The symphonic poem, whether or not it originates in the overtures of
Beethoven, is mainly your handiwork, since although you yourself were
not sufficiently free of the classic formulas to create a symphonic form
entirely programmatic, as Strauss has subsequently done, you
nevertheless gave him the hint whereby he has profited most. The
impressionists, too, seem to stem from you. The little piece called "Les
jeux d'eau de La Villa d'Este" seems not a little to anticipate their
style. And although you were not responsible for the music of the
nationalistic Russian school, the robust, colorful barbarian in you
nevertheless made you welcome and encourage their work. It made you
write to Borodin and Moussorgsky those cordial letters which pleased
them so much. For at that time they were but obscure workmen, while you
were the very prince of musicians.
Indeed, nothing is more princely, nothing better reveals the amplitude,
the generosity of your spirit, than your relations with your fellow
craftsmen. Artists are oftentimes so petty in their conduct toward each
other that it is indeed refreshing to read with what infallible kindness
you treated so many composers less fortunately situated than yourself.
And not only Wagner and Cesar Franck benefited by your good deeds.
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