Weber As A Teacher

by Frederick S Law

For some reason the following letter, written by Weber, was not included in the collection published by his son in the biography he wrote of his father. It appeared in a publication of a number of Weber's papers made in 1828, two years after his death, but until recently had been lost from sight. It is especially interesting as evidence of his high ideals, not merely in music, but in life and everyday morality, as well. The fact that his own life had been nearly wrecked by lack of early discipline and a Bohemian mode of existence, no doubt added earnestness to the warning addressed to one similarly tempted, given as it was, toward the close of his too short life. The impression made upon his pupil was so strong and immediate that it led to a vigorous battle against his failing and an eventful victory over them.

The case is by no means without a lesson for the students and teachers of today. Many are still disposed to plead the artistic temperament as excuse for lapses of conduct and shortcomings in the minor moralities of life - not to speak of greater issues that are frequently concerned in apparently trifling circumstances. This voice of a master belonging to a bygone generation may well call upon such heedless and thoughtless ones to consider the error of their ways.

My Dear Emil:

Before we separate I feel that I must write to you and repeat what I have already endeavored many times to impress upon you. The fact that you are my pupil gives me a feeling of responsibility toward you as a man, for I cannot consider the individual apart from the art to which he devotes himself, and through which he first learns to hone life fully itself. You know how I dislike the so called geniality that finds in the artist's life an excuse for unrestrained manners and customs, a pretext for ignoring the conventional usages of society. It is, no doubt, true that the yielding to one's fancy, the musician's necessary dreaming in an ideal world, is only too easily applied to actual life, but here one's inherent strength of character must assert itself. The artist must show whether he commands spirits and permits them away only in the sphere to which he assigns them, or whether he allows them to govern him according to their fantastic vagaries - as the fanatical dervish whirls wildly round, prey to mistaken idolatry.

To transform these powerful influences into pure inspiration is the first duty of the artist. How stupid it is to think that earnest study cripples the flight of fancy. It is only through mastery over the faculties that one gains true creative power, the ability to discover new paths in art is only acquired by those thoroughly familiar with the steps already taken....

My dear Emil, you have so much penetration, so much ambition, so much talent that you will sin willfully against God, your parents, art, yourself and me if you continue to abandon yourself to this indolent drifting; if you do not realize the imperative duty of living with that regularity and order which alone reveals the true, honorable soul. Your want of reliability is a byword among all who know you. It should be the pride of an upright man to be the slave of his word. Do not delude yourself into thinking that you can be untrustworthy in so called trifles and be the opposite in important affairs. Life is made up of little things; they give the measure to our judgment of others - and later the fearful power of habit does not permit even the best will in the world to succeed against its might.

My dear Emil, however wounded you may feel to hear all this from me, it pains me far more to be obliged to say it. You have been a part of my very self, you are so dear to me, and must I tell you such things?

I trust, however, in One who directs all things for good. In every life there are turning points that decide its future. Let this be one. Reflect on your faults toward art; set yourself the task to repair them; strive to free yourself, and an approving conscience will reward you abundantly for all your sacrifices.

I embrace you warmly and give you my most fervent wishes on your way. May you show me that all my apprehensions are groundless and be able yet to reach your hand down to me from the heights above.

That heaven's richest blessing may rest upon you is the wish of your devoted teacher and friend, Carl Maria Von Weber.

The Etude Magazine February 1911