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LIFE OF CHOPIN
LIFE OF CHOPIN FRANZ LISZT DEDICATION OF THE TRANSLATION TO JAN PYCHOWSKI
"Without your consent or knowledge I have ventured to dedicate
this translation to you!
As the countryman of Chopin and filled with the same earnest
patriotism which distinguished him; as an impassioned and perfect
Pianist capable of reproducing his difficult compositions in
all the subtle tenderness fire energy melancholy despair
caprice hope delicacy and startling vigor which they
imperiously exact; as thorough master of the complicated
instrument to which he devoted his best powers; as an erudite and
experienced possessor of that abstruse and difficult science
music; as a composer of true deep and highly original genius--
this dedication is justly made to you!
Even though I may have wounded your characteristically haughty
shrinking and Sclavic susceptibilities in rendering so public a
tribute to your artistic skill forgive me! The high moral worth
and manly rectitude which distinguish you and which alone render
even the most sublime genius truly illustrious in the eyes of
woman almost force these inadequate and imperfect words from the
heart of the translator.
M.W.C.
PREFACE
To a people always prompt in its recognition of genius and
ready to sympathize in the joys and woes of a truly great artist
this work will be one of exceeding interest. It is a short
glowing and generous sketch from the hand of Franz Liszt (who
considered in the double light of composer and performer has no
living equal) of the original and romantic Chopin; the most
ethereal subtle and delicate among our modern tone-poets. It is
a rare thing for a great artist to write on art to leave the
passionate worlds of sounds or colors for the colder realm of
words; rarer still for him to abdicate even temporarily his own
throne to stand patiently and hold aloft the blazing torch of
his own genius to illume the gloomy grave of another: yet this
has Liszt done through love for Chopin.
It is a matter of considerable interest to note how the nervous
and agile fingers accustomed to sovereign rule over the keys
handle the pen; how the musician feels as a man; how he estimates
art and artists. Liszt is a man of extensive culture vivid
imagination and great knowledge of the world; and in addition
to their high artistic value his lines glow with poetic fervor
with impassioned eloquence. His musical criticisms are refined
and acute but without repulsive technicalities or scientific
terms ever sparkling with the poetic ardor of the generous soul
through which the discriminating yet appreciative awards were
poured. Ah! in these days of degenerate rivalries and bitter
jealousies let us welcome a proof of affection so tender as his
"Life of Chopin"!
It would be impossible for the reader of this book to remain
ignorant of the exactions of art. While through its eloquence
and subtle analysis of character it appeals to the cultivated
literary tastes of our people it opens for them a dazzling
perspective into that strange world of tones of whose magical
realm they know comparatively speaking so little. It is
intelligible to all who think or feel; requiring no knowledge of
music for its comprehension.
The compositions of Chopin are now the mode the rage. Every one
asks for them every one tries to play them. We have however
but few remarks upon the peculiarities of his style or the
proper manner of producing his works. His compositions generally
perfect in form are never abstract conceptions but had their
birth in his soul sprang from the events of his life and are
full of individual and national idiosyncrasies of psychological
interest. Liszt knew Chopin both as man and artist; Chopin loved
to hear him interpret his music and himself taught the great
Pianist the mysteries of his undulating rhythm and original
motifs. The broad and noble criticisms contained in this book are
absolutely essential for the musical culture of the thousands now
laboriously but vainly struggling to perform his elaborate works
and who having no key to their multiplied complexities of
expression frequently fail in rendering them aright.
And the masses in this country full of vivid perception and
intelligent curiosity who not playing themselves would yet
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