Wagner's Letters

Franz Liszt to Richard Wagner

August 6, 1858

Overview

Liszt says he cannot leave Weimar before the Jena University centenary and another expected visit of consequence, though he is willing to come to Zurich a few weeks earlier than first planned. He asks Wagner to confirm by return whether he will still be in Zurich on the 20th, since Liszt will only make the trip if he can be sure of spending several days with him.

Letter

Dearest Richard,

Before the 18th inst. I cannot get away from here; the centenary celebration of Jena University will take place on the 15th, 16th, and 17th, and I have promised to take part in it. Apart from this, I expect in a few days a visit, which is of importance to me. It was my intention to see you at the beginning of September, but I will gladly undertake the journey a few weeks sooner. You on your part must delay your journey by a fortnight, and write to me by return whether I shall find you at Zurich on the 20th instant. I should, of course, not make this journey unless I could be certain of being a few days with you. Trips of pleasure or recreation are not my affair any longer, and I could not consent to one. On the other hand, I shall be genuinely pleased to see you again.

Franz Liszt

Source: Project Gutenberg eBook #4234, Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 2, No. 264