Romantic era composer and pianist (1811–1886) whose prowess at the keyboard earned him a cachet as perhaps the greatest virtuoso in the history of the instrument. ALS in French, signed “F. Laszt,” one page, 5 x 8, August 16, 1878. Addressed from Weimar, a handwritten letter from Franz Liszt to Princess Pauline of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, in full (translated): “At the moment of leaving for Rome, I take the liberty of renewing to Your Royal Highness and to Monseigneur the Hereditary Grand Duke my sincere tributes of gratitude and attachment. Wishing to give further proof of this, I remain, with the most humble pride, the most faithful old servant of the House of Saxe-Weimar.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original envelope, which has been hand-addressed by Liszt.
A crisply penned letter from Liszt to a member of royalty—at this stage of his career, 66 years old and in retirement from touring, the virtuoso enjoyed life as a musical statesman, teacher, composer, and celebrity, his circle notwithstanding royalty. In 1878, he held a famous travel pattern of moving between Weimar, Budapest, and Rome, where in the fall of that year he would begin one of his final pieces: Via Crucis, S.53, a work for mixed choir, soloists, and organ, which was devoted to the Stations of the Cross.
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