they have the _præ_, because they wish to acquire something
new for themselves, and the people of Berlin only to keep what they
have, and the former is always more tempting and pleasant; but, as I
said before, it is a mere matter of business,--do not forget that; and
you know quite as well as I do that all the _Berliners_ are anxious to
keep you. Forgive my strange lecture, but remain.
I ask it for my sake also; for I have now, I may say, decided soon to go
for the winter to Berlin. Don’t let us play at the game of “change
sides.” I preferred a residence in a smaller town, under very favourable
circumstances; I always liked it, and am accustomed to no other, and yet
I feel compelled to leave it, to rejoin those with whom I enjoyed my
childhood and youth, and whose memories and friendships and experiences
are the same as my own. My plan is, that we should _form all together_
one pleasant united household, such as we have not seen for long, and
live happily together (independent of political life or _non-life_,
which has swallowed up _all_ else). For some time past everything seems
to contribute to this, and, as I said, _I_ shall not be found wanting,
for I consider it the greatest possible good fortune that could ever
befall me; so do not frustrate all this by one blow, but remain in
Berlin, and let us be together there. These are my reasons, badly
expressed, but better intended than expressed; and don’t take this
amiss.--Your
FELIX.
TO FRAU GEHEIMERÄTHIN STEFFENS, GEB. REICHARDT, BERLIN.
Leipzig, February, 1847.
Dear Madam,
When I meet any one who knew my Father, and who loved and esteemed him
as he deserved, I immediately look on such a one as a friend, and not as
a stranger, and a meeting of this kind always makes me glad and happy.
As you no doubt feel the same, I trust you will excuse the liberty I
take in addressing you. I wish to relate to you how touched and
delighted the friends of music in Leipzig were yesterday by the
composition of your father; we felt as if his spirit were still living
and working among us, and indeed it is so. In the concert of yesterday
(which, like the previous and both the ensuing ones, was dedicated to a
kind of historical succession of the great masters) there was an
opportunity of bringing before the public some of your father’s songs. A
symphony of Haydn’s was followed by the Reichardt song, “Dem Schnee, dem
Regen,” and his duett, “Ein Veilchen auf der Wiese stand;” and then the
same poem set to music by Mozart. You will perceive that your father’s
music was by no means in a very easy proximity, but I wish you could
have heard how he maintained his honourable position. The very first
song sounded charming and effective; but when the little duett was given
by two very fresh pure voices, in great simplicity and perfection, many
a lover of music could not suppress his tears, so charming and genial
was _that_ music, so genuine and touching. Such applause as we seldom
hear, and a _da capo_ of all three verses, followed as a matter of
course. This was not for a moment doubtful after the three first bars
had been sung, and I felt as if I could not only listen to the song
twice, but during the whole evening, and to nothing else. It was the
true genuine German song, such as no other nation has, but even ours
nothing better; perhaps grander, certainly more complicated, more
elaborate, and more artificial, but not on that account more
artistic--thus, not better. This must happily be the case for all time,
and it must cause you much joy, thus once more to meet your father’s
spirit in its still living influence; for many a young musician who
heard his music yesterday (if, indeed, he can feel such things at all)
will now know better what a song should be, than from all the books of
instruction, all the lectures, and all the examples of the present day;
“and thus is life won,” as Goethe says. Forgive me for writing nothing
in this letter, except that the Reichardt songs were so lovely, and the
Leipzig public so enchanted. The first you have long known, though the
second in itself may be a matter of indifference; but as I was seated at
the piano accompanying yesterday and feeling such delight, I said to
myself that I must write to you about it.
Begging you to recall me to the remembrance of your daughter, I am your
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.[90]
TO HIS NEPHEW, SEBASTIAN HENSEL.
Leipzig, February 22nd, 1847.
Dear Sebastian,
I thank you very much for the drawing, which, as your own composition,
pleases me extremely, especially the technical part, in which you have
made great progress. If, however, you intend to adopt painting as a
profession, you cannot too soon accustom yourself to study the _meaning_
of a work of art with more earnestness and zeal than its mere
_form_,--that is, in other words (as a painter is so fortunate as to be
able to select visible nature herself for his substance), to contemplate
and to study nature most lovingly, most closely, most innately and
inwardly, all your life long. Study very thoroughly how the outer form
and the inward formation of a tree, or a mountain, or a house always
_must_ look, and how it _can_ be made to look, if it is to be beautiful,
and then produce it with sepia or oils, or on a smoked plate; it will
always be of use, if only as a testimony of your love of substance. You
will not take amiss this little sermon from such a screech-owl as I
often am, and above all, do not forget the substance,--as for the form
(my lecture), the devil may fly away with it, it is of very little
value.
Tell your mother that I quite agree with her about the scherzo. Perhaps
she may one day compose a _scherzo serioso_; there may be such a
thing.--Your Uncle,
FELIX M. B.
TO GENERAL VON WEBERN, BERLIN.[91]
Frankfort, May 24th, 1847.
Your letter did me good, even in the depths of my sorrow, when I
received it; above all, your handwriting, and your sympathy, and every
single word of yours. I thank you for it all, my dear, kind, faithful
friend. It is indeed true that no one who ever knew my sister can ever
forget her through life; but what have not we, her brothers and sister,
lost! and I more especially, to whom she was every moment present in her
goodness and love; her sympathy being my first thought in every joy;
whom she ever so spoiled, and made so proud, by all the riches of her
sisterly love, which made me feel all was sure to go well, for she was
ever ready to take a full and loving share in all that concerned me. All
this, I believe we cannot yet estimate, just as I still instinctively
believe that the mournful intelligence will be suddenly recalled; and
then again I feel that it is true,--but never, never can I inure myself
to it! It is consolatory to think of such a beautiful, harmonious
nature, and that she has been spared all the infirmities of advanced age
and declining life; but it is hard for us to bear such a blow with
proper submission and fortitude.
Forgive me for not being able to say or write much, but I wished to
thank you.
My family are all well; the happy, unconcerned, cheerful faces of my
children alone have done me good in these days of sorrow. I have not as
yet been able to think of music; when I try to do so, all seems empty
and desolate within me. But when the children come in I feel less sad,
and I can look at them and listen to them for hours.
Thanks for your letter; may Heaven grant health to you, and preserve all
those you love.--Your
FELIX M. B.
TO HIS NEPHEW, SEBASTIAN HENSEL.
Baden-Baden, June 13th, 1847.
Dear Sebastian,
I must send you my good wishes on your birthday, the most mournful one
you have yet known. The retrospect of its celebration last year will
deeply grieve you, for then your mother was still by your side; may,
however, the anticipation of the future birthdays which you may yet be
spared to see, comfort and strengthen you! for your mother will stand by
your side in these also, as well as in everything that you do or fulfil.
May all you do be estimable and upright, and may your daily steps be
directed towards that path to which your mother’s eyes were turned for
you, and in which her example and her being went with you, and always
will go with you so long as you remain true to her,--in other words, I
trust, all your life long. Whatever branch of life, or knowledge, or
work you may devote yourself to, it is indispensable to _will_ (not to
wish, but to _will_) something good and solid; but this is sufficient.
In all employments and in all spheres there is now and always will be a
want of able honest workmen, and therefore it is not true when people
declare it now more difficult than formerly to achieve anything. On the
contrary, in a certain sense, it is and always will be _easy_, or
altogether _impossible_; a genuine, faithful heart, true love, and a
brave, determined will, are alone required for this, and you will not
assuredly fail in these, with such a bright and beloved example steadily
shining before you. And even if you follow this, and do all, all in your
power, still nothing is done, nothing is attained, without the
fulfilment of one fervent wish,--may God be with you!
This prayer comprises consolation and strength, and also cheerfulness in
days to come. I often long to be able to pass those days with you and
your aunt Rebecca. We expect your father ten or twelve days hence; I
wish you could come with him, and we might sketch from nature together.
I lately _composed_ a sketch of an old mountain castle in a forest, with
a distant view of a plain; another of a terrace, with an old lime-tree,
and an image of the Virgin under it; and a third, of a solitary mountain
lake between high hills, with reeds in the foreground. I mean to wash
them in with Indian ink. Are you inclined to try the same three
subjects, that we may compare our compositions? Do so, I beg, dear
Sebastian, and show them to me when we meet again,--soon, very soon, I
hope. May God bless you.--Ever your
FELIX M. B.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET, BERLIN.
Thun, July 7th, 1847.
Dear Sister,
In your letter of yesterday to Paul,[92] you said you wished I would
write to you again; I therefore do so to-day, but what to write I cannot
tell. You have often laughed at me and rallied me because my letters
assumed the tone around me or within me, and such is the case now, for
it is as impossible for me to write a consistent letter as to recover a
consistent frame of mind. I hope that as the days pass on they will
bring with them more fortitude, and so I let them pursue their course,
and in the society of Paul, and in this lovely country, they glide on
monotonously and rapidly. We are all well in health, and sometimes even
cheerful. But if I return within myself, which I am always inclined to
do, or when we are talking together, the ground-tint is no longer
there--not even a black one, far less one of a brighter hue.
A great chapter is now ended, and neither the title nor even the first
word of the next is yet written. But God will make it all right one day;
this suits the beginning and the end of all chapters.
We intend going to Interlachen in a few days, and towards the end of the
month Paul will have begun his journey thence towards home. He enjoys
with me the _old_ familiar mountain-summits, which look as hoary as five
or twenty-five years ago, and on which Time makes little impression! We
shall probably stay in Interlachen for another month, and establish
ourselves there; I will, and must, soon attempt once more to begin some
regular work, and should like to have made some progress in a
composition before my journey home. I hope to find you and yours in good
health in September. May we soon meet again, my dear, good Sister! and
do not forget your
FELIX M. B.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Interlachen, July 19th, 1847.
My dear Brother,
Scarcely were you gone, when a storm arose, and the thunder and rain
were tremendous. Then we dined, and found an unfilled place at table.
Then I reflected for two hours on Schiller’s chorus in the ‘Bride of
Messina,’ “Say what are we now to do?” and then the children brought the
two enclosed letters for you, and said, “I wonder where our Uncle is
now!”
But it is no longer any use telling you such commonplace, indifferent
things, and yet life is made up chiefly of these. So adieu, till we meet
again on the plains or on the mountains. We shall be as happy there as
we were here.
It is still thundering, and this is the most dreary day we have had here
for many weeks--in every sense!--Your
FELIX.
TO REBECCA DIRICHLET.
Interlachen, July 20th, 1847.
Dear Sister,
When your dear letter arrived, I was writing music; I force myself now
to be very busy, in the hope that hereafter I may become so from
inclination, and that I shall take pleasure in it. This is “weather
expressly calculated for writing, but not for gipsying.” Since Paul left
us, the sky has been so dismal and rainy that I have only been able to
take one walk. Since the day before yesterday, it has been quite cold
besides, so we have a fire in-doors, and, out-of-doors, streaming rain.
But I cannot deny that I sometimes rather like such downright, pouring
wet days, which confine you effectually to the house. This time they
give me an opportunity of passing the whole day with my three elder
children; they write, and learn arithmetic and Latin with me,--paint
landscapes during their play-hours, or play draughts, and ask a thousand
wise questions, which no fool can answer (people generally say the
reverse of this, still it is so). The standing reply is, and always will
be, “You do not yet understand such things,” which still vibrates in my
ears from my own mother, and which I shall soon hear in turn from my
children, when they give their children the same answer; and thus it
goes on.
As for Sebastian’s profession, I think he is now at the age, and period,
when he is not likely to feel conviction or enthusiasm for anything that
cannot be laid hold of by the hand, or counted by numbers, or expressed
by words, and he must be kept from everything--as a life aim--which
might forestal such convictions. He knows that as well as I do, and I
have entire confidence in his not choosing any profession from which he
will hereafter turn aside, or which might eventually become indifferent
or wearisome to him. As soon, therefore, as I feel secure _on this
point_, it is quite the same to me, what he may choose in this wide
world, or how high or how humble his path may then be, if he only
pursues it cheerfully! And as all agree in allowing him to make his own
choice, and as he can now or never understand the serious aspect of
life, and as this earnest feeling is the affair of his own heart, in
which no one can assist him, or advise him, although it does affect each
of us deeply, I believe he will not be found wanting in this respect,
and will do well, what he settles to do; _that_ would be my suggestion
to him, but, otherwise, not to offer him the slightest approach to
advice. It is the old story of Hercules, choosing his path, which for
several thousand years has always been acted once, at least, in the life
of every man; and whether the young maidens be called Virtue or Vice,
and the young men Hercules or not, the sense remains the same.
In September, God willing, I intend to come to Berlin, and Paul has
probably told you how seriously I am occupied with the thought of
spending my life with you, my dear Sister and Brother, and residing with
you, renouncing all other considerations. I wish to live with you, and
never did I feel this more vividly than when the steamboat set off to
Thun with Paul and his family, and Hensel; and, strangely enough (either
for this reason, or in spite of it), it is almost impossible for me at
this time to be with strangers. There is no lack of visitors here, both
musical and others; scarcely a single day lately has passed without one,
or several; but they all seem to me so empty and indifferent, that I, no
doubt, must appear in the same light to them, so I heartily wish that we
may soon part, and remain apart; and in the midst of all the phrases,
and inquiries, and speechifying, one thought is always present with
me--the shortness of life; and, in fact, I hope we shall soon be
together, and long remain together. Farewell, dear Sister, till we
meet!
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Interlachen, August 3rd, 1847.
Dear Brother,
We are all well, and continue to live the same quiet life that you
enjoyed with us here. It was, indeed, most solitary the first days after
you left us, when each of us went about with dismal faces, as if we had
forgotten something, or were looking for something,--and it was so,
indeed! Since then, I have begun to write music very busily; the three
elder children work with me in the forenoon; in the afternoon, when the
weather permits, we all take a walk together; and I have also finished a
few rabid sketches in Indian ink. Herr Kohl came here yesterday, the
Irish and Russian traveller, and spent the evening with us; also, Mr.
Grote,[93] whom I always am very glad to see and to listen to; but I now
feel so tranquil in this quiet retirement, and so little tranquil with a
number of people, that I do all I can to avoid what is called society,
and as yet I have succeeded in this. Why were you not with me in
Boningen? you would indeed have been pleased! and in Wilderschwyl, and
Unspunnen besides? This alone would be a sufficient reason for your
returning here as soon as you can. We have not, however, _once_ had fine
weather since the day of your departure, and often very bad; there has
been no further question, since then, of sitting under the walnut-trees,
and many days we were unable to leave the house. Still we always took
advantage of the hours that were fair for all kinds of expeditions; and
wherever you turn your steps here, it is always splendid. If the weather
becomes more settled, I mean to go over the Susten, and to the summit of
the Sidelhorn, which can be done from here in a few days. But to carry
this resolution into effect seems by no means easy; it is so lovely
here, and we so much enjoy our regular, quiet life. It has enabled me
once more to become often quite cheerful; but when people come, and talk
at random about commonplace matters, and of God and the world, my mood
becomes again so unutterably mournful, that I do not know how to endure
it. You are obliged to surmount such feelings, to the utmost extent; and
I think of this every day. It must be hard on you, and I shrink from the
idea of it myself. But it must be so, and it is right, so with the help
of God, it can be done. All send heartfelt greetings; and ever continue
to love your
FELIX.
TO GENERAL VON WEBERN, BERLIN.
Interlachen, August 15, 1847.
My dear, kind Friend,
I send you a thousand thanks for your letter of the 14th of July, which
had been much delayed, as I only received it here a short time ago. You
have, no doubt, seen my Brother since then, and he has probably told
you more minutely of my intention to visit Berlin this autumn. But I
cannot delay sending you an immediate answer to your kind and friendly
proposal about the three concerts, but, indeed, I would rather not at
present agree to announce the three concerts (of which two were to be
“Elijah”). “Elijah” has not yet been heard in Berlin, and it would not
only appear presumptuous, but would really be so, if I proposed to the
public to perform it twice in succession. In addition to this, my
present mood makes me so decidedly disinclined for all publicity, that I
have with difficulty, and chiefly through Paul’s sensible exhortations,
resolved not to give up those performances to which I had already
agreed. I intend, also, to fulfil my promise to Herr von Arnim about the
Friedrich Stift,[94] and the 14th of October seems to me a very suitable
day. If the sympathy in the work is so great that a repetition of it is
expected and desired within a short period, you may imagine that this
can only be a source of pleasure to me, and then I would gladly see the
receipts of the second performance applied entirely according to your
wish. If, in spite of this very unsatisfactory and undecided answer, you
will be so kind as to assist in promoting the first performance in
October, and inspiring those who have to do with it, as soon as
possible, with some activity, you will do me a great service, and I
shall again owe you many thanks. For I know, as you say, the
difficulties consequent on the state of things there, which is very
similar to the sand, and must be desperately ploughed up, before it
brings forth any fruit.
Your letter to Cécile does not sound so cheerful as usual. We hope that
this may have only been caused by some passing cloud, and that the sun
of your gayer mood again shines as brightly as we are accustomed to see
it with you. There are, to be sure, just now, very dense misty fogs, if
not thunder-clouds in our Fatherland, and many a day that might be
bright and clear becomes thus sultry and grey, and all objects dim and
dull; yet no one can strive against this, or maintain that they see the
bright colours and forms which genuine sunshine brings; and, indeed,
vivid lightning and loud thunder out of the black cloud, are sometimes
preferable to vague mists and foggy abysses. Every one suffers from
them, but these mists do not yet absorb the light, and cannot fail to be
dispersed at last. That no personal reason, no illness of your family or
yourself, or any other serious cause may exist for your depression, is
what we wish!
My wife and children are well, God be praised! We walk a great deal, the
children do their lessons, Cécile paints Alpine roses, and I write
music, so the days pass monotonously and quickly. Preserve your regard
for me as I ever shall for you, for ever and ever.--Your friend,
FELIX M. B.
TO PAUL MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
Leipzig, October, 25th 1847.
Dearest Brother,
I thank you a thousand times for your letter to-day, and for the hint
you give about coming here, which I seize with the utmost eagerness of
heart. I really did not know till to-day what to say about my plans. God
be praised, I am now daily getting better, and my strength returning
more and more; but to travel this day week to Vienna (and that is the
latest period which will admit of my arriving in time for a rehearsal of
their Musical Festival) is an idea which cannot possibly be thought
of.[95] It is certainly very unlucky that they should have made so many
preparations, and that my going there should be a second time put off.
There is no doubt, however, that my improvement in health is day by day
greater and more sure, so I have written to ask if I may delay coming
for a week; but, as I said, I place little faith in the practicability
of the whole thing, and it seems to me I must remain here. In no case
can I attempt to travel before eight days from this time; and as to the
state of my expedition to Berlin, has not Herr von Arnim reported it to
you in regular detail? If I cannot go to Vienna, the same reasons which
prevent my going there, must cause me to stay here for a fortnight or
three weeks, and to put off the performance in Berlin till the end of
November at the latest; and even if I do go to Vienna, this must of
course still be the case.
After, however, these interrupted performances, which must now be
carried through, that I positively undertake no new ones is quite
settled. If it were not necessary to keep one’s promise! but this must
be done, and now the only question is whether I shall see you again on
Saturday? Say Yes to this; I believe you would do me more good than all
my bitter medicine. Write me a couple of lines soon again, and be sure
you agree to come. My love to you all! and continue your love for your
FELIX.
* * * * *
On the 30th of October his brother was summoned to Leipzig, in
consequence of Mendelssohn being seized by another attack of illness. He
died on the 4th of November.
* * * * *
CATALOGUE
OF
ALL THE MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS
OF
FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY.
I. THE PUBLISHED WORKS, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
II. THE UNPUBLISHED WORKS, CLASSIFIED UNDER DIFFERENT HEADS.
COLLECTED PRINCIPALLY FROM THE AUTHOR’S ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS,
AND ACCOMPANIED BY A PREFACE,
BY
JULIUS RIETZ.
PREFACE.
In the first section of this Catalogue a few compositions are omitted,
because the autograph notes, by which Mendelssohn was in the habit of
recording the date and place of composition of his pieces, are wanting;
the precise date at which these works were composed cannot therefore be
given. They are as follows:--
Op. 6. Sonata for Pianoforte.
7. Seven characteristic pieces for Pianoforte.
8. Twelve Songs.
9. Twelve Songs (with the exception of No. 3).
10. Symphony No. 1.
14. Rondo Capriccioso for Pianoforte.
These may all be placed between 1824 and 1828; the symphony, probably
the earliest of all, about 1824; it was not published, however, till
much later, and was then marked as Opus 11, that number happening to be
vacant. In marking his works with Opus figures, both at that time and
especially later, Mendelssohn invariably referred to the date, not of
their composition, but of their publication; years not unfrequently
intervening between the two. This fact is strikingly exemplified in the
“Walpurgis Nacht,” which, though composed in 1830, was not published
till 1843, when indeed it was much over-elaborated. In his books of
songs and other minor works, he was in the habit of selecting those
which answered his purpose, out of a large number composed in _different
years_. Thus, for example, the six songs in the first book of songs for
men’s voices (op. 50), were composed between 1837 and 1840. Dates are
also wanting for
Op. 15. Fantasia for Pianoforte.
19. Six Songs, (with the exception of No. 6) undoubtedly written
between 1830 and 1834.
44. String Quartett, No. 1.
66. Trio No. 2, for Pianoforte, Violin, and Violoncello.
72. Six Juvenile pieces.
13. Variations for Pianoforte.
All belonging to the last period, subsequent to 1840.
Besides these, the originals of many single songs, with and without
words, are so dispersed, that with the most anxious desire to render the
Catalogue complete, and notwithstanding all the efforts of the Editor,
they have not yet been discovered. Still, even in its incomplete and
imperfect condition, the Catalogue will be interesting to the friends
and admirers of this immortal composer. It cannot fail also to be of
great value to Mendelssohn’s future biographer, for the striking picture
it furnishes of his development, of which the Thematic Catalogue of
Breitkopf and Härtel can give no idea, since in its compilation it was
not possible to observe the chronological succession of the works.
This is the proper place to mention a widely-spread report, to the
effect that Mendelssohn’s sister, Fanny Hensel (who died on the 14th of
May, 1847), had a share in the composition of many of his works. Thus,
among others, she has been often named as the composer of the entire
first book of “Songs without Words” (op. 19). This has been much
exaggerated. We are now enabled to reduce it to its proper
proportions,[96] and to state positively that Mendelssohn included six
only of his sister’s songs with words in his first four books of songs,
_and beyond these not one of any kind whatsoever_. These songs are:--
“Heimweh,” No. 2 }
“Italien,” No. 3 } in Opus 8.
“Suleika and Hatem,” Duett, No. 12}
“Sehnsucht,” No. 7 }
“Verlust,” No. 10 } in Opus 9.
“Die Nonne,” No. 12}
We may further observe, that the song No. 12, “Die Blumenglocken mit
hellem Schein,” in the operetta “Heimkehr aus der Fremde” (Son and
Stranger), was set to music by Carl Klingemann, the author of the
libretto, Mendelssohn’s most intimate friend, who died very recently. It
had been already published by him in 1829, in a book of songs (Logier,
Berlin), with other words, and was afterwards most charmingly and
delicately instrumented by Mendelssohn for the operetta.
In addition to the list contained in the thematic catalogue of
Mendelssohn’s published works, the following have since appeared in
Germany.
1. Two Pianoforte Pieces: (_a_) Andante cantabile, in B flat; (_b_)
Presto agitato, in G minor (Senff, Leipzig).
2. Two Songs for four Men’s Voices: (_a_) “Schlummernd an des Vaters
Brust;” (_b_) “Auf, Freunde, lasst das Jahr uns singen,” in the
“Repertorium für Männergesang” (Kahnt, Leipzig).
A “Te Deum,” for a four-part chorus and organ, with English words, has
been published in London.
Lastly, we must not omit to mention a published work of Mendelssohn’s,
though not a musical one, namely a translation of the ‘Andria’ of
Terence. Its complete title is--
“The Maiden of Andros, a Comedy by Terence, in the metre of the
original, translated by F----; with an introduction and notes, edited by
K. W. L. Heyse. (Berlin, 1826, Ferdinand Dummler.)”
As the existence of this little work, or at any rate the fact that
“Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” is concealed beneath the “F----,” is not
hitherto generally known, this notice will be received with some
interest.
* * * * *
II. The second division of the Catalogue is intended to furnish a more
ready means of reference to what Mendelssohn has accomplished in the
most various styles of composition (besides the published works); it is
not arranged chronologically, but under different heads,--Church Music,
Dramatic, etc. etc. The immense number of the works it includes, bears
testimony to the strict and conscientious manner in which Mendelssohn
acted with regard to himself, and how many pieces he laid aside, which,
even if too much laboured, might have caused great delight and enjoyment
to the world. The list also testifies to the caution of his
representatives, and to their desire to act in the same spirit as
himself, by not publishing anything among his papers which might be
unworthy of his name, or of his importance in the history of art. Minor
compositions for special occasions, songs for family _fêtes_, canons in
albums, etc. etc., of which a vast number exist, are not included in the
Catalogue, chiefly because it was impossible to make even an approach to
a complete list. It may be mentioned, that Mendelssohn added full
obligato organ parts to two of Handel’s oratorios, viz. “Solomon” and
“Israel in Egypt,” as well as to the “Dettingen Te Deum.” Those for
“Solomon” and the “Te Deum” remain in manuscript; but those to “Israel
in Egypt” are published in the edition of the Handel Society of London,
for whom Mendelssohn edited the oratorio.
J. R.
* * * * *
I.
PUBLISHED WORKS,
IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
1822.
Quartett for Pianoforte, Violin, Tenor, and Violoncello, in C minor, op.
1. Berlin.[97]
1823.
Quartett for Pianoforte, Violin, Tenor, and Violoncello, in F minor, op.
2. Berlin.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Violin, in F minor, op. 4. Berlin.
1824.
Quartett for Pianoforte, Violin, Tenor, and Violoncello, in B minor, op.
3. Berlin.
“Die Hochzeit des Camacho,” Opera in Two Acts, op. 10. First Act.
Berlin.
Overture for a Military Band, in C major, op. 24. Dobberan.
Originally composed for the Band of the Dobberan Baths, and subsequently
arranged for a full Military Band.
1825.
“Die Hochzeit des Camacho,” Overture and Second Act.
This Opera was given once in the Berlin theatre, on the 29th April,
1827.
Capriccio for Pianoforte, in F sharp minor, op. 5. Berlin.
Octett for four Violins, two Tenors, and two Violoncellos, in E flat,
op. 20. Berlin.
1826.
Quintett for two Violins, two Tenors, and Violoncello, in A, op. 18.
Berlin.
The Intermezzo, Andante sostenuto, in F major, was composed subsequently
in Paris, in 1832. The Scherzo, in D minor, originally formed the second
movement; the third was a Minuetto, in F sharp, Allegro molto; with a
Trio, in D, Canone doppio.
Overture to Shakspeare’s ‘Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,’ in E major, op.
21. Berlin.
Song for Voice and Pianoforte, “Es lauschte das Laub,” op. 86, no. 1.
1827.
Quartett for two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in A minor, op. 13.
Berlin.
Fugue for two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in E flat, in op. 81.
Fugue for Pianoforte, in E minor. Berlin.
No. 7 in a collection entitled, “Notre Temps,” published by Schott, of
Mayence.
1828.
Quartett for two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in E flat, op. 12.
Berlin.
At the period of its composition, this Quartett appeared as “the first
for stringed instruments.”
Overture, “Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt,” in D, op. 27. Berlin.
Variations for Pianoforte and Violoncello, in D, op. 17. Berlin.
1829.
Song for Voice and Pianoforte, “Wartend,” op. 9, no. 3. Berlin.
Song for Voice and Pianoforte, “Der Blumenkranz.” London.
This appeared at a much later period, in an Album of Spehr’s, Brunswick.
Three Fantasias or Caprices for the Pianoforte, op. 16. Coed Du, in
Wales.
“Heimkehr aus der Fremde,” Operetta in One Act, op. 89. London and
Berlin.
Composed for the celebration of the silver wedding-day of his parents.
Performed in public for the first time on the 20th April, 1851, in
Leipzig.
1830.
Overture, “Die Hebriden,” in B minor, op. 26. Rome.
Psalm CXV., “Nicht unserm Namen, Herr,” for Chorus, Solo, and Orchestra,
op. 31. Rome.
Song for Voice and Pianoforte, “Reiselied,” op. 19, no. 6. Venice.
Song without words, “Gondellied,” op. 19, no. 6. Venice.
A book of songs with words, and one of songs without words, are each
marked as Opus 19.
Three pieces of Sacred Music for Solo and Chorus, with Organ, op. 23.
Rome.
Three Motetts for Female Voices with Organ, op. 39. Rome.
Composed for the Nuns in Trinità de’ Monti, in Rome; but not published
till 1838, when it was partly re-written.
1831.
“Die erste Walpurgis Nacht,” Ballad, for Chorus, Solo, and Orchestra,
op. 60. Milan and Paris.
Re-written in Leipzig in 1842, and published in 1843.
“Verleih’ uns Frieden,” Prayer, for Chorus and Orchestra. No opus
number. Rome.
Song for Voice and Pianoforte, “Da lieg’ ich unter den Bäumen,” op. 84,
no. 1. Düsseldorf.
Song for Voice and Pianoforte, “Die Liebende schreibt,” op. 86, no. 3.
Untersee.
1832.
Concerto for Pianoforte and Orchestra, in G minor, op. 25. Munich.
Capriccio Brillant, for Pianoforte with Orchestra, in B minor, op. 22.
London.
Fugue for Pianoforte, in B minor, op. 35, no. 3.
1833.
Symphony, in A major, op. 90. Berlin.
Repeatedly mentioned in Mendelssohn’s Letters from Italy, as the Italian
Symphony.
Overture, “Zum Mährchen von der schönen Melusine,” in F, op. 32. Berlin.
Fantasia for Pianoforte, in F sharp minor, op. 28. Berlin.
Entitled on the autograph, “Sonate Écossaise.”
Capriccio for Pianoforte, in F sharp minor, op. 33, no. 3. London.
“Lied ohne Worte,” in D, op. 30, no. 5. Düsseldorf.Vocal Chorus, “Lord,
have mercy,” in A minor. No opus number. Berlin.
Published in an Album, by Bösenberg, Leipzig.
1834.
Rondo Brillant for Pianoforte, in E flat, op. 29.
Capriccio for Pianoforte, in A minor, op. 33, no. 1.
“Lieder ohne “Worte:”--
Op. 30, Nos. 1 and 4.
Op. 85, No. 2.
Songs for Voice and Pianoforte:--
“Minnelied,” op. 34, no. 1.
“Auf Flügeln des Gesanges,” op. 34, no. 2.
“Sonntagslied,” op. 34, no. 5.
“Jagdlied,” op. 84, no. 3.
Romance for Voice and Pianoforte, “Schlafloser Augen.” No opus number.
Published in an Album. Breitkopf and Härtel, Leipzig.
Three “Volkslieder,” for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass, op. 41, nos. 2,
3, 4.
Commencement of the Oratorio of “St. Paul.”
“Todeslied der Bojaren,” from Immermann’s Tragedy of “Alexis,” for a
chorus of men’s voices in unison, and wind instruments; in E minor.
First published as a contribution to the fourth volume of Immermann’s
works. Schaub, Düsseldorf.
N.B.--All the works of this year were composed at Düsseldorf.
1835.
Oratorio of “St. Paul,” op. 36. Düsseldorf and Leipzig.
Performed for the first time at the Musical Festival of the Lower Rhine,
at Düsseldorf, on the 22nd of May, 1836.
Capriccio for Pianoforte, in E major, op. 33, no. 2. Düsseldorf.
Fugue for Pianoforte, in A flat, op. 35, no. 4. Düsseldorf.
Song for Voice with Pianoforte, “Das Waldschloss.” No opus number.
Berlin.
1836.
Preludes for Pianoforte, op. 35:--no. 2, in D; no. 3, in B minor; no. 5,
in F minor. Leipzig.
Fugue for Pianoforte, op. 35, no. 6, B flat. Leipzig.
Fugue for the Organ, in G, op. 37, no. 2. Leipzig.
Étude and Scherzo for the Pianoforte, in F minor. No opus number.
Leipzig.
Two-part Song, with Pianoforte, “Sonntagsmorgen,” op. 77, no. 1.
Leipzig.
1837.
Concerto for Pianoforte and Orchestra, in D minor, op. 40. Bingen and
Horchheim on the Rhine.
Quartett for Two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in E minor, op. 44,
no. 2. Frankfort on the Main.
Psalm XLII., “Wie der Hirsch schreit,” for Chorus, Solo, and Orchestra.
Freyburg in Breisgau, and Leipzig.
Preludes for Pianoforte, op. 35:--no. 1, in E minor; no. 4, in A flat
major; no. 6, B flat. Leipzig.
Fugue for Pianoforte, op. 35, no. 2. Leipzig.
Three Preludes for the Organ, op. 37. Speyer.
Fugue for the Organ, op. 37, no. 1. Speyer.
Songs for Voice with Pianoforte:--
“Suleika,” op. 34, no. 4. }
“Reiselied,” op. 34, no. 6.} Leipzig.
“Suleika,” op. 57, no. 3. }
Songs for Four Male Voices:--
“Sommerlied,” op. 50, no. 3. }
“Wasserfahrt,” op. 50, no. 4. }
“So lang man nüchtern ist,” op. 75, no. 3.} Leipzig.
“Geben wir Rath,” op. 76, no. 1. }
Song for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass, “Im Grünen,” op. 59, no. 1.
Leipzig.
“Song without Words,” in A minor, op. 38, no. 5. Speyer.
1838.
Serenade and Allegro Giojoso for Pianoforte, with Orchestra, op. 43.
Leipzig.
Quartett for Stringed Instruments, in E flat, op. 44, No. 3. Leipzig.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Violoncello, in B flat, op. 45. Leipzig.
Psalm XCV., “Kommt, lasst uns anbeten,” for Chorus, Solo, and Orchestra,
op. 46. Leipzig.
Andante Cantabile and Presto Agitato, for the Pianoforte, in B. Without
any opus number. Berlin.
Appeared in an Album. Breitkopf and Härtel, Leipzig.
Song for Four Male Voices, “Türkisches Schenkenlied,” op. 50, No. 1.
Leipzig.
1839.
Psalm CXIV., “Da Israel aus Egypten zog,” for an eight-part Chorus and
Orchestra, op. 51. Horchheim.
Trio, for Pianoforte, Violin, and Violoncello, in D minor, op. 49.
Frankfort, Berlin, and Leipzig.
Sonata for the Organ, in C minor, op. 65, no. 2. Frankfort.
Overture to Victor Hugo’s drama, “Ruy Blas,” in C minor, op. 95.
Leipzig.
Chorus for Two Female Voices, with Quartett accompaniment, from “Ruy
Blas,” in A, op. 77, no. 3.
The foregoing two pieces were written for a performance of “Ruy Blas”
for the benefit of the Theatrical Pension Fund, at the request of the
Committee of the Fund.
Six Songs, for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass, op. 48. Frankfort and
Leipzig.
Besides these:--
“Hirtenlied,” op. 88, no. 3.} Frankfort.
“Im Wald,” op. 100, no. 4. }
Songs for Four Male Voices:--
“Liebe und Wein,” op. 50, no. 5.} “Abendständchen,” op. 75, no. 2.}
Leipzig. “Ersatz für Unbestand.” No opus number.}
Songs for One Voice with Pianoforte:--
“Frühlingslied,” op. 47, no. 3.}
“Volkslied,” op. 47, no. 4. } Leipzig.
“Wiegenlied,” op. 47, no. 6. }
“Altdeutsches Lied,” op. 57, no. 1. Horchheim.
“Hirtenlied,” op. 57, no. 2. }
“Herbstlied,” op. 84, no. 2. } Leipzig.
“Song without Words,” in F sharp minor, op. 67,}
no. 2. }
1840.
“Hymn of Praise,” Symphony Cantata, op. 52. Leipzig.
Performed for the first time on the 25th of June, 1840, in the Thomas
Church at Leipzig, at the Celebration of the Fourth Centenary of
Printing.
A “Festgesang,” for Male Voices and Brass Band, “Begeht mit heil’gem
Lobgesang.” No opus number.
For the opening of the same Festival in honour of Printing.
Songs for Four Male Voices:--
“Der Jäger Abschied,” op. 50, no. 2.
“Wanderlied,” op. 50, no. 6.
Song for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass, “Der wandernde Musikant,” op.
88, No. 6.
1841.
Music for “Antigone,” op. 55. Berlin.
Performed for the first time on the 6th November, 1841, in the New
Palace, at Potsdam, and in the theatre at Berlin on the 13th of April,
1842.
Variations Sérieuses, for the Pianoforte, in D minor, op. 54. Leipzig.
Variations for the Pianoforte, in E flat, op. 82. Leipzig.
Allegro Brillant for the Pianoforte, arranged as a Duett, in A, op. 92.
Leipzig.
Prelude for the Pianoforte, in E minor, for “Notre Temps.” Refer to
1827. Leipzig.
Songs for Voice, with Pianoforte accompaniment:--
“Frische Fahrt,” op. 57, no. 6. Leipzig.
“Erster Verlust,” op. 99, no. 1. Berlin.
“Das Schifflein,” op. 99, no. 4. Leipzig.
Song for Voice, with Pianoforte, “Ich hör’ ein Vöglein locken.” No opus
number.
Appeared first as a contribution to a Collection of Poetry by Adolph
Böttger.
“Songs without Words:”--
“Volkslied,” in A minor, op. 53, no. 5.}
“ in A major, op. 53, no. 6. } Leipzig.
“ in B flat, op. 85, no. 6. }
1842.
Symphony, in A minor, op. 56. Berlin.
Called the “Scotch Symphony,” in the Letters of 1830.
Songs for Voice with Pianoforte:--
“Gondellied,” op. 57, no. 5.
“Schilflied,” op. 71, no. 4.
Song for Two Voices, with Pianoforte, “Wie war so schön,” op. 63, no. 2.
“Song without Words,” in A major, op. 62, no. 6.
1843.
Music for the “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” op. 61. See year 1826. Leipzig.
Performed for the first time on the 14th of October, 1843, in the New
Palace, at Potsdam; and in the theatre at Berlin, on the 18th October,
1843.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Violoncello, in D, op. 58. Leipzig.
Choruses for Racine’s “Athalie.” Leipzig.
For female voices only, and with pianoforte accompaniment. This work was
performed, in its later shape, for the first time on December 1st, 1845,
in the Royal Theatre at Charlottenburg. See year 1845.
Concert Aria for Soprano with Orchestra, in B flat, op. 94. Leipzig.
Capriccio for Two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in E minor, in op.
81. Leipzig.
Psalm XCI., “Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied,” for Chorus and Orchestra,
op. 91. Berlin.
For the celebration of New Year’s Day, 1844, in the Dom Kirche, at
Berlin.
Psalm II., “Warum toben die Heiden?” for an eight-part Chorus, op. 78,
no. 1. Berlin.
Anthem, “Herr Gott, du bist unsre Zuflucht,” for a Chorus of Eight
Voices, op. 79, no. 2. Berlin.
Hymn for a Contralto, Chorus, and Orchestra, op. 96. Leipzig.
The elaboration of a work formerly published by Simrock, of Bonn,
without any opus-number, entitled “Three Sacred Songs for an Alto Voice,
Chorus, and Organ.”
Song for Voice with Pianoforte, “Es weiss und räth es doch Keiner,” op.
99, no. 6.
Songs for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass:--
“Frühzeitiger Frühling,”}
“Abschied vom Walde,” }
“Die Nachtigall,” } op. 59, nos. 2 to 6. Leipzig.
“Ruhethal,” }
“Jagdlied,” }
“Ich hab’ ein Liebchen,” op. 88, no. 2.}
“Die Waldvöglein,” op. 88, no. 4. } Leipzig.
“Lob des Frühlings,” op. 100, no. 2. }
“Songs without Words:”--
B, op. 62, no. 2. }
E minor, op. 62, no. 3.} Leipzig.
G, op. 62, no. 4. }
C, op. 67, no. 4. }
1844.
Concerto for the Violin, with Orchestra, in E minor, op. 64. Leipzig.
Overture to “Athalie,” in D minor, and March of the Priests, in F, op.
74. London.
Hymn, “Hör’ mein Bitten,” for a Soprano, Chorus, and Organ. No number.
Berlin.Sonatas for the Organ, op. 65:--
F minor, no. 1.}
C minor, no, 2.}
A major, no. 3.} Frankfort.
D minor, no. 6.}
Psalms for a Choir of Eight Voices, op. 78.
Psalm XLIII., “Richte mich Gott,” No. 2. }
Psalm XLII., “Mein Gott, warum hast Du,” no. 3.} Berlin.
Songs for Four Male Voices:--
“Wem Gott will,” op. 75, no, 1.}
“So rückt denn,” op. 75, no. 4.} Berlin.
“Rheinweinlied,” op. 76, no. 2.}
Songs for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass:--
“Neujahrslied,” op. 88, no. 1.
“Andenken,” op. 100, no. 1.
“Songs without Words:”--
G, op. 62, no. 1. Berlin.
E flat, op. 67, no. 1. Leipzig.
B minor, op. 51. Berlin.
Songs for Two Voices with Pianoforte:--
“Gruss,” op. 63, no. 2. }
“Herbstlied,” op. 63, no. 3.} Leipzig.
“Maiglöckchen und die Blümelein,” op. 63, no. 6. Berlin.
1845.
Music for “Oedipus von Kolonos,” op. 93. Leipzig and Frankfort.
Performed for the first time on the 1st November, 1845, in the New
Palace at Potsdam, and in the theatre at Berlin on the 10th November,
1845.
Quintett for two Violins, two Tenors, and Violoncello, in B flat, op.
87. Soden.“Athalie,” instrumentation and arrangement of the Choruses
for Soprano,
Alto, Tenor, and Bass. See the years 1843 and 1844. Op. 74.
Sonatas for the Organ:--
B flat, op. 65, no. 4. } Frankfort.
D minor, op. 65, no. 6.}
Songs for One Voice with Pianoforte:--
“Tröstung,” op. 71, no. 1. Leipzig.
“Frühlingslied,” op. 71, no. 2. Frankfort.
“Wenn sich zwei Herzen scheiden,” op. 99, no. 5. Leipzig.
“Songs without Words:”--
B flat, op. 67, no. 3. Leipzig.
D, op. 84, no. 4.} Frankfort.
A, op. 84, no. 5.}
Anthems for an Eight-part Chorus:--
“Frohlocket, ihr Völker,” op. 97, no. 1.
“Herr, gedenke,” op. 79, no. 4.
Commencement of the Oratorio of “Elijah.”
1846.
Cantata to the “Sons of Art,” Male Chorus and Brass Band, op. 68.
Written for the first German-Flemish Vocal Festival at Cologne.
“Lauda Sion,” for Chorus, Solo, and Orchestra, op. 73.
For the church of St. Martin, in Lüttich.
“Elijah,” Oratorio, op. 70.
Performed for the first time at Birmingham, August 25, 1846.
Song for Four Male Voices, “Was uns eint als deutsche Brüder,” op. 76,
no. 3.
For the Germans in Lyons.
Anthems for an Eight-part Chorus:--
“Erhaben, O Herr,” op. 79, no. 3.
“Lasset uns frohlocken,” op. 79, no. 5.
All the works of this year were composed in Leipzig.
1847.
Three Motetts for Chorus and Solo Voices, op. 69. Baden-Baden and
Leipzig.
Recitative and Choruses from the unfinished Oratorio, “Christus,” op.
97.
Finale of the first Act from the unfinished Opera of “Loreley,” op. 98.
Leipzig.
Besides this finale there are only extant, an Ave Maria for Soprano Solo
and Female Chorus, a grand March with Chorus, and the beginning of three
other pieces of music.
Quartett for Two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in F minor, op. 80.
Interlachen.
Andante and Scherzo for Two Violins, Tenor, and Violoncello, in op. 81.
Songs for One Voice with Pianoforte:--
“An die Entfernte,” op. 71, no. 3. Leipzig.
“Auf der Wanderschaft,” op. 71, no. 5. Interlachen.
“Nachtlied,” op. 71, no. 6. Leipzig.
Song for Four Male Voices, “Comitat,” op. 76, no. 4. Frankfort.
Song for Two Voices with Pianoforte, “Das Aehrenfeld,” op. 77, no. 2.
Leipzig.
Song for Voice with Pianoforte, “Altdeutsches Frühlingslied,” op. 86,
no. 6.
Mendelssohn’s last composition, written on the 7th October, 1847, in
Leipzig.
II.
WORKS NOT PUBLISHED.
SACRED MUSIC.
“Magnificat” for Chorus and Orchestra, in D. 1822.
“Juba Domine” for Chorus and Soli, without Orchestra. 1822.
“Gloria” for a four-part Chorus and Orchestra, in E flat.
“Kyrie” for two Choruses and Soli, in C minor.
“Jesus meine Zuversicht,” Chorale, four and five Voices. 1824.
“Ich bin durch der Hoffnung Band,” Chorale and Fugue, for four and five
Voices.
“Kyrie” for a five-part Chorus and Orchestra. 1825.
“Und ob du mich züchtigest, Herr,” Canon for five Voices.
“O Beata,” Chorus for three Female Voices and Organ.
“Te Deum Laudamus,” for an eight-part Chorus. Eight movements. 1826.
“Tu es Petrus,” for a five-part Chorus and Orchestra. 1827.
“Christe, du Lamm Gottes,” Cantata for four Voices and stringed
instruments.
“Ach Gott vom Himmel sieh darein,” Cantata for four Voices and
Orchestra.
“Vom Himmel hoch, da komm’ ich her,” Christmas hymn for four voices and
Orchestra. Rome. 1831.
“Hora est de somno surgere,” for four Four-part Choirs.
“Ad vesperas Dom. XXI. post Trinitatis. Responsorium et Hymnus,” for
three-and four-part Male Chorus.
“Beati mortui,” for a four-part Male Chorus.
Two English Psalm-tunes for four voices. 1839.
Nine pieces in the Oratorio of “St. Paul,” subsequently omitted:--four
Choruses, three Chorales, four Recitatives, a Soprano Aria, and a Duett
for Tenor and Bass.
“Herr Gott, dich loben wir,” Chorale for double Chorus, Organ, four
Trombones, and stringed instruments, for the celebration of the German
Tausendjährige festival. 1843.
Psalm C., “Jauchzet dem Herrn,” for a four-part Chorus. 1844.
The German Liturgy, for two four-part Choirs.
“Wir glauben all’ an einen Gott,” for Chorus and Orchestra.
The most important of these works _a capella_, the “Te Deum,” the “Hora
est,” etc., were written from 1826 to 1828 for the Berlin Singing
Academy, at that time under Zelter’s management, and were constantly
sung there. The four last-named pieces were composed for the Cathedral
Choir at Berlin.
SECULAR CANTATAS.
Grand Festival Music for the Dürer Festival. The Poem by Professor
Levetzow. Performed in the Hall of the Singing Academy at Berlin, on the
12th of April, 1828. Instrumental Introduction, and fourteen
Numbers--Solos, Grand fugued Choruses, etc.
Festival Music, for a festival given in the Hall of the Royal Theatre at
Berlin, by Alexander von Humboldt. The words by L. Rellstab. For Male
Voices, with accompaniment of Clarionets, Horns, Trumpets, Kettle-drums,
Violoncello, and Double Bass. Seven numbers, Solos and Choruses. 1827.
Festal Song at the uncovering of the statue of Friedrich August the
Just, at Dresden, on the 9th June, 1842, for two Male Choirs and Brass
Band.
DRAMATIC.
“Die beiden Pädagogen,” Comic Operetta, in one Act, adapted from the
French. Overture and ten numbers.
“Soldatenliebschaft,” Comic Operetta, in one Act. Overture and fourteen
numbers.
“Die wandernden Komödianten,” Comic Opera in one Act. Overture and
twelve numbers. 1821.
“Der Onkel aus Boston, oder die beiden Neffen,” Comic Opera in three
Acts. 1822-1823. Overture and fourteen numbers, with much Ballet Music.
Music to Calderon’s Tragedy, “The Steadfast Prince.” Two Choruses for
Male Voices, Battle-piece, Melodrama. 1834.
Written for a performance in Düsseldorf.
FOR VOICE, WITH ORCHESTRAL ACCOMPANIMENT OR STRINGED INSTRUMENTS.
Recitative and Aria, “Che vuoi mio cor,” for a Contralto, accompanied by
Stringed Instruments. 1824. Scena and Aria, for a Soprano, with
Orchestra. 1834.
Much of this was afterwards made use of in the Aria, op. 94, the only
instance in which Mendelssohn’s artistic energy permitted him so to do.
Air for Barytone and Orchestra, with English Words, written for
Philipps, the singer, of London. 1846.
SONGS FOR VOICE, WITH PIANOFORTE ACCOMPANIMENT.
Songs, finished ballads, several in Italian, chiefly from Mendelssohn’s
earlier period to the year 1834. The words are, with few exceptions, by
unknown poets, and the enumeration of the individual pieces can be of
little interest. Their number is from twenty to thirty.
FOR FOUR MALE VOICES.
“A frischer Bua bin ich,” for Immermann’s “Andreas Hofer.” 1833.
“Der weise Diogenes war der erste der griechischen Sieben,” Canon for
twice Two Voices. 1833.
“Musikanten Prügelei.” 1833.
“Im Nebelgeriesel, im tiefen Schnee,” Gipsy Song by Goethe, for two
Two-part Choirs.
“Worauf kommt es überall an,” by Goethe. 1837.
“Auf ihr Herrn und Damen schön,” Hunting Song. 1837.
Morning Song of the Thuringian Vocal Association, “Seid gegrüsset,
traute Brüder.” For the Festival in Eisenach. 1847.
FOR FULL ORCHESTRA.
Symphony, in D. 1822.
Grand Overture, in C. 1825.
Performed at the Musical Festival in Düsseldorf, at Whitsuntide, 1833.
Symphony for the celebration of the Reformation Festival, in D minor.
1830.
Performed in London and Berlin.
Marches for smaller Military Bands, composed for the use in Church
Processions at Düsseldorf. 1833.March for a full Orchestra, in D, in
celebration of the visit of
Cornelius the painter to Dresden.
FOR STRINGS.
Ten Four-, Five-, and Six-part Symphonies, in the years 1820 to 1823.
Concerto for the Violin, with accompaniment of Stringed Instruments, in
D minor.
Quartett for Two Violins, Tenor and Violoncello, in E flat. 1823.
Many single Four-and Five-part pieces, Fugues, etc.
FOR PIANOFORTE, WITH ACCOMPANIMENT.
Concerto for Two Pianos, with Orchestra, in E. 1823.
Concerto for Two Pianos, with Orchestra, in A flat. 1824.
Concerto for Pianoforte and Violin, with Stringed Instruments, in D
minor. 1823.
Concerto for Pianoforte, with Stringed Instruments, in A minor.
Sextett for Pianoforte, Violin, Two Tenors, Violoncello, and Double
Bass, in D. 1824.
Quartett for Pianoforte, Violin, Tenor, and Violoncello, in D minor.
Trio for Pianoforte, Violin, and Tenor, in C minor. 1820.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Tenor, in C minor. 1824.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Clarionet, in E flat.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Violin, in D minor.
Sonata for Pianoforte and Violin, in F. 1838.
“Song without Words,” for Pianoforte and Violoncello. For Fräulein Lisa
Christiani.
FOR PIANOFORTE SOLO.
Grand Fantasia. 1823.
Fantasia, four hands, in D minor. 1824.
Sonatina, in B flat minor. 1824.
Sonata, in B flat. 1827.
Andante and Allegro, in E major and E minor. 1837.
A vast number of Songs without Words, Studies, Preludes, Fugues,
Juvenile Pieces, etc., of all dates.
FOR CLARIONET AND CORNO DI BASSETTO, WITH PIANOFORTE ACCOMPANIMENT.
Two Concertos for the Royal Bavarian Kammer-Musiker, Herren Bärmann,
father and son, composed in Munich, in 1832.
INDEX.
N.B.--A * is prefixed to Mendelssohn’s own Compositions.
Alexander’s Feast, Handel’s, 15, 62.
André, of Offenbach, 119.
Andria of Terence, 442.
*Antigone, 274, 276, 282.
Athalie, 384, 385;
overture to, 342, 364.
*Ave Maria (op. 23, No. 2), 75, 80.
Bach, Sebastian, 73, 75, 76, 80, 128, 180, 208;
monument to, 191, 208, 317; cantata in E minor, 41;
‘Passion,’ 69;
Chromatic fantasia, 216;
Mass in B minor, 413.
Bauer, Pastor, letters to, 1, 3, 68, 96, 394.
Becker’s Rheinlied, 247.
Beethoven, 23;
concerto in G, 316, 364;
sonata op. 106, 390.
Bennett, Sterndale, 161.
Berlin, project for Academy at, 223, 226, 230,
235, 239, 254, 258, 261, 266, 273, 301, 303, 305, 376, 379;
state of music there, 271;
Mendelssohn’s appointment, 336, 417.
Bernus, letter to, 393.
Bendemann, letter to, 410.
Birmingham, 133, 210, 402, 404.
Birmingham Festival (1837), 133-5, 142;
(1846), 400-407.
Blümner, his legacy, 203, 206.
‘Bonifacius,’ Schubring’s, 164.
Bunsen, letters from and to, 353, 355.
Butler, Mrs., 283.
Cherubini, 27, 28, 60, 147, 187, 192.
Chopin, 38, 88, 89.
Chorley, 190, 283.
Composition, Mendelssohn’s desire to stick to, 139, 144.
Cramer’s Studies recommended, 189.
Creation, Haydn’s, 79.
Crown Prince, the, 11.
David, F., letters to, 153, 266, 274.
Dehn, letter to, 276.
Deidesheim, wine-cellars at, 371.
Dilettanti and Artists, 396.
Dirichlet, Professor, letter to, 414.
Dirichlet, Rebecca, letters to, 8, 57, 65, 121, 122, 148, 389, 425, 427.
‘Don Juan’ at Düsseldorf, 16-19.
Duprez, 283.
Düsseldorf, residence there, 8-87;
resignation of post, 53, 60.
Eckert, 214;
letters to, 284.
Education of a youth in music, 186.
Egmont, Beethoven’s, 22.
Eichhorn, Herr, letters from and to, 376, 379.
Elijah, oratorio of, 159, 164, 318, 396, 402, 410, 413, 432.
England, 364, 367.
Ernst, 198.
Eumenides, composition of, 353, 356, 382.
Extemporizing, Mendelssohn’s, 23.
Falkenstein, Von, letters to, 203.
Family, his, letters to, 22, 44, 115, 149, 161.
*Fantasia in F minor (op. 28), 24, 447.
Father, his, death of, 93, 94, 96;
character, 112.
Father, his, letters to, 16, 28, 80, 82;
letters from, 61, 74.
Florence, 182.
*Four-part songs, 35, 174, 176.
Franck, E., letter to, 143.
Frankfort, direction of the St. Cecilia Association, 109, 111, 116, 123, 170;
night fête at, 175;
entertainment to Mendelssohn, 178;
his delight in the place, 362, 366, 389, 393.
Frege, Madame, letters to, 404.
French painters, 164.
Fürst, letters to, 41, 195.
Gade, symphony in C minor, 325;
letters to, 326, 330.
Gluck, 152.
Goethe, 19, 79, 115, 121.
Grote, Mr., 430.
Grimsel, the, 292.
Guhr, 168-169.
Günther, 29.
Gusikow, 109.
Hähnel, Mademoiselle, 35.
Handel, 77, 105, 146, 151;
his judicious scoring, 26;
works presented to Mendelssohn, 90, 147.
Handel Society, 386.
Hauser, F., letter to, 273.
Haydn, Creation, 79;
“Farewell Symphony,” 148.
*Hebrides, overture, 7, 15.
Hensel, Fanny, 54, 125, 126;
her music, 102, 125, 128, 441;
her death, 422.
Hensel, Fanny, letters to, 34, 55, 101,
123, 163, 181, 192, 208, 215, 244, 325, 366, 368.
Hiller, F., 37, 38, 81, 98, 111, 117, 122, 124, 140, 193, 199;
his overture in D minor, 98;
letter to, 152.
Hixte, letter to, 87.
*Hymn of Praise (Lobgesang), 213, 219, 222, 242.
Immermann, 16, 20, 58;
his ‘Münchhausen,’ 242.
*‘Infelice,’ scena (op. 94), 25.
Interlachen, letter from, 288.
‘Israel in Egypt,’ 12;
Mendelssohn’s edition of, 364.
Italy, 141, 181, 209.
Jean Paul, 64, 329.
Johann, Mendelssohn’s servant, 362, 410, 412.
Jungfrau, the, 288.
King of Prussia, the, letters to, 302, 350;
from, 241, 313.
Klengel, 287.
Klingemann, 441;
letters to, 64, 171, 219, 263, 304, 327, 362, 412.
Köstlin, letters to, 277, 323.
Kücken, 292.
Lang, Josephine, 277.
Leipzig, 71, 85.
Leipzig Conservatorium, 203, 213, 311, 316, 409;
the town-orchestra of, 343;
concerts at, 85, 190.
Lessing, 162, 313.
Libretto of an Opera, 196.
Lindblad, 21.
Liszt, 201, 202.
*Liturgy composed for the King, 410.
London, 135, 210, 283.
Lower Rhine Festival, 145.
Mass in the Catholic Church, 70.
Massow, Von, letters to, 300.
Measles, Mendelssohn’s recovery from, 161.
Meeresstille, overture, 52, 91.
Meiringen, 309.
*Melusina, overture, 15, 34, 47, 73, 105.
Merk, 110.
Messiah, the, 69.
*Midsummer Night’s Dream Music, 338.
Moscheles, 90, 92, 406, 409;
letters to, 7, 25, 158, 189, 332, 385, 399.
Mother, letters to his, 37, 52, 108, 111, 114,
125, 126, 133, 167, 175, 200, 208, 212, 238, 280, 288, 290, 311;
her death, 324.
Mozart, D minor concerto, 103;
Do. for two Pianos, 199;
“Jupiter” Symphony, 387;
Zaïde, 148;
Zauberflöte, 333.
Müller, Herr, letters from and to, 382, 385.
Music as a part of worship, 69.
Music, the meaning of, 298.
*Musikanten-prügelei, 48.
Naumann, letter to, 186, 391.
Nausikaa, 148.
Neukomm, 26, 124, 134, 143.
Oberhofer, singer, of Carlsruhe, 373.
*Œdipus, 309, 384.
*Organ fugues (op. 37), 123.
Organ playing, 45.
Otten, G., letter to, 335.
Painters characterized, 182.
Palatinate, national song of, 372.
Palestrina, 2, 10.
“Passion” projected by Mendelssohn, 36.
Pasta, 272.
Paul Mendelssohn, letters to, 138, 198, 221,
223, 226, 229, 233, 239, 249, 261, 313, 320,
336, 339, 341, 342, 363, 402, 407, 426, 430, 434.
Philharmonic Society of London, 25, 364.
Planché, his opera-text, 173, 196.
Pleyel, Madame, 193.
*Preludes and fugues (op. 35), 123.
Preusser, Madame, letter to, 329.
Prince Albert, 404.
*Psalm xlii. (op. 42), 322.
*Quartett, D major (op. 44, No. 1), 154.
*Quartett, E minor (op. 44, No. 2), 139.
*Quartett, pianoforte, in C minor (op. 1), 140.
*Reformation Symphony, 252.
Reichardt, 19, 82, 419.
“Revolution” in music, 56, 65.
Rietz, Julius, letter to, 251;
his overture to ‘Hero and Leander,’ 251.
Rome, 184, 194.
*Rondo brillant in E flat (op. 29), 24, 25, 46.
Rosen, Dr. F., letter to, 106.
Rossini, 117, 118.
Ruhr, bathing in the, 45.
*Ruy Blas, overture to, 167.
Saarn, excursion to, 44.
Sacred Harmonic Society, 135.
“Saint,” Mendelssohn’s definition of, 162.
Samson, Handel’s, 116.
Saxony, King of, 213.
Schadow, the painter, 129.
Schelble, 110, 115.
Schirmer, letter to, 162.
Schleinitz, letters to, 70, 85, 113, 156.
Schröder-Devrient, 245, 312.
Schubring, Pastor, letters to, 5, 39, 49, 93, 159, 164, 246, 318, 397.
‘Seasons,’ Haydn’s, 79.
Sebastian Hensel, 429;
letter to, 420, 423.
*Serenade, etc. (op. 43), 149.
Seydelmann, actor, 32.
Simrock, A., letters to, 150, 166, 293, 296, 333.
Souchay, M. A., letter to, 298.
Spohr, 273; letter to, 72.
Spontini, 272.
Staudigl in Elijah, 405.
Steffens, Frau, letter to, 418.
Stern, J., letter to, 360.
*St. Paul, Oratorio of, 5, 25, 39, 40,
49, 54, 55, 67, 73, 84, 89, 95, 113,
120, 130, 174, 373;
first performance of, 113;
at Birmingham, 133.
St. Peter, projected oratorio on, 129, 130.
Switzerland, 288-9.
*Symphony No. 1, 439.
*Symphony, the Italian, 7.
*Symphony, the Scotch, 56, 155, 171, 310, 364.
“Tempest, The,” 309.
Thalberg, 200.
Theatre, the, its influence, 51.
Theodora, Handel’s, 124.
Tieck, 354, 356.
Titian, his pictures at Venice, 181;
at Rome, 194.
*Trio in D minor, 171, 174.
*Variations in B flat (op. 83), 266;
in D minor (op. 54), 265;
in E flat, 266.
Velten, letter to, 401.
Verhulst, letter to, 375.
Verkenius, letters to, 267, 270.
Victoria, Queen, 281.
‘Vier Fragen,’ pamphlet of Jacobi, 249.
*Violin concerto, 155.
*Walpurgis Nacht, 219, 312, 315, 328, 364, 440.
‘Wasserträger,’ Cherubini’s, 28.
Webern, von, letters to, 421, 431.
Werden, visit to, 45.
Zauberflöte, score of, 333.
JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, PRINTER,
LITTLE QUEEN STREET LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS.
* * * * *
39, PATERNOSTER ROW:
LONDON: _December, 1863_.
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SANDFORD and MERTON [_On March 31._
The PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
EVENINGS AT HOME
HISTORY of the PLAGUE
The VICAR of WAKEFIELD
CITIZEN of the WORLD
SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON
_AND OTHER WORKS._
INDEX.
_Acton’s_ Cookery-Book, 23
Afternoon of Life, 16
_Agassiz_ on Classification, 12
_Alcock’s_ Japan, 1
_Arago’s_ Scientific Biographies, 4
_Arago’s_ Meteorological Essays, 4
_Arago’s_ Popular Astronomy, 4
_Arago’s_ Treatise on Comets, 4
_Arbuthnot’s_ Herzegovina, 9
_Arnold’s_ Manual of English Literature, 7
_Arnold’s_ Poems, 21
_Arnold’s_ Merope, 21
_Arnold_ on Translating Homer, 8
_Arnott_ on Progress, 21
Autobiography of Charles V, 1
_Ayre’s_ Treasury of Bible Knowledge, 20
Bacon’s Life, by _Spedding_, 3
_Bacon’s_ Works, 3
_Bayldon’s_ Rents and Tillages, 25
_Beard’s_ Port-Royal, 6
_Berlepsch’s_ Alps, 8
_Black_ on Brewing, 23
_Blaine’s_ Encyclopædia of Rural Sports, 14
_Blight’s_ Land’s End, 10
_Boner’s_ Forest Creatures, 13
_Bourne_ on the Steam Engine, 25
_Bourne’s_ Catechism of ditto, 25
_Bowdler’s_ Family Shakspeare, 20
_Boyd’s_ Naval Cadet’s Manual, 24
Brande’s Dictionary of Science, 12
_Bréhaut_ on Cordon-Training, 27
_Brodie’s_ Psychological Inquiries, 10
_Brinton_ on Food, 23
_Bristow’s_ Glossary of Mineralogy, 12
_Bromfield’s_ Brittany and the Bible, 10
_Brunel’s_ Life, by _Beamish_, 3
_Bull’s_ Hints to Mothers, 24
_Bull_ on Management of Children, 24
_Bunsen’s_ Hippolytus, 6
_Bunsen’s_ Outlines of Universal History, 6
_Bunsen’s_ Analecta Ante-Nicæna, 6
_Bunsen’s_ Ancient Egypt, 6
_Bunyan’s_ Pilgrim’s Progress illustrated, 19
_Burke’s_ Vicissitudes of Families, 4
_Burn’s_ Agricultural Tour in Belgium, 10
_Burton’s_ Lake Regions of Central Africa, 9
_Burton’s_ Footsteps in East Africa, 9
_Burton’s_ Medina and Mecca, 9
_Burton’s_ City of the Saints, 9
Cabinet Lawyer (The), 26
Calderon’s Dramas, by _MacCarthy_, 21
_Calvert’s_ Wife’s Manual, 20
_Cats’_ and _Farlie’s_ Emblems, 19
Chorale-Book (The) for England, 19
_Clark’s_ Comparative Grammar, 7
_Clough’s_ Lives from Plutarch, 4
_Colenso_ on the Pentateuch, 1
_Coltyns_ on Stag-Hunting, 15
_Comyn’s_ Ellice, a Tale, 16
_Conington’s_ Chemical Analysis, 12
_Contanseau’s_ French Dictionary, 7
_Conybeare_ and _Howson’s_ St. Paul, 6
_Copland’s_ Dictionary of Medicine, 11
_Cotton’s_ Instructions in Christianity, 20
_Cox’s_ Tales from Greek Mythology, 5
_Cox’s_ Tale of the Great Persian War, 5
_Cox’s_ Tales of the Gods and Heroes, 5
_Cresy’s_ Encyclopædia of Civil Engineering, 22
Cricket Field (The), 16
Cricket Tutor (The), 16
_Crowe’s_ History of France, 2
_D’Aubigne’s_ Calvin, 1
Dead Shot (The), 14
_De la Rive’s_ Reminiscences of Cavour, 1
_De la Rive’s_ Electricity, 12
_De Tocqueville_ on Democracy, 1
_De Witt’s_ Jefferson, 1
_Döllinger’s_ Gentile and Jew, 6
_Dove’s_ Law of Storms, 13
_Eastlake_ on Oil Painting, 3
Eclipse of Faith (The), 17
Defence of ditto, 17
Essays _and_ Reviews, 18
_Fairbairn’s_ Information for Engineers, 23
_Fairbairn’s_ Treatise on Millwork, 23
_FitzRoy’s_ Weather Book, 13
_Folkard’s_ Sailing Boat, 15
_Forster’s_ Life of Eliot, 1
_Fowler’s_ Collieries, 24
_Freshfield’s_ Alpine Byways, 8
_Freshfield’s_ Tour in the Grisons, 8
_Garratt’s_ Marvels of Instinct, 14
_Goldsmith’s_ Poems, illustrated, 20
_Goodeve’s_ Elements of Mechanism, 23
_Green’s_ English Princesses, 3
_Greene’s_ Manual of Cœlenterata, 13
_Greene’s_ Manual of Protozoa, 13
_Greyson’s_ Correspondence, 17
_Grove_ on Physical Forces, 12
_Gwilt’s_ Encyclopædia of Architecture, 23
_Hartwig’s_ Sea, 13
_Hartwig’s_ Tropical World, 13
_Hassall’s_ Freshwater Algæ, 26
_Hassall’s_ Adulterations Detected, 26
Havelock’s Life, by _Marshman_, 4
_Hawker_ on Guns and Shooting, 14
_Herschel’s_ Outlines of Astronomy, 13
_Herschel’s_ Essays, 13
_Hind’s_ American Exploring Expeditions, 9
_Hind’s_ Labrador, 9
Hints on Etiquette, 15
_Hole’s_ Gardeners’ Annual, 27
_Holland’s_ Essays, 10
_Holland’s_ Medical Notes, 10
_Holland_ on Mental Physiology, 10
_Hooker’s_ British Flora, 26
_Hopkins’s_ Hawaii, 9
_Horne’s_ Introduction to the Scriptures, 20
_Horne’s_ Compendium of ditto, 20
_Hoskyns_’ Talpa, 15
_Howard’s_ Athletic Exercises, 15
_Howitt’s_ History of the Supernatural, 18
_Howitt’s_ Remarkable Places, 10
_Howitt’s_ Rural Life of England, 10
_Howson’s_ Deaconesses, 16
_Hudson’s_ Directions for Making Wills, 26
_Hudson’s_ Executor’s Guide, 26
_Hughes’s_ Geography of History, 22
_Hughes’s_ Manual of Geography, 22
_Jameson’s_ Saints and Martyrs, 19
_Jameson’s_ Monastic Orders, 19
_Jameson’s_ Legends of the Madonna, 19
_Jameson’s_ Legends of the Saviour, 19
_Johnson’s_ Dictionary by Latham, 7
_Johnson’s_ Patentee’s Manual, 24
_Johnson’s_ Book of Industrial Designs, 24
_Johnston’s_ Geographical Dictionary, 22
_Kennedy’s_ Hymnologia, 20
_Kirby_ and _Spence’s_ Entomology, 14
_L. E. L’s._ Poetical Works, 21
Lady’s Tour round Monte Rosa, 8
_Latham’s_ Comparative Philology, 7
_Latham’s_ English Language, 7
_Latham’s_ Handbook of ditto, 7
_Laurie’s_ Entertaining Library, 29
_Laurie’s_ Graduated Reading Books, 28
_Lempriere’s_ Notes on Mexico, 9
_Liddell_ and Scott’s Greek Lexicons, 6
_Lindley’s_ Horticulture, 27
_Lindley’s_ Introduction to Botany, 27
_Lindley’s_ Treasury of Botany, 27
_Lister’s_ Physico-Prophetical Essays, 18
_Lewin’s_ Jerusalem, 8
_Loudon’s_ Encyclopædia of Cottage Architecture, 23
_Loudon’s_ Encyclopædia of Agriculture, 26
_Loudon’s_ Encyclopædia of Gardening, 26
_Loudon’s_ Encyclopædia of Trees and Shrubs, 26
_Loudon’s_ Encyclopædia of Plants, 26
_Lowndes’s_ Engineer’s Handbook, 22
Lyra Domestica, 20
Lyra Germanica, 19
Lyra Sacra, 20
_Macaulay’s_ England, 2
_Macaulay’s_ Essays, 17
_Macaulay’s_ Miscellaneous Writings, 17
_Macaulay’s_ Laws of Ancient Rome, 21
_Macaulay’s_ Speeches, 5
_MacBrair’s_ Africans, 10
_MacDougall’s_ Theory of War, 24
_M’Culloch’s_ Commercial Dictionary, 22
_M’Culloch’s_ Geographical Dictionary, 22
_Marcet’s_ Land and Water, 25
_Marcet’s_ Political Economy, 25
_Marcet’s_ Conversations on Natural Philosophy, 25
_Marcet’s_ Conversations on Chemistry, 25
_Maunder’s_ Biographical Treasury, 27
_Maunder’s_ Geographical Treasury, 27
_Maunder’s_ Historical Treasury, 27
_Maunder’s_ Natural History, 27
_Maunder’s_ Scientific and Literary Treasury, 27
_Maunder’s_ Treasury of Knowledge, 27
_May’s_ England, 2
Memoir of Sydney Smith, 5
Memoirs, &c. of Thomas Moore, 5
_Mendelssohn’s_ Letters, 8
_Merivale’s_ Romans under the Empire, 2
_Merivale’s_ Fall of the Roman Republic, 2
_Merivale’s_ (H.) Lectures on Colonisation, 21
_Meryon’s_ History of Medicine, 3
_Miles_ on Horse’s Foot, 15
_Miles_ on Shoeing Horses, 15
_Moore’s_ Lalla Rookh, 21
_Moore’s_ Irish Melodies, 21
_Moore’s_ Poetical Works, 21
_Morell’s_ Mental Philosophy, 11
_Morell’s_ Elements of Psychology, 11
Morning Clouds, 16
_Morton’s_ Royal Farms, 2
_Morton’s_ Dairy Husbandry, 25
_Morton’s_ Farm Labour, 25
_Mosheim’s_ Ecclesiastical History, 18
_Müller’s_ Lectures on Language, 7
_Munk’s_ College of Physicians, 3
_Mure’s_ Language and Literature of Greece, 2
My Life, and What shall I do with it?, 16
_Neale’s_ Sunsets and Sunshine, 16
_Odling’s_ Chemistry, 11
_Owen’s_ Anatomy, 11
_Packe’s_ Guide to the Pyrenees, 9
Parry’s Memoirs, 4
Peaks, Passes, and Glaciers, 8
_Pereira’s_ Materia Medica, 12
_Peschel’s_ Elements of Physics, 12
_Phillips’s_ Guide to Geology, 13
_Phillips’s_ Introduction to Mineralogy, 12
_Piesse’s_ Art of Perfumery, 15
_Piesse’s_ Chemical Wonders, 15
_Piesse’s_ Chemical and Natural Magic, 15
_Pictrowski’s_ Siberian Exile, 1
Porson’s Life by _Watson_, 4
Practical Mechanic’s Journal, 24
Problems in Human Nature, 16
_Pycroft’s_ English Reading, 19
_Ranken’s_ Canada and the Crimea, 9
Record of International Exhibition, 24
_Rhind’s_ Thebes, 8
_Rich’s_ Roman and Greek Antiquities, 5
_Rivers’s_ Rose Amateur’s Guide, 27
_Rogers’s_ Essays, 17
_Roget’s_ English Thesaurus, 7
Romance of a Dull Life, 16
_Ronald’s_ Fly-Fisher, 15
_Rowton’s_ Debater, 7
_Sandford’s_ Bampton Lectures, 18
_Savile_ on Revelation and Science, 18
_Saxby_ on Projection of Sphere, 25
_Saxby_ on Study of Steam, 25
_Scoffern_ on Projectiles, 24
_Scott’s_ Lectures on the Fine Arts, 4
_Scott’s_ Volumetrical Analysis, 12
_Scrope_ on Volcanos, 11
_Senior’s_ Biographical Sketches, 3
_Sewell’s_ Ancient History, 5
_Sewell’s_ Early Church, 5
_Sewell’s_ Passing Thoughts on Religion, 18
_Sewell’s_ Self-Examination for Confirmation, 18
_Sewell’s_ Readings for Confirmation, 18
_Sewell’s_ Readings for Lent, 18
_Sewell’s_ Impressions of Rome, &c., 10
_Sewell’s_ Stories and Tales, 16
_Sharp’s_ British Gazetteer, 22
Short Whist, 15
Sidney’s (Sir P.) Life, by _Lloyd_, 3
_Smith’s_ (J.) St. Paul’s Shipwreck, 5
_Smith’s_ (G.) Wesleyan Methodism, 1
Social Life in Australia, 10
_Southey’s_ Poetical Works, 21
_Southey’s_ Doctor, 21
_Stephen’s_ Essays, 17
_Stephen’s_ Lectures on the History of France, 17
Stephenson’s Life, by _Jeaffreson_ and _Pole_, 3
‘Stonehenge’ on the Dog, 14
‘Stonehenge’ on the Greyhound, 14
_Strickland’s_ Queens of England, 3
_Sydney Smith’s_ Works, 17
_Sydney Smith’s_ Moral Philosophy, 17
_Tate_ on Strength of Materials, 13
_Taylor’s_ (Jeremy) Works, 18
_Tennent’s_ Ceylon, 14
_Tennent’s_ Natural History of Ceylon, 14
_Theologia_ Germanica, 19
_Thirlwall’s_ Greece, 2
_Thomson’s_ Interest Tables, 22
_Thomson’s_ Laws of Thought, 11
_Thrupp’s_ Anglo-Saxon Home, 3
_Todd’s_ Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology, 11
_Trollope’s_ Warden, 16
_Trollope’s_ Barchester Towers, 16
_Twiss’s_ Law of Nations, 2
_Tyndall_ on Heat, 11
_Tyndall’s_ Mountaineering, 8
_Ure’s_ Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines, 23
_Van Der Hoeven’s_ Handbook of Zoology, 11
_Villari’s_ History of Savonarola, 4
Warburton’s Life, by _Watson_, 4
_Warter’s_ Last of the Old Squires, 16
_Watts’s_ Dictionary of Chemistry, 12
_Webb’s_ Celestial Objects, 13
_Webster_ and _Parkes’s_ Domestic Economy, 23
Wellington’s Life, by _Gleig_, 4
Wesley’s Life, by _Southey_, 5
_West_ on Children’s Diseases, 24
_White_ and _Riddle’s_ Latin Dictionary, 6
_Wilson’s_ Bryologia Britannica, 26
_Willich’s_ Popular Tables, 22
Wit and Wisdom of Sydney Smith, 17
_Woodward’s_ Chronological and Historical Encyclopædia, 2
_Worms_ on the Earth’s Motion, 11
_Wyndham’s_ Norway, 9
_Yonge’s_ English-Greek Lexicon, 7
_Youatt’s_ work on the Horse, 14
_Youatt’s_ work on the Dog, 14
[_January 1863._
SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., PRINTERS, NEW-STREET SQUARE, LONDON
FOOTNOTES:
[1] At the period to which Mendelssohn here refers, owing to the
advice of his friends, he had applied for the situation of Director of
the Singing Academy, but was not chosen.
[2] “St. Paul.”
[3] From “Alexander’s Feast.”
[4] Mendelssohn’s sister had learned Greek along with him.
[5] The subject in question was Mendelssohn’s nomination (which
afterwards ensued) as a member of the musical class of the Academy of
Art in Berlin, as to the acceptance of which he had been doubtful.
[6] Immermann and Mendelssohn had agreed to give a certain number of
performances in the theatre, which they termed “classical.” A certain
portion of the public considered this to be arrogance on their part,
and as the prices were also raised on the occasion, at the first
performance the tumult ensued that Mendelssohn here describes.
[7] He never had recourse to it. Mendelssohn wrote invariably
everything, without exception, himself.
[8] Music Director in Stockholm.
[9] This fantasia and the E flat rondo (with orchestra), Op. 29, are
both dedicated to Moscheles.
[10] E flat (with orchestra), Op. 29.
[11] Well known as the most crowded street in London.
[12] “Ali Baba.”
[13] For the text of “St. Paul.”
[14] _Cantor_ (leader of a choir), a term Mendelssohn often applied to
his sister Fanny.
[15] A number of birthdays occurred at this particular period in the
family.
[16] Mendelssohn had made an expedition through part of Germany for
the benefit of the theatre, in order to engage singers.
[17] Professor Heyse, Mendelssohn’s teacher.
[18] The mode, however, in which Mendelssohn treated this affair
of the theatre was by no means approved of by his father; on the
contrary, some time afterwards he wrote to him as follows:--
“I must once more resume the subject of the dramatic career, as I
feel very anxious about it on your account. You have not, according
to my judgment, either in a productive or administrative point of
view, had sufficient experience to decide with certainty that your
disinclination towards it proceeds from anything innate in your
talents or character. I know no dramatic composer, except Beethoven,
who has not written a number of operas, now totally forgotten, before
attaining the right object at the right moment, and gaining a place
for himself. You have only made one public effort, which was partly
frustrated by the text, and, in fact, was neither very successful nor
the reverse. Subsequently you were too fastidious about the words,
and did not succeed in finding the right man, and perhaps did not
seek him in a right manner; I cannot but think that, by more diligent
inquiries and more moderate pretensions, you would at length attain
your object. With regard to the administrative career, however, it
gives rise to another series of reflections which I wish to impress
on you. Those who have the opportunity and the inclination, to become
more closely and intimately acquainted with you, as well as all
those to whom you have the opportunity and the inclination to reveal
yourself more fully, cannot fail to love and respect you. But this
is really far from being sufficient to enable a man to enter on life
with active efficacy; on the contrary, when you advance in years,
and opportunity and inclination fail, both in others and yourself,
it is much more likely to lead to isolation and misanthropy. Even
what we consider faults will be respected, or at least treated with
forbearance, when once firmly and thoroughly established in the
world, while the individual himself disappears. He has least of all
arrived at the ideal of virtue, who exacts it most inexorably from
others. The most stern moral principle is a citadel, with outworks,
in defence of which we are unwilling to expend our strength, in order
to maintain ourselves with greater certainty in our stronghold,
which indeed ought only to be surrendered with life itself. Hitherto
it is undeniable that you have never been able to divest yourself
of a tendency to austerity and irascibility, to suddenly grasping
an object, and as suddenly relinquishing it, and thus creating for
yourself many obstacles in a practical point of view. For example,
I must confess, that though I approved of your withdrawing from any
active participation in the management of details in the Düsseldorf
theatre, I by no means did so of the manner in which you accomplished
your object, as you undertook it voluntarily, and, to speak candidly,
rather heedlessly. From the beginning you, most wisely, declined
any positive compact, but only agreed to undertake the studying
and conducting of particular operas, and, in accordance with this
resolution, very properly insisted on another music director being
appointed. When you came here some time ago with the commission to
engage Krethi and Plethi, I did not at all like the idea; I thought,
however, that as you were coming here at all events, you could
not through politeness decline this service. But on your return
to Düsseldorf, after wisely refusing to undertake another journey
for the purpose of making engagements for the theatre, instead of
persevering in your duties in this sense, and getting rid of all
_odiosa_, you allowed yourself to be overwhelmed by them; and as they
naturally became most obnoxious to you, instead of quietly striving to
remedy them, and thus gradually to get rid of them, you at one leap
extricated yourself, and by so doing you undeniably subjected yourself
to the imputation of fickleness and unsteadiness, and made a decided
enemy of a man whom at all events policy should have taught you not
to displease; and most probably offended and lost the friendliness of
many members of the _Comité_ also, among whom there are, no doubt,
most respectable people. If I view this matter incorrectly, then teach
me a better mode of judging.”
This letter will show what an impartial and incorruptible judge
Mendelssohn possessed in his father.
[19] The following letter from Mendelssohn’s Father will certainly
not be read without interest, as it throws so clear a light on the
intellectual relations between father and son; a place may therefore
be appropriately found for it here. It has been selected from a large
collection of letters of a similar tendency.
[20] By Reichardt. Compare the passage in reference to Reichardt in
the letter of December 28th, 1833.
[21] “St. Paul.”
[22] Compare the passage on this subject in the letter of April 3rd,
1835.
[23] “Hommage à Handel.”
[24] The death of his Father.
[25] This refers to the circumstance of Mendelssohn’s father having
advised him to “hang up on a nail” the elfin and spirit life with
which, for a certain period, Mendelssohn had chiefly occupied himself
in his compositions, and to proceed to graver works.
[26] He alludes to the Musical Festival, where “St. Paul” was
performed for the first time.
[27] Verkenius.
[28] This Letter was written a short time before his betrothal.
[29] This project was never fulfilled, but the letter is inserted, as
it proves the deep earnestness with which Mendelssohn treated such
subjects.
[30] Mendelssohn’s marriage.
[31] “St. Paul” was performed for the first time in England at this
Festival.
[32] A provincial mode of pronouncing ‘Birmingham.’
[33] See Letter of October 6th, 1835.
[34] It appeared afterwards under the title of “Serenade and Allegro
Giojoso,” Op. 43.
[35] Hanover.
[36] A habit of Mendelssohn’s.
[37] Just before his Sister’s journey to Italy.
[38] ‘Earthly and Heavenly Love.’
[39] “Hommage à Handel.”
[40] This has been done. The monument is on the promenade, under the
windows of Sebastian Bach’s rooms, in the Thomas School.
[41] It is characteristic of both, that Mendelssohn’s sister set the
following poem of Goethe’s to music:--
“Here are we then, my friend, at home once more!
And tranquilly reclines the artist’s eye
On scenes of peace and love from door to door,
Where life to life in kindliness draws nigh.
“Back with our household gods, here are we then!
For though through distant regions we may roam,
From all these ravishments we turn again
Back to the magic sphere we call our home.”
[42] See the letter to Herr von Falkenstein, April 8th, 1840.
[43] By Sebastian Bach.
[44] His brother had gone to Leipzig, at the instigation of the
Wirklich Geheimrath Herr von Massow, to negotiate with Mendelssohn
the subject of a situation in Berlin. It was proposed to divide the
Academy of Arts into four classes,--namely, painting, sculpture,
architecture, and music,--and to appoint a director for each class,
to whom the superintendence of the Academy should be entrusted
alternately, and in fixed succession. The music class, for which
Mendelssohn had been selected as Director, was to consist essentially
of a large Conservatorium, in the expectation that in connection
with the resources of the Royal Theatre, public concerts, partly of
a sacred and partly of a secular nature, should be given. However
promising Mendelssohn considered this project, he at once expressed
considerable doubts, not so much that the plan _could_ not be carried
out, but that it _would_ not be so; and the result proved how correct
his judgment was on the point.
[45] The performance of “Athalie,” with Schulz’s music, had caused
considerable excitement in the Berlin Theatre.
[46] The ‘Vier Fragen’ of Jacobi, a pamphlet of the day, the purport
and contents of which, would certainly no longer cause the smallest
annoyance to either party.
[47] At the time of the appearance of the ‘Vier Fragen,’ Minister
Schön was unquestionably supposed by the public to be the author.
[48] An unpublished composition of Mendelssohn’s.
[49] In this Report, the result of the negotiations with Mendelssohn,
which finally caused him to go to Berlin, are fully detailed,--so it
was considered necessary to give it a place here.
[50] Massow’s proposals were finally accepted by Mendelssohn, who came
to Berlin; there were many conferences held as to the remodelling
of the musical class in the Academy, and the organization of the
future Conservatorium; but as Mendelssohn very justly foresaw, all
this evaporated, though from no fault of his, which the beginning of
Minister Eichhorn’s letter of the 2nd March, 1815, fully proves.
[51] The death of President Verkenius ended the correspondence by this
Letter.
[52] In answer to the Professor’s offer to write, or to cause to be
written, something in his musical paper with regard to ‘Antigone.’
[53] Compare also his letter to Julius Stern of the 27th of May, 1814.
[54] Mendelssohn and his wife.
[55] The party consisted of Mendelssohn and his Brother, and their
wives.
[56] See Mendelssohn’s Letters in 1831.
[57] Herr Souchay had asked Mendelssohn the meanings of some of his
“Songs without Words.”
[58] Goethe also says, in the fourth part of ‘Dichtung und Wahrheit,’
“I have already but too plainly seen, that no one person understands
another; that no one receives the same impression as another from the
very same words.”
[59] The following Letter contains the result of the audience
requested.
[60] See Letter to his Mother of the 3rd of September, 1842.
[61] See Letter to the King of the 28th of October, 1842.
[62] See Letter of 10th August, 1840.
[63] The birthday of Mendelssohn’s Father.
[64] After the death of his Mother.
[65] From his own Psalm, op. 42.
[66] Gade dedicated his C minor symphony to Mendelssohn.
[67] This conference was held in order to hasten the performance of
the plans of the King. See the letters of 28th October, 1842, and 5th
December, 1842.
[68] Neither of these works, however, had yet been performed.
[69] The execution of this project also, nevertheless was not
completed and Mendelssohn, after some time had elapsed, requested the
King to relieve him from all public duties, and to be permitted to
remain only in an artistic and personal relation to his Majesty, to
which the King was graciously pleased to accede.
[70] Mendelssohn’s request was graciously granted by the King.
[71] The letter of Herr von Bunsen to Mendelssohn is inserted here, in
order to render the following reply intelligible.
[72] Herr Stern had accomplished the production of “Antigone,” in the
Odéon Theatre, in Paris.
[73] See also the Letter to Dehn, of the 28th of October, 1841.
[74] Mendelssohn’s servant.
[75] Mendelssohn was desired by the Berlin Theatre Intendancy to
compose this overture as quickly as possible (which he consequently
did in a few days), because “Athalia” was to be performed immediately.
The performance, however, did not take place till the 1st of December,
1845.
[76] To direct the musical festival there.
[77] The son of his sister Fanny.
[78] Mendelssohn’s paternal home, in which the Boeckh family also
resided.
[79] Inserted in order to make Mendelssohn’s reply more clear.
[80] This communication also led to no results.
[81] Here also this letter to Mendelssohn seems necessary to render
his reply intelligible.
[82] See the Letter to Bunsen of May 1st, 1844.
[83] Referring to his edition of “Israel in Egypt,” for this Society.
[84] Franz Messer, at Frankfort-on-the-Main.
[85] For the Musical Festival in Birmingham, where “Elijah” was
performed for the first time.
[86] In relation to a couple of members of the orchestra, who took the
liberty to make some saucy remarks on Mendelssohn coming in rather
late one morning to direct a rehearsal at the Philharmonic.
[87] Moscheles recovered sufficiently to direct the rest of the
performances at the festival, except “Elijah.”
[88] Mendelssohn’s servant.
[89] Dirichlet was engaged in a negotiation about a situation at
Heidelberg.
[90] See letter about Reichardt, of December 28, 1833.
[91] After Fanny Hensel’s death.
[92] Mendelssohn and his brother, with their families, went together
to Switzerland after Fanny Hensel’s death.
[93] The author of the ‘History of Greece.’
[94] To allow the “Elijah” to be performed for the benefit of that
institution.
[95] Mendelssohn was to direct the “Elijah” in Vienna.
[96] In the tenth edition of Brockhaus’s ‘Conversations-Lexicon,’ vol.
vii., 1852, we read, “She felt great repugnance to publish, so that
her brother _often_, in jest, allowed her compositions to appear under
his name.”
[97] The name of the place invariably indicates where the Work was
composed, or at all events finished.
*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Letters of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy from 1833 to 1847" ***
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