I do not know yet how it will all be arranged. Stein is very kind and amiable, but I should prefer to use one of Graffʼs instruments. Haslinger, Blahetka and Würfel approve my choice. Wherever I show myself, I am besieged with requests to play. I have no lack of acquaintances in the musical world, and Haslinger is going to introduce me to Charles Czerny. Up till now I have heard three operas, “La Dame Blanche,” “Cenerentola,” and Meyerbeerʼs “Crociato.” Orchestra and chorus were excellent. To-day “Joseph in Egypt” is to be performed. I have twice listened, with admiration, to Maysederʼs solos at the Academy of Music. Vienna is handsome, lively, and pleases me exceedingly. They are trying to persuade me to spend the winter here. Würfel has just come in to take me to Haslingerʼs. P.S.—I have made up my mind. Blahetka thinks I shall make a _furore_, for, as he puts it, I am “an artist of the first rank and worthy to be placed beside Moscheles, Herz, and Kalkbrenner.” Würfel is really very kind, and has introduced me to Count Gallenberg; the bandmaster, Seyfried, and others of his influential acquaintances, and those who are interested in music. [Sidenote: ARRANGEMENTS FOR A CONCERT.] He declares I shall not leave Vienna till I have given a concert. Count Gallenberg is very pleased with this, as I shall play at his theatre, and—as my principal object now is to win laurels—without payment. The journalists stare at me already; the members of the orchestra salute me quite obsequiously when I walk in, arm in arm, with the director of the Italian opera (which is now closed.) Würfel has taken no end of trouble on my behalf, and will be present at the rehearsal. He was very kind to me at Warsaw, and I am particularly glad that he has such a pleasant recollection of Elsner. People here are surprised that Kessler, Ernemann, and Czapeck should live in Warsaw with me there too, but I tell them that I give no lessons and only play from love of art. I have decided on Graffʼs instrument, but I do not want to offend Stein, so I shall thank him with such an expression of obligation that he cannot but forgive me. I hope for Godʼs gracious help. Do not be anxious, my dearest ones. Your fondly loving FREDERIC. * * * * * [Sidenote: FIRST CONCERT IN VIENNA.] _Vienna, Wednesday, August 12th, 1829._ You know of my intention, my beloved ones, from my last letter. Yesterday (Tuesday) at 7 oʼclock in the evening, I appeared before a Viennese public for the first time, at the Imperial Opera House. Here, an evening concert in the theatre is called a musical academy. As I played gratuitously, Count Gallenberg expedited the arrangements for my appearance. The following was the programme: