Liszt, Franz, (1811-1886)

expressing his happiness at hearing that the Prometheus choruses and his instrumentations of Schubert marches have arrived safely, informing him that two others will follow, in E flat minor and C minor, providing him with information concerning the genesis of the choruses and the tone poem which precedes them as well as his intentions behind the work, describing his fevered mood at the first performance in Linz, expressing his complete confidence in him regarding his forthcoming performance, noting that it would be a pleasure for him to attend the performance on 26 February, but that various circumstances prevent him from doing so; in a final imaginative flourish, Liszt asks him to perform the Herculean task of 'unchaining' Prometheus in Vienna, humorously observing that while there are no mighty eagles pecking and tearing out the Titan's liver [in Vienna], there are on the other hand a whole army of ravens and admonishing pests ("...Übernehmen Sie also das Amt den Prometheus in Wien zu entfesseln...Gewaltige Adler die dem Titan die Leber zerhaken und zerfleischen gibt es zwar nicht - dafür aber ein ganzes Heer von Raben und warnenden Ungeziefer...")

4 pages, 8vo (20 x 12.8cm), with an autograph envelope, no place or date [Weimar, 26 January 1860]

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A good letter concerning one of Liszt's best symphonic poems, Prometheus (in a later, revised incarnation). Unfortunately, the Vienna performance on 26 February 1860 was a notable débâcle, not least since it was followed on the programme, not entirely appropriately, by Mozart's G-minor symphony. At the time of writing, Liszt's correspondent and musical ally Johann Herbeck (1831-1877) was the professional conductor of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde concerts, later becoming court Kapellmeister and, in 1871, director of the court opera.