1520. 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 and very rare A.M.Q.S. penned in the text of an A.L.S. "F. Liszt" 2pp. 8vo., "Villa d'Este Tivoli", July 30, 1874, in German to a Viennese composer who had dedicated his Opus 6 to him. In part: "...Your 5 Fantasies offer many elegant and successful elements; among them their ingratiating cadence [here Liszt adds four bars of music]. I should like to quote more for you on the piano. We will probably have the opportunity in Vienna. I want to send you my best thanks for the dedication...". In a postscript, Liszt adds: "...If you would like to return the copy of your Op. 6, please inform me through Mr. Boesendorfer...". Ignatz Boesendorfer was a renowned piano maker who arrived in Vienna in 1828. Liszt's exceptional technique virtually ruined each piano he played, thus he sought an instrument that would withstand the pressure of his style. He tried a Boesendorfer, which held up and allowed Liszt to play in his virtuosi style. With Liszt's endorsement, Boesendorfer became the most acclaimed and sought-after pianos in Europe at the time. Folds, slight splits at margins lightly repaired with archival tape, otherwise in very good condition with a fine bold musical quote. $4,000 - 5,000