Liszt listened attentively as the two young musicians played it through,--not too effectively,--and when they had finished he commended it in warm terms.

"You must bestir yourself," he warned D'Albert, "if you do not wish to be outdone by our young American"; and he praised the boldness and originality of certain passages in the music, especially their harmonic treatment.
What was at that time even more cheering to MacDowell, who had not yet come to regard himself as paramountly a composer, was Liszt's praise of his piano playing.

He returned to Frankfort greatly encouraged, and he was still further elated to receive soon after a letter from Liszt in which, referring to the first "Modern Suite," which MacDowell had sent to him, the Abbe wrote: "...

Since the foundation of the General Society of German Musicians, the definitive making up of the programs is entrusted to me, and I shall be very glad to recommend the execution of your work.
"Will you be good enough to give to your master, my old friend, J.Raff, the assurance of my highest esteem and admiration.
"F.

LISZT.
"Budapest.