wonder! Since I left Vienna I have partly composed Goethe's
'First Walpurgis Night,' but have not yet had courage to write it down.
The composition has now assumed a form and become a grand cantata, with
full orchestra, and may turn out well. At the opening there are songs
of spring, etc., and plenty others of the same kind. Afterwards, when
the watchmen with their 'Gabeln, und Zacken, und Eulen,' make a great
noise, the fairy frolics begin, and you know that I have a particular
foible for them; the sacrificial Druids then appear with their
trombones in C major, when the watchmen come in again in alarm; and
here I mean to introduce a light, mysterious, tripping chorus, and
lastly to conclude with a grand sacrificial hymn. Do you not think that
this might develop into a new style of cantata? I have an instrumental
introduction as a matter of course, and the effect of the whole is
spirited."

On the 27th of April ensuing he refers to it again:--

"I must however return to my witches, so you must forgive my not
writing any more to-day. This whole letter seems to hover in
uncertainty, or rather I do so in my 'Walpurgis Night,' whether I am to
introduce the big drum or not. 'Zacken, Gabeln, und wilde
Klapperstoecke' seem to force me to the big drum, but moderation
dissuades me. I certainly am the only person who ever composed for the
scene on the Brocken without employing a piccolo-flute, but I can't
help regretting the big drum; and before I can receive Fanny's[30]
advice, the 'Walpurgis Night' will be finished and packed up."

On his way back to Germany he writes from Milan, July 13, 1831, to the
artist and operatic director, Eduard Devrient:--

"I have been writing a large composition that perhaps will one day make
some effect,--'The First Walpurgis Night' of Goethe. I began it simply
because it pleased and excited me; I did not think of any performance.
But now that it is finished, I see that it is well suited for a large
concert piece, and in my first subscription concert in Berlin you shall
sing the bearded Druid,--the chorus sung by ----, kindly assisted by
----. I have written the part of the Druid into your throstle (by
permission), and you will have to sing it out again."

It was several years before the "Walpurgis Night" was publicly performed,
and meanwhile it underwent several changes. On the 28th of November,
1842, he writes to his mother:--