FRANZ LISZT (1811-1886) Hungarian composer and piano virtuoso, inventor of the symphonic poem and composer of dozens of works including symphonies, piano compositions, and choral music. Superb content A.L.S. "F. Liszt " 2pp. 8vo., [n.p., ca. May 15, 1850], written at the conclusion of a letter by his long-time mistress PRINCESS CAROLYNE ZU SAYE WITTGENSTEIN (1819-1897), an author and biographer of Chopin whom Liszt met at her residence in Kiev in 1847. Spurred by passion and longing to marry Liszt, Carolyne left Kiev in 1848 with her 12-year-old daughter to live with the composer in Weimar. The two planned to marry in 1860, but Roman Catholic authorities would not permit it. She worked ceaselessly to secure a divorce from her husband Prince Wittgenstein so that she might marry Liszt, and after twelve long years, succeeded in doing so. The long-for wedding was finally set for the eve of Liszt's 50th birthday but, at the last moment, postponed due to the dramatic interference of Catholic authorities just moments before the vows. The Princess and Liszt continued their relationship until Liszt's death in 1886. The Princess' letter is likely written to Price Felix Lichowsky, a friend of Liszt who had befriended Carolyn after she fled from Russia. In German, in small part: "...While waiting for a happy future, allow me to tell you personally that I hope it will surely arrive, and that I hope that I may talk to you about Liszt (to whom I yield my pen) as my husband!.. .". Liszt then adds: "...This year will apparently bring a turning point in matters, on which all my hopes are concentrated; a more favorable solution does not appear to be impossible, according to the latest news we received. But I dare not rejoice yet...I take pleasure in believing that you will still find room in your bags for the illustrations of the 'Prophet' [Fantasy and Fugue on a Choral from Meyerbeer's opera], I would have also wanted to commit the indiscretion of adding thereto six very small pieces (entitled Consolations) which are primarily very easy...I intend to undertake the composition of 'Prometheus Unchained'. The work is beautiful provided I do not remain weighed down by it too much... ". Liszt's Prometheus was published two years later, in 1850. Very good. $1,000-1,500