, 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 li