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He was well-suited for this role. +Highly intelligent, sophisticated, complex, capable of imagining +whole systems of humanistic philosophy, and with an intense need +to communicate his ideas, he created great operas which, in +addition to their artistic merits, served the peculiar role of +promoting a jingoistic, chauvenistic kind of Germanism. There are +things in his operas that only a German can fully understand, +especially if he would like to see his country closed off to +outsiders. It is unlikely, however, that Wagner expected these +ideas to achieve any popularity. Time and again he rails against +philistines, irrational people and politicians in his letters. +With great exasperation and often depression he expressed little +hope that his country would ever emerge out of its "philistinism" +and embrace "rational" ideas such as he propagated. Add to this +the great difficulties he had in getting his works performed, and +one might assume that he felt himself to be composing, most of +the time, to audiences of bricks. Yes, his great, intensely +beloved friend Liszt believed in, fully understood, and greatly +appreciated Wagner's works, but Liszt was just one in a million, +and even he, as Wagner suggested, associated with a base coterie +incapable of assimilating Wagnerian messages. Considering the +sorry state of music and intellectualism in Wagner's time and +setting, he surely would have been surprised if his operas and +his ideas achieved any wide currency. That he continued to work +with intense energy to develop his ideas, to fix them into +musical form and to propagate them, while knowing that probably +no sizeable population would ever likely take note of them, and +while believing that his existence as an underappreciated, +rational individual in an irrational world was absurd and futile, +is a testimony to the enormous will-power of this "ubermensch." + + + +TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE + + + +The best introduction to this important correspondence of the two +great musicians will be found in the following extract from an +autobiographical sketch written by Wagner in 1851. It has been +frequently quoted, but cannot be quoted too often, describing, as +it does, the beginning and the development of a friendship which +is unique in the history of art. + +"Again I was thoroughly disheartened from undertaking any new +artistic scheme. Only recently I had had proofs of the +impossibility of making my art intelligible to the public, and +all this deterred me from beginning new dramatic works. Indeed, I +thought everything was at an end with my artistic creativeness. +From this state of mental dejection I was raised by a friend. By +the most evident and undeniable proofs he made me feel that I was +not deserted, but, on the contrary, understood deeply by those +even who were otherwise most distant from me; in this way he gave +me back my full artistic confidence. + +"This wonderful friend has been to me Franz Liszt. I must enter a +little more deeply into the character of this friendship, which, +to many, has seemed paradoxical. + +"I met Liszt for the first time during my earliest stay in Paris, +and at a period when I had renounced the hope, nay, even the wish +of a Paris reputation, and, indeed, was in a state of internal +revolt against the artistic life I found there. At our meeting +Liszt appeared. to me the most perfect contrast to my own being +and situation. In this world, to which it had been my desire to +fly from my narrow circumstances, Liszt had grown up from his +earliest age, so as to be the object of general love and +admiration at a time when I was repulsed by general coldness and +want of sympathy. In consequence, I looked upon him with +suspicion. I had no opportunity of disclosing my being and +working to m, and, therefore, the reception I met with on his +part was altogether of a superficial kind, as was indeed quite +natural in a man to whom every day the most divergent impressions +claimed access. My repeated expression of this feeling was +afterwards reported to Liszt, just at the time when my "Rienzi" +at Dresden attracted general attention. He was surprised to find +himself misunderstood with such violence by a man whom he had +scarcely known, and whose acquaintance now seemed not without +value to him. I am still touched at recollecting the repeated and +eager attempts he made to change my opinion of him, even before +he knew any of my works. He acted not from any artistic sympathy, +but was led by the purely human wish of discontinuing a casual +disharmony between himself and another being; perhaps he also +felt an infinitely tender misgiving of having really hurt me +unconsciously. He who knows the terrible selfishness and +insensibility in our social life, and especially in the relations +of modern artists to each other, cannot but be struck with +wonder, nay, delight, by the treatment I experienced from this +extraordinary man. + +"This happened at a time when it became more and more evident +that my dramatic works would have no outward success. But just +when the case seemed desperate Liszt succeeded by his own energy +in opening a hopeful refuge to my art. He ceased his wanderings, +settled down at the small, modest Weimar, and took up the +conductor's baton, after having been at home so long in the +splendour of the greatest cities of Europe. At Weimar I saw him +for the last time, when I rested a few days in Thuringia, not yet +certain whether the threatening prosecution would compel me to +continue my flight from Germany. The very day when my personal +danger became a certainty, I saw Liszt conduct a rehearsal of my +"Tannhauser", and was astonished at recognizing my second-self in +his achievement. What I had felt in inventing this music he felt +in performing it; what I wanted to express in writing it down he +proclaimed in making it sound. Strange to say, through the love +of this rarest friend, I gained, at the moment of becoming +homeless, the real home for my art, which I had longed for and +sought for always in the wrong place. + +"At the end of my last stay in Paris, when ill, miserable, and +despairing, I sat brooding over my fate, my eye fell on the score +of my "Lohengrin", totally forgotten by me. Suddenly I felt +something like compassion that this music should never sound from +off the death-pale paper. Two words I wrote to Liszt; his answer +was the news that preparations for the performance were being +made on the largest scale the limited means of Weimar would +permit. Everything that men and circumstances could do was done +in order to make the work understood. Success was his reward, and +with this success he now approaches me, saying, 'Behold we have +come so far; now create us a new work that we may go still +further.'" + +Wagner's words, as above quoted, may have seemed an exaggerated +tribute of gratitude to many. After reading these letters one +comes to the conclusion that they are the expression of a plain +fact. It is a well-known French saying that in every love affair +there is one person who adores while the other allows himself to +be adored, and that saying may, with equal justice, be applied to +the many literary and artistic friendships of which, pace the +elder D'Israeli, history knows so many examples. Petrarch and +Boccaccio, Schiller and Goethe, Byron and Shelley immediately +occur to the mind in such a connection; but in none of these is +the mutual position of giver and receiver of worshipper and +worshipped so distinctly marked as in the case under discussion. + +Nature itself, or, at least, external circumstances, had indeed +almost settled the matter. In the earlier stages of this +friendship the worldly position of the two men was a widely +different one. Liszt was at the time perhaps the most famous +musician alive, and although he had voluntarily abandoned an +active career, he remained the friend of kings and ecclesiastic +potentates, and the head and centre of an admiring school of +disciples. + +Wagner at the same period was, in familiar language--nobody. He +had lost his position at the Royal Opera at Dresden through his +participation in the revolutionary rising of 1849, and he was an +exile from his country. As an artist his antecedents were not +very glorious. He had written three operas, all of which had met +with fair success, but none of which had taken real hold of the +public, and the Court theatres of Germany were naturally not very +prone to favour the interests of an outlawed rebel. In spite of +this disparity of fortune, it is curious to see how the two men, +almost from the first, assume the mutual position already +indicated. Liszt, from the beginning, realizes, with a self- +abnegation and a freedom from vanity almost unique in history, +that he is dealing with a man infinitely greater than himself, +and to serve the artistic and personal purposes of that man he +regards as a sacred duty. + +Wagner's attitude in the matter will be judged differently by +different people, according to the opinion they have of the +permanent and supreme value of his work. He simply accepts the +position as he finds it. "Here am I," he may have said to +himself, "with a brain teeming with art work of a high and +lasting kind; my resources are nil, and if the world, or at least +the friends who believe in me, wish me to do my allotted task, +they must free me from the sordid anxieties of existence." The +words, here placed in quotation marks, do not actually occur in +any of the letters, but they may be read between the lines of +many of them. The naivete with which Wagner expresses himself on +this subject is indeed almost touching, and it must be owned that +his demands for help are, according to English notions at least, +extremely modest. A pension of 300 thalers, or about,œ45 of our +money, which he expects from the Grand Duke of Weimar for the +performing right of his operas, is mentioned on one occasion as +the summit of his desire. Unfortunately, even this small sum was +not forthcoming, and Wagner accordingly for a long time depended +upon the kindness of his friends and the stray sums which the +royalties on his operas brought him as his sole support. He for +himself, as he more than once declares, would not have feared +poverty, and with the touch of the dramatic element in his +nature, which was peculiar to him, would perhaps have found a +certain pleasure in going through the world, an artistic +Belisarius asking the lovers of his art for their obolus. But he +had a wife (his first wife), weak in health, and anxious of mind, +and to protect her from every care is his chief desire--a desire +which has something beautiful and pathetic in it, and is the +redeeming feature of the many appeals for a loan, and sometimes +for a present, which occur in these letters. + +Liszt was only too willing to give, but his means were extremely +limited. He had realized large sums during his artistic career; +but he was liberal almost to a fault, and poor artists, inundated +Hungarian peasants, and the Beethoven monument at Bonn profited a +great deal more by his successes than he did himself. What little +remained of his savings had been settled upon his aged mother and +his three children, and at the time here alluded to his only +fixed income was the salary of less than [pounds] 200, which he +derived from the Weimar Theatre. This explanation he himself +gives to Wagner, in answer to the following remarkable sentence +in one of that master's letters:--"I once more return to the +question, can you let me have the 1,000 francs as a gift, and +would it be possible for you to guarantee me the same annual sum +for the next two years?" The 1,000 francs was forthcoming soon +afterwards, but poor Liszt had to decline the additional +obligation for two other years. + +The above passage is quoted as an instance of many others, and +one must admire the candour of Wagner's widow, who has not +suppressed a single touch in the picture of this beautiful +friendship. But Liszt's help was not limited to material things. +What was infinitely more valuable to Wagner, and what excited his +gratitude to even more superlative utterance, was the confidence +which Liszt showed in his genius, and without which, it is no +exaggeration to say, Wagner's greatest works would probably have +remained unwritten. + +The first performance of "Lohengrin" at Weimar, which was really +the starting-point of his fame, has already been alluded to. +Every further step in his career was watched and encouraged by +the loving sympathy of Liszt, and when Wagner, overpowered by the +grandeur and difficulties of his "Nibelungen" scheme, was on the +point of laying down the pen, it was Liszt who urged him to +continue in his arduous task, and to go on in spite of all +discouragement. + +It must not, however, be thought that Wagner alone derived +benefits from this remarkable friendship. Not only did he in his +turn encourage Liszt in the career of a composer of great and +novel works, but he distinctly raised the intellectual and +artistic level of his friend. Liszt's nature was of a noble, one +may say, ideal kind, but he had lived in dangerous surroundings, +and the influence of the great world and of the glaring publicity +in which a virtuoso moves, had left its trace on his +individuality. Here, then, the uncompromising idealism, the +world-defying artistic conviction of Wagner, served as a tonic to +his character. If the reader will refer to Letter 21, or at least +to that portion of it which has been vouchsafed by Madame Wagner, +he will see how necessary the administration of such a tonic was +to a man who even at that time could think it necessary to +deprecate the "superideal" character of "Lohengrin", and to +advise in a scarcely disguised manner that the Knight of the +Grail should be brought a little more within the comprehension of +ordinary people. All the more beautiful is it to see how Liszt is +ultimately carried away by the enthusiasm of his great friend, +how he also defies the world, and adopts the device "L'art pour +l'art" as his guiding principle. Altogether the two friends might +have said to each other in the words of Juliet:-- + +"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more +I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." A few +words should be said of the spirit in which the translator has +undertaken his extremely difficult task. There are in these pages +many things which are of comparatively little interest to the +English reader,--allusions to circumstances and persons with +which he cannot be expected to be familiar, especially as the +latter are frequently veiled by initials. There is no doubt that +judicious omissions might have made these pages more readable and +more amusing. But then such a book as this is not meant to amuse. +It is almost of a monumental character, and his deep respect for +that character has induced the translator to produce its every +feature,--a remark which applies to manner no less than to +matter. In consequence, not a line has been omitted, and the +manners and mannerisms of the writers have been preserved as far +as the difference of the two languages would allow. Such +effusions of German enthusiasm as "dearest, best, most unique of +friends," "glorious, great man," and the italics which both +Wagner and Liszt employ with a profusion of which any lady might +be proud, have been scrupulously preserved. These slight touches +give a racy flavour to the letters; and although they may +occasionally call forth a smile, they will, no doubt, be +appreciated by those who with Sterne "can see the precise and +distinguishing marks of national character more in these +nonsensical minutiae than in the most important matters of +state." + +That the task of reproducing these minutiae without doing too +much violence to the English idiom was an extremely difficult +one, the experienced reader need not be told. Liszt, it is true, +writes generally in a simple and straightforward manner, and his +letters, especially those written in French, present no very +great obstacles; but with Wagner the case is different. He also +is plain and lucid enough where the ordinary affairs of life are +concerned, but as soon as he comes upon a topic that really +interests him, be it music or Buddhism, metaphysics or the +iniquities of the Jews, his brain gets on fire, and his pen +courses over the paper with the swiftness and recklessness of a +race-horse, regardless of the obstacles of style and +construction, and sometimes of grammar. His meaning is always +deep, but to arrive at that meaning in such terrible letters, for +example, as those numbered 27, 35, 107, 255, and many others, +sometimes seems to set human ingenuity at defiance. It would of +course have been possible, by disentangling dove-tailed sentences +and by giving the approximate meaning where the literal was +impossible, to turn all this into fairly smooth English. But in +such a process all the strength and individual character of the +original would inevitably have been lost. What I have endeavoured +to do is to indicate the diction which a man of Wagner's peculiar +turn of mind would have used, if he had written in English +instead of in German. + +To sum up, this translation of the correspondence is intended to +be an exact facsimile of the German original. To supply notes and +a serviceable index, to give a clue to the various persons who +are hidden under initials--all this must be left to another +occasion, provided always that the Wagner family consents to such +a course, and that the interest shown by English readers in the +work as it stands holds out sufficient inducement to so toilsome +a piece of work. + +FRANCIS HUEFFER. + + + +CORRESPONDENCE OF WAGNER AND LISZT, VOLUME 1 (OF A 2-VOLUME SET) + + + +I. + +DEAR SIR, + +If I take the liberty to trouble you with these lines, I must in +the first instance rely solely on the great kindness with which +you received me during your last short stay in Paris in the late +autumn of last year, when Herr Schlesinger casually introduced me +to you. There is, however, still another circumstance which +encourages me to this step: My friend Heinrich Laube, the author, +wrote to me last summer from Carlsbad that he had there made the +acquaintance of one of your countrymen, who boasted of being your +friend; that he had spoken to that gentleman of me and my plans, +and engaged his interest in me to such an extent that he (the +gentleman) of his own accord promised to introduce me to YOU, as +he was on the point of starting for another watering-place, where +he would be sure to meet you. + +You observe, dear sir, with what remote and uncertain +contingencies I am obliged to connect my great hope; you observe +how anxiously I cling to feeble possibilities to attain a +priceless boon. Was that promise ever fulfilled, and could it +have been? My eternally unlucky star almost forbids me to believe +it. The question, however, I owed to myself, and all I ask for at +present is the honour of a Yes or a No! + +With full admiration, your most devoted + +RICHARD WAGNER + +25, RUE DU HELDER, PARIS, March 24th, 1841. + + + +2. + +DEAR SIR, + +At last you are within safe reach of me, and I take this long- +desired opportunity to gain you, as far as is in my power, for +our scheme of celebrating Weber's memory by a worthy monument to +be erected in Dresden. You are just on the point of crowning your +important participation in the erection of the Beethoven +monument; you are for that purpose surrounded by the most +important musicians of our time, and in consequence are in the +very element most favourable to the enterprise which of late has +been resumed chiefly through my means. As no doubt you heard at +the time, we have transferred Weber's remains to the earth of his +German home. We have had a site for the intended monument +assigned to us close to our beautiful Dresden theatre, and a +commencement towards the necessary funds has been made by the +benefit performances at the Dresden, Berlin, and Munich theatres. +These funds, however, I need scarcely mention, have to be +increased considerably if something worthy is to be achieved, and +we must work with all our strength to rouse enthusiasm wherever +something may still be done. A good deal of this care I should +like to leave to you, not, you may believe me, from idleness, but +because I feel convinced that the voice of a poor German composer +of operas, compelled to devote his lifelong labour to the +spreading of his works a little beyond the limits of his +province, is much too feeble to be counted of importance for +anything in the world. Dear Herr Liszt, take it well to heart +when I ask you to relieve me of the load which would probably be +heaped on me by the reproach that I had compromised our dear +Weber's memory, because it was none other than I, weak and +unimportant as I am, who had first mooted this celebration. Pray, +do what you can in order to be helpful to our enterprise, for +gradually, as I observe the vulgar indifference of our theatres, +which owe so much to Weber, I begin to fear that our fund might +easily remain such as it is at present, and that would be +tantamount to our having to commence with very inadequate means +the erection of a monument which doubtless would have turned out +better if a more important personality had started the idea. + +I add no more words, for to you I have probably said enough. The +committee of which I am a member will apply to you with proper +formality. Would that you could let us have a gratifying answer, +and that my application might have contributed a little towards +it! + +With true esteem and devotion, I am yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +MARIENBAD, August 5th, 1845 + + + +3. + +MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND, + +On and off I hear that you remember me very kindly and are intent +upon gaining friends for me; and I could have wished that, by +staying in Dresden a little longer, you had given me an +opportunity of thanking you personally and enjoying your company. +As I perceive more and more that I and my works, which as yet +have scarcely begun to spread abroad, are not likely to prosper +very much, I slowly familiarize myself with the thought of +turning to account your friendly feeling towards me a little, +and, much as I generally detest the seeking and making of +opportunities, I proceed with perfect openness to rouse you up in +my favour. There is at Vienna, where you happen to be staying, a +theatrical manager, P.; the man came to me a year ago, and +invited me to produce "Rienzi" at his theatre in the present +spring. Since then I have not been able to hear again from him, +but as our "Tichatschek" goes to his theatre in May for an +extensive starring engagement, and thereby the possibility of a +good representation of "Rienzi" would be given, the backing out +on the part of this P. begins to make me angry. I presume that +he, who is personally stupid, has been subsequently set against +my opera by his conductor, N. For this Capellmeister N. has +himself written an opera, which, because our King had heard it +and disliked it elsewhere, was not produced at Dresden, and the +wretched man probably thinks he owes me a grudge for it, although +I had no influence whatever in the matter. However trivial such +considerations may be in themselves, they and similar ones +largely furnish the real cause why works like mine occasionally +die in Germany; and as Vienna for pecuniary reasons, apart from +anything else, is of importance to me, I go straight to you, most +esteemed friend, to ask that you will set Manager P.'s head +right, in favour of an early performance of my "Rienzi" at his +theatre. Pray do not be angry with me. + +I have ventured to send you through Meser the scores of my +"Rienzi" and "Tannhauser," and wish and hope that the latter will +please you better than the former. + +Let me thank you sincerely for the great kindnesses you have +shown me. May your sentiments remain always the same towards + +Your faithfully devoted + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, March 22nd, 1846 + + + +4. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +Herr Halbert tells me you want my overture to Goethe's "Faust." +As I know of no reason to withhold it from you except that it +does not please me any longer, I send it to you, because I think +that in this matter the only important question is whether the +overture pleases you. If the latter should be the case, dispose +of my work; only I should like occasionally to have the +manuscript back again. + +You will now have to go through capellmeister agonies of the +first quality; so I can imagine, and my opera is just the kind of +thing for that to one who takes a loving interest in it. Learn to +know these sufferings; they are the daily bread I eat. May God +give you strength and joy in your hard work. + +From my heart yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, January 30th, 1848 + + + +5. + +MOST EXCELLENT FRIEND, + +You told me lately that you had closed your piano for some time, +and I presume that for the present you have turned banker. I am +in a bad state, and like lightning the thought comes to me that +you might help me. The edition of my three operas has been +undertaken by myself; the capital I have borrowed in various +quarters; I have now received notice to repay all the money, and +I cannot hold out another week, for every attempt to sell my +copyrights, even for the bare outlay, has in these difficult +times proved unsuccessful. From several other causes the matter +begins to look very alarming to me, and I ask myself secretly +what is to become of me. The sum in question is 5,000 thalers; +after deducting the proceeds that have already come in and +without claim to royalties, this is the money that has been +invested in the publication of my operas. Can you get me such a +sum? Have you got it yourself, or has some one else who would pay +it for the love of you? Would it not be interesting if you were +to become the owner of the copyright of my operas? My friend +Meser would continue the business on your account as honestly as +he has done on mine; and a lawyer could easily put the thing in +order. And do you know what would be the result? I should once +more be a HUMAN BEING, a man for whom existence would be +possible, an artist who would never again in his life ask for a +shilling, and would only do his work bravely and gladly. Dear +Liszt, with this money you will buy me out of slavery! Do you +think I am worth that sum as a serf? Let that be known soon to + +Your most devoted + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, June 23rd, 1848 + + + +6. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Here am I fighting for death or life, and do not know what the +end will be. I have written to my lawyer to tell him of my last +hope: that by your energetic interference my affairs may possibly +be arranged. Your name will go far in the transaction, but your +person still farther; let me have the latter for a day, but very +soon. According to news which has reached me here, I shall next +Wednesday or Thursday have to undertake a journey which will keep +me away from Dresden for a fortnight. Performances of my operas I +cannot, for that and other reasons, offer you. Could you make up +your mind to come here very quickly even without the expectation +of one of my operas? If I offer you no performances, you shall, +on the other hand (that is my most ardent wish), possess all my +operas as your hereditary property. Do come! Your personality +will do much good, more than my personality will be able to do +all my life; for I cannot help myself. + +Best greetings, excellent friend! + +Wholly yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, July 1st, 1848 + + + +7. + +MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND, + +Last night I wrote to Herr von Villen and asked him to talk over +and arrange with your lawyer and Herr Meser the affair of the +scores, and then to let me have a positive and precise answer. I +cannot possibly come to Dresden for the present. May God grant +that the state of your affairs turn out to be such as to enable +me to offer you my small and much-enfeebled services, being, as I +am, + +Your sincere and devoted admirer and friend, + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, July 4th, 1848 + + + +8. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Cordial greetings, and best thanks for the many and manifold +troubles you have taken on my behalf. + +I had promised Princess Wittgenstein news as to the performance +of my "Tannhauser;" but I cannot for the present give you any +other than that the opera will not be performed either Sunday or +Monday, as I had promised, owing chiefly to the indisposition of +Tichatschek. Even if he were well, it could not take place, as we +have first of all to satisfy a "star," Formes. Probably +"Tannhauser" will not be possible till about a week later. + +In any case I hope soon to see you again, and am glad +accordingly. May I ask you to remember me to the Princess? + +I am wholly yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, September 6th, 1848 + + + +9. + +MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND, + +Although I dare scarcely hope that you can act upon it, I hasten +to let you know that "Tannhauser" is announced for performance +here on Sunday next, September 24th. + +On Friday, 22nd, there will be a jubilee concert of our orchestra +in celebration of its existence for three hundred years, and on +that occasion a piece of my latest opera, "Lohengrin," will, +amongst other things, be heard. According to a previous +arrangement, I consider it my duty to let you know this, and +should certainly be very glad to welcome you, and perhaps +Princess Wittgenstein (to whom please give my best compliments), +on these occasions, although I must fear that my news may come at +an inconvenient moment. + +Yours with all my heart, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, September 19th, 1848 + + + +10. + +MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND, + +Cordial greetings, and best thanks for the kind remembrance in +which you hold me. For a long time I have felt it my duty to +write to you. Lord knows why I have never done so. May it not be +too late even today. + +Will you really in this evil time undergo the nuisance of +tackling my "Tannhauser"? Have you not yet lost your courage in +this arduous labour, which only in the luckiest case can be +grateful? "In the luckiest case," I say, for only if the actors, +especially of the principal parts, are equal to their most +difficult task, if the unaccustomed nature of that task does not +frighten them and cripple their good intentions, only then the +lucky case can happen of the performance being comprehensible and +effective. If one circumstance gives me hope of success, it is +that you have undertaken the task. You can do many, many things; +of that I am persuaded. + +I am very glad you are settled in Weimar, and I hope that not +only Weimar, but you, will profit by it. At least, we shall +remain near each other. + +I live in a very humbled condition and without much hope. I +depend on the goodwill of certain people. Every thought of +enjoying life I have abandoned, but--let me tell you this for +your comfort--I am alive in spite of it all, and do not mean to +let any one kill me so easily. + +Remember me kindly to Herr von Zigesar, who has written to me +very courteously. The points mentioned in his letter have, I +hope, been settled verbally by Herr Genast, especially that about +the honorarium, which I am willing to give up altogether. Please +remember me also to Herr Genast, and let me soon have some news +of you. + +I remain in cordial devotion yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, January 14th, 1849 + + + +11. + +(TO HERR VON ZIGESAR) + +HIGHLY ESTEEMED SIR, + +Accept my most hearty thanks for your kind letter, which has +given me much joy. I confess that I scarcely thought this the +time to gain sympathy for my works, less on account of the +present political commotion, than because of the absence of all +real earnestness, which has long ago disappeared from the public +interest in the theatre, giving way to the most shallow desire +for entertainment. You yourself are anxious about the reception +of my opera at the hands of the Weimar public, but as at the same +time you evince your sympathy for that work so cordially, you +will, I may hope, agree with me when I openly charge your +excellent predecessors with the responsibility for your being +obliged to suspect the public of an ill-regulated and shallow +taste. For as we educate a child, so he grows up, and a +theatrical audience is equally subject to the effects of +training. But I am unjust in accusing Weimar of a fault which +during the last generation has invaded all the theatres in the +world, the more so as I lay myself open to the suspicion of doing +so in the self-conceited interest of a work which perhaps for +different reasons, derivable from intrinsic faults, may be +exposed to the displeasure of the public. However that may be, +your care for my work is in the circumstances all the more +gratifying and meritorious, and I offer you my most cordial +thanks. The pleasure of a visit to you at Weimar I am compelled, +for reasons connected with my local affairs, to leave to another +time. That the performance of my opera would not answer my +expectations is the least thing I fear; for from firm conviction +I have the most favourable opinion of what diligence and good- +will can do, while I know, on the other hand, how little without +these two the amplest resources can achieve for true art. As I +can be certain of these chief requirements at your theatre, I +feel justified in offering to you, all others concerned, and +especially my friend Liszt, my best thanks in advance; and no +excessive anxiety shall trouble me. I sincerely wish that the +exalted lady whose birthday is to be celebrated will think the +success of your labour worthy of acknowledgment. + +With much esteem, I have the honour to remain + +Yours most sincerely, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, February 8th, 1849 + + + +12. + +MUCH-ESTEEMED FRIEND, + +Herr von Zigesar has lately written to you to say with how much +zeal and with what ever-increasing admiration and sympathy we are +studying your "Tannhauser." If you could make it possible to come +over for the last rehearsal on the 15th and attend the +performance on the 16th, we should all be truly delighted. Let me +know the day before, because of engaging a room, etc. + +Cordial thanks for sending me the "Faust" overture. + +Hoping to see you soon, + +Your sincerely devoted + +F. LISZT + +February 9th, 1849 + + + +13. + +DEAR FRIEND LISZT, + +From all I hear you have recently added to the unequalled +successes of your former life and artistic activity a new one, +which probably is not inferior to the foremost of its +predecessors, and in many respects perhaps surpasses them all. Do +you suppose I cannot judge of this from a distance? Hear if I +can. + +No theatre in the world has so far thought it advisable to +perform my opera "Tannhauser" four years after its production; it +was left to you to settle down for a time from your world-wide +travels at a small court theatre, and at once to set to work so +that your much-tried friend might at last get on a little. You +did not talk or fuss; you yourself undertook the unaccustomed +task of teaching my work to the people. Be sure that no one knows +as well as I what it means to bring such a work to light in +existing circumstances. Who the deuce does not conduct operatic +rehearsals nowadays? You were intent not only upon giving the +opera, but upon making it understood and received with applause. +That meant to throw yourself into the work body and soul, to +sacrifice body and soul, to press and exert every fibre of the +body, every faculty of the soul, towards the one aim of not only +producing your friend's work, but of producing it splendidly and +to his advantage. You had to be sure that it would succeed, for +only with a view to success had you begun the work; and therein +lies the force of your character and of your ability--you have +succeeded. If I have judged your beautiful action rightly, if I +have understood you, I hope you will understand me too when, in +words as brief and precise as was your action, I say to you, + +I THANK you, dear friend! + +You, however, wished not only to benefit my work, but to benefit +me as well; you know that my position is that of a somewhat +hemmed-in, forsaken, solitary man. You desired to make friends +for me, and had a sufficiently good opinion of my work to think +that the spreading of it abroad would gain friends for me. Dear +friend, by that very means you have at this moment lifted me up +as by a charm. It is not to complain, but merely to convince you +of the force of that impression, when I tell you that just now, +in the very week when you gave my "Tannhauser" at Weimar, our +manager insulted me in so gross a manner that for several days I +was discussing with myself whether I should bear any longer to be +exposed to such infamous treatment for the bite of bread that my +service here gives me to eat, and whether I should not rather +throw up art and earn my bread as a labourer, to be at least free +from the despotism of malignant ignorance. Thank God! The news +from Weimar and Tichatschek's greetings and accounts have again +strengthened me. I once more have courage to suffer. + +This also I owe to you! + +D.V.--I shall soon see you again, dear, worthy, helpful friend. +Last week it was impossible to ask my tormentor for a short leave +of absence; otherwise I should have liked to come, if only to +spend a few cheerful and animated hours with you and to tell you +the delight I feel in you. In the meantime be satisfied with +this. It comes from my fullest heart, and tears are in my eyes. + +From Herren von Zigesar, Biedenfeld, and Genast I simultaneously +received letters of joyfullest and friendliest import; I answer +them all at once by making you my interpreter, and through you +greet those gentlemen with all my heart. Hold me dear as before. +I give to you in return what is in me, and what therefore I call +my own. + +God bless you, dear Liszt. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, February 20th, 1849 + + + +14. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +So much do I owe to your bold and high genius, to the fiery and +magnificent pages of your "Tannhauser," that I feel quite awkward +in accepting the gratitude you are good enough to express with +regard to the two performances I had the honour and happiness to +conduct. However that may be, your letter has given me the +liveliest pleasure of friendship. I thank you with all my heart +for the thanks you proffer me. Once for all, number me in future +amongst your most zealous and devoted admirers; far or near, +count on me and dispose of me. + +Herren Zigesar, Genast, and Biedenfeld have described to you in +detail the impression which your masterpiece has made on our +public. In the Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung you will find a few +lines I have sent to Brockhaus by his demand. Biedenfeld has put +the little article into shape. I shall send you by post the +article that appeared in our Gemeindeblatt, where is also printed +the prologue of Schober, who had the sense to turn "Tannhauser" +to good account. Talking of people with good sense, do you know +what I mean to do? No more nor less than to appropriate for the +piano, after my fashion, the overture of "Tannhauser and" the +whole scene "O du mein holder Abendstern" of the third act. As to +the former, I believe that it will meet with few executants +capable of mastering its technical difficulties, but the scene of +the "Abendstern" should be within easy reach of second-class +pianists. + +If you will propose to Meser to have it engraved, or if you will +allow me to dispose of it for the benefit of H. or Sch., I should +like to have it published soon. Perhaps, if you have no +objection, I should dispose of it in favour of an album for which +my assistance has been asked for the last two months--the album +published by the "Ladies' Society for the German Fleet." In vain +I told them that I suffered from a drought of both manuscripts +and ideas; they would not leave me alone; and I have just +received another letter from a nice lady, who gives it me nicely. + +Write to me as to the destination you prefer for your +"Abendstern;" and when we meet, I shall have the impertinence to +play you with my two hands your overture, such as I have prepared +it for my particular use. + +Remember me very affectionately to Tichatschek; he has been an +admirable artist and a charming comrade and friend. It will be a +true pleasure to me to see him here again in the month of May, +according to his promise. If you could on the same occasion +dispose of a few days, we should be only too happy to see you. In +the meantime, dearest friend, believe me from my heart and soul +your devoted admirer and friend, + +FR. LISZT + +February 26th, 1849 + +P.S.--A very beautiful and accomplished hand wishes to add a few +lines to this letter; if you have found if tedious to read me, +you could have no better compensation. + + + +15. + +Allow me, dear sir, to add another voice to the chorus of +admiration which sings "Gloria" to the author of the double poem +of "Tannhauser." If others have more right than I to speak to you +of the sublime artistic expression which you have given to such +deep emotions, I yet venture to tell you how souls lost in the +crowd who chant to themselves your "Sangerkrieg" are penetrated +by your harmonies, which contain all the fine and delicate shades +of idea, sentiment, and passion. + +We had hoped to see you for a moment at Weimar, and I clung to +that hope all the more as I wanted to express to you my thanks +for the kindness you showed me during my stay at Dresden. Let me +add to these the other thanks which I owe you for the wonderful +moments during which I listened to your melodies, expressive of +the fascinating charms of the sirens who dwell on the banks of +our imagination, and of those piercing cries wrung from us by the +extinction of the perfumes of their enchanted home,--for those +thoughts which elevate us in their humility, that despair which +throws us "without fear against swords, when the soul is pierced +by a very different sword of grief," those elegies which one +whispers only to the evening star, those prayers which bear away +the soul on their wings. + +Grant, sir, that the thoughts which so much passion and beauty +awake in hearts knowing what strange secrets lie hidden in +passion, and adoring splendour and beauty, may reach you and tell +you how deep is the admiration which this master work will excite +at all times and everywhere in those who have once visited these +resplendent and dolorous regions of the soul. + +Believe, above all, in the admiration which has been given to you +here, and which we should be so happy to express to you +personally. I am amongst those most desirous of seeing you, sir, +and of repeating from mouth to mouth the expression of the +admiring and devoted sentiments of which I ask you to be a +thousand times assured. + +CAROLYNE WITTGENSTEIN + +February 25th, 1849 + + + +16. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +A thousand thanks for your letter! We are going on nicely +together. If the world belonged to us, I believe we should do +something to give pleasure to the people living therein. I hope +we two at least shall agree with each other; let those who will +not go with us remain behind,--and thus be our alliance sealed! + +What shall I do with the beautiful letter I received together +with your own? Have I really so pleased your esteemed friend with +my feeble work that she thought it worth while to give me such +great and unexpected joy in return? She indeed has fully effected +her purpose, but I can scarcely credit that my work alone should +have produced a similar impression upon the spirituelle Princess; +and I am probably right in surmising that here also my friend +Liszt has wooed for me with his wondrous fire. However that may +be, I feel too silly today to thank your esteemed friend +otherwise than through your medium, through your mouth, and +therefore I pray you with all my power to express my gratitude to +her as fervently, as joyfully, as you are able. Will you grant me +this favour? + +Before I knew anything about your intention, several years ago, +when I was writing the overture, I wondered whether I should ever +hear it played by you. I should never have mentioned it to you, +for in such matters one must not be too forward, but now that I +hear you are employed in making this piece your own, after your +own fashion, I must tell you that I feel as if a wonderful dream +were realized. Is it possible? Why not? All is possible to you. +About the "Abendstern," dear friend, do exactly as you like. I +have spoken to Meser about it, and he will write to you at once +to place himself at your disposal; but if you prefer another way +of publication, do exactly as you like. In any case I feel highly +flattered by your proposal. + +Today I read the account of my opera in the Deutsche Allgemeine +Zeitung of which you speak; by its tenor Herr von Biedenfeld has +once more obliged me very, very much; express to him my best +thanks, dearest friend! I must also beg to convey my great and +deeply felt gratitude to the artists who have deserved well of me +by their successful zeal. To how many and how deeply have I +reason to be grateful! I am looking forward to May, when I shall +be with you in any case; I will then speak from my full heart as +loudly as my breast will let me. Till May, then! + +God bless you, dearest, best, of friends! Best remembrances to +Zigesar and Genast. I throw myself at the feet of the Princess. + +For ever your most grateful + +RICHARD WAGNER + +DRESDEN, March lst, 1849 + + + +17. + +(TO HERR O. L. B. WOLFF) + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +It was impossible for me to write to you from Rorschach (where I +arrived only yesterday) and to return your passport. Half an hour +after the arrival of the steamer the express coach started for +Zurich; and I felt bound to take advantage of it, as I had made +up my mind to cut this journey as short as possible by avoiding +unnecessary delay. Unfortunately I got on but slowly. From Coburg +I could not start for Lichtenfels till early on Saturday, but +fortunately I got through everywhere without notice, at Lindau +only, where I arrived at midnight, they asked for my passport at +the gate. The next morning I received it back without difficulty, +but unfortunately it had on it a vise for Switzerland, adorned +with which I am compelled to return it to Dr. Widmann. I hope +that his political experience will understand this addition to +his passport. + +Luckily then I am in Switzerland. To your counsel and your active +aid, dear friends, I owe my safety. The four days' journey in a +frightful heat had, however, brought my blood to such a state of +excitement, that I found it impossible to go on without risking a +stroke of apoplexy. Moreover, I hope to employ my stay at Zurich +in obtaining a passport for France. One of my early friends has +been residing here for a long time; today I expect him back from +a pleasure trip, and I hope he will do what is necessary to save +me the long detour by Geneva. + +To my wife I write at length, and my request to you to +communicate this news to my friends is therefore for the present +limited to our Liszt. Greet my preserver and sovereign liege many +thousand times, and assure him of my firm resolution to do all +that is in my power to please him. The journey has freshened and +roused my artistic courage, and I have quite made up my mind as +to what I have to accomplish in Paris. I do not think much of +fate, but I feel that my late adventures have thrown me into a +path where I must do the most important and significant things +which my nature can produce. Even four weeks ago I had no idea of +that which now I recognize to be my highest task; my deep-rooted +friendship for Liszt supplies me with strength from within and +without to perform that task; it is to be our common work. More +of this soon! + +Liszt will shortly receive a parcel of scores, etc., from my +wife; let him open it. The score of "Lohengrin" I want him to try +at some leisure; it is my last and ripest work. As yet I have not +shown it to any artist, and therefore have not been able to learn +from any one what impression it produces. How curious I am to +hear Liszt about it! As soon as he has finished looking through +it, I want him to forward it at once to Paris, along with the +other scores and books of words. Perhaps some acquaintance going +to Paris will take them. The copy of the score of the "Flying +Dutchman" is meant for the Weimar theatre; this and the book of +words let Liszt therefore take from the parcel and keep back. + +That wonderful man must also look after my poor wife. I am +particularly anxious to get her out of Saxony, and especially out +of that d----d Dresden. Therefore I have hit upon the idea of +finding for her and her family a modest but cheerful refuge +somewhere in the Weimar territory, perhaps on one of the grand- +ducal estates, where, with the remainder of what is saved of our +goods and chattels, she might prepare a new home for herself, and +perhaps for me also--in the future. May my friend succeed in +this! + +Thanks, cordial thanks, to you for the great kindness you have +shown to me! My memorials of it are so numerous that I cannot put +my hand in my pocket without being reminded of the thoughtfulness +and sympathy of friend Wolff. May my future be your reward! + +Cordial greetings to Dr. Widmann, as whose double I have acted +for four days; I return him to himself in his integrity, which I +hope will not a little conduce to his perfect well-being. Best +thanks to him! + +And thanks, thanks also, to your dear wife and mother! The +blessings of one saved are with them. Farewell, dear friend! + +You will soon hear more from your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, March 20th, 1849 + + + +18. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +To you [In this and all the subsequent letters the familiar "Du" +("Thou") instead of the formal "Sie" ("You") is adopted.-TR.] I +must turn if my heart is once more to open itself, and I am in +need of such heart-comfortings; that I cannot deny. Like a +spoiled child of my homeland, I exclaim, "Were I only home again +in a little house by the wood and might leave the devil to look +after his great world, which at the best I should not even care +to conquer, because its possession would be even more loathsome +than is its mere aspect!" + +Your friendship--if you could understand what it is to me! My +only longing is to live with my wife always near you. Not Paris +nor London--you alone would be able to hammer out what good there +may be in me, for you fire me to the best efforts. + +From Zurich you had news of me through Wolff. Switzerland did me +good, and there I found an old friend of my youth, to whom I +could talk much about you. It was Alexander Mueller, whom you too +know, a worthy and amiable man and artist. At Zurich also I read +your article on "Tannhauser" in the Journal des Debats. What have +you done in it? You wished to describe my opera to the people, +and instead of that you have yourself produced a true work of +art. Just as you conducted the opera, so have you written about +it: new, all new, and from your inner self. When I put the +article down, my first thoughts were these: "This wonderful man +can do or undertake nothing without producing his own self from +his inner fullness he can never be merely reproductive; no other +action than the purely productive is possible to him; all in him +tends to absolute, pure production, and yet he has never yet +concentrated his whole power of will on the production of a great +work. Is he, with all his individuality, too little of an egoist? +Is he too full of love, and does he resemble Jesus on the Cross, +Who helps every one but Himself? " + +Ah, dear friend, my thoughts of you and my love of you are still +too enthusiastic; I can only exclaim and rejoice when I think of +you. Soon I hope to grow stronger, so that my selfish enthusiasm +may allow me to give utterance to my anxiety for you. May Heaven +grant me the power to do full justice to the love I have for you; +as yet I live too much on your love for me, and mine vents itself +in useless exclamations. I hope soon to gather the necessary +strength from the intercourse with those who love you as I do; +and truly you have friends! + +I arrived in Paris soon after the publication of your article. We +know better than any one that this was an accident, of which you +had not in the least thought when you wrote and dispatched the +article. But this accident has at once given a distinct colour to +my position in Paris, and--our friend M. considers that colour as +black as possible. Dear Liszt, you ought to clear your mind as to +this man. But why do I talk? Should not you have found out long +ago that natures like that of M. are strictly opposed to yours +and mine? Should not you have found out long ago that the only +tie possible between you and M. was effected by magnanimity on +your side and by prudence on his? Where the two threads of this +woof met, there deception was possible for a time, but I believe +that you gave way to that magnanimous deception with amiable +intent. M. is thoroughly little, and unfortunately I do not meet +a man who has the slightest doubt about it. + +Honestly speaking, I am unable to engage in a drama of intrigue a +la Verre d'Eau; if this were the only way open to me, I should +pack my bundle tomorrow and settle down in a German village; work +I will as much as I can, but to sell my ware in this market is +impossible to me. Artistic affairs here are in so vile a +condition, so rotten, so fit for decay, that only a bold +scytheman is required who understands the right cut. Dearest +friend, apart from all political speculation, I am compelled to +say openly that in the soil of the anti-Revolution no art can +grow, neither perhaps could it for the present in the soil of the +Revolution, unless care were taken--in time. To speak briefly, +tomorrow I shall begin a searching article on the theatre of the +future for some important, political journal. I promise you to +leave politics on one side as much as possible, and therefore +shall not compromise you or any one else; but as far as art and +the theatre are concerned you must, with a good grace, allow me +to be as red as possible, for a very determined colour is the +only one of use to us. This, I think, is my most prudent course +to adopt, and he who advises it for prudential reasons as the +most effective one is none other than your representative +Belloni. He tells me that here I want money as much as M. or +really more than M., or else I must make myself feared. Well, +money I have not, but a tremendous desire to practice a little +artistic terrorism. Give me your blessing, or, better still, give +me your assistance. Come here and lead the great hunt; we will +shoot, and the hares shall fall right and left. + +I do not expect to reach the goal here so very soon but must +prepare myself. A libretto of Scribe or Dumas I cannot set to +music. If I ever do reach the right goal in this Parisian hunt, I +shall not compass it in the common way; I must in that case +create something new, and that I can achieve only by doing it all +myself. I am on the look-out for a young French poet sufficiently +congenial to give himself up to my idea. My subject I shall +arrange myself, and he must then write his French verses as +spontaneously as possible; to anything else I could not agree. + +During these slow preparations I shall have to occupy my leisure +with London; I am ready to go there as soon as possible to do all +in my power for the performance of my works. As to this I expect +your friendly command. + +I thank you from all my heart for Belloni; he is an able, honest, +and very active man; every day he calls for me to show me the +proper way to Parisian glory. + +This is the cheerful part of my news; otherwise this horrible +Paris presses on me with a hundredweight. Often I bleat like a +calf for its stable and for the udder of its life-giving mother. +How lonely I am amongst these people! My poor wife! I have had no +news as yet, and I feel deathly soft and flabby at every +remembrance. Let me soon have good news of my wife! With all my +courage, I am often the most miserable coward. In spite of your +generous offers, I frequently consider with a deadly terror the +shrinking of my cash after my doubly prolonged journey to Paris. +I feel again as I did when I came here ten years ago, and when +thievish longings would often get hold of me on watching the dawn +of the hot days that were to shine on my empty stomach. Ah, how +this vulgarest of cares degrades man! + +But one piece of news will rouse everything in me again, +especially if the little Weimar has remained faithful to me. One +single piece of good news, and I float once more on the top of +the ocean waves. + +My dear, glorious friend, take me such as this abominableParis +has excited me today. I do not thank you; I call you blessed. +Greet the dear Princess, greet the small knot of my friends, and +tell them that you hope I shall do well. Soon you will hear more +of me. Be happy and remember me. + +Yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +PARIS, June 5th, 1849 + +(Have you received the scores, and shall I see some of them here +by-and-bye?) + +I have been with your mother, and she has given me uncommon +pleasure; she is a healthy woman! I shall call on her again. She +sends you best greetings. + + + +19. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +It is nearly four weeks since my wife left me, and I have not yet +had the least news of her. My grief and depression are great. I +must gain another home and hearth; otherwise all is over with me. +My heart is greater than my sense. With Belloni I have been in +close consultation, and we have formed the following opinion and +the resolution derived therefrom:-- + +In Paris I can do no good at present; my business is to write an +opera for Paris; for anything else I am unfit. This object cannot +be attained by storm; in the most favourable case I shall achieve +the poem in half a year, and the performance in a year and a +half. In Paris without a home, or--which is the same--peace of +heart, I can do no work; I must find a new place where I am at +home and can make up my mind to remain at home. For such a place +I have selected Zurich. I have written to my wife to come there +with her youngest sister, with the remnants of our household +goods, so as once more to be united to me. I have a friend there, +Alexander Mueller, who will assist me in furnishing as cheap a +home as is to be had. As soon as I can, I shall go there from +this place. When I have my wife again, I shall forthwith and +gladly set to work. The sketch of a subject for Paris I shall +send from there to Belloni, who will arrange about a French +version by Gustave Vaez. In October he may have finished his +work, and then I shall for a short time leave my wife for Paris, +and shall try every possible means to obtain a commission for the +setting of the said subject. I may perhaps on the same occasion +perform some of my music, and after that shall return to Zurich +to set about the composition. Meanwhile I shall employ my time in +setting to music my latest German drama, "The Death of +Siegfried." Within half a year I shall send you the opera +completed. + +I must commence some genuine work, or else perish; but in order +to work I want quiet and a home. With my wife and in pleasant +Zurich I shall find both. I have one thing in view, and one thing +I shall always do with joy and pleasure--work, i.e., write +operas. For anything else I am unfit; play a part or occupy a +position I cannot, and I should deceive those whom I promised to +undertake any other task. + +You friends must get me some small yearly allowance, just +sufficient to secure for me and my wife a quiet existence in +Zurich, as for the present I am not allowed to be near you in +Germany. I talked to you in Weimar of a salary of three hundred +thalers which I should wish to ask of the Grand Duchess for my +operas, alterations of the same, and the like. If perhaps the +Duke of Coburg and possibly even the Princess of Prussia were to +add something, I would willingly surrender my whole artistic +activity to these three protectors as a kind of equivalent, and +they would have the satisfaction of having kept me free and ready +for my art. I cannot ask for myself nor find the proper form for +the necessary agreement, but you can, and you and your +intercession will succeed. Possible revenues from the opera I +shall write for Paris I might then entirely devote to the payment +of the debts I left in Dresden. + +Dear Liszt, have I spoken plainly enough? + +With the confidence of one entirely helpless, I further ask, Make +it possible to let me have some money soon, so that I may leave +here, go to Zurich, and exist there till I receive the desired +salary. You are the best judge as to what I want for this. +Whether my wife when, in accordance with my ardent prayer, she +thinks of starting for Zurich, will be able to raise the +necessary funds, I unfortunately cannot tell. Would you kindly +ask her soon whether she wants anything? Write to her care of +Eduard Avenarius, Marienstrasse, Leipzig. + +Goodness, how I always try not to weep! My poor wife! + +The best I can bring forth, I will bring forth,--all, all! But to +battle about in this great world is impossible for me. Let me +once more be at home somewhere! + +I was unable to write more today; do not be angry on that +account. But I know your kindness, and trust in it implicitly. + +Take a thousand greetings from your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +(The scores my wife could bring to me at Zurich, could she not?) + +(I had hoped to get some money from Berlin through Tichatschek; +unfortunately nothing has arrived, and I cannot in any way +relieve you, although I do not know where you are to get the +money.) + + + +20. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +Excuse me for applying to you again so soon. At last I received a +letter from my wife, and many pangs of conscience were again +roused by it. More than all, it lies heavy on my heart today that +I have asked you to intercede with several royal personages for a +salary for me. I had forgotten--to say nothing of my immediate +past--that my sufficiently public participation in the Dresden +rising has placed me towards those royal personages in a position +which must make them think of me as one opposed to them on +principle, and this perhaps will make it appear strange that now, +when the collapse of that rising has reduced me to poverty, I +turn for help to them of all others. My position is all the more +painful because I can take no steps to free myself from the +suspicion of such sentiments without incurring the worse +suspicion of meanness and cowardice. You personally I may assure +that the feeling manifested by my undisguised sympathy with the +Dresden rising was very far from the ridiculously fanatical +notion that every prince is an object of active hatred. If I +concurred in this strange fanaticism, I should naturally have had +scruples in approaching the Grand Duchess at Weimar with perfect +openness. Before you, I trust, I need not defend myself; you know +the bitter source of my discontent, which sprang from the +condition of my beloved art, which I nourished with passion, and +which finally I transferred to every other field, the connection +of which with the ground of my deep dissatisfaction I had to +acknowledge. From this feeling came the violent longing which +finds its expression in the words, "There must be a change; thus +it cannot remain." That now, taught by the experience of my +participation in that rising, I could never again mix myself up +with a political catastrophe, I need not say; every reasonable +person must know it. What rejoices me, and what I may safely +affirm, is that in all my aims I have once more become entirely +an artist. But this I cannot possibly tell the princes at the +moment when I am about to claim their assistance. What would they +think of me! A general and public declaration also would bring me +nothing but disgrace. It would have to appear as an apology, and +an apology in the only correct sense time and my life alone can +tender, not a public declaration, which in the present +threatening circumstances and in my helplessness must needs +appear cowardly and low. + +I am sure you will agree with my view of the matter, and I +surmise that already you have found yourself in a very awkward +position towards the Grand Duchess on my account. My wife, who +still thinks it necessary to live on amongst the dregs of Dresden +vulgarity, tells me a thousand unpleasant things which in the +eyes of miserable creatures make me appear much more compromised +by the revolution than I really am. This feeling towards me is +probably spread far and wide, and therefore may have affected the +Weimar court. I can well imagine that you think it at present +inadvisable to raise your voice for me at a court which, with a +natural prejudice, at first sight recognizes in me only the +political revolutionary, and forgets the artistic revolutionary +whom at bottom it has learnt to love. + +How far you will think it good to comply with my application of +yesterday in such circumstances you will best decide for +yourself. Is it possible that our princes nowadays should be +magnanimous enough to exercise a beautiful, old privilege, +unmoved by the currents of the time and without weighing +conditions? Think this over; perhaps you have more confidence +than I. + +My wife suffers, and is embittered; for her I hope everything +from time. I asked you yesterday to inquire of her as to the +pecuniary aid she may need; I ask you today not to do so-not now. +If you will do me a kindness, send me a little money, so that I +can get away,--anywhere, perhaps after all to Zurich, to my old +friend Mueller. I should like to be at rest, so as to write the +scenario for Paris; I don't feel up to much just now. What should +I do in London? I am good for nothing, except perhaps writing +operas, and that I cannot do in London. + +Best greetings to any one who will accept them from me; there +will not be many. Farewell, dear, much-troubled friend. Could I +but make you returns! + +Your most faithful + +RICHARD WAGNER + +REUIL, June 19th, 1849 + + + +21. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +With the contents of your letter No. 2 I agree more than with No. +1. For the present it would not be very diplomatic to knock at +battered doors. Later on, when you stand revealed as a made +fellow, even as you are a created one, protectors will easily be +found; and if I can serve you then as a connecting and convenient +instrument, I shall be quite at your disposal with my whole heart +and with a certain slight savoir-faire. But a period of +transition you cannot avoid, and Paris is for everything and +before everything a necessity to you. Try to make it possible +that your "Rienzi" (with a few modifications intended for the +Paris public) is performed in the course of next winter. Pay a +little court to Roger and Madame Viardot. Roger is an amiably +intelligent man, who will probably fall in love with the part. I +think, however, that in any case you will have to spare him a +little more than Tichatschek, and will have to ease his task by +some abbreviations. Also do not neglect Janin, who, I feel sure, +will give you a helping hand, and whose influence in the press +can secure the early performance of the opera. + +In a word, very dear and very great friend, make yourself +possible in possible conditions, and success will assuredly not +fail you. Vaez and A. Royer will be of great assistance to you +both for the translation and rearrangement of "Rienzi" and for +the design of your new work. Associate and concur with them +strictly for the realization of that plan from which you must not +swerve:-- + +1. To give "Rienzi" during the winter of 1850 at the Paris Opera, +whence it will take its flight to all the theatres of Germany, +and perhaps of Italy. For Europe wants an opera which for our new +revolutionary epoch will be what "La Muette de Portici" was for +the July revolution, and "Rienzi" is conceived and written for +those conditions. If you succeed in introducing into it a slight +element of relief, were it only by means of stage machinery or of +the ballet, success is certain. + +2. To write a new work for the winter of '51 in collaboration +with Vaez and A. Royer, who know all the mysteries of success. In +the interval you cannot do better than take a good position in +the musical press. Forgive me for this suggestion, and manage so +that you are not of necessity placed in a hostile position +towards things and people likely to bar your road to success and +fame. A truce to political commonplaces, socialistic stuff, and +personal hatreds! On the other hand, good courage, strong +patience, and flaming fire, which latter it will not be difficult +for you to provide, with the volcanoes you have in your brain! +Your idea of retiring to Zurich for some time in order to work +more at ease seems good, and I have charged Belloni to remit to +you three hundred francs for traveling expenses. I hope that +Madame Wagner will be able to join you, and before the autumn I +shall let you have a small sum which will keep you afloat. + +Kindly let me know whether I shall send your works to Madame +Wagner, and at what address. + +The admirable score of "Lohengrin" has interested me profoundly; +nevertheless I fear at the performance the superideal colour +which you have maintained throughout. Perhaps you will think me +an awful Philistine, dear friend, but I cannot help it, and my +sincere friendship for you may authorize me to tell you. . . . +[The letter breaks off here in the original edition.-TR.] + + + +22. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +Thanks to your intercession, I have been able to fly to the +friendly place from which I write to you today. I should trouble +you unnecessarily were I to tell you all that latterly has passed +through my heart; perhaps you will guess it. Belloni has taken +care of me with the greatest kindness and consideration; there +are, however, things in which no friend in the world can be of +assistance. One thing more by way of explanation: during my +journey through Switzerland and on my arrival in Paris, I met +with some Saxon refugees in a position which induced me to assist +them in your name. I shall not be tempted again. + +I hope to find some rest and collectedness for the completion of +my intended Paris work in the intimate intercourse with a dear +friend who is also a friend of yours--Alexander Mueller. About +"Rienzi" and the plans which you have commended to us regarding +that opera, Belloni will give you details in so far as the purely +practical part of the matter is concerned. He thinks it +impossible, especially at first, to place it at the Grand Opera. +I, as an artist and man, have not the heart for the +reconstruction of that to my taste superannuated work, which, in +consequence of its immoderate dimensions, I have had to remodel +more than once. I have no longer the heart for it, and desire +from all my soul soon to do something new instead. Besides, the +erection of an operatic theatre in Paris is imminent where only +foreign works are to be produced; that would be the place for +Rienzi, especially if some one else would occupy himself with it. +I want you to decide about this as soon as you have heard our +reasons. I have settled everything with Gustave Vaez as regards +the external part of our common enterprise. The work, which I +shall now take in hand at once, will, I hope, soon open to him +and to you my inner view of the matter. Heaven grant that in this +also we may understand each other or at least come to an +understanding. Only from the one deep conviction which is the +essence of my mental being can I draw inspiration and courage for +my art, for only through this conviction can I love it; if this +conviction were to separate me from my friends, I should bid +farewell to art--and probably turn clodhopper. + +By all accounts I am in fine repute with you! The other day, I +hear, I was accused, together with another person, of having set +fire to the old Dresden opera house. All right. My dear wife +lives in the midst of this slough of civic excellence and +magnanimity. One thing grieves me deeply; it wounds me to the +very bone: I mean the reproach frequently made to me that I have +been ungrateful to the King of Saxony. I am wholly made of +sentiment, and could never understand, in the face of such a +reproach, why I felt no pangs of conscience at this supposed +ingratitude. I have at last asked myself whether the King of +Saxony has committed a punishable wrong by conferring upon me +undeserved favours, in which case I should certainly have owed +him gratitude for his infringement of justice. Fortunately my +consciousness acquits him of any such guilt. The payment of 1,500 +thalers for my conducting, at his intendant's command, a certain +number of bad operas every year, was indeed excessive; but this +was to me no reason for gratitude, but rather for dissatisfaction +with my appointment. That he paid me nothing for the best I could +do does not oblige me to gratitude; that when he had an +opportunity of helping me thoroughly he could not or dared not +help me, but calmly discussed my dismissal with his intendant, +quieted me as to the dependence of my position on any act of +grace. Finally, I am conscious that, even if there had been cause +for any particular gratitude towards the King of Saxony, I have +not knowingly done anything ungrateful towards him; proof of this +I should be able to furnish. Pardon, dear friend, this unpleasant +deviation; unfortunately I am not yet again in that stage of +creating which shuts out anything but the present and the future +from my cognizance. My spirit still writhes too violently under +the impression of a past which, alas! continues wholly to occupy +my present. I am still bent on justification, and that I wish to +address to no one but you. + +As soon as I have anything ready I shall send it to you. For the +present I must urgently ask you to forward me here at once the +scores and other literary tools which my wife has sent to you. I +want to get into some kind of swing again so that the bell may +ring. Be good enough to give the parcel to a carrier to be +forwarded here by express conveyance (care of Alexander Muller, +Zurich). + +Muller greets you most cordially. He will write to you soon to +inform you of the success of Herr Eck, the instrument-maker, +whose company is doing very well. + +Dear Liszt, do not cease to be my friend; have patience with me, +and take me as I am. A thousand compliments to the Princess, and +thank her in my name for the kind memory she has preserved of me; +she may find it difficult to remain my friend. + +Be healthy and happy, and let me soon hear some of your works, +even as I promise you on my part. Farewell, and take my cordial +thanks for your constancy and friendship. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, July 9th, 1849 + + + +23. + +MY DEAR LISZT, + +Are you in a good temper? Probably not, as you are just opening a +letter from your plaguing spirit. And yet it is all the world to +me that you should be in a good temper just today, at this +moment! Fancy yourself at the most beautiful moment of your life, +and thence look upon me cheerfully and benevolently, for I have +to proffer an ardent prayer. I receive today a letter from my +wife, unfortunately much delayed in the post. It touches me more +than anything in the world; she wants to come to me, and stay +with me, and suffer with me once more all the ills of life. Of a +return to Germany, as you know well yourself, I must not for the +present think; therefore our reunion must take place abroad. I +had already told her that the hoped-for assistance from Weimar +would come to nothing; this she will easily understand and bear. +But in order to carry out her idea to come to me, she and I lack +no less than all. To get away from Dresden in the most difficult +circumstances she wants money; quite lately she told me she had +to pay sixty-two thalers without knowing where to get it. She +will now have to pack and send to me the few things we have +saved; she must leave something for the immediate wants of her +parents, whom formerly I kept entirely. She then has to travel to +Zurich with her sister, and I must at least be able to offer her +the bare necessaries of life for the beginning. At this moment I +can offer her nothing in the world. I live at present only on the +remainder of the money which I received from you through Belloni +before my departure from Paris. But, dear friend, I take care not +to be a burden to you alone, and this care is partly the reason +why I have not yet thoroughly set to work, although the anxiety +about my wife is chiefly to blame. I have again tried hard to get +paying work and assistance, so that I might ease your burden, and +in the worst case need only ask you to assist me again for my +journey to Paris in the autumn. But now in this moment of the +most painful joy at the imminent return of my wife--now I know of +no one but you to whom to apply with the firm hope of seeing my +wishes speedily accomplished. You therefore I implore by all that +is dear to you to raise and collect as much as you possibly can, +and to send it, not to me, but to my wife, so that she may have +enough to get away and to join me with the assurance of being +able to live with me free from care for some time at least. +Dearest friend, you care for my welfare, my soul, my art. Once +more restore me to my art! I do not cling to a home, but I cling +to this poor, good, faithful woman, to whom as yet I have caused +almost nothing but grief, who is of a careful, serious +disposition, without enthusiasm, and who feels herself chained +for ever to such a reckless devil as myself. Restore her to me; +by doing so you will give me all you can wish for me, and, +believe me, for that I shall be grateful to you, yea grateful! + +You will see how quickly I shall turn out things. My preparations +for Paris, the pamphlet, and even two sketches for subjects will +be ready and on their way next month. Where I cannot agree with +you I shall win you over to me; that I promise, so that we may +always go hand in hand and never separate. I will obey you, but +give me my poor wife; arrange it so that she may come cheerfully, +with some confidence, soon and quickly. Alas! this, in the +language of our dear nineteenth century, means, Send her as much +money as you can possibly get. Yes, such is my nature; I can beg, +I could steal, to cheer up my wife, were it only for a little +while. Dear, good Liszt, see what you can do! Help me, help me, +dear Liszt. Farewell, and--help me! + +Your grateful + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +Write straight to my wife: Minna Wagner, Friedrich-strasse No. +20, Dresden. + + + +24. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +In answer to your letter, I have remitted one hundred thalers to +your wife at Dresden. This sum has been handed to me by an +admirer of "Tannhauser", whom you do not know, and who has +specially asked me not to name him to you. + +With Y. B., who paid me a visit yesterday, I talked over your +position at length. I hope his family will take an active +interest in your affairs. + +All the scores (excepting the overture to "Faust") I sent to +Zurich last week. The separation from your "Lohengrin" was +difficult to me. The more I enter into its conception and +masterly execution, the higher rises my enthusiasm for this +extraordinary work. Forgive my wretched pusillanimity if I still +have some doubt as to the wholly satisfactory result of the +performance. + +Permit me one question: Do you not think it advisable to add to +"Tannhauser" a dedication (post scriptum) to the Lord of +Wartburg, H.R.H. Carl Alexander, Hereditary Grand Duke of Saxe- +Weymar-Eisenach? + +If you agree to this, have a very simple plate to that effect +engraved, and send me in advance, together with your next letter, +a few lines to the Hereditary Grand Duke, which I shall hand to +him at once. For the present you must expect no special donation +in return, but the sympathy of the prince for your masterpiece +fully justifies this attention. + +Friendly greetings to Alexander Muller, to whom I am still very +grateful for his friendly reception at Zurich. If you should see +J. E., assure him of my sincere interest in his further welfare. +He is an honest, able, excellent man. + +Hold me in kind remembrance, even as I am cordially devoted to +you. + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, July 29th, 1849 + +P.S.--Be careful in your articles in the newspapers to omit all +political allusions to Germany, and leave royal princes alone. In +case there should be an opportunity of paying Weymar a modest +compliment en passant, give free vent to your reminiscences with +the necessary kid gloves. + + + +25. + +DEAR LISZT, + +I herewith send you my last finished work; it is a new version of +the original article which I sent to Paris last week to have it +translated for the feuilleton of the National. Whether you will +be pleased with it I do not know, but I feel certain that your +nature is at one with me. I hope you will find in it nothing of +the political commonplaces, socialistic balderdash, or personal +animosities, against which you warned me; but that, in the +deepest depth of things, I see what I see, is entirely owing to +the circumstance that my own artistic nature and the sufferings +it has to go through have opened my eyes in such a manner that +death alone can close them again. I look forward either to an +entirely useless existence, or to an activity which responds to +my inmost being, even if I have to exercise it afar from all +external splendour. In the former case I should have to think of +abbreviating that existence. + +Please address and send the manuscript, together with the +enclosed letter, to the publisher Otto Wigand in Leipzig. Perhaps +I shall succeed in drawing from my inferior literary faculty some +small support for my existence. Since my last letter, which I +posted at the same time with my stormy petition to you, I have +had no news from my wife, and am slightly tortured accordingly. + +From a letter written by Baron Schober to Eck at Zurich, I see +with great pleasure that your prospects are cheerful, and that +you are resolved to settle in Weimar. I presume that the +excellent Princess is also happy and well. Heaven be thanked! +Whether you ought to show her my manuscript I am not quite +certain; in it I am so much of a Greek that I have not been able +quite to convert myself to Christianity. But what nonsense I +talk! As if you were not the right people! Pardon me. + +Farewell, dear, unique friend! Remember me in kindness. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, August 4th, 1849 + +Have you been good enough to see about the forwarding to me of my +scores and writings? I am anxious at not having seen anything of +them. + + + +26. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +A thousand thanks for your letter, and for kindly taking care of +my wife. The unknown donor is wrong in wishing to be hidden from +me. Thank him in my name. + +The day before yesterday I sent you a long article; probably you +have read it. I am glad that I can agree to your wish to dedicate +"Tannhauser" to the Grand Duke without the slightest abnegation +of my principles, for I hope you will see that I care for +something else than the stupid political questions of the day. + +It would be best if you could have the dedication page and the +special copy done through Meser, in which case you might also, if +necessary, promise to bear the trifling expense, for of that +copyright not a single note is mine. I hope you like the verses. +Will you put the letter to the Grand Duke in an addressed +envelope? + +Oh, my friends, if you would only give me the wages of a middling +mechanic, you would have pleasure in my undisturbed work, which +should all be yours. + +Thanks for sending the scores. "Lohengrin" will be especially +useful to me, for I hope to pawn the score here for some hundreds +of florins, so as to have money for myself and my wife for the +next few months. + +Your doubts as to a satisfactory effect of the performance of the +opera have frequently occurred to me. I think, however, that if +the performance is quite according to my colour, the work-- +including even the end--will be all right. One must dare. + +Muller and Eck were delighted by your greetings, and return them +with enthusiasm. + +Dear, good Liszt, I also thank you most cordially for all the +care you take of me. Consider that I can give you nothing better +in return than the best I can accomplish. Give me perfect peace, +and you shall be satisfied. I hope my wife will be here soon; +then you shall soon have good news of me. + +Farewell, and continue to be my friend. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, August 7th, 1849 + + + +27. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +After a silence of several months, I cannot address you without +first of all thanking you once more with all my heart for the +friendly assistance which enabled me to have my poor wife back +again. By this assistance my wife made it possible to preserve +and bring with her some favourite trifles of our former household +and, before all, my grand piano. We are settled here as well as +possible; and after a long interruption, full of pain and unrest, +I am once more able to think of the execution of my great +artistic plans for the future. + +After this final reunion with my much-tried wife, nothing could +have given me greater pleasure than to learn about the produce of +your artistic activity. The pieces written by you for the +centenary of Goethe's birth I have now seen in the pianoforte +score, and have occupied myself with them attentively. With all +my heart I bid you welcome, and am glad--especially also in +sympathy with your friend--that you behave so valiantly in this +field of honour, selected by you with glorious consistency. What +I felt most vividly, after my acquaintance with these +compositions, was the desire to know that you were writing an +opera or finishing one already begun. The aphoristic nature of +such tasks as those set you by this Goethe celebration must +involuntarily be transferred to the artistic production, which +therefore cannot attain to perfect warmth. Creative power in +music appears to me like a bell, which the larger it is is the +less able to give forth its full tone, unless an adequate power +has set it in motion. This power is internal, and where it does +not exist internally it does not exist at all. The purely +internal, however, cannot operate unless it is stimulated by +something external, related to it and yet different. Creative +power in music surely requires this stimulus no less than does +any other great artistic power; a great incitement alone can make +it effective. As I have every reason to deem your power great, I +desire for it the corresponding great incitement; for nothing +here can be arbitrarily substituted or added: genuine strength +can only create from necessity. Wherever in the series of your +pieces Goethe himself incites your strength, the bell resounds +with its natural full tone, and the clapper beats in it as the +heart does in the body. If you had been able to ring the whole +"Faust"-bell (I know this was impossible), if the detached pieces +had had reference to a great whole, then that great whole would +have thrown on the single pieces a reflex which is exactly the +certain something that may be gained from the great whole, but +not from the single piece. In single, aphoristic things we never +attain repose; only in a great whole is great power self- +contained, strong, and therefore, in spite of all excitement, +reposeful. Unrest in what we do is a proof that our activity is +not perfectly self-contained, that not our whole power, but only +a detached particle of that power, is in action. This unrest I +have found in your compositions, even as you must have found it +too often in mine without better cause. With this unrest I was, +however, better pleased than if comfortable self-contentment had +been their prominent feature. I compare it to the claw by which I +recognize the lion; but now I call out to you, Show us the +complete lion: in other words, write or finish soon an opera. + +Dear friend, look upon me with an earnest but kind glance! All +the ills that have happened to me were the natural and necessary +consequences of the discord of my own being. The power which is +mine is quite unyielding and indivisible. By its nature it takes +violent revenge when I try to turn or divide it by external +force. To be wholly what I can be, and therefore, no doubt, +should be, is only possible for me if I renounce all those +external things which I could gain by dint of the aforesaid +external force. That force would always make me fritter away my +genuine power, would always conjure up the same evils. In all I +do and think I am only artist, nothing but artist. If I am to +throw myself into our modern publicity, I cannot conquer it as an +artist, and God preserve me from dealing with it as a politician. +Poor and without means for bare life, without goods or heritage, +as I am, I should be compelled to think only of acquisition; but +I have learnt nothing but my art, and that I cannot possibly use +for the purpose of acquiring nowadays; I cannot seek publicity, +and my artistic salvation could be brought about one day only by +publicity seeking me. The publicity for which alone I can work is +a small nucleus of individuals who constitute my whole publicity +at present. To these individuals, therefore, I must turn, and put +the question to them whether they love me and my art-work +sufficiently to make it possible for me, as far as in them lies, +to be myself, and to develop my activity without disturbance. +These individuals are not many, and they live far from each +other, but the character of their sympathy is an energetic one. +Dear friend, the question with me is bare life. You have opened +Paris to me, and I most certainly do not refuse it; but what I +have to choose and to design for that place cannot be chosen and +designed in a moment; I must there be some one else and yet +necessarily remain the same. All my numerous sketches are adapted +only to treatment by myself, and in the German language. Subjects +which I should have been prepared to execute for Paris (such as +"Jesus of Nazareth") turn out to be impossible for manifold +reasons when I come to consider closely the practical bearings of +the thing, and I must therefore have time and leisure to wait for +inspiration, which I can expect only from some remote region of +my nature. On the other hand, the poem of my "Siegfried" lies +before me. After not having composed a note for two years, my +whole artistic man is impelled towards writing the music for it. +What I could possibly hope for from a Paris success would not +even be able to keep me alive; for, without being thoroughly +dishonest, I should have to hand it over to my creditors. + +The question, then, is, How and whence shall I get enough to +live? Is my finished work "Lohengrin" worth nothing? Is the opera +which I am longing to complete worth nothing? It is true that to +the present generation and to publicity as it is these must +appear as a useless luxury. But how about the few who love these +works? Should not they be allowed to offer to the poor suffering +creator--not a remuneration, but the bare possibility of +continuing to create? + +To the tradesmen I cannot apply, nor to the existing nobility-- +not to human princes, but to princely men. To work my best, my +inmost salvation, I am not in a position to rely on merit, but on +grace. If we few in this villainous trading age are not gracious +towards each other, how can we live in the name and for the +honour of art? + +Dear friend, you, I believe, are the only one on whom I can +implicitly rely. Do not be frightened! I have tried to relieve +you of the burden of this exclusive reliance; I have turned +elsewhere, but in vain. From H. B., about whom you wrote to me, I +have heard nothing, and am glad from my heart that I have not. +Dear Liszt, let us leave the TRADESMEN alone once for all. They +are human and even love art, but only as far as BUSINESS will +allow. + +Tell me; advise me! Hitherto my wife and I have kept ourselves +alive by the help of a friend here. By the end of this month of +October our last florins will be gone, and a wide, beautiful +world lies before me, in which I have nothing to eat, nothing to +warm myself with. Think of what you can do for me, dear, princely +man! Let some one buy my "Lohengrin," skin and bones; let some +one commission my "Siegfried." I will do it cheaply! Leaving our +old plan of a confederation of princes out of the question, can +you not find some other individuals who would join together to +help me, if YOU were to ask them in the proper manner? Shall I +put in the newspaper "I have nothing to live on; let him who +loves me give me something"? I cannot do it because of my wife; +she would die of shame. Oh the trouble it is to find a place in +the world for a man like me! If nothing else will answer, you +might perhaps give a concert "for an artist in distress." +Consider everything, dear Liszt, and before all manage to send me +soon some--some money. I want firewood, and a warm overcoat, +because my wife has not brought my old one on account of its +shabbiness. Consider! + +From Belloni I soon expect an invitation to Paris, so as to get +my "Tannhauser" overture performed at the Conservatoire, to begin +with. Well, dear friend, give one of your much-occupied days to +the serious and sympathetic consideration of what you might do +for me. Your loving nature, free from all prejudice and only +occupied with the artist in me, will suggest to you a great work +of love which will be my salvation. Believe me, I speak sincerely +and openly; believe me that in you lies my only hope. + +Farewell. Receive, together with mine, the most ardent wishes of +my good wife. Remember me, as one cordially devoted to her, to +Princess Wittgenstein, and thank her in my name if she should +think of me now and then. + +Farewell, you good man, and let me soon hear from you. + +Wholly yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, October 14th, 1849 (Am Zeltwege, in den hinteren +Escherhausern, 182.) + + + +28. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +For more than a month I have been detained here by the serious +illness of the young Princess M. W. My return to Weymar is in +consequence forcibly postponed for at least another month, and +before returning there it is impossible for me to think of +serving you with any efficiency. You propose to me to find you a +purchaser for "Lohengrin" and "Siegfried." This will certainly +not be an easy matter, for these operas, being essentially--I +might say exclusively--German, can at most be represented in five +or six German towns. You know, moreover, that since the Dresden +affair OFFICIAL Germany is not favourable to your name. Dresden, +Berlin, and Vienna are well-nigh impossible fields for your works +for some time to come. If, as is not unlikely, I go to Berlin for +a few days this winter, I shall try to interest the King in your +genius and your future; perhaps I shall succeed in gaining his +sympathy for you and in managing through that means your return +by way of Berlin, which would certainly be your best chance. But +I need not tell you how delicate such a step is, and how +difficult to lead to a good end. As to the "confederation of +princes" which you mention again in your letter, I must +unfortunately repeat to you that I believe in its realization +about as much as in mythology. + +Nevertheless I shall not omit to sound the disposition of H.H. +the Duke of Coburg during the visit I shall probably have the +honour of paying him at the beginning of January. By his superior +intelligence and personal love of music, access to him will be +made easier. But as to the other thirty-eight sovereigns of +Germany (excepting Weymar, Gotha, and Berlin), I confess that I +do not know how I shall manage to instill into them so subtle an +idea as would be the positive encouragement and the active +protection of an artist of your stamp. + +As to the dedication of "Tannhauser," the Hereditary Grand Duke, +while graciously receiving your intention, has sent me word that +it would be more convenient to defer the publication for a few +months, so that I have not been in a hurry to make the necessary +arrangements for the engraving of the dedication plate. + +Try, my dear friend, to get on as best you can till Christmas. My +purse is completely dry at this moment; and you are aware, no +doubt, that the fortune of the Princess has been for a year +without an administrator, and may be completely confiscated any +day. Towards the end of the year I reckon upon money coming in, +and shall then certainly not fail to let you have some, as far as +my very limited means will go; you know what heavy charges are +weighing upon me. Before thinking of myself I must provide for +the comfortable existence of my mother and my dear children in +Paris, and I can also not avoid paying Belloni a modest salary +for the services he renders me, although he has always shown +himself most nobly disinterested on my behalf. My concert career, +as you know, has been closed for more than two years past, and I +cannot resume it imprudently without serious damage to my present +position and still more to my future. + +However, on my way through Hamburg I have yielded to numerous +solicitations to conduct in April a grand "Musical Festival," the +greater part of the receipts of which will be devoted to the +"Pension Fund of Musicians," which I founded about seven years +ago. + +Your "Tannhauser" overture will of course figure in the +programme, and perhaps also, if we have sufficient time and +means, the finale of the first or second act,--unless you have +some other pieces to propose. Kindly write on this subject to +your niece, who is engaged for the whole winter at Hamburg, and +ask her to come to our assistance on this occasion. For it is my +firm intention (not AVOWED or DIVULGED, you understand, for there +would be much inconvenience and no advantage in confiding it to +friends or the public) to set aside part of the receipts for you. +Could not you, on your part, arrange some concerts at Zurich, the +proceeds of which would enable you to get through the winter +tolerably? Why should you not undertake this? Your personal +dignity, it seems to me, would not in the least suffer by it. + +Yet another thing, another string to your bow. Should you think +it inconvenient to publish a book of vocal compositions,--lieder +or ballads, melodies or lyrical effusions, anything? For a work +of this class signed with your name I can easily find a publisher +and insist upon a decent honorarium, and there is surely nothing +derogatory in continuing in a path which Mozart, Beethoven, +Schubert, and Rossini have not disdained. I quite understand what +you say of my compositions in the "Goethe Album," and only regret +you did not hear my "Tasso" overture, which, I flatter myself, +would not have displeased you. In consequence of the good opinion +which you kindly express of my talent as a composer, I am going +to ask you a favour if the idea meets with your approval. While +recently glancing through the volume of Lord Byron which has +scarcely ever quitted me on my travels, I came again upon the +mystery "Heaven and Earth," and on reading it once more felt +persuaded that one might turn it to good account by preserving +the difference of character between the two women Anah and +Aholibamah and by keeping of course the Deluge as a purely +instrumental piece for the denouement. If in your free moments +you could think of cutting out of this an oratorio of moderate +length, as in Byron, I should be truly obliged to you. + +Read over the Mystery, and tell me whether you like my plan. In +the course of the summer my "Sardanapalus" (in Italian) will be +completely finished, and I shall be delighted to undertake +another work at once. + +If you reply before the end of November, address Buckeburg, for I +shall not return to Weymar, for the rest of the winter, till the +beginning of December. + +Remember me very kindly to Madame Wagner, and in all +circumstances rely upon my devoted friendship and admiration. + +F. LISZT + +BOCKEBURG, October 28th, 1849 + + + +29. + +MY DEAR FRIEND LISZT, + +God knows, the more I look into my future, the more I feel what I +possess in you. Such as I am and such as you are, I come to +understand better and better what a rare degree of friendship and +kindness you must have towards me to show me the most active +sympathy of all my friends, in spite of many sides of my nature +which cannot possibly be agreeable to you. You resemble in this +the true poet who, with perfect impartiality, takes every +phenomenon of life as it is according to its essence. As regards +your anxiety about me, I can assure you that if you had sent me +some assistance in answer to my last request, I should not have +been more touched than I was in feeling with you your sorrow at +having to confess that for the time being you could not send me +anything. I helped myself as well as I could by applying to my +friends here. If I had not a wife, and a wife who has already +gone with me through such hard times, I should be much less +anxious about the future; but for her sake I frequently sink into +deep dejection. But that dejection does not help me on; and, +thanks to my healthy nature, I always nerve myself to renewed +courage. Having lately expressed my whole view of art in a work +entitled "The Art-work of the Future," I am now free from all +theoretic hankerings, and have got so far as to care about +nothing but doing art-work. I should have liked best to complete +my "Siegfried," but this wish I could realize only in +exceptionally favourable circumstances, namely if I could look +forward to a year free from material care. This is not the case, +and the care for my future makes it my duty altogether to think +more seriously of my appointed tasks than has hitherto been +possible amidst the most conflicting impressions. Listen, dear +friend: the reason why for a long time I could not warm to the +idea of writing an opera for Paris was a certain artistic dislike +of the French language which is peculiar to me. You will not +understand this, being at home in all Europe, while I came into +the world in a specifically Teutonic manner. But this dislike I +have conquered in favour of an important artistic undertaking. +The next question was the poem and a subject, and here I must +confess that it would be absolutely impossible for me simply to +write music to another man's poems, not because I consider this +beneath me, but because I know, and know by experience, that my +music would be bad and meaningless. What operatic subjects I had +in my head would not have done for Paris, and this was the cause +of my hesitation in the whole affair which you had initiated so +well. Since then I have clearly discovered what task I have in +reality to perform in Paris, so as to remain true to myself and +yet keep Paris always in my mind's eye. As to this, dear friend, +we shall perhaps understand each other perfectly, and you will +agree with me when I determine not to become a Frenchman (in +which I should never succeed, and which the French do not want +from a German), but to remain as I am and in my own character to +speak to the French comprehensibly. Well, in this sense the +subject for a poem has quite recently occurred to me, which I +shall immediately work out and communicate to Gustave Vaez; it is +highly original and suitable to all conditions. More I will tell +you as soon as I have finished the scenario. Belloni has asked me +for the scores of my overtures to "Tannhauser" and "Rienzi," the +first for a concert at the Conservatoire; I believe it is to be +performed next January, and at that time I shall go to Paris +myself to conduct the overture, to settle everything with Gustave +Vaez, and to co-operate with him in obtaining a commission for an +opera. One thing more: I cannot allow my "Lohengrin" to lie by +and decay. Latterly I have accustomed myself to the notion of +giving it to the world at first in a foreign language, and I now +take up your own former idea of having it translated into +English, so as to make its production in London possible. I am +not afraid that this opera would not be understood by the +English, and for a slight alteration I should be quite prepared. +As yet, however, I do not know a single person in London. With +the publisher Beal I made acquaintance par distance when he +printed the overture to "Rienzi," but apart from this I have no +connection with London. Could you manage, dear friend, to write +to London and to introduce my undertaking, and could you also let +me know to whom to apply further? From Paris I should then go to +London, in order to settle the matter if possible. + +You perceive that I am only intent on carrying out the scheme +originally suggested by you. Do not be angry with me for taking +it in hand so late. At first it was your plan exclusively, and I +had to make it mine; my awkwardness in this you must kindly +attribute to my extraordinary position and mental trouble. + +But now it is important, dear Liszt, to provide me with means for +this definite object. That you alone cannot support me I realized +long ago; and knowing as I do your position, it is altogether +with a heavy heart that I ask you for further sacrifices. I have +therefore applied to a friend at Dresden (himself poor), and have +asked him to see if he could get me some money from my other +friends, so as to help me, in conjunction with you, over my +immediate and greatest difficulties. His news so far does not +lead me to expect any great success from his efforts, and in any +case it will not amount to much. You were kind enough to promise +me some assistance from your own means towards the end of the +year. Do not be angry if I assure you that I shall be compelled +to count upon your kind fulfillment of this promise. + +I trust in no one else, and do not indulge in any further +illusions. Of a concert in Zurich I have thought myself. The +local concert society have asked me to study with their +orchestra, which is feeble, a symphony by Beethoven and one of my +compositions, in return for which they would arrange a benefit +concert lor me. The necessary increase of the strings, which I +had to demand as a point of honour, has delayed the matter up +till now, and it will be probably the beginning of January before +the subscription concert takes place which is to be, so to speak, +the captatio benevolentioe for my benefit concert. It is +therefore not unlikely that I shall not be able to wait for the +favourable moment, as I expect to be summoned to Paris by Belloni +towards the beginning of next year. Any assistance from that +quarter is therefore very problematic. Your thought of me in +wishing to set aside part of the receipts of an intended concert +at Hamburg has touched me deeply. You are a good man; and every +day, alas! I feel more sure that I have no friend like you. In +any case my niece shall interest herself in the concert; that +small errand I willingly undertake. + +All I want is to provide my poor wife during my absence with the +money necessary for her subsistence, which will not amount to +much, also to enable me to pay for my journeys and my stay in +Paris and London. Belloni must get me a small, cheap room, and I +promise to be as careful as possible in every way. I trust you +and the above-mentioned friends will be able to provide me with +the necessary means. Let us hope that success will reward your +beautiful and rare sympathy. + +Farewell, dear and valued friend! Remember me and my wife +cordially to Princess Wittgenstein, and be assured at all times +of my enthusiastic recognition of your rare and beautiful nature. + +Always your deeply obliged friend, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, December 5th, 1849 The subject from Byron I shall +certainly consider. As yet I do not know it, nor have had time to +make myself acquainted with it, for which you must pardon me. I +should be too glad to be of any service to you, and am thankful +to you for showing me the way to do it. Let me only finish my +opera sketch for Paris first. + +My address is "Am Zeltweg, in den hinteren Escherhausern," No. +182. + + + +30. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +I have just returned to Weymar, and hasten to send you a bill on +Rothschild for five hundred francs. According to what you tell +me, I hope it will be of service to you in Paris, where, I am +convinced, you will find the best field for your activity and +your genius. + +I quite agree with your decision "to remain thoroughly faithful +to yourself and yet always to have Paris before your eyes in the +conception and execution of your designs." I anticipate soon the +most excellent and satisfactory results. You are quite right in +not wishing to become a Frenchman; apart from the fact that you +would scarcely succeed, your task is a different and even a +contrary one, viz., to Germanize the French in your sense of the +word, or rather to inspire them and fill them with enthusiasm for +more general, more comprehensive, more elevated, dramatic art- +work. + +I should be delighted to learn what operatic subject you have +selected, and my earnest desire is that you will use all your +time in hastening the representation. In actual circumstances it +is almost impossible for you to think of a speedy return to +Germany where, moreover, you would find nothing but disagreeable +things, envy, and enmity. Paris and perhaps London are absolutely +necessary for your present and future career. Whatever the +annoyances and sufferings may be which you will have to go +through during the period of transition in which you are +unhappily placed, take courage and have full confidence in the +star of your genius. The day after your first performance in +Paris you will be "as one new-born and content like a Greek god." + +Regarding London, it will be somewhat difficult to place your +"Lohengrin" there. It depends very much upon the chance of a good +opportunity, which I hope will turn up. I shortly expect M. Ernst +on his return from London, and he will give me some details as to +the actual situation and the personnel of the London theatres. +Italian opera not being suitable to you in any form, you will +have to attach yourself to one of the ephemeral enterprises of +the English stage, ensuring, of course, every possible precaution +and guarantee. I shall one of these days write direct to Mr. +Chorley, an excellent friend of mine, who will give me the +necessary information and help you during your stay in London. +Before the spring I shall perhaps be able to give you some +favourable news. You on your part must strike every iron while it +is hot, and before all "stick to our Paris plans." For the fete +of the Grand Duchess I shall conduct "Iphigenia in Aulis," which +Herr von Zigesar has got for me from Dresden, and this in spite +of the opposition, from want of intelligence or evil intention, +which I shall have to encounter. Herr von Luttichau has declined +all responsibility for the loan of your score, and I have boldly +undertaken to be answerable to you for it. + +At the end of the week we shall repeat "Tannhauser," which, by +some miracle of taste, the Weymar public and many people from the +surrounding towns have demanded ever since the beginning of the +theatrical season, and which has been postponed only on account +of my absence. + +Let me hear from you soon, dear friend, and continue to dispose +of me as of your sincerely devoted friend, + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, January 14th, 1850 + +P.S.--Kindly give my best remembrances and compliments to Madame +Wagner. + + + +31. + +MY DEAR LISZT, + +You will know by this time how I have fared in Paris. The +performance of my overture came to nothing, and all your trouble +about it has been in vain. Poor man! + +In my life some decisive events have happened; the last shackles +have fallen that tied me to a world in which I must have perished +soon, not only mentally, but physically. Through the eternal +compulsion imposed upon me by my immediate surroundings, I have +lost my health, and my nerves are shattered. In the immediate +future I must live only for my recovery; my existence is provided +for; you shall hear from me from time to time. + +Dear friend, I have just been looking through the score of my +"Lohengrin." I very seldom read my own works. An immense desire +has sprung up in me to have this work performed. I address this +wish to your heart:-- + +Perform my "Lohengrin"! You are the only one to whom I could +address this prayer; to none but you I should entrust the +creation of this opera; to you I give it with perfect and joyous +confidence. Perform it where you like, even if only in Weimar; I +feel certain you will procure every possible and necessary means, +and they will refuse you nothing. Perform "Lohengrin," and let +its existence be your work. There is a correct score of the opera +at Dresden. Herr von Luttichau has bought it of me for the price +of the copying (thirty-six thalers). As he is not going to +perform it--against which I should protest, considering the +musical, direction in that city--it is possible that he will let +you have the copy on repayment of the thirty--six thalers, or +else he will in any case have it copied out for you. This letter +may be your authority for receiving it, + +If you comply with my wish, I shall send you soon a complete +libretto, with exact indications of my view as to the mise-en- +scene, etc. + +Do what you can and what you like. You shall soon hear from me +again. + +Belloni tells me that you have promised him to get me an +additional five hundred francs for the score of "Iphigenia." If +you succeed in this, remit the money for me to Belloni; I shall +in my thoughts dispose of it. + +Farewell, dear friend and brother. Remember me to my few friends. +If the Grand Duchess and the Hereditary Grand Duke will accept a +greeting, greet them most cordially from me. + +Farewell, and think well of + +Your faithful and grateful + +RICHARD WAGNER + +PARIS, April 21st, 1850 + + + +32. + +DEAREST LISZT, + +I herewith send you the promised directions for the performance +of "Lohengrin." Pardon me if they come too late. I heard only +recently with what amiable and speedy readiness you have complied +with my wish for the performance of this opera. When we meet +again, I shall have many things to tell you. Of my immediate past +I only say that my intended journey to Greece has come to +nothing; there were too many impediments, which I found it +impossible to overcome. Better than anything else I should have +liked to get out of the world altogether. Of this more later on. + +As I understand that you are going to perform "Lohengrin" as +early as August 28th, I must not delay my instructions any +longer, leaving other matters for a later communication. + +First of all, I have in the enclosed treated of scenery and +decorations. My drawings made for that purpose will give you +great delight; I count them amongst the most successful creations +of my genius. Where my technique forsook me, you must be +satisfied with the good intention, which will be clear to you +from the literary explanation attached to it. The trees +especially presented me with insuperable difficulties, and if +every painter has to perspire over perspective as I have done, +his art is by no means an easy calling. As to the rest, I have in +my notes always referred to the full score, in which I have +indicated--much more fully and clearly than in the libretto--the +scenic action in conjunction with the music. The stage-manager +will have to go exactly by the score, or at least an arrangement +of it. + +As to the orchestra, I have also put down some remarks for you. + +But now I have first of all a great wish to address to you: + +Give the opera as it is; cut nothing! + +One single cut I will indicate to you myself, and I even insist +upon the omission of the passage, viz., the second part of +Lohengrin's tale in the final scene of the third act. After the +words of Lohengrin--"Sein Ritter ich bin Lohengrin ge"--[nannt +fifty-six bars must be omitted] "Wo ihr mit Gott mich landen" +["saht" therefore,--"nannt" instead of "saht"]. + +I have frequently sung it to myself, and have come to the +conclusion that this second part of the tale must produce a +depressing effect. The passage is therefore to be omitted in the +libretto as well. + +As to the rest, I must request you urgently, Let me for once do +as I like. I have been intent upon establishing so unfailing, so +plastic, a connection between the music and the poem and action, +that I feel quite certain as to the result. Rely upon me, and do +not attribute it to my being in love with my own work. If you +should feel compelled to make cuts on account of excessive +difficulty, I should ask you to consider whether it would not be +better to leave the performance alone on account of insufficiency +of means. I assume, however, that all possible means will be +readily placed at your disposal, and also that you will succeed +in conquering every difficulty if you are fully determined to do +so. If you make up your mind that it must be, then I am sure that +it will be, or else that you would rather give up the whole +thing. As to this, I think, we agree. + +Concerning the chief thing, the cast of vocalists, I rely upon +you with perfect confidence. You will not undertake impossible +things. Our friend Gotze, to whom I am in any case much indebted +for his Tannhauser, will find more difficulties in Lohengrin, +because he lacks in external appearance and voice that +resplendent quality which, where nature has vouchsafed it, must +make the part easy. Let him supply that resplendence as far as +possible by means of art. To look at him ought to make one's eyes +smart. A newly revised libretto intended for the printer I send +at the same time with this. It will arrive by the ordinary mail. +As to this libretto, I have the following wish to express: Sell +it, or if you can get nothing for it, give it to a publisher who +will undertake to bring it out beautifully, at least as well as +the libretto of "Tannhauser"; the Weimar theatre then gets as +many copies from the publisher as it wants for sale in the house, +allowing a certain commission. This is exactly what we did with +"Tannhauser." As I should like you to dispose of the pianoforte +score, made by Uhlig in Dresden, to a music-publisher, the best +way would be to offer the libretto to the same man whom you have +in your eye for the pianoforte arrangement. That libretto, if +sold at a moderate price, is, however, by no means a bad +business. Of "Tannhauser" we sold over two thousand copies. One +thing more: tell me, dear Liszt, how could we make it possible +that I could attend the first performance in Weimar incognito? +This is a desperate question, especially as at this moment it is +no longer, as it recently was, a matter of indifference to me +whether I am to dwell in a royal Saxon prison or not. Listen: I +hold the Grand Duchess in high regard; would not this lady, to +whom I attribute real nobility, at your suggestion be inclined +for the stroke of genius of duping the police of united Germany, +and of getting me a safe conduct under an assumed name from +Switzerland to Weimar and back again to Zurich? I promise +faithfully to preserve my incognito in the most stoical manner, +to lie perdu in Weimar for a little time, and to go straight +back, guaranteeing all the time the strictest secrecy from abroad +also. Or would this be more easily achievable through the Duke of +Coburg? Of him I hear many things that delight me. Anyhow look +into this; you would give a poor devil like me real joy, and +perhaps a new stimulus and much-needed encouragement. + +If it is possible, or even if it is impossible, I ask further, +Would you like to pay me a short visit in Zurich soon? You are +devilish quick at such things. If I could see you again now, I +should go half mad through joy, therefore wholly mad, as people +have surely taken me for half mad a long time since. I would sing +"Lohengrin" to you from A to Z; that would be a real pleasure! +Enough for today. I shall soon write again. Whether I have got +any money from Weimar for "Iphigenia" I cannot tell yet; there +has latterly been much confusion around me. I am about to crush +some most absurd rumours which have been spread abroad concerning +me by returning to Zurich. Address to me there "Enge, Sterngasse, +Hirzel's Haus, Zurich." + +Farewell, old, dear, only friend! I know you love me. Believe +that I respond from my fullest heart. + +Ever thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +THUN, July 2nd, 1850 + + + +33. + +DEAR LISZT, + +Would you be kind enough to answer the following simple question +briefly by "Yes" or "No"? Did the management of the Weimar +theatre intend to pay me five hundred francs for my version of +"Iphigenia," as Belloni told me after his return to Weimar? +Further, have these five hundred francs been sent anywhere for +me, and to whom and where should I in that case have to apply? or +if they have not been sent, may I still count on them? Lastly, if +the latter should be the case, will you ask Herr von Zigesar to +send three hundred francs of the sum to Belloni in Paris, in +settlement of a tailor's bill falling due July 15th, and remit +the balance of two hundred francs to me at Zurich as soon as +possible? + +My question has become more complicated than I thought, as +complicated, indeed, as is the demand on Herr von Zigesar to pay +me five hundred francs for a mere arrangement. That you have +managed to insist upon this demand I must in any case look upon +as one of your miracles. + +Dearest friend, you have, I hope, received my long letter from +Thun. Shall I soon hear from you, or could you really manage to +pay me a flying visit? + +Best greetings from your most faithful + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, July l0th, 1850 + +(Bei Frau Hirzel, Sterngasse, Enge.) + + + +34. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Believe me, you have not for a moment ceased to be very near to +my heart. The serious, enthusiastic admiration I have for your +genius would not be satisfied with sleepy habits and barren +sentiments. All that I can possibly do, either in the interest of +your reputation and glory or in that of your person, you may feel +perfectly certain will in no circumstances remain undone. Only a +friend like you is not always quite easy and convenient to serve, +for those who understand you must wish, before all, to serve you +in an intelligent and dignified manner. I hope that so far I have +not been wanting in these two essential conditions, and I do not +mean to depart from them for the future. You may therefore have +full confidence in me, and listen to me, and believe me as one +who is frankly and without restriction devoted to you. But let us +speak definitely of your affairs, which, for some time at least, +I have made seriously my own. + +1. I found it impossible to get the five hundred francs for +"Iphigenia" from the management. Nevertheless, you shall not be +disappointed, for at the same time with this letter I forward to +Belloni in Paris three hundred francs from my private purse, +which he will hold at your disposal, and pay at your order either +to your tailor or to any other person you may indicate. Apart +from this, I have good hope that Herr von Zigesar, from whom I +enclose a few lines, will be able to send you in a few days one +hundred thalers, independently of the honorarium for "Lohengrin," +which will be about thirty louis d'or. + +2. Your "Lohengrin" will be given under exceptional conditions, +which are most favourable to its success. The management for this +occasion spends about 2,000 thalers, a thing that has not been +done in Weymar within the memory of man. The press will not be +forgotten, and suitable and seriously conceived articles will +appear successively in several papers. All the personnel will be +put on its mettle. The number of violins will be slightly +increased (from sixteen to eighteen), and a bass clarinet has +been purchased. Nothing essential will be wanting in the musical +material or design. I undertake all the rehearsals with +pianoforte, chorus, strings, and orchestra. Genast will follow +your indications for the mise-en-scene with zeal and energy. It +is understood that we shall not cut a note, not an iota, of your +work, and that we shall give it in its absolute beauty, as far as +is in our power. The special date of August 28th, on which +"Lohengrin" will be performed, cannot be but favourable to it. To +speak truth, I should not be allowed to put so extraordinary a. +work on the stage in the ordinary course of the theatrical +season. Herr von Zigesar has fully realized that "Lohengrin" must +be an event. For that reason they have curtailed the theatrical +holidays by one-half, and have asked my friend Dingelstedt to +write a prologue ad hoc, which he will bring us himself towards +the middle of August, the first performance being fixed for +August 28th, the anniversary of Goethe's birth, and three days +after the inauguration of the Herder monument, which will take +place on the 25th. In connection with that Herder monument we +shall have a great concourse of people here; and besides that, +for the 28th the delegates of the Goethe foundation are convoked +to settle the definite programme of that foundation at Weymar. + +After two consecutive performances of "Lohengrin" the theatre +will close again for another month, and "Lohengrin" will not be +resumed till some time in the course of the winter. + +3. With regard to the sale of the score, the matter is not quite +so simple, and I need not enumerate and explain to you the +commercial difficulties. Nevertheless, if you charge me with this +matter, I shall be to bring it to a good end; but a little time +will be necessary. If, as I have no doubt, the success of +"Lohengrin" is once firmly established at Weymar, you will +perhaps find means to influence the B.'s so that they may have it +done at Leipsic. In that case Tichatschek would be required for +the principal part, and your most devoted capellmeister would, if +you should think it necessary, take care of the rest on certain +conditions. + +If the work succeeds at Leipzig, a publisher will easily be +found; but I must not conceal from you that the success of +"Lohengrin" seems to me somewhat doubtful, unless the necessary +preliminary precautions with regard to study, rehearsals, and the +press are taken. In leaving it to its fate--although, no doubt, +it deserves a propitious fate--I have serious apprehensions from +the ill-will which attaches to you personally and from the envy +and stupidity which still combat your genius. Consider therefore +carefully what plan you had better adopt in this matter. In the +meantime I thank you cordially for the indications and hints +which you give me about the score. I shall obey them with respect +and friendship. Kindly write two words to Herr Uhlig in Dresden +so as to prevent him from making difficulties about sending me +the pianoforte score, which will be very useful to me. + +I come to a point which pains me much, but which it is my duty +not to conceal from you. Your return to Germany and visit to +Weymar for the performance of "Lohengrin" is an absolute +impossibility. When we meet again, I can give you verbally the +details, which it would be too long and useless to write. Once +more, it is necessary that you should be served with intelligence +and dignity, and you would not be served in that manner by +hazarding steps which must infallibly lead to an unfavourable +result. What I think of most, and what, with God's help, may +bring about "a turn in your situation," is the success of +"Lohengrin"; and if that is once well established, I shall +propose to their Highnesses to authorize me to write to you or to +let Herr von Zigesar write to you commissioning you to finish +your "Siegfried" as soon as possible, and sending you for that +purpose a suitable honorarium in advance, so that you may be able +to work for some six months at the completion of that opera free +from material care. + +Speak to no one of this plan, which I hope to carry out in due +time. + +Till then keep your head and your health in good condition, and +count entirely upon your sincerely devoted and affectionate +friend, + +F. LISZT + +Herr von Zigesar will write to you direct about the sale of the +libretto of "Lohengrin." The best thing would be if Brockhaus +would undertake the edition, and Z. has written to him on the +subject. You, on your part, might write to him to the same +effect, which would be a good beginning of the plan which I shall +submit to your ultimate decision. Yet another and quite different +question: Should you be inclined to undertake in connection with +"Alceste," "Orphee," "Armide," and "Iphigenia en Tauride," by +Gluck, a similar task to that which you have already performed +for "Iphigenie en Aulide," and what sum would you expect by way +of honorarium? Write to me on this subject when you have time; +there is no hurry about it, but perhaps I might be able to +suggest the idea of such a commission to the proper person. + + + +35. + +MY DEAR LISZT, + +I must say, You are a friend. Let me say no more to you, for +although I always recognized in friendship between men the +noblest and highest human relation, it was you who embodied this +idea in its fullest reality by letting me no longer imagine, but +feel and grasp, what a friend is. + +I do not thank you, for you alone have the power to thank +yourself by your joy in being what you are. It is noble to have a +friend, but still nobler to be a friend. + +Having found you, I can put up with my banishment from Germany, +and I must look upon it almost as fortunate, for I could not have +possibly been of such use to myself in Germany as you can be. But +then I wanted you of all others. I cannot write your praise, but +when we meet I will tell it you. Kindly and considerately as you +treat me, you may feel sure that I as fully understand and +appreciate the manner of your care of me. I know that you must +act as you act, and not otherwise; and for the manner of your +taking care of me I am especially thankful. One thing gives me +anxiety: you forget yourself over me, and I cannot replace what +you lose of yourself in this. Consider this well. + +Your letter has in many respects made a great impression on me. I +have convictions which perhaps you will never share, but which +you will not think it necessary to combat when I tell you that +they in no manner interfere with my artistic activity. I have +felt the pulse of our modern art, and know that it must die, but +this does not make me melancholy, but rather joyful, because I +know that not art, but only our art, standing as it does outside +of real existence, must perish, while the true, imperishable, +ever-new art has still to be born. The monumental character of +our art will disappear; the clinging and sticking to the past, +the selfish care for continuity and possible immortality, we +shall cast off; the Past will be Past, the Future will be Future, +to us, and we shall live and create only in the Today, in the +full Present. Remember that I used to call you happy in your +particular art, because you were an immediate artist, actually +present, and appealing to the senses at every moment. That you +could do so only by means of an instrument was not your fault, +but that of the inevitable conditions of our time, which reduces +the individual man wholly to himself, and in which association, +enabling the single artist to expend his power in the common and +immediately present work of art, is an impossible thing. It was +not my purpose to flatter you. I only expressed half consciously +my knowledge that the representative alone is the true artist. +Our creations as poets and composers are in reality volition, not +power; representation only is power--art. [Footnote: In the +German original there is here a play upon the word "konnen" and +its derivative, "kunst," which cannot be translated.] Believe me, +I should be ten times happier if I were a dramatic representative +instead of a dramatic poet and composer. With this conviction +which I have gained, I am naturally not desirous to create works +for which I should have to resign a life in the present in order +to give them some flattering, fictitious immortality. What cannot +be made true today will remain untrue in the future. The vain +desire of creating beyond the present for the future I abandon, +but if I am to create for the present, that present must appear +to me in a less disgusting form than it actually does. I renounce +fame, and more especially the ridiculous spectre of posthumous +fame, because I love my fellow-men too much to condemn them, for +the sake of my vanity, to the poverty in which alone the +posthumous fame of dead people finds its nourishment. + +As things are, I am incited to artistic creativeness, not by +ambition, but by the desire to hold communion with my friends and +the wish to give them joy; where I know this desire and this wish +to be satisfied I am happy and perfectly content. If you in +little Weimar give my "Lohengrin" with zeal and love, joy and +success, and were it only for the two performances of which you +write, I shall be happy in the thought that my purpose has been +perfectly accomplished, that my anxiety about this work is wholly +at an end, and that now I may begin another effort at offering +something new in a similar manner. Judge then, can you blame my +conviction which rids me of all egoism, of all the small passions +of ambition? Surely not. Ah, that I might be able to communicate +to all of you some of the blissful strength of my convictions! + +Hear now what effect your letter has had upon me. + +Last May I sent the poem of my "Siegfried" to a book-seller to be +published, such as it is. In a short preface I explained that the +completion and the performance of my work were beyond hope, and +that I therefore communicated my intention to my friends. In +fact, I shall not compose my "Siegfried" on the mere chance for +the reasons I have just told you. Now, you offer to me the +artistic association which might bring "Siegfried" to light. I +demand representatives of heroes such as our stage has not yet +seen; where are they to come from? Not from the air, but from the +earth, for I believe you are in a good way to make them grow from +the earth by dint of your inspiring care. Although our theatrical +muddle is hopelessly confused, the best soil for all art is still +to be found in our foolish actors and singers; their nature, if +they have kept their hearts at all, is incorruptible; by means of +enthusiasm you can make anything of them. Well then, as soon as +you have produced Lohengrin to your own satisfaction I shall also +produce my "Siegfried," but only for you and for Weimar. Two days +ago I should not have believed that I should come to this +resolution; I owe it to you. + +My dear Liszt, from what I have told you you will see that, +according to my view of the thing, your amiable anxiety for the +further promulgation of my "Lohengrin" has my sympathy almost +alone on account of its material advantages--for I must live--but +not with a view to my fame. I might have the desire to +communicate myself to a larger circle, but is he likely to be +listened to who intrudes? I cannot and will not intrude. You +surely have done enough to attract the attention of people +towards me; shall I too buttonhole them and ask them for a +hearing? Dear friend, these people are flabby and cowardly; they +have no heart. Leave them alone! If I am to succeed, it must be +through people who care about the matter. Where I must offer +myself I lose all my power. How can I care about a "Leipsic +representation"? It would have to be a good representation, and +how is that to be achieved unless some one like you undertook the +thing? Do not forget that Weimar also would not exist for me if +you did not happen to exist in Weimar. Good Lord! All depends +upon one man in our days; the rest must be dragged along anyhow; +nothing will go of itself. Even money considerations could not +determine me to arrange performances which would of necessity be +bad. Lord knows, although I have no money, I do not trouble about +it excessively, for I have a notion that somehow I shall not +starve. Just when I have nothing at all something always turns +up, as, for instance, your last news, and then I feel suddenly +calm and free of care. You see, dear friend, as long as you +remain true to me I do not despair. As to your excellent proposal +with regard to the treatment of Gluck's operas, which has given +me great pleasure, I shall soon write more definitely. + +Although I have many more things to tell you, I think it better +to conclude on this page. You say so many things to me that I +become quite confused when I have to think of a detailed answer. +I know that I am safe with you as a child in its mother's bosom. +What more is required beyond gratitude and love? Farewell, and +let me press you to my heart. + +Your friend, happy through you, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +Herr von Zigesar will have a letter very soon; for the present I +send him my best thanks for his valuable letter and his touching +sympathy with my work. One more thing: a certain conductor, Abt, +from this place will be at Weimar on August 28th to hear +"Lohengrin." Kindly reserve a seat for him. + +My best remembrances to Genast and my brave singers. I rejoice +when I think of these good people. A whole family, Ritter by +name, will come from Dresden to Switzerland next year, to settle +near me; they also will be at Weimar. I am writing to Uhlig. + + + +36. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +I have been asked to forward to you the enclosed bill for one +hundred thalers. Do not thank me, and do not thank Herr von +Zigesar either, who has signed the bill. You will perhaps +remember that about a year ago I sent you the same amount; this +time it comes again from the same source, which, for official +reasons, desires to remain hidden. + +We float in the full ether of your "Lohengrin." I flatter myself +that we shall succeed in giving it according to your intentions. +We rehearse every day for two or three hours, and the solo parts +as well as the strings are in tolerable order. Tomorrow and +afterwards I shall separately rehearse the wind, which will be +complete, in accordance with the demands of your score. We have +ordered a bass clarinet, which will be excellently played by Herr +Wahlbrul. Our violoncellos will be strengthened by the arrival +from Paris of Cossmann, who will join our orchestra on August +15th. This is an excellent acquisition, which will, I hope, be +followed by some others of the same sort, etc., etc. In short, +all that it is humanly possible to do in Weimar in the year of +grace 1850, you may be sure, will be done for your "Lohengrin," +which, in spite of much stupid talk, some false anxiety, and some +too real impediments, will, you may take my promise, be very +decently performed on the 28th inst., after which I have invited +myself to supper at Zigesar's, who is fire and flame for +Lohengrin. When he sends you your honorarium of from twenty-five +to thirty louis d'or, towards the end of the month, kindly write +to him a fairly long and friendly letter, for he fully shares my +sympathy and admiration for your genius, and is the only person +who can assist me in giving external significance to those +sentiments. At his last stay in Berlin he spoke of Tannhauser to +the King and the Prince of Prussia, so as to let them know in +Berlin how the matter stands. Two or three days later please +write also a few lines to Genast, who has behaved extremely well +in all the transactions preceding "Lohengrin," and who will +zealously execute your indications as to the mise-en-scene. + +If you will do me a service, dear friend, send me, if possible by +return of post, some metronomical indications for the +introduction and several other important pieces, the duet between +Lohengrin and Elsa in the third act amongst others. I believe I +am not mistaken as to your wishes and intentions, but should +still prefer to have conviction in figures as to this matter. + +There will be no cut, no curtailment, in your score, and I shall +do my best to have no lack of < fp. ffp. >, and especially of . . +.--, which is the most difficult thing for the string +instruments. + +Farewell, dear friend! I think your work is sublime, and am your +sincerely devoted + +F. LISZT + + + +37. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND, + +Many thanks for your letter received yesterday; also convey my +cordial thanks to the donor. Dear friend, we all know who it is. +Why this official secrecy? I must confess that formerly I thought +it more desirable to have an honorarium for my version of +"Iphigenia in Aulis" than a present, but on second consideration +I find that such an honorarium would have been little more than a +present. Who knows better than myself that in our dear world of +the Mine and Thine, of work and payment, I am a pure luxury? He +who gives anything to me receives something quite superfluous and +unnecessary in return. What do you think, who have taken such +infinite pains to dispose of my works? Much as I think of my +"Lohengrin," which you are bringing to light, I think as much and +almost more of you and your terrible exertions. I know what these +exertions are. When I saw you conduct a rehearsal of +"Tannhauser," I knew at once what you were to me. What curious +creatures we are! We can be happy only by the complete +annihilation of our whole being; to be happy means with us to +lose consciousness of ourselves. Stupid as it may sound, I call +to you, Reserve yourself--as much as you can. + +The arrival of a letter from you is always a feast to me, and all +my friends are invited to it. If possible, let me have a few +lines now and then as to the success of the rehearsals. I control +myself violently, and let no one see it, but to you I must +confess my sorrow is great not to hear my work under your +direction. But I have to bear so many things, and shall bear this +also. I think of myself as if I were dead. Whenever I have news +of you, I am filled with new desire to commence some large +artistic work; for literary work I have no longer any great +inclination. Upon the whole, I preach to deaf ears; only he whom +artistic experience has taught to find the right thing can +understand what I mean; so it is better that every one should +arrive by the aid of experience and do for himself what he can +do. But I still feel enthusiasm for the work of art itself; the +music of my Siegfried vibrates through all my nerves; it all +depends upon a favourable mood, and that you, dear friend, will +procure for me. + +To Zigesar I shall write according to your wish. I have every +reason to feel friendly towards him, and do so in very deed. To +Genast I shall write tomorrow. + +Another young friend of mine goes specially from Zurich to Weimar +for the two performances of my opera; I shall give him a few +lines of introduction to you. For the present I only ask you to +get him a good seat for the two performances; please do not +forget it. For a Herr Abt, from here, I asked the same favour +last time. + +You forgot in your last letter to reply as to the book of words. +I wrote to you that I should like to see a proof; it would be too +late now, and therefore useless, to repeat that wish; therefore I +ask you to see that the proof is read as carefully as possible. +Perhaps Professor Wolff, whom I greet cordially a thousand times, +would be kind enough to correct a proof. This reminds me that I +have corrected a mistake in the manuscript of the libretto, but +not in the score. In the last words of Lohengrin's leave-taking +of Elsa it should be, instead of-- + +"mein zurnt der Gral wenn ich noch bleib," "mir zurnt," etc., +etc. + +You ask me also for a few metronomical indications of the tempo. +I consider this quite unnecessary, because I rely in all things +on your artistic sympathy so thoroughly as to know that you need +only be in a good humour with my work to find out the right thing +everywhere; for the right thing consists in this only: that the +effect corresponds with the intention. But, as you wish it, I +send you the following, in confirmation, no doubt, of your own +views:- + +Instrumental Introduction. + +[score excerpt] + +(The triplets molto moderato.) + +Act I., Scene 2, Elsa's Song (page 35). + +[score excerpt] + +Later on--e.g., in the finale--this theme of course grows +quicker. + +[score excerpt] + +(At the arrival of Lohengrin (A major) perhaps a little piu +moderato.) The slow movement in E flat 3-4 (ensemble) in the +finale of the first act you will, I presume, not take too slow, +but with solemn emotion. The last bar of the orchestral ritornel +must be played a good deal ritardando, so as to make the tempo of +this postlude even more majestic where the trumpets enter, by +which means also the violins will be enabled to bring out the +lively staccato figures strongly and clearly. + +Act II., Scene I. + +[score excerpt] + +Scene 3 (page 197). + +[score excerpt] + +Act III., Scene 2 (page 291). + +[score excerpt] + +Elsa: Fuhl' ich zu Dir so susz mein Herz entbrennen. + +Grand and perfect repose is here the chief thing. In singing the +passage, I found that I paused a little on the second and fourth +part of the bar, but of course in such a manner as to be scarcely +perceptible in a rhythmical sense, only as a matter of +expression. + +[score excerpt] + +Lohengrin: Ath-mest Du nicht mit mir die suss-en. Page 39. + +[score excerpt] + +Dein Lie-ben muss mir hoch ent - gel - - ten. + +(Here the tempo becomes a little slower.) + +But enough, perhaps too much already. With all these indications, +I appear mean before you. You will do it all right, perhaps +better than I should. Only see that we soon meet again; I long to +be with you. Or do you find me too effusive? No! Farewell, my +dear, good Liszt. Write to me soon. + +Yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, August 16th, 1850. (Abendstern-Enge, Zurich.) + + + +38. + +At this moment, dearest friend, after having closed the letter +already, I begin to feel a doubt whether you have received my +last letter, which I sent you about eighteen days ago. I am +uncertain because you make no mention of its contents, which +were-- + +1. A letter from me to Zigesar. + +2. One bar of music (full score), which was to be added at the +end of Lohengrin's tale in Act III. (the cut which I want in this +scene--omission of the second part of Lohengrin's tale--you also +do not mention; I assume that you agree). + +3. My asking you to send me a proof of the libretto (now too +late). + +If you have not received this letter, kindly let me know at once, +because in that case I should like to send you the aforementioned +additional bar, which might still arrive in time for the general +rehearsal. + +R. W. + + + +39. + +DEAR LISZT, + +The bearer of this greeting is my young friend Karl Ritter, whose +visit I announced to you in my last letter. His family has +migrated from Russia, where they formerly lived, to Dresden; and +their intention is later on to settle in Switzerland near me. +Karl has preceded them in any case, and will stay for the summer +with me. He is thoroughly cultured and full of talent, and his +musical gift especially is considerable. He was unable to resist +the desire to hear my Lohengrin, the score of which he knows +thoroughly, under your direction; and therefore he has journeyed +to Weimar, to return to me after the second representation. I +need scarcely ask you to be kind to him, for I know that it is +your nature to be amiable. Please take him with you to the +general rehearsal and see that he gets a good place at the +performances, which his family from Dresden also will attend. I +thank you in advance for this kindness. + +I shall spend the day and evening of the 28th with my wife alone +on the Righi. This little trip to the Alps, which has been made +possible by your kindly care, will, I hope, benefit my bodily and +mental condition, especially in these days, when I am naturally +moved by many feelings. Farewell, dear friend. Write soon, and be +always sure of my most devoted love. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, August 22nd, 1850. + + + +40. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Your "Lohengrin" is a sublime work from one end to the other. The +tears rose from my heart in more than one place. The whole opera +being one indivisible wonder, I cannot stop to point out any +particular passage, combination, or effect. A pious ecclesiastic +once underlined word for word the whole "Imitatio Christi;" in +the same way I might underline your "Lohengrin" note for note. In +that case, however, I should like to begin at the end; that is, +at the duet between Elsa and Lohengrin in the third act, which to +my thinking is the acme of the beautiful and true in art. + +Our first representation was, comparatively speaking, +satisfactory. Herr von B., who will see you soon, will bring you +very accurate news. The second performance cannot take place +before ten or twelve days. The court and the few intelligent +persons in Weymar are full of sympathy and admiration for your +work; and as to the public at large, they will think themselves +in honour bound to admire and applaud what they cannot +understand. As soon as I have a little rest I shall begin the +article which will probably appear in the "Debats"; in the +meantime Raff, about whom B. will speak to you, will write two +notices in the journal of Brockhaus and in the "Leipzig +Illustrirte Zeitung". Uhlig will look after Brendel's paper, etc. + +If you have a moment, do not forget to write to Genast, who has +very warmly interested himself in the success of "Lohengrin". You +may be quite assured of the fate of the masterpiece in Weymar, +which is, no doubt, a little surprised at being able to produce +such things. Before the end of the winter "Lohengrin" will +certainly become a "draw." + +When shall we have "Siegfried"? Write to me soon, and always +count on your devoted friend and servant, + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, September 2nd. + + + +41. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +I can no longer delay writing to you, although I should have +preferred to wait for another letter from you, so as to answer +any possible questions of yours. As far as I can at present form +an opinion of the character of the "Lohengrin" performance at +Weimar from the accounts that have reached me, there is one thing +that stands forth in the surest and most indubitable manner, +viz., your unprecedented efforts and sacrifices in favour of my +work, your touching love for me, and your marvelous faculty of +making the impossible possible. I can see after the event quite +clearly what a gigantic task you have undertaken and performed. +How can I ever reward you? I should scarcely have anything to +communicate to you beyond these exclamations of gratitude if I +had not discovered in Herr von Zigesar's letter (received the day +before yesterday, together with the honorarium) a certain +disappointment--the disappointment involuntarily expressed by one +who does not see his warmest zeal for a beloved cause crowned by +the desired success, and who therefore assumes a certain pensive +and doubtful attitude. Zigesar is doubtful whether the success of +my opera is certain; he professes the warmest desire to work for +that certainty with all his might, but appears to hesitate as to +the best means for the purpose. Knowing that your zeal in the +same cause is more active and energetic than that of any one +else, I must turn to you alone in considering the means which may +bring about our common desire. + +So much is certain: that the performance has caused fatigue by +the length of its duration. I confess I was horrorstruck when I +heard that the opera had lasted until close upon eleven at night. +When I had finished the opera, I timed it exactly, and according +to my calculation the first act would last not much over an hour, +the second an hour and a quarter, the third again a little more +than an hour, so that, counting the entr'actes, I calculated the +duration of the opera from six o'clock to a quarter to ten at the +latest. I should have been doubtful whether you had taken the +tempi according to my calculation if musical friends, well +acquainted with the opera, had not assured me particularly that +you had taken the tempi throughout as they knew them from me, and +now and then rather a little quicker than slower. I must +therefore assume that the dragging took place where you, as +conductor, lost your immediate power, viz., in the recitatives. I +have been assured that the recitatives were not attacked by the +singers as I had performed them to my friends at the piano. Allow +me to explain myself a little more particularly, and forgive my +mistake of not having done so before. + +Owing to the deplorable fact that at our German theatres scarcely +anything but operas translated from a foreign language is given, +our dramatic singers have been most thoroughly demoralized. The +translations of French and Italian operas are generally made by +blunderers, or at least scarcely ever by people who would be able +to effect between the music and the translation a similar +concordance to that which existed in the original version, as, +for example, I tried to do in the most important parts of Gluck's +"Iphigenia". The result has been in the course of time that the +singers got into the way of neglecting altogether the connection +between word and tone, of pronouncing an unimportant syllable to +an accentuated note of the melody, and of putting the important +word to a weak part of the bar. In this way they gradually became +accustomed to the most absolute nonsense, to such an extent that +it was frequently quite indifferent whether they pronounced at +all or not. It is most amusing to hear German critics boast that +only Germans understand dramatic music, while experience teaches +that every bad Italian singer in the worst Italian opera declaims +more naturally and expressively than the best Germans can do. The +recitative has fared worst; in it singers have become accustomed +to see only a certain conventional sequence of tonal phrases, +which they can pull about and draw out according to their sweet +will. When in opera the recitative commences, it means to them, +"The Lord be praised, here is an end to that cursed tempo, which +off and on compels us to a kind of rational rendering; we can now +float about in all directions, dwell on any note we like until +the prompter has supplied us with the next phrase; the conductor +has now no power over us, and we can take revenge for his +pretensions by commanding him to give us the beat when it suits +us," etc. Although perhaps not all singers are conscious of this +privilege of their genius, they, as a rule, involuntarily adopt +this free-and-easy method, which confirms them in a certain +natural laziness and flabbiness. A composer writing for German +singers has therefore to take every care in opposing an artistic +necessity to this lazy thoughtlessness. Nowhere in the score of +my "Lohengrin" have I written above a vocal phrase the word +"recitative;" the singers ought not to know that there are any +recitatives in it; on the other hand, I have been intent upon +weighing and indicating the verbal emphasis of speech so surely +and so distinctly that the singers need only sing the notes, +exactly according to their value in the given tempo, in order to +get purely by that means the declamatory expression. I therefore +request the singers particularly to sing all declamatory passages +in my operas at first in strict tempo, as they are written. By +pronouncing them throughout vividly and distinctly much is +gained. If, proceeding from this basis with reasonable liberty +and accelerating rather than holding back, they manage to +obliterate the painful effect of the tempo altogether, and +produce an emotional and poetic mode of speech, then all is +gained. + +Dingelstedt's sympathetic and clever notice of the performance of +my "Lohengrin" has impressed me very much. He owns that +previously he had known nothing by me, and chiefly attributes to +this circumstance a certain puzzled feeling which the first +performance of "Lohengrin" has produced in him. That puzzled +feeling he transfers to the character of the work itself, +speaking of numberless intentions crossing each other, with which +he supplies me, but never guessing, as far as I can see, the only +intention which guided me--I mean the simple and bare intention +of the drama. He speaks of the impression which flutes, violins, +kettledrums, and trumpets made on him, but nowhere of the +dramatic representatives in whose stead, as he puts it, those +instruments spoke. From this I conclude that at the performance +the purely musical execution preponderated, that the orchestra-- +as connoisseurs have also told me--was excellent, and that friend +Liszt, together with all that immediately depended on him, was +the real hero of the performance. If we consider honestly and +unselfishly the essence of music, we must own that it is in large +measure a means to an end, that end being in rational opera the +drama, which is most emphatically placed in the hands of the +representatives on the stage. That these representatives +disappeared for Dingelstedt, that in their stead he only heard +the utterance of orchestral instruments, grieves me, for I see +that, as regards fire and expression, the singers remained behind +the support of the orchestra. I own that a singer supported by +the orchestra in such a manner as is here the case must be of the +very highest and best quality, and I fully believe that such +singers could not easily be found in Weimar, and in Germany +generally. But what is really the essential and principal thing +here? Is it voice only? Surely not. It is life and fire, and in +addition to that earnest endeavour and a strong and powerful +will. In Dresden I made the experience with our best singers +that, although they had the most laudable intentions and the +greatest love for their tasks, they were unable to master a +certain flabby laziness, which in our actual artistic muddle +appears to be the characteristic trait of all our operatic +heroes. I there caused all the remarks in the score of +"Tannhauser" to be inserted in the parts of the singers with the +utmost accuracy--I mean the remarks which had reference to the +meaning of the situation and the dramatic action. At the +performance I perceived with dismay that all these had remained +unnoticed, and I had to see--imagine my horror!--for example, +that my Tannhauser in the contest of the singers shouted the hymn +of Venus-- + +"Wer dich mit Gluth in seine Arme geschlossen, Was Liebe ist, +weiss der, nur der allein!" + +at Elizabeth, the chastest of virgins, before a whole assembly of +people. The only possible result could be that the public was, to +say the least, confounded, and did not know what to make of it. +Indeed, I heard at Dresden that the public became acquainted with +the dramatic meaning of the opera only by reading the book in +extenso; in other words, they understood the performance by +disregarding the visible performance and making additions from +their own imagination. Are your singers at Weimar more advanced +than our famous people of Dresden? I think not. Probably they +also will, in the first instance, be satisfied with getting over +the difficulty of hitting the notes and committing their parts to +memory, and on the stage they will at best take notice only of +what the stage-manager tells them in the most general way. +Genast, however, was always one of those artists who do not rely +upon the stage-manager for the comprehension of their parts; he +who has heard him and seen him knows so much. Being now a stage- +manager himself, he probably thinks it unnecessary to play for +the singers the schoolmaster, whom he, as a singer, never wanted. +In this, however, he is mistaken; the present generation has run +wild from its birth. I also can understand too well that, in his +friendly zeal for my work, he remained entirely on the proper +standpoint of the stage-manager, who arranges things in a general +way, and justly leaves it to the individual actors to find out +for themselves what concerns them only. In spite of this, I ask +him now to interfere even there, where the power and the natural +activity of the stage-manager ceases; let him be the trustee of +infant actors. At the rehearsal of my "Tannhauser" in Weimar I +had occasion to point out the neglect of some scenic indications +on the part of individual singers. Elizabeth, for example, during +the postlude of the duet with Tannhauser in the second act, has +to justify the re-entry of the tender theme in the clarinet in +slower tempo by looking--as is indicated in the score--after +Tannhauser in the court of the castle and by beckoning to him. By +neglecting this and merely standing in front, waiting for the +conclusion of the music, she naturally produces an unbearable +feeling of tedium. Every bar of dramatic music is justified only +by the fact that it explains something in the action or in the +character of the actor. That reminiscence of the clarinet theme +is not there for its own sake as a purely musical effect, which +Elizabeth might have to accompany by her action, but the beckoned +greeting of Elizabeth is the chief thing I had in my eye, and +that reminiscence I selected in order to accompany suitably this +action of Elizabeth. The relations of music and action must +therefore be deplorably perverted where, as in this instance, the +principal thing--i.e., the dramatic motive--is left out, while +the lesser thing--i.e., the accompaniment of that motive--alone +remains. Of the performance of "Lohengrin" one fact has been +related to me which, although it may appear of little +consequence, must serve me to show how important, nay decisive, +for a proper understanding such individual cases may be. + +When I conceived and wrote the second act, it had not escaped me +how important it would be for the proper mood of the spectator to +show that Elsa's contentment at the last words of Lohengrin is +not really complete and genuine; the public should feel that Elsa +violently forces herself to conquer her doubt, and we should in +reality fear that, having once indulged in brooding over +Lohengrin, she will finally succumb and ask the prohibited +question. In the production of this general feeling of fear lies +the only necessity for a third act in which that fear is +realized; without it the opera should end here, for the chief +problem would not only have been mooted, but satisfactorily +solved. In order to produce this feeling very distinctly and +tangibly, I invented the following dramatic point: Elsa is led by +Lohengrin up the steps on the minster; on the topmost step she +looks downwards with timid apprehension; her eye involuntarily +seeks Frederick, of whom she is still thinking; at that moment +her glance falls on Ortrud, who stands below, and raises her hand +in a threatening manner. At this moment I introduce in the +orchestra in F minor ff. the warning of Lohengrin, the +significance of which has by this time been distinctly impressed +upon us, and which, accompanied by Ortrud's impressive gesture, +here indicates with absolute certainty, "Whatever happens, you +will disobey the command in spite of all." Elsa then turns away +in terror, and only when the king, after this interruption, once +more proceeds towards the entrance of the minster with the bridal +pair, does the curtain drop. What a pity then that that dramatic +point was not made on the stage, and that the curtain dropped +before the entry of the reminiscence in F minor! This not +unimportant mistake was, no doubt, caused by the probably +accidental neglect of a remark in the full score which, according +to my previous wish, should, like similar other remarks, have +been extracted for the benefit of the actors. I must fear that +several other things have also remained unnoticed and unexecuted, +and nothing confirms me so much in this fear as the account of +Dingelstedt, who, in spite of his unmistakable goodwill, has +evidently not taken in my opera because of the music. + +Dearest Liszt, was I right when in the preface of my "Kunstwerk +der Zukunft" I wrote that not the individual, but the community +alone, could create genuine works of art? You have done the +impossible, but, believe me, all must nowadays do the impossible +in order to achieve what is really possible. What delights me +more than all is to hear that you have not lost courage, and are +going to try everything in order to support the opera, in spite +of a certain disappointment around you, and even to put it on its +legs. To assist you in this most laudable zeal I give you the +following advice: Let Genast, whom I cordially thank for his +friendship, before the resumption of "Lohengrin", call the whole +personnel to a reading rehearsal; let the singers read their +parts in connection, distinctly and expressively, from the +printed libretto, in which there are unfortunately many +misprints. Let Genast take the score, and from the remarks +therein inserted explain to the singers the meaning of the +situations and their connection with the music bar by bar. The +devil must be in it if the matter could not then be put right, +provided the intentions of the actors are good. Once more, let +Genast go beyond his position as stage-manager, which, no doubt, +he fills as well as any one, and let him become the guardian of +the infants and the neglected. + +By these words I by no means wish to express a definite doubt as +to your singers in general or their achievements in this +particular case. The fact that in a purely musical sense they +took such care of their parts that you ventured with them upon +the performance of this enormously difficult, because unfamiliar +music is an excellent testimony in their favour. In the above I +asked them for something which perhaps they have never been asked +for before. I hope Genast will find it worth his while to explain +this most specially to them, and that he will succeed in making +them do justice to my demand. In that case he may boast of having +been the chief participant in a revolution which will lift our +theatrical routine out of its grooves. + +The representative of Lohengrin alone appears, according to all +accounts, really incapable. Would it not be possible to make in +this instance a change of persons? To my mind everybody ought to +be glad when Lohengrin enters, instead of which it appears that +people were more pleased when he left the stage. At this moment I +receive your letter, assuring me of your joy and friendship. What +good spirits you are in! + +I will close this long letter, which must have bored you very +much, by comprising all the single points I have mentioned to you +in a final and weighty bundle of prayers. + +1. Arrange by the intervention of Genast that before the second +performance the singers have another rehearsal according to the +above indications. Let no scenic remark remain unnoticed. + +2. Insist firmly and sharply that the singers perform in decisive +and lively tempo what they take to be recitatives in my opera. By +this means the duration of the opera will, according to my +experience, be shortened by nearly an hour. + +3. Further, I desire that, with the exception of the second part +of Lohengrin's tale, which I determined from the beginning to +cut, my opera should be given as it is, without any omissions. + +If cuts are made, the chain of comprehension will be torn +asunder, and my style, which the public are only just beginning +to take in, so far from being made more accessible, will be +further removed from the public and the actors. To capitulate to +the enemy is not to conquer; the enemy himself must surrender; +and that enemy is the laziness and flabbiness of our actors, who +must be forcibly driven to feel and think. If I do not gain the +victory, and have to capitulate in spite of my powerful ally, I +shall go into no further battles. If my "Lohengrin" can be +preserved only by tearing its well-calculated and artistic +context to pieces, in other words if it has to be cut owing to +the laziness of the actors, I shall abandon opera altogether. +Weimar in that case will have no more interest for me, and I +shall have written my last opera. With you, dear Liszt, who have +so bravely accepted my battle, it lies to gain a complete victory +for me. I do not know what more I could say; to you I have said +enough. To Genast, for whom also this letter is intended, I shall +write separately as soon as I know that my demand has not +offended him. To Zigesar I write tomorrow. + +In the meantime I post this letter in order not to incur the +reproach of delay. + +Farewell, then, dearest, splendid friend. You are as good as +refreshing summer rain. Farewell. Be thanked, and greet my +friends. + +Always your most obliged + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, September 8th, 1850 + +One thing more: as you have no organ and no harmonium +(physharmonika), I want you to let the short organ-passage at the +end of the second act be played by wind instruments behind the +scenes. + +Lohengrin should sing the words "Heil dir, Elsa! nun lass vor +Gott uns gehen!" with tender emotion. + + + +42. + +(TO HERR VON ZIGESAR.) + +MOST ESTIMABLE HERR INTENDANT, + +On my return from a little trip to the Alps, I find the copies of +the libretto of "Lohengrin" which you have kindly sent to me, and +have every reason to rejoice heartily at the remarkable care with +which you have had it done. This is another ocular proof of the +sympathy with which you have gone to work in everything +concerning my last opera, and I must not omit to express my +warmest thanks to you. Your last letter, in which you kindly +enclosed the honorarium for my "Lohengrin," tells me of the +success of all your extraordinary exertions for the performance +of the opera, and I see with regret from your friendly +communication that satisfaction, in the measure desired by you, +has not been the result, and that a permanent success appears +doubtful to you. As with this statement you combine no objection +to the work itself, but, on the contrary, assure me that to the +best of your intention and power you will try to secure that +desired success for my opera, I feel bound to add to the +expression of my gratitude for your kind feeling my opinion as to +how our mutual wishes might be realized. + +Most esteemed Herr Intendant, with full knowledge of the matter +at stake, you have undertaken by its performance at your theatre +to give life to a dramatic work the essence of which is that it +is in all its parts a continuous whole, and not something +incongruous, made up of many different parts. The author of this +work does not wish to shine by the effect of single musical +pieces; music to him is altogether no more than the most exalted +and most comprehensive mode of expression of what he desired to +express--the drama. Even where music became a mere ornament I +remained conscious of having acted in accordance with a certain +artistic necessity, and each necessary effect was brought about +only by the fact that, like the link of a well-forged chain, it +derived its significance from the preceding links. If this chain +were torn asunder by the removal of the whole, or a half, or a +quarter of a link, the whole context would be torn along with it, +and my intention would be destroyed. You admitted to me yourself +that in certain cases about which at first you had doubts you had +been finally convinced of the necessity of this concatenation, +but the impression made upon you by the performance has again +renewed this doubt, to the extent, at least, that you think it +advisable, in consideration of the public, to consent to certain +omissions in my opera. Permit me to think a little better of the +public. An audience which assembles in a fair mood is satisfied +as soon as it distinctly understands what is going forward, and +it is a great mistake to think that a theatrical audience must +have a special knowledge of music in order to receive the right +impression of a musical drama. To this entirely erroneous opinion +we have been brought by the fact that in opera music has wrongly +been made the aim, while the drama was merely a means for the +display of the music. Music, on the contrary, should do no more +than contribute its full share towards making the drama clearly +and quickly comprehensible at every moment. While listening to a +good--that is, rational--opera, people should, so to speak, not +think of the music at all, but only feel it in an unconscious +manner, while their fullest sympathy should be wholly occupied by +the action represented. Every audience which has an uncorrupted +sense and a human heart is therefore welcome to me as long as I +may be certain that the dramatic action is made more immediately +comprehensible and moving by the music, instead of being hidden +by it. In this respect the performance of my "Lohengrin" at +Weimar does not as yet seem to have been adequate, in so far as +the purely musical part was much more perfect than the dramatic, +properly so called, and the fault I attribute solely to the +general state of our opera, which from the outset has the most +confusing and damaging influence on all our singers. If during +the performance of my "Lohengrin" the music only was noticed, yea +almost only the orchestra, you may be sure that the actors +remained far behind their task. Yesterday I wrote at length to my +incomparable friend Liszt about this, and explained to him my +views as to how the matter might be managed so as to place the +performance in the right light. If in future the so-called +recitatives are sung as I have asked Liszt to insist upon their +being sung, the halting and freezing impression of whole, long +passages will disappear, and the duration of the performance will +be considerably shortened. If cuts were resorted to, you would +gain comparatively little time, and would sacrifice to our modern +theatrical routine every possibility of thorough reform. I can +imagine, for instance, that the speeches of the king and the +herald may have made a fatiguing impression, but if this was the +case because the singers sang them in a lackadaisical, lazy, and +slovenly manner, without real utterance, is then the interest of +art benefited by curtailing or omitting these speeches? Surely +not. Art and artists will be equally benefited only if those +singers are earnestly requested to pronounce those speeches with +energy, fire, and determined expression. Where no effect is made +no impression can be produced, and where no impression is +produced people are bored; but is it right, in order to shorten +that boredom, to remove what with a proper expression would +produce the necessary effect? In that case it would be better to +drop the whole work, which, for want of proper expression, would +be in danger of failing to produce the necessary effect. For if +we yield in small and single things, if we make concessions to +laziness and incompetence, we may be sure that we shall soon be +obliged to do the same throughout; in other words, that we must +give up every attempt at making a work like the present succeed. +It appears to me preferable to find out with the utmost care +where the real cause of the existing evil lies, and then to +attack the enemy in his own camp with perseverance and power. You +will see from this, most esteemed Herr Intendant, how important +it is for me not to gain toleration for my Lohengrin by +accommodating it to existing evils, but to secure for it a +decisive success by making it conquer existing evils. Otherwise I +confess openly that the future chances of this opera would have +no value for me; in that case I should only regret the amount of +exertion, trouble, and sympathy which you have kindly wasted on +this work. Fame I do not seek, gain I had to renounce long ago, +and if now I have at last to experience that even my most +energetic friends and patrons think themselves obliged to make +concessions for my benefit where a real victory can alone be of +value, I shall lose every wish and every power to be further +active in my art. If you can keep my "Lohengrin" going only by +truncating its healthy organism, and not by operating to the best +of your power on the diseased organism of our truncated operatic +body, then I shall be cordially glad if you are rewarded for your +pains according to circumstances, but I must ask you not to be +angry with me if I look upon such a success with indifference. +What to you is a matter of benevolence towards me is for me, +unfortunately, a vital question of my whole mental existence in +art, to which my being clings with bleeding fibres. + +May Heaven grant that you, highly esteemed sir and patron, will +take the contents and expression of these lines in good part, and +that you will not for a moment doubt that always and in all +circumstances I shall look upon you as one of the most +sympathetic phenomena that have entered my existence. In all +respects I owe you love and unbounded gratitude. If I should +never be able to show this to you, as from my whole heart I +desire, I ask you fervently to attribute it, not to the wish of +my inmost soul, but to the position which I, as an artist with a +passionate heart, must, according to my firm conviction, take +towards the state of deep depravity of our public art-life. + +With the highest esteem and veneration, I remain yours +obediently, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, September 9th, 1850 + + + +43. + +DEAREST LISZT, + +I must today write you a few additional lines with reference to +my recent long letter. + +Karl Ritter arrived here last night from his journey; and from +his account I see that in my surmises as to certain points in the +performance of "Lohengrin," founded chiefly on some striking +remarks in Dingelstedt's notes, I have not hit the right thing. +Ritter tells me that, contrary to what I thought, you have kept +up the tempo of the recitatives according to my indications, and +that therefore the dreaded caprice of the singers, as far, at +least, as the tempo was concerned, had no license. For this also +I must thank you, but am a little perplexed as to the advice I +recently gave you. By keeping up the tempi of the recitatives I +had chiefly intended to shorten the duration of the performance, +but I see now that you had already done the right thing, and +therefore remain astounded at my own error as to the length of +the opera, which is certainly detrimental. My opinion is that if, +as I much desire, the higher context is not to be destroyed by +cuts, the public must be deceived as to the duration of the +performance by your making the singers pronounce the recitatives +as vividly and as speakingly as possible; it is quite possible +for them to sing them in the proper tempo without giving interest +to them by warmth and truth of declamation. Moreover, the +performance will, of its own accord, become more compact as time +goes on. I have made this experience at the performances of my +operas which I conducted myself, the first performances always +lasting a little longer than the subsequent ones, although +nothing had been cut in these. This will probably be the case +with the performance of "Lohengrin" in Weimar, which only now +that I have been able to ask about many difficult details I can +appreciate in its excellence and perfection as regards the +musical portion. + +I now come to the principal thing. You cannot believe how +delighted I was to hear some particulars of your music to +"Prometheus." Our friend Uhlig, to whom I attribute excellent +judgment, sends me word that he values this single overture more +than the whole of Mendelssohn. My desire to make its acquaintance +is raised to the highest pitch. Dearest friend, will you be kind +enough to let me have a copy soon, if I ask you particularly? You +would please me immensely, and I already contemplate the +possibility of having it played to me at a concert here in +Zurich. Now and then I shall take an interest in the local +musical performances, and I promise you that your work will not +be heard otherwise than in the most adequate conditions that can +be obtained. Could I also have your overture to Tasso? When I +look upon your whole life and contemplate the energetic turn +which you have given to it of late years, when I further +anticipate your achievements, you may easily imagine how happy I +shall be to give my sincerest and most joyous sympathy to your +works. You extraordinary and amiable man, send me soon what I ask +you. + +Enough for today. + +I am always and wholly yours, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, September 11th, 1850 + + + +44. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +The second performance of your masterpiece has answered my +expectations, and the third and fourth will bring home to every +one the opinion I expressed as soon as we began rehearsing +"Lohengrin," namely, that this work will confer on a public +making itself worthy of understanding and enjoying it more honour +than that public could confer upon the work by any amount of +applause. + +"Perish all theatrical mud!" I exclaimed when we tried for the +first time the first scenes of "Lohengrin." "Perish all critical +mud and the routine of artists and the public!" I have added a +hundred times during the last six weeks. At last, and very much +at last, I have the satisfaction to be able to assure you very +positively that your work will be better executed and better +heard and understood from performance to performance. This last +point is, in my opinion, the most important of all, for it is not +only the singers and the orchestras that must be brought up to +the mark to serve as instruments in the dramatic revolution, +which you so eloquently describe in your letter to Zigesar, but +also, and before all, the public, which must be elevated to a +level where it becomes capable of associating itself by sympathy +and intelligent comprehension with conceptions of a higher order +than that of the lazy amusements with which it feeds its +imagination and sensibility at our theatres every day. This must +be done, if need be, by violence, for, as the Gospel tells us, +the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and only those who use +violence will take it. + +I fully understand the motive which has made you speak with +diplomatic reserve of the audiences of "Lohengrin" in your letter +to Zigesar, and I approve of it. At the same time, it is certain +that, in order to realize completely the drama which you +conceive, and of which you give us such magnificent examples in +"Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin," it is absolutely necessary to make +a breach in the old routine of criticism, the long ears and short +sight of "Philistia," as well as the stupid arrogance of that +self-sufficient fraction of the public which believes itself the +destined judge of works of art by dint of birthright. + +The enemy to whom, as you, my great art-hero, rightly put it, one +should not capitulate--that enemy is not only in the throats of +the singers, but also very essentially in the lazy and at the +same time tyrannical habits of the hearers. On these as well as +on the others one must make an impression if necessary by a good +beating. This you understand better than I could tell you. + +In accordance with your desire, we have at the second performance +of Lohengrin not omitted a single syllable, for after your letter +it would, in my opinion, have been a crime to venture upon the +slightest cut. As I took occasion to tell those of my friends who +were here on August 28th, the performance of your works, as long +as you entrust me with their absolute direction, is with me a +question of principle and of honour. In these two things one must +never make a concession; and, as far as I am personally +concerned, you may rest perfectly assured that I shall not fail +in anything which you have a right to expect from me. In spite of +this, both Herr von Zigesar and Genast feel bound, in the +interest of your work, to address you some observations, which I, +for my part, have declined to submit to you, although I think +them somewhat justified by the limits of our theatre and of our +public, which are as yet far behind my wishes and even my hopes. +If you think it advisable to agree to some cuts, kindly let me +know your resolution as to this subject. Whether you accept those +proposed by Genast, or whether you determine upon others, or +whether, which is probable, you prefer to keep your work such as +we have given it twice, I promise you on my honour that your wish +shall be strictly carried out, with all the respect and all the +submission which you have a right to demand by reason of your +genius and of your achievements. + +Whatever determination you come to in this regard, be certain +that in all circumstances you will find in me zeal equal to my +admiration and my devotion. + +Wholly yours, + +F. LISZT. + +September 16th, 1850. + +P.S.--Remember me kindly to Herr Ritter. I am very thankful to +him for not having spoken too ill of our first performance of +"Lohengrin;" the second has been much more satisfactory, and the +third and fourth will no doubt be still more so. Herr Beck, who +takes the principal part, endeavours in the most laudable manner +not to be below the task allotted to him. What is more, he begins +to feel enthusiasm for his part and for the composer. If one +considers fairly the enormous difficulty of mounting such a work +at Weymar, I can tell you sincerely that there is no reason for +dissatisfaction with the result which has so far been attained, +and which beyond a doubt will go on improving with every +representation. + +I do not know whether the sublimity of the work blinds me to the +imperfection of the execution, but I fancy that if you could be +present at one of our next representations you would not be too +hard upon us. + + + +45. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +In a week or so I shall send you a very long article of mine +about "Lohengrin." If personal reasons of your own do not prevent +it, it will appear in Paris in the course of October. You are +sufficiently acquainted with the habits of the Paris press to +know how reluctantly it admits the entire and absolute eulogium +of a work by a foreign composer, especially while he is still +living. In spite of this, I shall try to overcome this great +obstacle, for I make it a point of honour to publish my opinion +of your work; and if you were fairly satisfied with my article, +you might perhaps give me a pleasure which would not cost you +more than a day or two of tedium. This would be to make a +translation, revised, corrected, augmented, and authenticated, +which, by the help of your and my friends, could be inserted in +two or three numbers of the Augsburg Allgemeine Zeitung or the +journal of Brockhaus, signed with my name. + +If you should prefer to have it printed separately as a little +pamphlet by Weber, of Leipzig, I should not object; and if you +would say a word to Weber, I feel convinced that he would +willingly undertake it. But before all you must be acquainted +with my article, and tell me very frankly whether or not you +would like to have it published in Germany. In France I will +manage it a little sooner or a little later, but in case of a +German publication I should make it an absolute condition that +you undertook the trouble of translating it and of having it +copied under your eyes, so that I should not be charged with the +blunders of the translator, etc., etc. You will see that the +style is carefully French, and it would therefore be very +important not to destroy the nuances of sentiment and thought in +their passage to another language. + +Always and wholly yours, + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, September 25th, 1850. + + + +46. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I have little to tell you unless I write to you about all the +things which we two need scarcely discuss any more. After your +last letter, which has given me great and genuine joy, such as +few things could, we are almost so absolutely near each other on +the most important questions that we may truly say, we are one. I +only long for the pleasure of your company, for the delight of +being united with you for a season, so that we may mutually no +longer say, but do to each other what we cannot express in +writing. In fact, to do something is always better and leads to +the goal much quicker than the cleverest discussion. Cannot you +get free for a little time and have a look round Switzerland? or +cannot you at least send me your scores, for which I recently +asked you? You ignore my request in your letter; why is that? + +I have again many things to think about--alas! to think about +only. I have once more arrived at a point where retreat is +impossible; I must think out my thoughts before becoming once +more a naive and confident artist, although I shall be that +again, and look forward with pleasure to reaping the richest +benefit. You lay stress in your letter upon the fact that the +enemy whom we have to fight is not only in the throats of our +singers, but in the lazy Philistinism of our public and in the +donkeydom of our critics. Dearest friend, I agree with you so +fully that I did not even mention it to you. What I object to are +the perverse demands which are made on the public. I will not +allow that the public is charged with want of artistic +intelligence, and that the salvation of art is expected from the +process of grafting artistic intelligence on the public from +above; ever since the existence of connoisseurs art has gone to +the devil. By drilling artistic intelligence into it we only make +the public perfectly stupid. What I said was this: that I wanted +nothing of the public beyond a healthy sense and a human heart. +This does not sound much, but it is so much that the whole world +would have to be turned upside down to bring it about. The noble- +minded, the refined, those who have the courage of their +feelings, believe themselves at the top of the tree; they are +mistaken! In our actual order of things the Philistine, the +vulgar, common, flabby, and at the same time cruel man of +routine, reigns supreme. He, and no one else, is the prop of +existing things, and against him we all fight in vain, however +noble our courage may be; for unfortunately all things are in +this slavery of leathern custom, and only fright and trouble of +all kinds can turn the Philistine into a man by thoroughly +upsetting him. Pending an entirely new order of things, we must, +dearest friend, be satisfied with ourselves and with those who, +like ourselves, know but one enemy--the Philistine. Let us show +each other what we can do, and let us feel highly rewarded if we +can give joy to each other. "A healthy sense and a human heart!"- +-we ask nothing more, and yet all, if we realize the bottomless +corruption of that sense, the wicked cowardliness of the heart of +the so-called public. Confess, a deluge would be necessary to +correct this little fault. To remedy these ills I fear our most +ardent endeavour will do nothing that is efficacious. All we can +do--while we exist, and with the best will in the world cannot +exist at any other time but the present--is to think of +preserving our dignity and freedom as artists and as men. Let us +show to one another in ourselves that there is worth in man. + +In the same sense I was intent, in connection with my +"Lohengrin," upon considering only the thing in itself; that is, +its adequate embodiment on the part of the actors. Of the public +I thought only in so far as I contemplated the one possibility of +leading the half-unconscious, healthy sense of that public +towards the real kernel of the thing--the drama--by means of the +dramatic perfection of the performance. That otherwise this +kernel is overlooked by the most aesthetic and most intelligent +hearers I have unfortunately again been shown by the clearest +evidence, and I confess that in this respect Dingelstedt's +account of my opera is present to my mind, causing me deep grief. +You, best of friends, have taken such infinite care of me in +every respect that I can only sincerely regret that your efforts +are sometimes responded to in so perverse a manner. In +Dingelstedt's account I recognize two things: his friendly +disposition towards me, with which he has been inspired by you, +and his most absolute incapability, with all his aestheticism, of +conceiving the slightest notion of what had to be conceived. The +total confusion engendered in him by listening to my opera he +transfers with bold self-reliance to my intentions and to the +work itself. He, who apparently can see in opera nothing but +kettledrums, trombones, and double-basses, naturally in my opera +did not see the wood for the trees; but, being a clever and glib- +penned litterateur, he produces a witty and many-coloured set of +variorum notes which he could not have done better if it had been +his intention to make fun of me, and this stuff he sends to the +newspaper with the largest circulation in the German language. If +I cared in the least to be in a certain sense recognized, I +should have to perceive that Dingelstedt has thoroughly injured +me. I read in some papers notices of my opera, evidently founded +upon that of Dingelstedt, somewhat to this effect: "Wagner has +written another opera, in which he seems to have surpassed the +coarse noise of his 'Rienzi'," etc. I am grieved that this +happened in the same Allgemeine Zeitung where five years ago Dr. +Hermann Franck discoursed on my "Tannhauser" in an intelligent, +calm, and lucid manner. If it should interest you, please read +this article. It is printed in the A.A.Z., No. 311, November 7th, +1845. You can imagine how I must feel when I compare the two +articles. + +If you have not given up the hope of being useful to me in wider +circles, I should make bold to ask you whether you could manage +to have another and more appropriate notice of my "Lohengrin" +inserted in the A.A.Z. It has, as I said before, the largest +circulation. + +How glad, on the other hand, was I to see your indications and +hints worked up into an intelligent sketch by a Frenchman who is +so much further removed from me. This has been done by Nerval, in +the feuilleton of the Presse. Many mistakes occur, but that does +not matter. The man has formed for himself from your utterances a +picture of me which at least indicates clearly and distinctly my +intention. The most terrible of all things is a German aesthetic +litterateur. + +But to return once more to you. I should like almost for your +sake to gain a widespread reputation. You blow up a hundred +mines, and wherever I look I come upon you and your more than +friendly care for me; it is touching, and almost without example. +Remember me very kindly to Herr Raff, and thank him most +cordially in my name. Some of my friends thought it would have +been better if he had spoken of my "faults as a man" rather than +of my "faults as a subject;" but that, surely, does not matter, +and every one must have understood it in that sense. A better +intention to serve me I can look for in none except you. + +To Genast I wrote a few days ago. This nasty bargaining about +twopence-halfpenny in the matter of cuts is repulsive to me; but +Genast remains a fine, brave fellow. + +Behold, my paper is at an end, and I have done nothing but +gabble. I have many and more important things to write to you +about. Lord, forgive me! I am not in a mood for it today. I shall +soon write again. My best greetings to Zigesar. Truly this warm, +true heart does me much good. Farewell for today, noblest and +best of men. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, ABENDSTERN, ENGE + +October 2nd, 1850 + + + +47. + +DEAR LISZT, + +You make me blush! without a blush I can scarcely read what you +are going to tell the world of me; and now you want me to +interpret it. Only if you earnestly desire it will I grant your +prayer, a prayer which flatters me too much to call it a +"prayer." Would that I could be of use to you! My last letter +must have appeared dissonant to you. I do not know what moved me +to speak bitterly of newspaper notices. One reason, however, I +may tell you: many things have determined me at last to speak in +a literary way once more. I am occupied with a work the title of +which is to be "The Essence of Opera." In it I mean to speak +clearly and definitely about opera as a type of art, and to +indicate as plainly as possible what should be done to it in +order to develop the hidden germs to full bloom. I should have +liked to dedicate this book to you, because in it I announce the +salvation and justification of the musician qua musician. I +should do this if I did not think it better not to drag you into +this address to the musical world. In that manner I shall +preserve greater liberty to you. The book therefore shall be a +surprise to you. As in this book I intend to explain my view of +the essence of the musical drama, I can find nothing more +annoying than to see the most contradictory opinions of me spread +amongst the public by witty litterateurs. The world must take me +for a muddle-headed and false priest if I preach the drama in +words while it is said of my works that musical confusion and +noise reign in them. But enough of this. + +Your letter to B.'s mother was another noble thing of yours. Best +thanks. + +I once more go to battle with my deadly enemy the winter. I must +think a great deal of the preservation of my health, and before +the spring I cannot work at "Siegfried" with a will, but in the +summer it shall be ready. Let me soon hear something of your +works. + +One word more in confidence: at the end of this month I shall +have spent all my money; Zigesar has sent me less than you made +me hope. Towards the new year I again hope for some assistance +from Frau R. in D., but that also is uncertain. Can you--but how +shall I express it? If you have to do something beneath your or +my dignity, you cannot; that I know. The rest will be all right. +God bless you. I think the devil will not get hold of me just +yet. + +Farewell, best of men. Send me your scores. Farewell, and remain +kind to me. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, October 8th, 1850 + + + +48. + +(TO THE PRINCESS WITTGENSTEIN.) + +HIGHLY ESTEEMED MADAM, + +Your kind letter has, as you may imagine, made a great +impression. I see, to my genuine joy, that I may count you +amongst the small number of the friends who by the weight of +their sympathy richly compensate me for the absence of popular +acclamation. That you have remained faithful to me is more +important to me than perhaps you know yourself. Accept my cordial +thanks for the friendship you have preserved for me. + +You ask me about my "Wiland." I have more designs than I have the +power to execute. Therefore I want a helper, yea more than a +helper, an artistic bosom friend, who works in the same spirit, +and, I hope, better than I could work myself. I request you to +persuade Liszt to undertake the musical execution of "Wiland" in +my stead. The poem in its present condition, such as herewith I +send it to you, is the result of sorrowful and deeply emotional +enthusiasm, which has stirred me up to imaginings on which as an +artist I may, I think, congratulate myself. But it takes me back +to a time to which I do not want to be taken back. I cannot +finish the poem now, either in words or music. If later on I +could gain sufficient repose for the purpose, I should be afraid +of having cooled towards it. In consequence I have lately become +accustomed to the thought of giving up the poem altogether. + +But if this "Wiland," when Liszt makes its first acquaintance, +should inspire him as I was once inspired by it, I ask him to +consider it as his property. The design is quite complete; all +that remains to be done is simple versification, which every +fairly skilful writer of verse might execute: Liszt will easily +find one. In the more important places, I have written the verses +myself. To do more is at present impossible to me; even the +copying out gave me much trouble. + +I hope, dear madam, you will not think my poem unworthy of your +warm recommendation to the friend whom, as you tell me to my +great joy, you will soon make happy by calling your own. + +With sincere thanks for your kindness, and with cordial esteem, I +remain, dear madam, Your obedient servant, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, October 8th, 1850 + + + +49. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I really do not know how to thank you; for the only equivalent I +could offer you would evidently be to send you a masterpiece in +exchange; and this kind of return is difficult to make even with +the best intention in the world. Allow me to look upon your +manuscript of Wiland as a sacred trust, which I shall hold at +your disposal till the time you reclaim it. My very numerous +engagements will prevent me from occupying myself with it for a +year or eighteen months; and if after that time you still think +that I am capable of undertaking the composition, we can easily +arrange the matter either verbally or by letter. Today I send you +by post a fair copy of my article on "Lohengrin." As this is the +only one I possess, I must ask you kindly to return it to me at +Eilsen (Buckeburg), where I shall spend the months of November +and December. I foresee the difficulties I shall have to +encounter in publishing through the Paris press an article so +extensive and so sincerely in praise of a German opera by a +German composer, in whose success no one has an interest, rather +the reverse. Nevertheless I do not absolutely despair of having +it inserted some day in some review, and consequently want the +manuscript. + +If in the meantime you think my article worthy of publication in +Germany, I repeat the request already made that you undertake to +translate it freely, and improve it by completing it. + +In the quotations it would naturally be better to reproduce +exactly the verses of your poem, and perhaps one might make the +comprehension of your work easier by adding two plates of music +type showing the five or six principal themes, + +[Figure: musical example] + +and two or three details of orchestration. + +However, as regards both the translation and the publication, I +attach value to them only in so far as you approve; for this +article has been written solely with the intention of serving, as +far as in me lay, the great and beautiful cause of art with the +French public, such as it is in 1850. If you think that I have +not succeeded, I ask you not to hesitate for a moment in telling +me so frankly. In this, any more than in other things, you will +not find in me any stupid amour-propre, but only the very modest +and sincere desire to suit my words and actions to my sentiments. +I have just received a letter from Seghers, director of the Union +Musicale, Paris, who tells me that your Tannhauser overture will +be performed at the first concert of the Society (November 24th). +You may rely upon his zeal and intelligence in preparing a good +performance. + +By the way, have you heard of an intended performance of +"Lohengrin" at Dresden? I do not know how far this Dresden +performance would benefit you in actual circumstances, while you +are forcibly prevented from looking after the rehearsals, etc. + +Uhlig has probably told you that Tichatschek will study the part +of Lohengrin with him. Soon after my return Herr von Zigesar +intends to give the fourth performance, and for the fifth we +shall have Tichatschek. + +I am really much obliged to you for taking interest in my +overtures, and must ask you to forgive me for not having thanked +you before; but the fact is, the greater part of my time is +occupied with other things than me and my works. + +Unfortunately I possess only a single copy of "Prometheus" and +"Tasso," and of that I cannot dispose, as it belongs to the +theatre. If, as I am in hopes, next summer I can at last make a +trip to the Rhine, we must meet somewhere, possibly at Basle, and +then I shall unpack my sac de nuit, full of obscure scores. + +In the meantime I am very happy to learn that you have not lost +hold of your "Siegfried," which is sure to be una gran bella +cosa, as the Italians say. I thank you for it in advance. + +The day after tomorrow I start for Eilsen, where please address +me until further notice. Do not fail to return the manuscript of +my "Lohengrin" article, of which, if necessary, you might have a +copy made at Zurich. I shall want it between the 5th and l0th of +November. + +Once more be thanked cordially for your "Wiland," and rest +assured that, with or without the welded wings of genius, I +always remain + +Your truly devoted friend, + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, October 18th, 1850 + + + +50. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND, + +Do not be angry with me because I am so late in answering your +last letter. I had to see to the return of the manuscript, +entrusted to me, and this I was unable to do sooner. Your letter +of October 22nd, together with the manuscript, did not reach me +here till November 8th, via Berlin. As you wanted your manuscript +back by November l0th, I must assume that some delay had taken +place which you had not foreseen. I return herewith the French +original, and in a few days I shall send the translation, which +by then will have received its proper form. + +Dear friend, your article has impressed me in a grand, elevating, +stirring manner. That I have succeeded in thus acting upon you by +my artistic work, that you are inclined to devote no small part +of your extraordinary gift to opening, not only an external, but +an internal, path to my movement--this fills me with the deepest +and most joyous emotion. I feel as if in us two men had met who +had proceeded from the two most distant points in order to +penetrate to the core of art, and who now, in the joy of their +discovery, fraternally clasped hands. This joy alone enables me +to accept your admiring exclamations without bashfulness; for I +feel that when you praise my gifts and my achievements you +express thereby only your joy at having met me at the core of +art. Be thanked for the pleasure you have thus given me. + +I shall say something more about the translation when I send it +to you, which, as I mentioned before, will be in a few days. + +I have also read your feuilleton in the Journal des Debats. Your +restless energy in serving me I can only compare with the spirit +in which you do it. Indeed, dear, good Liszt, I owe it to you +that soon I shall be able once more to be entirely an artist. I +look upon this final resumption of my artistic plans to which I +now shall turn as one of the most decisive moments in my life. +Between the musical execution of my "Lohengrin" and that of my +"Siegfried" there lies for me a stormy, but, I feel convinced, a +fruitful, world. I had to abandon the entire life lying behind +me, to bring into full consciousness everything dawning in it, to +conquer any rising reflection by its own means--that is, by the +most thorough entering into its subject--in order to throw myself +once more with clear and cheerful consciousness into the +beautiful unconsciousness of artistic creation. The winter I +shall spend in completing this abandonment. I want to enter a new +world unburdened, free, and happy, bringing nothing with me but a +glad artistic conscience. My work on "The Essence of Opera," the +last fruit of my contemplation, takes larger dimensions than I at +first expected. If I show that music, the woman, becomes co- +parent with the poet, the man, I must take care that this +splendid woman is not given over to the first comer who desires +her, but only to the man who longs for woman with true, +irresistible love. The necessity of this union with the full +power of music desired by the poet himself I was unable to prove +by abstract aesthetic definitions alone, which generally are not +understood and remain without effect. I had to derive that +necessity with tangible distinctness from the state of modern +dramatic poetry, and I hope I shall fully succeed. When I have +finished this book, I intend, provided I can find a publisher, to +bring out my three romantic opera-poems, with a preface +introducing them and explaining their genesis. After that, to +clear off all remains, I should collect the best of my Paris +writings of ten years ago (including my Beethoven novelette) in a +perhaps not unamusing volume; in it those who take an interest in +me might study the beginning of my movement. In this manner I +should get to the spring pleasantly and in an easy frame of mind, +and should then work at my "Siegfried" without interruption and +complete it. Give your blessing to this. + +I recently had a letter from a friend in Paris who witnessed +several rehearsals of the "Tannhauser" overture under Seghers's +direction. He has completely satisfied me that the performance is +carefully prepared, and that the understanding of the public will +be aided as much as possible by a programme taken from your +article upon my opera. In spite of this, I am very doubtful +whether in the most favourable case I shall derive any benefit +from it. + +My request to you to accept my poem of "Wiland," you apparently +have not quite understood. It is a sincere wish and request. Your +present and imminent occupations might delay the fulfillment of +my wish, which, however, would become impossible only if my +sketch did not inspire you with the desire to complete it. In +that case please be frank with me. If you intend, however late, +to finish "Wiland," I will undertake its proper versification. + +For the present, dearest friend, I must take leave of you; I do +so with cordial wishes for your well-being. Commend me to the +Princess in the best way you can, so that she also may keep me in +friendly remembrance. + +Farewell, and be greeted from the full heart of Your grateful +friend, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, November 25th, 1850 + + + +51. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Quite against my custom, I have just spent about ten days in bed +fighting with a violent fever. As it is a very long time since I +heard from you, I begin to be somewhat anxious as to the fate of +my "Lohengrin" article, which, before leaving Weymar, I gave to +Raff, asking him to send it to you as soon as he had read it. In +case you have received it, write me a few lines to reassure me +with regard to it, and at the same time tell me frankly, and +without compliments of any kind, whether the analysis has pleased +or displeased you, whether you think it worth publishing, and +what I had better do with it. + +My whole correspondence has fallen into the most lamentable +arrears through the sad condition I have lived in for more than a +fortnight. I owe an answer especially to Herr Ritter, who has +made me a most courteous offer, the value of which I quite +appreciate. Be good enough, dear friend, to thank him in my name +(before I can do so myself) for his friendly conduct, for which I +shall prove myself grateful, as far as lies in my power, on all +occasions. + +How far have you got with "Siegfried"? Have you continued your +volume about the opera, and when will it appear? + +Send me soon one of those long letters which you write so +beautifully. It will serve excellently well to relieve of his +grief and sorrow. + +Your affectionate and devoted friend, + +F. LISZT + +EILSEN, November 26th, 1850 + +Address Eilsen (Buckeburg) till December 30th. In the first week +of the new year I shall be back in Weymar. + + + +52. + +MY DEAR LISZT, + +At last I am able to send you the translation of your article. As +you probably cannot understand why it has been delayed so long, +and may perhaps even suspect that I was indifferent to your more +than kind intention, I must tell you first of all how it has +happened. + +I was so moved by your work that I at once felt one thing +distinctly, viz., that in something so encouraging and deeply +touching I could not myself collaborate. I felt as shy and +bashful as possible when I thought of writing with my own hand +the praise which you dictated to me in your extremely brilliant +article. I hesitated and wavered, and did not know how to begin. +Then my young friend Ritter came to my aid, and asked me to let +him do the translation. I consented, and reserved to myself the +right of revising it afterwards, so as to set forth less my +praise than the animation of your original style. R. and B. +translated it between them, and I looked through it together with +them. R. then went to work again, and the result of these careful +endeavours I now lay before you, asking you to explain to +yourself from these indications why the whole thing has been +delayed so long. Of the actual version I can assure you with a +good conscience that, according to my firm conviction, it is not +unworthy of your original, which it renders adequately in the +sense that one does not suspect a laborious translation, but +might let it pass without hesitation for the German original of a +not unaccomplished German author. I can advise you, therefore, +without scruple to give your signature to this version, and leave +it to you whether you will announce it to be a translation. In +all you have said about the work and its author, the version +contains nothing but an absolutely faithful translation of the +original, every conceivable care having been taken to render its +very brilliant, novel, and thoroughly artistic language as +adequately as its individual flavour and fullness would allow. In +places, however, where you indicate the subject matter and the +material aspect of situations and scenes, the translator has made +bold to use a little more liberty. He considered that in these +respects the German original of the poem was nearer to him than +to the author of the French description. The situations are +therefore treated a little more exhaustively, and the German text +has been immediately drawn upon, as was indeed your own wish. +Perhaps the scenes have now and then been given a little too +fully; but as in print the verses will appear in smaller type, I +hope that this also will upon the whole add to the comprehension +of the dramatic situations. Therefore I live in good hope that +you will not be dissatisfied with the work; and if you still +intend to give me an almost excessive proof of your love of my +artistic being and to supply my friends with an important means +of realizing what they love in my art, I shall feel highly +honoured and pleased by the publication of this version, which I +think had best take the form of an independent pamphlet, +especially because in that way the important musical supplement +suggested by you would be possible. + +If I were to tell you what I felt while reading this article +repeatedly and most carefully, I should scarcely be able to find +words. Let this suffice: I feel more than fully rewarded for my +efforts, my sacrifices, and my artistic struggles by recognizing +the impression I have made upon you of all others. To be so fully +understood was my only longing, and to have been understood is +the most blissful satisfaction of that longing. + +Truly, dear friend, you have turned the little Weimar into a very +focus of my fame. When I read the numerous, comprehensive, and +often very brilliant articles about "Lohengrin" which now come +from Weimar, and compare them with the jealous enmity with which, +for example, the Dresden critics used constantly to attack me, +working with sad consistency for the systematic confusion of the +public, I look upon Weimar as a blessed asylum where at last I +can breathe freely and ease my troubled heart. Thank Lobe very +cordially in my name; his judgment has surprised and delighted +me. Also tell Biedenfeld and the author of the article in the +"Frankfort Conversationsblatt" that I still hope to thank them by +endeavouring with all my power to justify by new works their +great opinion of me. Greet them kindly, also Raff, and Genast, +and Zigesar, without forgetting the brave artists to whom I owe +so much gratitude. + +I am deep in my work on "Opera and Drama;" it is, as I told you, +of the greatest importance to me, and I hope it will not be +without importance to others. But it will be a great, stout +volume. Ah, would it were spring, and that I might be once more a +full-blooded, poetizing musician! I am not very well off; care, +care, nothing but care, is the funereal chant which I have to +sing to every young day. + +You also have been in a very pitiable plight. Your serious +indisposition and the depressed mood it left behind were strange +things to you, and have affected me very much. For my comfort I +assume that your illness is quite gone; but was I not right, dear +friend, when I warned you and expressed to you my anxiety for +your health, because I knew what unheard-of exertions you had +made for my sake? Please set my fear at rest soon and comfort me +thereby. + +Finally, I ask you to transmit my sincerest and most cordial +respects to your faithful, highly esteemed friend. May you two +extraordinary people be happy! Farewell, and accept my heartfelt +thanks for your friendship, which is now the richest source of my +joy. + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, December 24th, 1850 + + + +53. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +I have just received a letter from Brussels, sent by desire of +the management of the Royal Theatre there. In consequence of the +brilliant success--so they write--which my opera "Lohengrin" has +recently obtained, and seeing that the subject of the opera +belongs to Belgian history, they contemplate translating the work +into good French, if that should be possible, and producing it +forthwith at the Royal Theatre. They therefore want at once a +copy of the score and of the libretto. + +Dear friend, I place the whole matter at your feet. If you wish +that it should come to something, and if you think that it may +come to something, then acquire the further merit of taking this +thing in hand, which, in your position as protector and generally +speaking, you are infinitely more capable of doing than I. You +are sure to know Brussels. If you will undertake this, I should +ask you before all to see about a score. Luttichau claims his +copy as his property, and Zigesar was obliged to have another +copy made. Seeing that Luttichau, as I hear positively from +Dresden, does not intend to give the opera at least just yet, one +might hope that he would give back the score for a time, if you +were to ask him. Of course _I_ cannot apply to him. + +To send my own original score so far away, I should not like at +all; it is all the little property I have. To have a copy made +here would exceed my limited means, and would also take too long, +as they are pressing at Brussels. A libretto I shall send them +direct from here. + +See what you can and will do, dear friend. If it should succeed, +and some good come of it, I should like to owe it entirely to +you, as you have altogether assumed the paternal responsibility +for this opera with the care attaching to it. I shall ask them at +Brussels to apply to you, as you have full power to act in the +matter. Farewell for today; a thousand blessings in return for +your love + +from your sincerely grateful + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, December 27th, 1850 + +I have to reply to "M. Charles Hanssens jeune, chef d'orchestre +et directeur du Theatre Royal a Bruxelles." + + + +54. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +I have just received your letter addressed Weymar, and hasten to +place my humble services gladly at your disposal as regards the +score of "Lohengrin" and the correspondence with Herr von +Luttichau. Probably his Excellency will not be very willing to +lend the work a second time; but I hope for a favourable result +all the same. + +In your place (forgive my friendly impertinence) I should +certainly accept the Brussels offer, but with the one condition-- +conditio sine qua non--that they let you revise the translation +and attend the general rehearsals. The performance and the +success will have quite a different chance if you go to Brussels, +and I am afraid that in your absence your "Lohengrin" might be a +little compromised. The actual state of the Brussels theatre I do +not know; some years ago it was somewhat in a muddle and very +little adapted to serious work. Some time will in any case be +required for the translation and rehearsals, but I advise you to +make the condition of your presence at once and firmly. The +traveling expenses are so small that the management can easily +bear them; and if you agree, I shall answer the gentlemen in that +sense as soon as they write to me. + +Herr von Zigesar wrote to me urgently some days ago not to delay +my return to Weymar any longer. Unfortunately I shall be detained +here for about another fortnight by the serious illness of +Princess M. About January 20th "Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin" will +again be given, and towards the end of the season Tichatschek +will probably be there and take the part. + +By repeated desire, I have determined to publish my article on +the Herder festival, together with the analysis of "Lohengrin," +in a separate form. If you want to add some further remarks on +it, let it be soon, so that I may be able to make use of them. + +I enclose a few lines to Ritter. Kindly excuse me to him, and +allow me to restore to you the possession and absolute disposal +of your property after my return to Weymar. Great as is the +temptation to weld at your "Wiland," I must abide by my +resolution never to write a German opera. + +I feel no vocation for it, and I lack the necessary patience to +bother myself with German theatrical affairs. Altogether I think +it more appropriate and easier to risk my first dramatic work on +the Italian stage (which probably may happen in the spring of +next year--1852--in Paris or London), and to stick there if I +should succeed. + +Germany is your property, and you her glory. Complete your +"Siegfried" soon. Of power and genius you have plenty; only do +not lose patience. Perhaps we shall soon see you again in +Germany; then you will reap what you have so nobly sown. + +Your sincerely devoted + +F. LISZT + +EILSEN, January 3rd, 1851 + +Have you made much progress with your book on the opera? I am +very curious to see this work. + + + +55. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Have you all forgotten me? I have felt so lonely of late that I +am often afraid. Should you be angry with me about anything? +perhaps about the absurd misunderstanding with B.? He wrote to me +that he had heard that I was annoyed at his great article on +"Lohengrin." I was quite confounded, and thought that some +misapprehension of an expression in one of my letters might have +led you and B. after you to a completely erroneous opinion about +me. Therefore I requested him to ask you in my name to let him +explain to you the passage in my letter, because I was anxious, +not only for his sake, but for yours, to dispel so ugly an error. +Has any unpleasantness resulted from it? + +From Brussels I have heard nothing. Could you give me some news, +or are you angry that I have troubled you with this affair? +Anyhow I have no illusions as to Brussels. + +My very stout book is ready. Its title is "Oper und Drama." I +have not yet a publisher; and as I must take care to get a little +money for it, I am a little anxious about the matter. + +Next month I shall devote to the edition of my three romantic +opera-poems. A longish introduction will explain the origin of +these poems and their position towards music. + +At the beginning of spring I hope to commence the composition of +"Siegfried," and to continue the work without interruption. + +As to the rest, my pleasure in life is not great. All is quiet +and lonely around me, and I frequently feel as if I were dead and +forgotten. + +But how are you? Have you quite recovered? I frequently dream of +Weimar and of you--wild, confused things. + +Let us say nothing more about "Wiland"; I am heartily sorry +that--you are right. + +Have you still courage? Are you in good spirits? Do you really +still care to live amongst the majestic people of the Philistines +who rule the world nowadays? Ah! as long as we possess fancy we +can pull along somehow. + +My poor dear little parrot is also dead! He was my spiritus +familiaris, the good brownie of my house. + +Farewell, and forgive me. + +Always and wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ENGE, ZURICH, February 18th, 1851. + + + +56. + +DEAR WAGNER, + +By the date of these lines you will sufficiently see in what +grief and sorrow I have been living for months. I was, it is +true, in Weymar for three weeks, but immediately after the +birthday of the Grand Duchess (February 16th) I returned here, +where unfortunately I found the Princess still very ailing and in +bed. On the 7th I have to be back in Weymar to conduct Raff's +opera; the work is too important for Raff's career for me to +neglect it. But the thought of that journey, while my whole soul, +my whole faith, and all my love must remain here at the sick-bed, +is terrible to me. Let us talk of you. + +I could never think of forgetting you, and, if possible, still +less of being angry with you. Forgive me that I did not sooner +thank you cordially for B. and R.'s German version of my +"Lohengrin" article. Your letter especially has pleased and +flattered me highly. That you are satisfied with my conception of +that splendid masterpiece of heart and soul "Lohengrin" is my +exceeding rich reward. Immediately after my return to Weymar I +shall have it printed (perhaps the "Illustrirte Zeitung" will +publish it in one number), and shall send you the proof, which I +must ask you to correct and return straight to Weber as quickly +as possible. + +R. can carefully read the article in one day, and send it to +Leipzig by return of post. + +As to the French original, I shall probably publish it as a +separate pamphlet, together with my article on the Herder +festival, and without the alterations and omissions made by Janin +in the "Journal des Debats" of October 22nd. The title will be +"Fetes de Herder et Goethe a Weymar, 25 et 28 Aout, 1850." + +From Brussels not a line! Without repudiating altogether the +musical soil of Belgium, barren though hitherto it has been, with +the exception of some individual talents, I can only advise you +again to protest absolutely against a performance of your works +under any direction but your own. The first condition you should +impose on the management of the theatre is that they call you to +Brussels. In that sense I shall answer in case they apply to me. + +About B. I could tell you many things in a half-and-half way, but +you had better think them out for yourself. Let me speak French, +and don't repeat it. + +B. is a nobleman who has spent long years in becoming a literary +good-for-nothing. If he had possessed or acquired the necessary +talent, he would in that direction have made himself a position +as a nobleman. As it is, he is an amphibious creature, living in +bogs on one side and getting dry in his water on the other. He +has shown me the letter you wrote to him, but with this kind of +people little is gained by explanation. They are not wanting in +the good where the better would be required, and it is generally +more advisable to be cautious with them than to complain, or +correct their opinions. I think you might have been satisfied +with thanking him simply for his article about "Lohengrin," +however awkward and badly argued certain passages may have been. +Apropos of this, have you read the articles on "Lohengrin" in the +"Frankfort Conversationsblatt"? They are certainly better meant +and better written; and as you have thanked B., you might, I +think, appropriately write a few lines to the author, who is a +very decent man and one of your sincere and enthusiastic +proselytes. Enclose the lines to him in the first letter you +address to me at Weymar, and I will forward them to him at once. + +"Wiland" is still imprisoned at Weymar, together with my +manuscripts and scores. As soon as my valet returns I shall send +you "Wiland" at once, but I am not going to call in a common, +prosaic locksmith to set him at liberty. + +I am looking forward to your book. Perhaps I may try on this +occasion to comprehend your ideas a little better, which in your +book "Kunst und Revolution" I could not manage very well, and in +that case I shall cook a French sauce to it. + +Brockhaus published a few days ago my pamphlet on the Goethe +foundation ("De la Fondation Goethe a Weymar"). I shall send it +you on the first opportunity. Of my articles on Chopin in the +"France Musicale," which I am likely to spin out through fifteen +numbers, you have probably not heard at Zurich. B. read the +original at Weymar. Farewell, be happier than I, and write soon +to + +Your truly devoted friend, + +F. LISZT. + +EILSEN, March 1st, 1851. + + + +57. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Cordial thanks for your letter, which was a sure sign of your +continued interest in me. Your domestic troubles have alarmed me +very much; be assured of my genuine sympathy with any grief that +may befall you. I hope this letter will find you in an easier +state of mind with regard to the health of your very dear friend. +If only my wish could contribute to this! But necessity compels +me to gain some certainty as to my own position through your +means. Listen, and do not be angry. + +The communication of your plans in my favour last summer roused +in me a hope as to which I must now know whether I am to look for +its fulfillment or to abandon it altogether. You told me that in +case of the desired success of my "Lohengrin" you intended to +make use of the presumably friendly disposition of the Grand +Duchess, with a view to inducing her to allow me the necessary +means of subsistence during the composition of my "Siegfried." +Just at that time I had given up all thoughts of setting the +opera to music, and had sent the poem of "Siegfried" to the +printer in order to place it before the public in the form of an +intention never carried out. Your communication changed my mind, +as I acknowledged to you at the time in the most joyous and +grateful manner. I cancelled the order for printing the poem, and +prepared myself for the composition instead. For the commencement +of the work I fixed upon the coming spring, partly in order, +first, to get rid of my always depressed winter humour, and +partly to give you time for carrying out your kind intention +without hurry. For the winter I chose a literary work, for which +I had plenty of material, and which I took in hand at once, +hoping that I might make something by it. This work, a book of +four hundred to five hundred pages, small octavo, entitled "Oper +und Drama," has been ready these six weeks; but as yet none of +the publishers to whom I wrote about it has replied, and my +expectations at least of gain from this work are therefore very +small. During the whole of six months, after spending the +honorarium for the production of "Lohengrin" at Weimar, I have +lived entirely by the assistance of Frau R. in D., because +latterly I have not been able to earn anything beyond a small fee +for conducting two of Beethoven's symphonies at the miserable +concerts here. I know that my Dresden friend has for the present +exhausted herself, because the family is not wealthy, but has +only just a sufficient income, which, moreover, owing to some +awkward complications with Russia, is at present placed in +jeopardy. I am therefore compelled to try and make money at any +price, and should have to abandon a task like the composition of +"Siegfried," which in a pecuniary sense is useless. If I were to +have any inclination for a task undertaken for the sake of money, +it would have to be so-called "aesthetic literature," and in +order to get money for such literature I should have to spend all +my time in writing for magazines at so much "per sheet." The +thought is very humiliating. + +If I am to undertake an important artistic task, my immediate +future--say for the current year, at least--must be secured; +otherwise I shall lack the necessary cheerfulness and +collectedness. If I am to have peace of mind for devoting myself +to artistic labour without interruption, I must, as I said +before, be without anxiety for my immediate subsistence. +Necessity, as the proverb says, breaks iron, and therefore I put +this question to you once more simply, so as to be sure as to my +position. I am aware that everything has turned out unfavourably +for your plan of helping me. The Grand Duchess was ill, and could +attend only the third performance of "Lohengrin;" soon afterwards +you left Weimar, and therefore had no opportunity of preparing +the Grand Duchess for your plan in a proper and dignified manner. +All this I know, and therefore no blame attaches to you in the +remotest degree. Only I must know now where I am. For that reason +I pray you with all my heart to tell me plainly and definitely +whether, as things are, I still may hope for something or not, so +that I may make all my arrangements accordingly; uncertainty is +the worst of tortures. One request I further make without +hesitation. If you are compelled by the state of affairs to tell +me that your plan cannot now be realized, and that therefore I +must not hope for any further assistance in favour of the +composition of my "Siegfried," then kindly see at least whether +you cannot get me at once SOME money, were it only as much as my +immediate difficulty requires, in order to gain me some time for +settling to my altered plan. It is very sad that I have to +trouble you with this ugly request. + +But enough of this. + +May Heaven grant that you will soon be relieved from your +domestic troubles. I wish the Princess a quick and perfect +recovery with all my heart. + +Farewell, dear friend. Good luck and the best success to Herr +Raff! + +Farewell, and be happy. + +Your sincerely devoted + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ENGE BEI ZURICH, March 9th, 1851. + + + +58. + +DEAR FRIEND, + +I passed the whole of March in such trouble and distress, that I +could not write to you. Since April 4th I have been back here. +"Lohengrin" was to be given on the 8th, but Beck's hoarseness +compelled us to postpone the performance till next Saturday. In +any case the opera will be given twice more during this season. + +By today's post I send you my "Lohengrin" article, which in the +first instance will appear in German in the "Illustrirte +Zeitung." Be kind enough to read the proof quickly and to return +it direct to Weber, Leipzig. It will probably be published in the +next number. About the French edition I shall arrange soon +afterwards; it will be the same size and type as my pamphlet on +the Goethe foundation, of which also I send you a copy today. +Brockhaus will be the publisher. + +Have you received the hundred thalers? Your last letter has made +me very sad, but I do not relinquish all hope of leading the +somewhat difficult diplomatic transaction concerning your +"Siegfried" to a successful issue. Perhaps I shall succeed in +settling the matter by the middle of May. Tell me in round +figures what sum you require, and (quite entre nous, for I must +ask you specially to let nobody know) write me a full letter +which I can show to Z. You must excuse me for troubling you with +such things, and I am grieved, deeply grieved, that the matter +cannot be brought more simply to a good result; but, in my +opinion, it will be necessary for you to explain by letter your +position as well as the plan of the work and the artistic hopes +which may justly be founded upon it. I need not tell you that I +do not want this for myself. You know me, and are aware that you +can have implicit confidence in me. + +Muller's letter I sent yesterday, after thinking from day to day +that I should return. He will doubtless soon write to you, and +you will find him a trustworthy, prudent friend, who genuinely +esteems you. + +Can you tell me, under the seal of the most absolute secrecy, +whether the famous article on the Jews in music ("Das Judenthum +in der Musik") in Brendel's paper is by you? + +The Princess has remained in Eilsen, still confined to her bed; +and I do not expect her till the end of this month. You may +imagine how deeply her long illness has grieved me. + +Write soon, and do not forget to correct the proofs of the +"Illustrirte Zeitung" at once. + +Your + +F. LISZT. + +April 9th, 1851. P.S.--The "Lohengrin" article must be signed +thus: "From the French of F. Liszt." Request the printer's reader +kindly not to omit this and to call the editor's special +attention to it. + + + +59. + +DEAREST LISZT, + +I did not write to you at once in order to write to you more at +length and more calmly on a favourable day. Then came the number +of the "Illustrirte Zeitung" of April 12th, and once more I read +your printed article from beginning to end. It is difficult for +me to describe the impression your work of friendship has made on +me just at this time. I was once more cold and diffident, and +looked with something like bitter irony on the thought of having +to begin a new artistic labour. The artistic misery far and wide +around me was so great, my mood so hopeless, that I felt inclined +to laugh at myself when I thought, for example, of the +composition of my "Siegfried;" and this mood I transferred to all +my other works. Recently I glanced through my score of +"Lohengrin;" it filled me absolutely with disgust, and my +intermittent fits of laughter were not of a cheerful kind. Then +you approached me once more, and moved, delighted, warmed, +inspired me in such a manner that the bright tears welled forth, +and that once more I knew no greater delight than that of being +an artist and of creating works. I have no name for the effect +you have produced upon me. Everywhere around me I see nothing but +the most beautiful spring life, full of germs and blossoms, and +together with it such voluptuous pain, such painfully +intoxicating joy, such delight in being a man, in having a +beating heart--although it feel nothing but sorrow--that I regret +only to have to write all this to you. + +And how strangely everything happens with you! Would I could +describe my love for you! There is no torture, but, on the other +hand, no joy, which does not vibrate in this love. One day +jealousy, fear of what is strange to me in your particular +nature, grieve me; I feel anxiety, trouble, yea doubt; and then +again something breaks forth in me like a fire in a wood, and +everything is devoured by this conflagration, which nothing but a +stream of the most blissful tears can extinguish at last. You are +a wonderful man, and wonderful is our love. If we had not loved, +we might have terribly hated, one another. All that I wanted to +write to you with well-balanced composure must now come out just +as it happens to strike me at the moment. My "Siegfried" I shall +begin at the commencement of May, happen what will. Perish all +guarantee of my existence! I shall not starve. For my book I have +at last a publisher, Avenarius, in Leipzig; he pays me one +hundred thalers; it is very little, but I don't think I can get +any more. Now and then you will put a groat by for me; and when +my necessity grows breast-high, you will help me with as much as +you may happen to have for a poor friend. Frau R. in D. will also +do her part off and on, and in the winter I shall earn again a +few louis d'or by conducting symphonies, so that I shall not go +to the devil after all if only my wife will keep calm. So let us +leave the Grand Duchess alone; I can and will not ask her for +anything even in the most indirect manner. If she made me an +offer of her own free will, it would touch and delight me, all +the more coming from a princess, but this possibility, even if it +never should happen, I must not turn into an impossibility by +asking her for a proof of her kindness. Away with all business +transactions as to this question! Up till now the sympathy of +that princely lady has made so beautiful an impression upon me, +that I do not wish to spoil it. Are we agreed? I think so. + +You ask me about the "Judenthum." You must know that the article +is by me. Why do you ask? Not from fear, but only to avoid that +the Jews should drag this question into bare personality, I +appear in a pseudonymous capacity. I felt a long-repressed hatred +for this Jewry, and this hatred is as necessary to my nature as +gall is to the blood. An opportunity arose when their damnable +scribbling annoyed me most, and so I broke forth at last. It +seems to have made a tremendous impression, and that pleases me, +for I really wanted only to frighten them in this manner; that +they will remain the masters is as certain as that not our +princes, but the bankers and the Philistines, are nowadays our +masters. Towards Meyerbeer my position is a peculiar one. I do +not hate him, but he disgusts me beyond measure. This eternally +amiable and pleasant man reminds me of the most turbid, not to +say most vicious, period of my life, when he pretended to be my +protector; that was a period of connections and back stairs when +we are made fools of by our protectors, whom in our inmost heart +we do not like. This is a relation of the most perfect +dishonesty; neither party is sincere towards the other; one and +the other assume the appearance of affection, and both make use +of each other as long as their mutual interest requires it. For +the intentional impotence of his politeness towards me I do not +find fault with Meyerbeer; on the contrary, I am glad not to be +his debtor as deeply as, for example, B. But it was quite time +that I should free myself perfectly from this dishonest relation +towards him. Externally there was not the least occasion for it, +for even the experience that he was not sincere towards me would +not have surprised me, neither did it give me a right to be +angry, because at bottom I had to own that I had intentionally +deceived myself about him. But from inner causes arose the +necessity to relinquish all considerations of common prudence +with regard to him. As an artist I cannot exist before myself and +my friends, I cannot think or feel, without realizing and +confessing my absolute antagonism to Meyerbeer, and to this I am +driven with genuine desperation when I meet with the erroneous +opinion even amongst my friends that I have anything in common +with Meyerbeer. Before none of my friends I can appear in clear +and definite form, with all that I desire and feel, unless I +separate myself entirely from the nebulous outline in which many +see me. This is an act necessary for the perfect birth of my +matured nature; and if God wills, I hope to be of service to many +by performing this act so zealously. + +What you will think of this--that--just imagine--I do not as yet +know exactly. I know who you are and perfectly feel what you are, +and yet it must appear to me as if in this point you could not as +yet be entirely your own self. But enough of this. There are +earthly things on which we may occasionally be of different +opinion without ever parting from each other in divine things. If +you don't approve of something here, shut your eyes to it. + +Let me at last have some good news of you. In your most intimate +relations you seem to me so sadly placed that I am quite +melancholy about it. Is the illness of the Princess so serious +that, apart from its long duration, it inspires you with real +anxiety? I must almost fear this unless you reassure me about it. +Do this as soon as you can, and tell the highly esteemed lady how +cordially I sympathize with her sufferings. + +Dear, dear Liszt, arrange that we soon may see each other. +Perhaps the Princess would benefit by Swiss air; send her here +and come with her. + +I cannot go on today. I wanted to write to you about your Goethe +foundation, but must wait for a calmer hour to meet your splendid +idea with dignity. + +Farewell, and be pressed to the heart of your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ENGE, ZURICH, April 18th, 1851. + +I doubt whether the correction of the proof will still be +necessary, but have sent it to Leipzig nevertheless. + + + +60. + +Then we are to have "Young Siegfried"! You are truly a most +incredible fellow, to whom one must doff hat and bonnet three +times. The satisfactory settlement of this matter rejoices me +cordially; and, as you may imagine, I have perfect faith in your +work. But let us say nothing about it until you send in "Young +Siegfried" (July 1st, 1852), so as to avoid the useless +preliminary talk of people. Here nobody knows about it, excepting +Zigesar; and we are anxious to keep it from the public. +"Lohengrin" at its last performance (the fifth) on Sunday was +appreciated more than ever, and actors and orchestra also came +nearer to the understanding and the interpretation of the work. +The house was filled for the greater part, it is true, by +Erfurters, Naumburgers, and other curious people from the +neighbourhood, for, to speak candidly, our Weymar public, with +the exception of about a dozen persons, are not yet sufficiently +advanced to be in real sympathy with so extraordinary a work. +That "Lohengrin" has reached its fifth performance in one season +is a kind of miracle which must be attributed to the Court. The +Hereditary Grand Duchess had especially asked for this +performance on the occasion of her first visit to the theatre +after her confinement. From Leipzig came David and Moscheles, +from Halle Robert Franz, from Eisenach Kuhnstedt. Professor +Stahr, who has become a dear friend, and Fanny Lewald have been +here about a fortnight. + +Stahr is going to write about "Lohengrin" in the National Zeitung +or Kolnische Zeitung. If after reading his article you feel +inclined to write him a few lines, send them to Weymar (Hotel Zum +Erbprinzen). Muller has written another "Lohengrin" article in +the Weimar Zeitung, which he has probably sent to you. After the +performance of "Lohengrin" I received your letter about the +Goethe foundation, and I thank you cordially for it. I may +mention, however, that perhaps no less than two years' time and +trouble will be required to make the idea of the Goethe +foundation a reality. I am prepared to devote that time to it, +because I am firmly convinced that without my activity the thing +here will simply come to nothing, as has already happened at +Berlin. + +Should you not be inclined to publish your letter in its actual +form of a letter to me in some newspaper which is open to you? I +will send it back to you in a few days for that purpose, asking +you, however, to return it to me at Weymar as soon as you have +done with it. + +The day after tomorrow I have to go to Eilsen for the third time, +but hope to be back here at Whitsuntide. At the close of the +theatrical season we shall have either "Tannhauser" or +"Lohengrin" once more. The direction of the former work I think I +may now leave to Gotze. + +If possible, send me a copy of your autobiography direct to +Eilsen (Buckeburg). I can make good use of it in connection with +the pamphlet which is to be published (in French) in June by +Brockhaus. If your article on the Zurich theatre has appeared, +send it also to me at Eilsen, where I shall employ my time in +reading and working. I am most curious to know your views and +practical proposals with regard to theatrical matters, and I +shall be most ready to adopt your ideas as far as possible. + +Draw up occasionally for me a repertory of earlier and modern +works which appear to you most adapted to further the cause of +art. At present I cannot help thinking it advisable to make some +eclectic concessions (alas! alas!) to the existing state of our +theatrical institutions. + +Be well and active, dear, splendid friend, and soon give news to +your + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, May 17th, 1851. + + + +61. + +BEST OF ALL FRIENDS, + +I must reply to you at once about a few things which you ask me +in your letter received yesterday, so as to let you know how +matters stand. First of all (as is always the case when I have to +deal with you), I must wipe a blush of shame off my face before +answering you. Your wishes always concern me, and that in a sense +which must flatter me to the very core. You want a copy of my +autobiography in order to make use of it for your pamphlet. What +can I say to that? I will say nothing, but only reply that in +this instance my vanity is not sufficiently great to make me +carry my biography about with me. I do not possess it, and do not +know where to get it. If you really want to see it, you might +perhaps get it more easily from Weimar, if I told you exactly +where it is to be found. It appeared in the "Zeitung fur die +elegante Welt" in the year 1843, first quarterly issue, month of +February, I believe. But I can scarcely think that you will find +much in it beyond the confirmation of the fact that I too have +erred much in my artistic efforts, not being one of the elect +who, like Mendelssohn, received the only true, infallible, +"solid" food of art, like heavenly manna in their mouths, and who +therefore were able to say, "I have never erred." We poor earthly +worms can get only through error to a knowledge of truth, which +therefore we love passionately, like a conquered bride, and not +with the genteel approval with which we look upon a spouse +selected for us beforehand by the dear parents. At that time when +I wrote my autobiography by Laube's desire, I had, it is true, +finished my "Flying Dutchman" and sketched the poem of +"Tannhauser", but only through my completed "Tannhauser" and my +completed "Lohengrin" did I gain perfect clearness as to the +direction in which I had been impelled by unconscious instinct. +Later on, in connection with the edition of my operatic poems, I +shall take occasion to explain the process of development +observed in me; certain it is that nothing of this can be +contained in my autobiography. All the more interesting will it +be for me to see that direction judged from his own observation +by some one else, i.e., some one like you. + +Concerning my last letter to you, I must ask you to be assured +that I wrote it without ostensible object. To you alone I wanted +to speak on a topic started by yourself, because I did not desire +to support an opinion in a general way, but to effect something +real, viz., the foundation of an original theatre. I therefore +did not want to address the public--which qua public is quite +useless for that purpose--but some one who has the intellect and +before all the energy to view distinctly the accomplishment of +such an object in given circumstances. If in the actual condition +of generally accepted opinion something is to be undertaken which +combats and denies that opinion as detrimental to art, this can +of course only be done by individuals. We cannot expect a better +general condition until the individual has become perfectly +strong in itself, for the general must proceed from individuals, +and for the present therefore we must be intent upon being ready +ourselves and communicating with none but those nearest akin to +us. In this spirit I look upon the theatre. If we want to work +for a rational condition of the theatre in all Germany, we shall +never achieve anything in the slightest degree rational unless we +begin at some given point, even the smallest. That point I +imagine I have found where an embodiment of genius and energy is +already acting in the right sense. Where else can you find such +things as are done at Weimar? But through whom is this done? +Through you alone! The Court may have the best possible +intention; it is not an artist to realize its intention or even +to conceive a distinct intention, for that in this case none but +an artist can do. This is the reason why I have applied to you +alone. I had no other intention. If you think it useful and +appropriate to make a wider use of my communication, you are +quite at liberty to do so. If you think that a totally +independent word of mine as to the position of poetry and the +fine arts, especially in reference to a given object, may not be +wholly without beneficial influence on many of those concerned, +before all if you think that the object in question may be +furthered by it, I ask you to dispose of my letter as your +property. I, however, cannot undertake its publication. I should +defeat my original purpose in doing so, besides which no journals +are open to me. In the "Deutsche Monatsschrift", to which I am +now and then asked to contribute, I do not like on principle to +treat the question in this form; our object would not be +furthered by it. Act therefore entirely according to your +judgment. If you think it useless, leave it alone. If, however, +you print the letter, omit what you think unfit for publicity. I +should not willingly make additions, because they would of +necessity have reference to the "original theatre," and about +that I should have to say a great deal to make my idea +comprehensible to the general public. + +You have probably received my little pamphlet "Ein Theater in +Zurich." Much, yea most, in it will not suit you, for the +conditions here are too different from those of Weimar; but my +idea of the essence of the activity of the "original theatre" the +little work will make tolerably clear. In case you ask "whether I +wish to exclude altogether everything extraneous" I reply in +advance, Yes, for the present, and until the main object is +attained, but not for the future. The main object is this: that +the theatre imagined by me should, by the originality of its +work, gain perfect individual independence, should educate itself +to be a conscious individual. This object once attained, this +individual independence achieved, then, and then only, should it +exchange its achievements with those of other equally independent +theatrical individualities, and by means of this exchange be +fructified to ever greater capability and variety, extending in +this manner to wider and generally human circles. This +fructifying exchange can be successfully accomplished only when +receiving means at the same time giving; only he who can give can +receive with benefit to himself. At present our theatres are so +wholly dependent, so entirely without individuality, that they +can do nothing but receive, without having the power of really +appropriating what they receive. Our theatres are undeveloped +beings, pulpy, pappy molluscs, which can never bring forth a man. + +I must refrain from saying any more on this head; it might easily +lead me to writing another book of four hundred pages, and the +writing of books I am determined to abandon in preference to +producing a work of art. Only this much I must add: through you +Weimar is already in a good way; proceed on that way of original +achievement with conscious principle, express that principle +distinctly, and by that means gain more and more participants in +your consciousness; by that means you can easily show how an +intention may gradually become a reality. Raff's opera has +pleased me immensely; that is right, and now onwards! or, to +speak plainly, it is your turn now, + +Write an opera for Weimar, I entreat you; write it exactly for +the artists who are there, and who through your work will be +elevated, made more noble, more universal. Continue, if you like, +your plans for the Italians; there also, I feel sure, you can do +famous and useful things, but at the same time abide by what is +nearest to you, by what is your present home; where you are in +bodily presence, and with your whole mental energy, be there also +with your productive will; do not trouble yourself about the +other German theatres and their conditions. You do not want them +in order to achieve something beautiful and at the same time +useful. Candidly speaking, what do you seek just now, and with +your present activity amongst the Italians, otherwise than an +increase of your fame? Very well, but will that make you happy? +For that you no longer care! Other conditions are necessary to +give you happiness. Do something for your Weimar. + +Well, I will not entreat you anymore for the present; you must +find out for yourself what you have to do. + +One thing more, however: work thoroughly for the culture of your +theatrical people. You will get the desired artists from nowhere +unless you create them for yourself. Be careful to make your +singers first of all good actors; how is he to sing who cannot +speak and declaim well? Nothing can here be done in a casual +manner; you must proceed on principle and with expressed +intention. (For that reason think of the Goethe foundation!) To +speak plainly, you want a good stage-manager. Genast is a +splendid fellow, but he has grown old in routine; he does not +know, and will never understand, what has to be done. A man like +Eduard Devrient would be of excellent effect for the training of +your actors, for he knows what has to be done. (I admit the +difficulty of getting such a man.) You must further have an able +singing master. I believe that Gotze has good qualities for the +post, but he ought to have power as well; people ought to be +compelled to learn from him. + +I am aware that a man does not become an artist by mere training, +but he can never become an artist unless his organic faculties +are healthily developed, and that is what is wanting amongst us +almost everywhere. Other things will be easily set right if you +are more careful in the choice of works selected for performance +than is generally the case amongst us. The coarse mixture of all +genres and all styles is the evil which prevents our actors from +gaining any kind of artistic consciousness. Gluck today, +Donizetti tomorrow, Weber today, Rossini or Auber tomorrow, +serious today, frivolous tomorrow--what is the result? That the +people can do neither Gluck nor Donizetti, neither the serious +nor the frivolous. How terrible also are the translations! People +get systematically accustomed to the absolute senselessness of +scenic representations; look therefore to a rational treatment of +the translated librettos. Before all, accustom your singers to +looking upon their work in the first instance as a dramatic task; +the accomplishment of their lyrical task will after that be an +easy matter. Works of the earlier French school are most adapted +to the purpose, because in them a natural dramatic intention is +most perceptible. Singers who cannot execute well and effectively +the "Water-carrier," by Cherubini, or "Joseph," by Mehul--how are +they to be able to master the (in that case) enormous +difficulties of, for example, one of my operas? The chief thing, +however, will always be new works and such works as are adapted +to our set of artists and have been written specially for this +theatre. But enough of preaching! If I have been almost +impertinent, you must forgive me. Today is my birthday, and you +could not have sent me a better present than your letter of +yesterday. + +As yet Heaven has not given us fine weather, but I wait for the +first bright, sunny day to commence the poem of my "Young +Siegfried" with the pen. In my head it is ready. In July I hope +to send you the poem. + +Your last news has once more made me desirous to write to the +Hereditary Grand Duchess. The contact with a sympathetic, noble +female nature is to me an infinitely joyful feeling, and that +feeling I should like to gain as a blessing for my impending +work. If you think that I might permit myself a slight deviation +from the ordinary official style towards this lady, I should ask +you one of these days to forward a letter from me to her. The +official style I cannot manage. Our dear, foolish Zigesar always +writes to me, "Ew. Wohlgeboren," etc. I wish he would leave that +alone. I am sorry when, in his kindness towards me, I stumble +over this kind of powder and pigtail business. + +May God bless you, not the "god of Buckeburg." You are right in +retiring into solitude now and then; without that men like us +cannot exist. Greet the Princess most cordially. I hope she will +soon be well again. + +Farewell, dearest of friends. I press you to my heart! + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ENGE, ZURICH, May 22nd, 1851. + + + +62. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Short news from me today. + +I have quite finished the poem of my "Young Siegfried". It has +given me great joy; it is certainly what I was bound to do, and +the best thing that I have done so far. I am really glad about +it. With my violent way of working, I am always considerably +tired at the end. I must take some time to recover. I cannot just +yet make up my mind to copy it out for you, for many reasons, too +long to tell. I feel also some bashfulness in submitting my poem +to you without further explanation--a bashfulness which has its +reason in me, not in you. I therefore ask you whether there is +not a chance of my seeing you soon. Some time ago you made me +think so. How is it now? Can you visit me, or at least appoint a +place, accessible to me, for meeting? Please answer this question +at once. My longing to see you, dear, splendid friend, again +after two years, during which you have been more to me than I can +describe, and to spend a few days with you, is greater than I am +able to express. Can you fulfill this longing? If we could meet +shortly, I should keep my "Young Siegfried", in order to read it +to you. This would add to my peace of mind considerably. The +written word is, I fear, insufficient for my intention; but if I +could read it to you viva voce, indicating how I want to have it +interpreted, I should be quite satisfied as to the desired +impression of my poem upon you. Write to me at once what my +chances are. If, alas! you cannot come, I shall have a copy made +at once and send it you. + +One thing more: in my last letters I entirely forgot to mention +the Hartel affair to you. By a certain impulse, I applied to +Breitkopf and Hartel about "Lohengrin". I owed them from of old +two hundred thalers for a grand pianoforte, and proposed to them +to wipe out this debt and to take the copyright of "Lohengrin" in +return. At first they entertained my offer as to the pianoforte +score, but I insisted again on the full score being engraved, +telling them that something might be done by subscription, and +referring them to your influential help. For a long time I heard +nothing, but today I have a letter from the H.'s, saying that +they accede to my wish and are prepared to print the full score. +How has this happened? Now that my demand has been granted, it +almost appears fabulous to me that they should publish the full +score of an opera which has only been given at Weimar. + +What do you think? Can I expect this of them? This, in my +opinion, is a nobility of conduct which makes me feel ashamed. I +should almost like not to accept the H.'s offer for "Lohengrin" +on condition that they engrave the full score of my "Young +Siegfried". This child, which I have engendered and should like +to give to the world, is naturally even nearer to my heart than +"Lohengrin", for I want it to be stronger and healthier than he. +If the H.'s publish the score of "Lohengrin", it may be assumed +to a certainty that the sale will be so small as to make them +wholly disinclined for the engraving of the full score of "Young +Siegfried"; and this latter is of course of much greater +importance to me. What do you think? Advise me, dear Liszt! Shall +I hold their offer over for "Siegfried" and give up "Lohengrin" +instead? To get both appears almost impossible to me. Advise me! + +Farewell for today. My pen will not obey me any longer; I am too +excited by many things. + +Farewell, and write to me how you are and whether I shall see +you. Are you well? Greet the Princess! Farewell. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ENGE, ZURICH, June 29th, 1851. + + + +63. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +The news of the happy birth of "Siegfried" pleases me much, and I +thank you for letting me know at once. How I should like to hear +you read it and to visit you at Zurich! But, alas! this year it +is quite impossible for me to think of any journey whatever. At +the end of this month I hope that the health of the Princess will +allow her to start; and in order to make the journey less +fatiguing, we shall return slowly by Dusseldorf, Cologne, +Frankfort, and Eisenach. You, dear friend, must need rest and a +little country life after the completion of your work. Please do +not trouble yourself on my account by making at once a copy of +"Siegfried"; you will send it me on occasion later on at Weymar, +where, locked up, still remains "Wiland", which, to my regret, I +have not been able to send you, not having the necessary keys at +hand. I have explained this to Uhlig. If he is with you, remember +me kindly to him, and excuse me to him once more for my +involuntary negligence. + +The Hartels are quite comme il faut in their personal and +business relations. Dr. Hartel came to Weymar to hear +"Lohengrin", and I am delighted to hear that his impression has +been confirmed by an imprimatur. As you ask my advice about what +you had better do, accept his proposition or hold it over till +"Siegfried", so as to make him publish the score of a new work +for you, I have no hesitation in saying that, for all manner of +reasons, I should think it preferable to publish now only the +pianoforte score of "Lohengrin", and to make arrangements with +Hartel that the pianoforte score and full score of "Siegfried" +should appear soon after the Weymar performance, which probably, +and at the latest, will take place in February, 1853, for the +fete of H.R.H. the Grand Duchess. "Lohengrin" will lose nothing +by waiting chez nous. + +As I wrote to you before, it will take some time before this +glorious work meets with the swans which are to draw its barque +to the banks of the Spree and the Elbe. Ganders and turkeys would +like to lead it to shipwreck, but do not lose patience, and have +confidence in the moderate amount of practical knowledge which +your friend places loyally at your service and disposal. In the +early days of August my pamphlet "Lohengrin et Tannhauser" will +appear; it was written for a purpose which neither you nor your +friends have hitherto been able to guess, and which it will take +me some time to attain. I am far, however, from despairing of +that attainment, but shall not let you know till the moment of +success, in order to avoid unnecessary words--a habit which is +growing upon me more and more. If you follow my advice, dear +friend, write to H. in the sense indicated by you; that is, ask +him to keep his good intentions for the engraving of one of your +full scores till after the first performance of "Siegfried", and +to publish for the present only the pianoforte score of +"Lohengrin". Send to me here, please, if you possess them, the +numbers of the "Monatsschrift" of Kollatschek containing your and +Uhlig's articles. Heine in the same number has thought it +necessary to make some of his rhymed jokes at my expense with his +usual spirit. More than a fortnight ago I subscribed to that +magazine through my bookseller, but as yet it has not reached me. +Farewell, dearest friend. Believe me that I am truly vexed at not +being able to attend the rendezvous which you propose, and which +would have given me great pleasure--the pleasure of seeing you +again and of having plenty of talk with you. + +Always rely upon your + +F. LISZT. + +EILSEN, July 3d, 1851. + + + +64. + +MY BEST FRIEND, + +I had just come down from the Alps when I found your letter, +which again has given me the greatest joy. I thank you with my +whole heart for your advice, so speedily given. You agree with me +as to Hartel's offer; I expected so much, and it is a +confirmation of my right sense in the matter. The full score of +"Siegfried" it is to be, then. I feel as safe with you as a child +in the mother's bosom; you take such care of me, dearest friend. + +Uhlig is here. He has taken every trouble and made every +sacrifice to save enough for a visit to me in Switzerland. +Considering his cool, quiet, and passionless nature, the faithful +attachment and friendship of this young man are of great value to +me. As a very young musician he attracted my attention in the +Dresden orchestra by his uncommon musical certainty and +circumspection. Being struck by traits of unusual force of +character and of a firm, manly disposition, I admitted him to +intimate intercourse, and found a man who in the poorest +circumstances had developed himself entirely out of himself. Thus +I gained a friend who subsequently from a distance made it the +task of his life, as far as his power extended, to serve me in a +manner which,--the inclination being equal in both cases,--has +been surpassed only by your brilliant genius. + +You wanted to have some numbers of the Deutsche Monatsschrift. I +happen to possess them, and send them to you, although I do not +quite see of what use they can be to you. My book "Oper und +Drama," in which I certainly express myself in a decisive, firm, +and detailed manner, is passing through the press very slowly, +and will probably not be ready before two months. Out of this +book I have, by special desire, communicated some articles about +modern dramatic poetry to the Monatsschrift, but am now sorry for +it, for, torn out of their context, they are not particularly +clear. I send them to you all the same, although I should almost +like to ask you to ignore them. As you will not get the +Monatsschrift, because it will be discontinued, I send you +another number with an article entitled "Wir," by Solger; it is +written so prettily that I should almost like you to read it. So +many stupid things have appeared in that Monatsschrift that the +detached good bits really deserve attention. As to Heine's stupid +joke you will probably not be in need of comfort. Lord, how +delighted I am with my "Young Siegfried"; he will deliver me once +for all from all literature and journalism. This month I require +fully to recover my health in order to rush at the music next +month. The copy of the poem I shall send you by Uhlig, if not +sooner. + +May the god who dwells in both of us keep you healthy and happy. +With pleasure I see from your letter that the Princess also is +recovering. I hope you will both get safely back to Weimar, which +is more and more becoming my real spiritual home. + +Farewell, and be greeted from the full heart of your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ENGE, ZURICH, July 11th, 1851. + + + +65. + +I am much obliged, dearest friend, for your sending me the +Monatsschrift of Kollatschek, which I had been unable to get +previously. As soon as I have read the articles which interest me +I shall return them to you, and perhaps you might send me the +numbers which contain the continuation of Uhlig's articles on +instrumental music. + +To my regret, I shall probably miss Uhlig's visit to Weymar, for +I shall not be able to leave here till between the 26th and 30th +of this month, and shall travel very slowly by Dusseldorf, +Cologne, Frankfort, to Weymar, which I shall not reach till about +the 10th of August. But in any case I shall go to see Uhlig at +Dresden in the course of the autumn, for I attach real value to +the continuance of my friendly relations with him, and I ask you +to assure him of this as well as of my sincere and loyal +sympathy. + +I send you today the letter of M. Philipront, of Brussels, and +the draft of my answer, by which you can regulate your subsequent +correspondence with those gentlemen. For many reasons, I ask you +specially not to give way on the two conditions of your +collaboration in the adjustment of the French words to the music +and of your presence at the general rehearsals, which I have +mentioned distinctly to M. Philipront as necessary, and without +which, entre nous, "Lohengrin" would run a great risk of being +abominably cut and slashed. + +I am delighted that you agree with my opinion about the +publication of the score of "Lohengrin." In this, as in other +matters, the Hartels have behaved with a tact and good taste for +which one ought to be truly thankful, and I feel convinced that +the scores of both "Siegfried" and "Lohengrin" will appear at +short intervals, and in the course of two years. But, all things +considered, I think it advisable to begin with the pianoforte +score of "Lohengrin", to be followed by the full score of +"Siegfried", and finally that of "Lohengrin", in 1853 or perhaps +sooner. + +If Uhlig leaves you before the end of the month, he might inquire +at Buckeburg whether I have left Eilsen, for he is obliged to +pass through Buckeburg if he takes the railway from Cologne or +Dusseldorf, which will be the shortest route to return to +Dresden. I have written this to him in my last letter, which +should have reached him. I should like very much to see him here, +and you will oblige me by giving him a pressing invitation on my +account. What has become of your disciple Ritter? Remember me to +him when you see him. The manuscript of "Wiland", which is still +locked up in a chest at Weymar, will be sent on demand to Uhlig +immediately after my return there. + +The Princess, who, God be thanked, has been perceptibly better +these last days, charges me with her admiration for you, to which +I add only the simple expression of my friendship and true +devotion. + +F. L. + +Draft of my answer to M. Philipront, which, I hope, will draw the +question of the "Lohengrin" performance at Brussels out of +confusion:-- + +"Sir,--As your letter of July 6th did not find me at Weymar, you +will kindly excuse the delay of my answer. When Herr Wagner +informed me of the proposal of M. Hanssens to perform "Lohengrin" +at the Brussels theatre and asked my opinion of the matter, I +advised him to thank M. Hanssens for the hospitality he had +offered to that beautiful work and to accept it on two +conditions, which seem to me indispensable for its full success. +They are that the author should collaborate in the adjustment of +the French words to the music, and that the last two rehearsals +should take place in his presence. "Lohengrin" belongs by no +means to the ordinary run of operas, but is in all respects an +exceptional and sublime work; and it would therefore, in my +opinion, be dangerous to attempt a performance which would not be +completely identified with the ideas and intentions of the poet- +composer. In another fortnight I shall have an opportunity of +sending you a copy of my pamphlet on "Lohengrin", which will +appear at the beginning of August (in French, Brockhaus, +Leipzig). If, after having read it, you continue in your +intention of giving "Lohengrin" at the Brussels theatre and of +rendering a double service to dramatic art and the author, you +can easily communicate direct with Herr Wagner as to the +arrangements for carrying out the two conditions made and +insisted upon by him. + +"I am, Sir, etc., + +"F. LISZT + +"EILSEN, July 16th + +"The theatre of Weymar not being able to part with its one copy +of the score of "Lohengrin", in consequence of the frequent +performances of that work, it is out of my power to send it to +you; but Herr Wagner will, no doubt, send you either the original +manuscript or a copy, specially made for Brussels. + +"The address of Herr Wagner is 'Abendstern, Enge, Zurich.'" + + + +66. + +DEAR LISZT, + +Two words only. You have understood "Lohengrin" aright; Stahr has +not. I withdraw my consent to his opinion; it was given in haste. +You will soon hear more from me, best of all men! + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +August 23rd, 1851 + + + +67. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +At last I am able to break my long silence. The contents of this +letter will show you with regard to how many and comparatively +important matters I had to come to a clear decision before I +could write to you in the definite manner which has now become +possible. + +My silence was to a large extent caused by my weak state of +health. For more than two months I have been using a water cure, +and during that time I found it quite impossible to write to you +at such length as I felt more and more every day that I ought to +do. A most cogent reason for writing to you arose to me from +reading your pamphlet on my two operas, which I received at the +hydropathic establishment. Your rare friendship for me, your +energetic love of my works, your restless zeal in making +propaganda for those works, and, before all, the splendid +enthusiasm, the spirit, the subtlety, and boldness with which +your zeal inspired you, moved me too deeply and powerfully to +allow me to express my gratitude in the excited state in which I +was. I had to leave this to a time when better health and a more +collected mind would make it possible for me to communicate with +you at greater length. I hope now to have got so far, and must +tell you first of all that the sacrifice of the most beautiful +affection which you have again offered me has moved me to the +heart and has made me very glad and happy. You have moved me most +deeply in all those parts where you had come to a perfect +agreement with me, for the reason that this agreement was not a +ready-made thing, but a discovery new to both of us. Most +specially were my attention, sympathy, and eagerness awakened +when I saw my original intention newly reflected in the mirror of +your individual conception; for here I was able to realize fully +the impression I had been fortunate enough to produce on your +fertile artistic receptivity. + +What you have been to me I tried recently to explain in a public +manner, and having to write for publicity, I did so as soberly as +possible, limiting myself entirely to the facts of our relations +which I wanted to explain to those who perhaps could not +understand such a friendship nowadays. I did this, being +irresistibly impelled by my heart, in a "Mittheilung an meine +Freunde," which I prefixed as an introduction to my three +operatic poems. In the same place I stated plainly that I had +despaired of ever again undertaking an artistic task, and that to +you and your active sympathy it was solely due if I once more had +gathered sufficient courage and energy for an artistic +enterprise, which I should dedicate to you and to those of my +friends comprised in "the local idea: Weimar." The timidity of +Messrs. Hartel, the publishers of the book, has taken exception +to certain passages in that preface to which I did not wish to +have any demonstrative intention attributed, and which I might +have expressed just as well in a different way; and the +appearance of the book has in consequence been much retarded, to +my great annoyance, for special reasons. + +For the public declaration as to the intended destiny of my next +dramatic work would, owing to my latest resolution, require an +essential modification if it were to be quite in accordance with +actual circumstances. But, although the preface, written at the +beginning of last August, appears in the present circumstances +too late, the aforesaid declaration will be given to the public +without any change; and if I cannot fulfill the promise given in +it in the manner there stated, it may at least serve you and my +Weimar friends as a proof of the genuine sincerity of the +intention then held by me. I should also be glad to think that in +that public declaration I have furnished a sign of my gratitude +for the sympathy they have shown to me, even if, as I said +before, I cannot prove that gratitude in the exact manner there +promised. + +To you, my dear Liszt, I am now compelled to confess that my +resolution of writing a new opera for Weimar has been so +essentially modified as scarcely to exist any longer in that +form. + +Hear then the strictly veracious account of the artistic +enterprise in which I have been engaged for some time, and the +turn it had of necessity to take. + +In the autumn of 1848 I sketched for the first time the complete +myth of the "Nibelungen", such as it henceforth belongs to me as +my poetic property. My next attempt at dramatizing the chief +catastrophe of that great action for our theatre was "Siegfried's +Death". After much wavering I was at last, in the autumn of 1850, +on the point of sketching the musical execution of this drama, +when again the obvious impossibility of having it adequately +performed anywhere prevented me in the first instance from +beginning the work. To get rid of this desperate mood, I wrote +the book "Oper und Drama." Last spring your article on +"Lohengrin" inspired me to such a degree that for your sake I +resumed the execution of a drama quickly and joyously; this I +wrote to you at the time: but "Siegfried's Death"--that, I knew +for certain, was in the first instance impossible. I found that I +should have to prepare it by another drama, and therefore took up +the long-cherished idea of making the young Siegfried the subject +of a poem. In it everything that in "Siegfried's Death" was +either narrated or more or less taken for granted was to be shown +in bold and vivid outline by means of actual representation. This +poem was soon sketched and completed. When I was going to send it +to you, I for the first time felt a peculiar anxiety. It seemed +as if I could not possibly send it to you without explanation, as +if I had many things to tell you, partly as to the manner of +representation and partly as to the necessary comprehension of +the poem itself. In the first instance it occurred to me that I +still had many and various things to communicate previous to my +coming before my friends with this poem. It was for that reason +that I wrote the long preface to my three earlier operatic poems, +of which mention has already been made. After this I was going to +begin the composition, and found, to my joy, that the music +adapted itself to these verses quite naturally and easily, as of +its own accord. But the very commencement of the work reminded me +that I should ruin my health entirely if I did not take care of +it thoroughly before yielding to my impulse and finishing the +work at a stretch and probably without interruption. When I went +to the hydropathic establishment, I felt compelled at last to +send you the poem; but, strangely enough, something always seemed +to restrain me. I was led to hesitate, because I felt as if your +acquaintance with this poem would place you in a certain awkward +position, as if you would not exactly know what to make of it, +whether to receive it with hope or diffidence. At last, on mature +consideration, my plan in its logical sequence became clear to +me. Listen to me:-- + +This "Young Siegfried" also is no more than a fragment, and as a +separate entity it cannot produce its proper and sure impression +until it occupies its necessary place in a complete whole, a +place which I now assign to it, together with "Siegfried's +Death," in my newly designed plan. In these two dramas a number +of necessary relations were left to the narrative or even to the +sagacity of the hearer. Everything that gave to the action and +the character of these two dramas their infinitely touching and +widely spreading significance had to be omitted in the +representation, and could be communicated to the mind alone. But, +according to my inmost conviction since formed, a work of art, +and especially a drama, can have its true effect only when the +poetic intention in all its more important motives speaks fully +to the senses, and I cannot and dare not sin against this truth +which I have recognized. I am compelled therefore to communicate +my entire myth in its deepest and widest significance with the +greatest artistic precision, so as to be fully understood. +Nothing in it must in any sense be left to be supplied by thought +or reflection; the unsophisticated human mind must be enabled by +its artistic receptivity to comprehend the whole, because by that +means only may the most detached parts be rightly understood. + +Two principal motives of my myth therefore remain to be +represented, both of which are hinted at in "Young Siegfried", +the first in the long narrative of Brynhild after her awakening +(Act III.), the second in the scene between Alberich and the +Wanderer in the second act and between the Wanderer and Mime in +the first. That to this I was led not only by artistic +reflection, but by the splendid and, for the purpose of +representation, extremely rich material of these motives, you +will readily understand when you consider the subject more +closely. Think then of the wondrously fatal love of Siegmund and +Siegelinde, of Wotan in his deep, mysterious relation to that +love, in his dispute with Fricka, in his terrible self-contention +when, for the sake of custom, he decrees the death of Siegmund, +finally of the glorious Valkyrie Brynhild, as, divining the +innermost thought of Wotan, she disobeys the god, and is punished +by him; consider this wealth of motive indicated in the scene +between the Wanderer and the Wala, and at greater length in the +above-mentioned tale of Brynhild, as the material of a drama +which precedes the two Siegfrieds; and you will understand that +it was not reflection, but rather enthusiasm, which inspired my +latest plan. + +That plan extends to three dramas: (l) "The Valkyrie"; (2) "Young +Siegfried"; (3) "Siegfried's Death". In order to give everything +completely, these three dramas must be preceded by a grand +introductory play: "The Rape of the Rhinegold". The object is the +complete representation of everything in regard to this rape: the +origin of the Nibelung treasure, the possession of that treasure +by Wotan, and the curse of Alberich, which in "Young Siegfried" +occur in the form of a narrative. By the distinctness of +representation which is thus made possible, and which at the same +time does away with everything of the nature of a lengthy +narration, or at least condenses it in a few pregnant moments, I +gain sufficient space to intensify the wealth of relations, while +in the previous semi-epical mode of treatment I was compelled to +cut down and enfeeble all this. I mention only one thing:-- + +Alberich ascends from the depth of the earth to the three +daughters of the Rhine; he persecutes them with his loathsome +wooing; rejected by one, he turns to the other; laughing and +teasing, they all refuse the gnome. Then the Rhinegold begins to +glow; Alberich is attracted; he inquires as to its meaning; the +girls tell him that they use it as a bright plaything, and that +its splendour lights up the depth of the waves with blissful +glow, but that he might work many wonders, might gain power and +strength, wealth and dominion, through means of the gold, who +could weld it to a ring. But only he who renounces love can do +this. They tell him that to prevent any one from robbing the gold +they have been appointed its warders, for he who approaches them +would certainly not desire the gold; Alberich at least is not +likely to do this, as he is so much in love with them. Again they +laugh at him. Then the Nibelung grows furious, he robs the gold, +and takes it with him into the depths. + +But enough of these particulars. Let me tell you my plan for the +practical execution of the whole. + +Of a separation of the materials of this great whole I cannot +think without destroying my object at the outset. The entire +cycle of dramas must be represented in rapid sequence, and their +external embodiment can be thought of only in the following +favourable circumstances. The performance of my Nibelung dramas +will have to take place at a great festival, to be arranged +perhaps especially for the purpose of this performance. It will +have to extend over three consecutive days, the introductory +drama to be given on the previous evening. If a performance in +such circumstances has been accomplished, the whole may in the +first instance be repeated on another occasion, and after that +the single dramas, being complete in themselves, may be given +separately ad libitum; but in any case the impression of a +continuous performance must have gone before. + +Where and in what circumstances such a performance may become +possible I must not for the present consider, for first of all I +have to complete my great work, and that will take me at least +three years if I have any regard for my health. + +A fortunate turn in the affairs of my intimate friends the R. +family has had the effect that for that time and for the rest of +my life I may attend to my artistic creations quietly and +undisturbed by material cares. When once I have finished my great +work, means will, I hope, be found of having it performed +according to my design. If Weimar is still standing then, and if +your efforts at doing something fine there have been more +fortunate than at present, alas! seems likely, and more than +likely, we shall see how the matter can be managed. + +However bold, extraordinary, and perhaps fantastic my plan may +appear to you, be convinced that it is not the outgrowth of a +mere passing whim, but has been imposed upon me by the necessary +consequences of the essence and being of the subject which +occupies me wholly and impels me towards its complete execution. +To execute it according to my power as a poet and musician is the +only thing that stands before my eyes; anything else must not +trouble me for the present. Knowing your way of thinking, I do +not doubt for a moment that you will agree with me and encourage +my purpose, although it will frustrate for the moment your +flattering wish soon to produce another work of mine. + +After this I may confess that the definite alteration of my plan +relieves me of an almost painful difficulty: the difficulty of +having to demand the performance of "Young Siegfried" of the +Weimar theatre. Only now, together with this explanation, do I +send you the poem of "Young Siegfried" with a light heart, for I +know that now you will read it without the anxiety which the +thought of its completion and of its performance at the Weimar +theatre, such as it is and cannot help being, would necessarily +have caused in you. Let us have no illusions on this subject. +What you, and you alone, have done for me at Weimar, is +astonishing, and was all the more important for me, as without +you I should have been entirely forgotten. Instead of this you +have used all the means which you alone could have brought +together in drawing towards me the public attention of lovers of +art with such energy and such success that your efforts on behalf +of me and my reputation are the only thing which enables me even +to think of the execution of such plans as the one I have just +communicated to you. This I see with perfect clearness, and I +call you openly the creator of my actual position, which may +perhaps lead to great things in the future. + +I further ask, What expectations have you still of Weimar? With +sad candour I must tell you that, after all, I consider your +trouble about Weimar to be fruitless. Your experience is that as +soon as you turn your back the most perfect vulgarity springs +luxuriantly from the soil in which you had laboured to plant the +noblest things; you return, and have just ploughed up once more +half of the soil, when the tares begin to sprout even more +impertinently. Truly I watch you with sadness. On every side of +you I see the stupidity, the narrow-mindedness, the vulgarity, +and the empty vanity of jealous courtiers, who are only too sadly +justified in envying the success of genius. + +But enough of this disgusting matter. For my sake I care no +longer about it, for I have quite made up my mind as to it, but I +care about it for your sake. I hope you will arrive at my opinion +before it is too late for your good humour. + +It is quite touching to me to have in a manner to take leave of +our amiable Zigesar; I must write to him and at the same time pay +my debt to him. This last is one of the most painful features of +the explanation which will be necessary. + +You are aware that I had determined upon writing a new work for +you before the pecuniary arrangement between Zigesar and me was +made. That such an arrangement was made and was offered to me by +our friend with such obvious pleasure and satisfaction was of the +greatest value to me. + +This I have confessed to him candidly. It would appear almost +trivial, mean, and in a certain sense offensive on my part to +repay the sum already received on account of that agreement, for +it was given to me, not in order to place me under any +"obligation" towards you and Zigesar, but with the friendly +desire to relieve me as far as possible of domestic cares during +the composition of an opera. Nevertheless this agreement has +still another meaning, which appears all the more serious at this +moment because Zigesar has, temporarily at least, a successor in +the management of the theatre. Towards this successor I am simply +in the position of a debtor; and as I am not able to execute the +commission I had accepted, I am bound formally and materially to +dissolve a contract which cannot exist any longer. Fortunately I +am in a position not to cause you any disagreeable difficulty as +to this point. + +After all these explanations, I send you, my dear friend and +brother, the poem of my "Young Siegfried", such as I designed and +executed it when I still thought of its separate performance. In +connection with the other dramas it will naturally have to +undergo many alterations, and especially some beneficial +abbreviations in the narrative portion. Many things will strike +you in it, notably its great simplicity and the few characters +amongst whom the action is distributed; but if you think of this +piece as placed between the "Valkyrie" and "Siegfried's Death", +both of which dramas have a much more complicated action, you +will, I have little doubt, in accordance with my intention, +receive a peculiar and sympathetic impression from this forest +scene, with its youthful, fearless solitude. As I told you +before, I can now send you this poem willingly and without fear, +for you are no longer required to glance from it anxiously +towards your public. You need, for example, no longer trouble +about what will be thought of the "woman" by people who see in +"woman" only their own wives, or at the outside some girl, etc., +etc. From this anxiety also I know you to be free, and am glad +that I can disclose to you my artistic intention without fear of +a real misunderstanding. Could I but succeed in engaging your +favour and sympathy for my plan whenever and wherever it may be +accomplished! I firmly hope for a future realization, for there +is too much creative impulse in me not to nourish hope along with +it. My previous continual anxiety about my health has also now +been relieved by the conviction I have since gained of the all- +healing power of water and of nature's medicine; I am in the way +of becoming and, if I choose, of remaining a perfectly healthy +man. If you wretched people would only get a good digestion, you +would find that life suddenly assumes a very different appearance +from what you saw through the medium of your digestive troubles. +In fact, all our politics, diplomacy, ambition, impotence, +science, and, what is worst, our whole modern art, in which the +palate, at the expense of the stomach, is alone satisfied, +tickled, and flattered, until at last a corpse is unwittingly +galvanized--all this parasite growth of our actual existence has +no soil to thrive in but a ruined digestion. I wish that those +could and would understand me to whom I exclaim these almost +ridiculously sounding but terribly true words! + +But I notice that I am straying from one thing to another, and +therefore will conclude at last. I ask you fervently, my dear +Liszt, to write me soon and fully what you think of this letter +and parcel. May I always find in you the kind friend and +protector that you have been and are to me, and whom at all times +I shall embrace with grateful, fraternal love. + +Your deeply obliged + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ALBISBRUNN, November 20th, 1851. + +When you receive these lines, I shall be back in Zurich, where my +address will be "Zeltweg, Zurich." + + + +68. + +Your letter, my glorious friend, has given me great joy. You have +reached an extraordinary goal in your extraordinary way. The task +of developing to a dramatic trilogy and of setting to music the +Nibelung epic is worthy of you, and I have not the slightest +doubt as to the monumental success of your work. My sincerest +interest, my warmest sympathy, are so fully secured to you that +no further words are needed. The term of three years which you +give to yourself may bring many favourable changes in your +external circumstances. Perhaps, as some papers state, you will +soon return to Germany; perhaps by the time you finish your +"Siegfried" I shall have other resources at my disposal. Go on +then and do your work without care. Your programme should be the +same which the Chapter of Seville gave to its architect in +connection with the building of the cathedral: "Build us such a +temple that future generations will be obliged to say, 'The +Chapter was mad to undertake so extraordinary a thing.'" And yet +the cathedral is standing there at the present day. + +I enclose a letter from Herr von Zigesar, the contents of which I +know, but have by no means inspired. Zigesar is a sure, +excellent, sterling character, and you may always count upon his +friendship in that capacity. I hope that as soon as his painful +disease of the eyes will allow him he will resume the management, +probably by next spring. + +Your well-accounted-for and justified fears as to my Weymar +activity I pass by without reply; they will be proved or +disproved by facts during the few years that you dwell amongst +your Nibelungs. In any case I am prepared for better or worse, +and hope to continue quietly in my modest way. Raff has finished +a thick volume of preparatory studies for the composition of his +new Biblical opera "Simson" (pronounce Schimmeschon), The opera +itself will be finished next year. Cordial thanks, dear friend, +for sending me "Young Siegfried". Unfortunately I was last week +in such a turmoil of business that I could not find a quiet hour +to read the book. Can you let me keep it till Christmas? When +will your three dramas "Flying Dutchman", "Tannhauser", and +"Lohengrin" appear? Have you rewritten the preface? H. promised +it to me, but up till now I have received nothing. Have you +perhaps changed your publisher? Let me know about it on occasion +through B., who is writing to you at the same time with this. +Farewell, and live, if possible, in peace with the upper world +and with your lower stomach, to which in your letter you +attribute many things not quite pertaining to it. People may +think as they like, I cannot get rid of the definition "L'homme +est une intelligence servie par des organes," and that your +organs serve you excellently well is proved by your writing the +Nibelung trilogy with prologue. + +May the living God bless you and have you in His keeping! + +Your cordially devoted friend, + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, December 1st, 1851. + + + +69. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND, + +Today only a few lines of thanks for your last letter, which has +rejoiced me unspeakably. I showed it to every one who is in the +least near to me, and told them, "Behold, I have such a friend!" + +The full and unconditional approbation with which you receive my +new plan is the best proof to my mind that I have hit upon the +right thing. To be understood by you, and in the peculiar +circumstances, in an undertaking which, besides thwarting your +personal wish, can, on account of its unmeasured boldness, be +understood by almost no one but him who is impelled to it by +inward necessity--this, my dearest Liszt, makes me as happy as if +my plan had been successfully accomplished. To Herr von Zigesar +also I ask you to express my most cordial thanks for the very +kind manner in which he has received and replied to my last +communication. He has by that means laid me under a new +obligation, and I can only wish that I may be able to show my +gratitude. + +As far as I am concerned, I am still occupied in resting from the +finally somewhat powerful effect of my cure. I shall not +undertake much this winter, but shall get everything out of the +way, so that the whole poem may be ready by the beginning of +summer. + + +How could you think that I had sent you "Young Siegfried" only to +look at? The copy which you have has been made specially by me +for you, and I ask you to accept it, although it is not written +as beautifully as might be. One thing I must ask you to do for +me: send me your medallion, so that I may give it to myself as a +Christmas present. I had wanted a long time to ask you for this; +and now that, after a prolonged fugitive state, I begin to be a +little settled in my small but cheerful dwelling, I want you +amongst my Penates in one form or another. If you have a really +good portrait, I should like to have that too. You need not be +ashamed of hanging on my wall; at present I have there only +Beethoven, besides the Nibelung design by Cornelius. + +"Oper und Drama" has long been published, as you probably know. +The three operatic poems, with a communication to my friends, +will appear at the end of this month, together with the +pianoforte score of "Lohengrin." Please order a copy at once; you +are nearer to it than I. I bet that the preface will interest you +very much. The conclusion I have recently altered a little, but +in such a manner that everything referring to Weimar remains +unchanged. + +Farewell, dear friend, and let me very soon again hear from you. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH (ZELTWEG), December 14th, 1851. + + + +70. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I am very late in telling you how we have all been delighted and +enlivened by your splendid work. How can we thank you for it? How +can I more especially express my gratitude? B. and Br. have +written to you that the sixth performance of your "Lohengrin" has +been, comparatively speaking, a satisfactory one. What I wrote to +you at once after the very feeble and faulty first performance +has actually happened. The comprehension and interest of the +actors, together with those of the public, have increased with +every performance; and I feel convinced that the seventh +performance on Saturday, January 24th, will be even more +successful. Next season we shall without delay attack your +"Flying Dutchman," which, for local reasons explained to B., I +did not propose this winter. We shall then probably be able to +add and improve several things in regard to the scenery, etc., of +your "Lohengrin." You may firmly rely upon me for bringing your +works at Weymar more and more up to the mark, in the same measure +as our theatre in the course of time gets over divers economic +considerations, and effects the necessary improvements and +additions in chorus, orchestra, scenery, etc. Excuse my bad +German style; I am better at doing a thing than at writing about +it. + +Cordial thanks for your splendid gift of "Siegfried." I took the +liberty of arranging a recital of it for the Hereditary Grand +Duke and his wife at Zigesar's. Zigesar, who had previously read +your poem, is in a state of enthusiasm about it, and the small +circle of about fifteen persons whom he assembled on that evening +was selected exclusively from the most zealous Wagnerites--the +real creme de la creme. I am very curious as to how you are going +to execute the work musically, what proportions the movements +will have, etc. + +Go at it as soon as possible. Perhaps you will be able to +complete the whole work in less than three years. As regards the +performance, we shall manage to arrange it somewhere by strictly +observing your orders and indications. With all the genius of +your fancy, you are so eminently experienced and practical that +you will of a certainty write nothing unpractical. Difficulties +are necessary--in order to be overcome. If, as I do not suppose, +you should not be back in Germany by that time, I charge myself +with the whole thing, and shall only trouble you to give me an +exhaustive programme of all that you desire and expect in the +performance of this gigantic work. To that I shall strictly +adhere. Persons and things shall be provided somehow. But I look +forward to the pleasure of enjoying your Nibelung trilogy more +quietly from a stall or a seat in the balcony, and I invite you +for four consecutive days to supper after the performance at the +Hotel de Saxe, Dresden, or the Hotel de Russie, Berlin, in case +you are able to eat and drink after all your exertions. + +Of the conclusion of the preface to the three operatic poems I +say nothing. It has hit me in my heart of hearts, and I have shed +a manly tear over it. + +My portrait I shall send you through H.; the medallion I must +order from Paris, as there are only galvanoplastic copies in +Germany. + +The Princess has written a few words to you after the performance +of "Lohengrin," which I enclose. + +Farewell, and live as tranquilly as possible, my glorious friend. +Let me soon hear something of you. + +Your + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, January 15th, 1852. + + + +71. + +Just returned home, with my eyes still moistened by the tears +brought to them by the moving scenes of "Lohengrin," to whom +should my thought turn at this moment but to you, sir, with the +desire that you could have witnessed the effect produced by your +beautiful work, better understood as it is every day by +executants and spectators? I cannot tell you with how much zeal +the former endeavour to respond to the efforts of Liszt for the +worthy interpretation of your drama. Having been ill and absent +from Weymar for a year, I was this evening able to judge how +indefatigable Liszt has been in his instruction, recommenced +again and again, and becoming ever more fruitful. You would +certainly be satisfied with the progress they all make at each +new representation. + +Fraulein Fastlinger having left our theatre, Frau Knopp Fehringer +takes the part of Ortrud. The former having been generally +successful, both as a singer and an actress, opinions are divided +as to the latter; and you, as the creator of the part, can alone +decide which of them is really preferable. The former had the +undoubted advantage of eighteen years, a pretty face, a slim, +tall figure, which qualities, as they placed her in age and in +beauty near to Elsa, suggested the idea of secret rivalry between +woman and woman. One thought that she not only desired to win the +throne of Brabant, but was also jealous of Frederick and of the +charms of her from whom she had torn him away. The timidity +natural to so young an artist gave to her movements the restraint +which is characteristic of youth and of the instinct of a rival. +Frau Knopp has over Fraulein Fastlinger the advantage of +consummate and very impressive dramatic talent, but she is not +very beautiful, in spite of regular features, and not in her +first youth, besides which her figure is rather thickset. Her +action indicated every nuance with admirable eloquence; she +rendered the disdain, the hatred, the rage, which alternately +inspire her with gestures and pantomimic actions of such striking +reality that she might be compared to the greatest artists in the +most famous parts. But she could not be more than an ambitious +woman. Between her and Elsa the spectator's mind could not see +any comparison or rivalry, and this has no doubt put out many of +the audience without their being able to account for the reason, +for nothing could have been more admirable than the acting of +Frau Knopp, infinitely more energetic, more richly coloured, more +living, more certain, more bold, than that of Fraulein +Fastlinger. + +It is then for you, sir, to say whether in general it is better +to give the part to a young and beautiful artist, whose acting is +naturally less experienced and more subdued, or to a woman of +mature talent, who gives us an Ortrud less young, but more +inflamed and devoured by the secret flames of the hatred of one +who is vanquished and the revenge of one who is oppressed. As to +myself, I cannot say which of these two conceptions produces the +greater impression; the second has certainly something more +sombre, more inexorable, about it. One trembles in advance for +Elsa on seeing that such hands will fashion her destiny; one is +inclined to say that the premeditation of a whole life gives more +grandeur to the struggle between ambition and innocence. + +Pardon, sir, this long digression; it will show to you how much +your poetic conceptions occupy us here. I must not close these +lines without telling you how I have been touched by the manner +in which you speak of him whose glorious name I am soon to bear. +Who could fail to speak of his spirit, of his genius, of his +intelligence? But one must have a high-toned and delicate soul to +understand the infinite tenderness of his soul, which so few can +feel or divine. He will, no doubt, write to you soon. This +evening, after the close of the performance, he accompanied some +people who had come from Leipzig to hear your "Lohengrin". Good- +bye, dear sir. Permit me to thank you for all the rare pleasures +we owe to you by the contemplation of your beautiful works, and +accept the expression of my distinguished esteem. + +CAROLYNE. + +WEYMAR, January 4th, 1852. + + + +72. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +Accept my cordial thanks for your last kind letter, and for the +beautiful performance of "Lohengrin" which you have again +accomplished; according to all accounts, it must have realized my +wishes in a high degree. In such circumstances my longing +increases to enjoy my work, of which hitherto I have only felt +the pains of giving birth to it; and my grief at being condemned +to the fate of a blind and deaf man towards my own artistic +creations begins to have a more and more depressing effect upon +me. The existing impossibility of seeing and hearing my works +makes the inspiration for new creations so grievously difficult, +that I can only think with sorrow and with an unspeakably bitter +feeling of the execution of new works. I tell you this for the +sake of truth, and without accompanying my complaint by wishes +which, as no one knows better than I, must remain unfulfilled. + +As regards my "Nibelung" drama, you, my good, sympathetic friend, +regard my future in too rosy a light. I do not expect its +performance, not at least during my lifetime, and least of all at +Berlin or Dresden. These and similar large towns, with their +public, do not exist for me at all. As an audience I can only +imagine an assembly of friends who have come together for the +purpose of knowing my works somewhere or other, best of all in +some beautiful solitude, far from the smoke and pestilential +business odour of our town civilization. Such a solitude I might +find in Weimar, but certainly not in a larger city. If I now turn +to my great work, it is done for the purpose of seeking salvation +from my misery, forgetfulness of my life. I have no other aim, +and shall think myself happy when I am no longer conscious of my +existence. In such circumstances my only joy is to know at least +that I may benefit my friends by my art; in their sympathy with +my works lies the only enjoyment I find in them. For that reason +I am very pleased that you are thinking of performing the "Flying +Dutchman", and I hope that those who love me will reward you for +your trouble. As to the representation, and especially the +scenery, I shall come to an agreement with you in due time; in +Kassel it is said to have been not unsatisfactory, and some +communication with the scenic artist there as to the arrangement +of the ships, etc., would therefore seem desirable. Do not begin +the copying of the orchestral parts until I have sent to you from +here a copy of the score, in which, in accordance with my more +recent experiences of orchestral effect, I have revised the +instrumental parts. + +As regards "Tannhauser", I am glad to learn that you think of +complying with my wish to have it given in the form on which I +have fixed as the best. On that condition only a permanent +success of that opera at Weimar can be of interest to me. I had +not the slightest fault to find with you for thinking certain +omissions necessary when you first rehearsed "Tannhauser" at +Weimar. You did not do this because you objected to the omitted +parts, but because the artistic resources which were then at your +disposal filled you with natural diffidence. I know in particular +that in this manner arose the large cut in the finale of the +second act which displeased me so much when I attended the +rehearsal at Weimar. This is the scene where Elizabeth throws +herself in front of the knights to protect Tannhauser. In scenes +of this kind, before all others, my feeling for the perfect truth +and nature of things impels me to use all the means of art which +are within my grasp, and the grandeur of the situation can only +be rendered if not the slightest of its essential parts is +wanting. In this scene it is necessary that those who rush at +Tannhauser should not be driven away from him like children. +Their wrath, their fury, which impels them to the immediate +murder of the outlaw, should not be quelled in the turning of a +hand, but Elizabeth has to employ the highest force of despair to +quiet this roused sea of men, and finally to move their hearts to +pity. Only then both fury and love prove themselves to be true +and great; and just in the very gradual calming down of the +highest excitement, as represented in this scene, I discover my +greatest merit in the interest of dramatic truth. After you have +in "Lohengrin" solved much more difficult problems of +representation, it becomes--I tell you so openly, dear friend-- +your duty to give this scene completely, and I know that success +will reward you. It is the same with all other things. In +Tannhauser's narration (Act III.) the trombones in the +reminiscence of Rome cannot produce the right impression unless +this theme has before been heard completely and in fullest +splendour, as I give it in the instrumental introduction to the +last act, etc. I ask you therefore to adhere strictly to the full +score which I had sent to you from Dresden with all my marks; and +I will only add that the song of Tannhauser in the first act +should be sung in its entirety (the three verses): the real +climax, especially in its effect upon Venus, is otherwise totally +lost. + +Concerning the new conclusion of the last act, I was very angry +that it was not given at Weimar from the first, as I assumed at +the time that it would be. Even then I did not want a new public +to know the first version, which was caused by a misapprehension +on my part of the essence of the scene, as to which unfortunately +only the first performance at Dresden enlightened me. Nothing +that lies within the possibilities of representation on the stage +should be only thought or indicated, but everything should be +actually shown. The magical illumination of the Venusberg was, +however, no more than an indication; the magic event becomes +reality only if Venus herself appears and is heard. This is so +true that the afterthought of this situation brought me great +wealth of music; consider the scene with Venus in the last act, +and you will agree with me that the previous version stands to it +in the relation of an engraving to an oil picture. It is just the +same with the appearance of the body of Elizabeth. When +Tannhauser sinks down by the side of that body, and sighs, "Holy +Elizabeth, pray for me!" that is realized which was formerly only +indicated. + +As I said before, if the performance of "Tannhauser" in Weimar +cannot be a complete one, it loses all value for me, for in that +case I shall not have drawn the public up to me, but shall have +accommodated myself to the public, and that I do not care to do +any longer. + +Through B. I hear that the "Liebesmahl der Apostel" is on +occasion to be given at Weimar. I call your attention to the fact +that the orchestration of this work was designed for a vast space +(the Frauenkirche of Dresden) and for a chorus of a thousand men. +For a smaller room and a less numerous chorus the brass orchestra +should be reduced to the usual limits, and especially the four +trumpets should be reduced to two. That reduction will have no +great difficulties, and B., if I ask him, will be quite able to +perform the task well. + +To Princees Wittgenstein, who has delighted me with a very +friendly letter, I ask you to express my best thanks for her +kindness. The deep interest which she has again shown in my +"Lohengrin", particularly at the last representation, is of +priceless value to me. Her intelligent remarks on the character +of Ortrud attracted me especially, as well as the comparison she +makes between the efforts of the previous and the actual +representative of that part. To which side of the question I +incline your valued friend will recognize at once when I explain +to her my view of the character by simply saying that Ortrud is a +woman who does not know love. By this everything that is most +terrible is expressed. Politics are her essence. A political man +is repulsive, but a political woman is horrible. This horror I +had to represent. There is a kind of love in this woman, the love +of the past, of dead generations, the terribly insane love of +ancestral pride which finds its expression in the hatred of +everything living and actually existing. In man this love is +ludicrous, but in woman it is terrible, because a woman, with her +strong natural desire for love, must love something; and +ancestral pride, the longing after the past, turns in consequence +to murderous fanaticism. In history there are no more cruel +phenomena than political women. It is not therefore jealousy of +Elsa perhaps for the sake of Frederick which inspires Ortrud, but +her whole passion is revealed only in the scene of the second act +where, after Elsa's disappearance from the balcony, she rises +from the steps of the minster, and invokes her old, long- +forgotten gods. She is a reactionary person who thinks only of +the old and hates everything new in the most ferocious meaning of +the word; she would exterminate the world and nature to give new +life to her decayed gods. But this is not merely an obstinate, +morbid mood in Ortrud; her passion holds her with the full weight +of a misguided, undeveloped, objectless feminine desire for love: +for that reason she is terribly grand. No littleness of any kind +must occur in this representation; she must never appear simply +malicious or annoyed; every utterance of her irony, her +treachery, must transparently show the full force of the terrible +madness which can be satisfied alone by the destruction of others +or by her own destruction. + +She of the two actresses who approaches this intention most +nearly must therefore be thought the better of the two. + +Once more, dear friend, my best compliments to the Princess, and +my warmest thanks for her communication. Permit me to recall to +your memory the medallion I asked you for; it will give great +pleasure to me. + +Farewell, best of friends, and make me soon happy again by a few +lines from you. + +Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, January 30th, 1852. + + + +73. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I send you enclosed an explanation of my "Tannhauser" overture, +written for our public here, which, I have reason to hope, will +soon hear a very good performance of that composition. When I had +finished this programme, I read over once more what you have +written about this overture, and had again to give way to the +utmost astonishment. Herwegh has had the same experience with +regard to your work. Only he can fail to understand your style +who does not understand the music either; to see how you express +precisely and keenly in words the feelings which music alone can +evoke in us fills every one with delight who himself experiences +those feelings without finding words for them. This perusal, +which really filled me with astonishment, has once more roused in +me the wish, expressed to you some years ago, that you might +become your own poet. You have the necessary qualities as much as +any one. Write French or Italian verse; in that direction you +might produce something quite new and cause a great revolution. +Let me hear about this from you, dearest friend. + +Of my health B. probably gives you news occasionally; he writes +to me more frequently now, and I always reply to him. That B.'s +article about the S. has caused such a disastrous sensation +amongst you confirms my opinion of the deep decay of our artistic +and public conditions. + +One thing grieves me: that the Goethe foundation had applied to +the S.; and one thing pleases me: that her assistance came to +nothing, and that a complete breach with the spurious element was +thus effected. + +My letter to you about the Goethe foundation will, with your +permission, be published; many things are said in it which had to +be said at this moment, and which, if I had wished to say them in +a new and different form, would have withdrawn me again from my +artistic projects. I will have nothing more to do with +literature. As soon as the air grows a little warm and clear the +poem will be begun. + +Let me hear from you again. + +Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, March 4th, 1852. + + + +74. + +How are you, most excellent of men? It is too long since I heard +from you. The rehearsals of Cellini, many visits from abroad, +several pieces and transcriptions for the pianoforte, have much +occupied my time during the last month. Of the performance of +Berlioz's opera H. gives a most detailed account in Brendel's +paper. This much I may add: that the motives which made me select +this opera proved to be right and favourable to the further +progress of my work here. "Why Cellini at Weymar?" is a question +which I need not answer to the first comer, but the practical +solution of which will be such that we may be satisfied with it. +Perhaps you yourself did not at first look upon the thing in the +practical light in which it will appear to you later on. In any +case I believe that you will agree with me, unless you are +inclined to aim at thin air. I have just been positively informed +that you have handed in your petition for a free pardon at +Dresden. How is this? Write to me as to this point, in perfect +reliance on my discretion. I might possibly be of service to you +in the matter. + +A few days ago I saw here Madame B. D. She looks very well; and +her husband is a handsome, decent gentleman. Amongst other +things, she told me that she had been unable to understand the +part of your preface which referred to her, and that her husband, +after reading the passage several times, had remained in the same +state of ignorance. As to the rest, she speaks well of you, and +wishes very much to see "Lohengrin" here. Unfortunately Fraulein +Fastlinger has left for Dresden, and Frau Knopp is continually +ill, so that there is little hope of an immediate performance of +that opera, for which even those are longing who formerly were of +the opposition. Moreover, the deep court mourning in consequence +of the death of Duchess Bernhard leaves me little hope that a +performance of "Lohengrin" will be given by command. For next +season, in February at the latest, the "Flying Dutchman" is set +down. + +It would be a beautiful and gladsome thing if by that time you +were back in Germany. We should then sing your finale of +"Tannhauser", "Er kehrt zuruck," with seven times seventy-seven +throats and hearts. Have you any particular instructions for your +"Liebesmahl der Apostel"? I think of producing it here in the +course of the summer. At the next concert of the Gesangverein we +shall have your "Faust" overture. + +Farewell. Be as much as possible at peace with yourself and +others, and write soon to your cordial and devoted friend, + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, April 7th, 1852. + + + +75. + +My best thanks, dearest friend, for your last letter, which came +to me quite unexpectedly, for you have weaned me from expecting +letters from you, so seldom do you write to me. H. also has again +been owing me an answer some time. + +I feel so-so; the beautiful spring weather cheers me after a +somewhat dreary winter, and I shall begin my poem again. If I +lived in Naples, or Andalusia, or one of the Antilles, I should +write a great deal more poetry and music than in our grey, misty +climate, which disposes one only to abstraction. I am in the +midst of rehearsing my "Flying Dutchman". Some of my friends here +would not leave me in peace; having heard my "Tannhauser" +overture, they wanted absolutely to have a taste of one of my +operas. I allowed myself at last to be talked over, and am now +about to introduce to the imagination of my friends a travesty of +my opera, as closely resembling it as possible. Everything as +regards scenery and orchestra is done to help that resemblance; +the singers are not a bit better or worse than everywhere else; +so I shall find out what can be done by the best intentions and a +fabulous faith in me. So much I am confident in saying, that the +performance would not be uninteresting to you, and therefore I +invite you quite seriously, after receipt of this letter, to get +leave for a week, trust yourself to the railway, and visit me at +Zurich. The first performance takes place Wednesday, April 21st, +and between that and May 1st there will be two repetitions. Are +you no longer capable of this piece of folly? I am sure that you +can if you will, and you would rejoice in the joy which your +visit would give to me. Nothing else you could do in these days +would compensate you for it. Do come! To Germany I shall not +return; I have no hope and no wish for it. There are too few +people whom I should care to see again, and those few I should +like to see anywhere but in Germany. You, my dearest friend, for +example, I should like to see in Switzerland. Please contradict +most positively the rumour that I have pleaded for grace; if it +were to spread and to be seriously believed, I should feel +compelled to make a public declaration, which, for every reason, +I should like to avoid. + +Leave this matter alone; if the return to Germany were open to +me, I should certainly use it only to make perhaps an incognito +visit to you at Weimar. + +Apropos! Ernst was here, and gave concerts, and he told me that +the hope of seeing the "Flying Dutchman" had induced him to +remain in Switzerland till the end of this month. You would +therefore see him too. + +Bring the Hereditary Grand Duchess along with you. As you are +going to give the "Flying Dutchman" at Weimar, you would be +interested to see the scenic arrangements which I have made for a +small stage. + +What is this you have heard about me in connection with your +performance of "Cellini"? You seem to suppose that I am hostile +to it. Of this error I want you to get rid. I look upon your +undertaking as a purely personal matter, inspired by your liking +for Berlioz; what a beast I should be if I were to criticize that +liking and that undertaking! If every one would follow the inner +voice of his heart as you do, or, better still, if every one had +a heart for such a voice as you have, things would soon be +changed. Here again I must rejoice in you. But where a pure +matter of the heart is submitted to speculative reason, I must +find that mistakes creep in which a third person can perceive. In +the consequences which, as I am told, you expect from the +performance of "Cellini", I cannot believe; that is all. But can +this my unbelief in any way modify my judgment of your action? +Not in the least. With my whole heart I say, you have acted +rightly, and I wish that I could say as much to many people. + +I am sorry that you have not produced "Lohengrin" again; you were +in the right swing with it this season. What a pity that only a +single performance should have been possible! This shows of what +use half a year may be. + +That Madame D. and her husband were unable to understand the +passage in my preface proves their exceedingly fine tact. This +was, no doubt, the best way for them of saving themselves a +painful impression, and I am glad that they were able to do this, +for it was really and truly far from my mind to annoy them. Ah, I +wish I could this summer make at last a beautiful journey, and +that I knew how to set about it! To this sigh only my own voice +replies as echo from the wall of leather which surrounds me. This +longing for a journey is so great in me that it has already +inspired me with thoughts of robbery and murder against +Rothschild and Co. We sedentary animals scarcely deserve to be +called men. How many things we might enjoy if we did not always +sacrifice them to that damnable "organ of sitting still." + +Alas! this "organ of sitting still" is the real lawgiver of all +civilized humanity. We are to sit or at best to stand, never to +walk, much less to run for once in a while. My hero is the "bold +runner Achilles." I would rather run to death than sit still and +get sick. That is your opinion also, is it not? and therefore I +may expect you for the Flying, not the lying-down, Dutchman. + +We shall see. Live gloriously and well! Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, April 13th, 1852. + + + +76. + +That I was unable to fly to your "Flying Dutchman" was not my +fault; how genuinely glad I should be to see you again, and what +beautiful enjoyment your splendid work would give me, I need not +tell you, most excellent friend. The news I received from various +sides as to the performances of the "Flying Dutchman" could not +but greatly please me. Next winter you shall have news of our +performance at Weymar, for we must not delay it any longer, and +hope that it will be a success on the part of the artists, for as +to the work itself there can be no question. Be kind enough to +let me have as soon as possible the exact alterations, additions, +and omissions you have made in the score, for I want to have the +copies made at once. Quite lately I again expressed the principle +that our first and greatest task in Weymar is to give the operas +of Wagner exactly selon le bon plaisir de l'auteur [according to +the good pleasure of the author]. With this you will, no doubt, +agree, and in consequence we shall, as before, be bound to give +"Lohengrin" without cut and to study the whole finale of the +second act of "Tannhauser," with the exception of the little cut +in the adagio. This will be done at our next representation. Send +me therefore the necessary instructions about the study of the +"Flying Dutchman," and be assured that I shall not deviate from +them by a hair's breadth. + +For your kind offer of the designs I thank you, and accept it +eagerly. Send them to me soon; we have here a very clever young +scene-painter and engineer, Herr Handel, late of the Hamburg +theatre, who will take every care to comply with your demands. I +have advised Baron von Beaulieu-Marconnay, the intendant, of the +impending arrival of your designs, and the honorarium (five louis +d'or) will be sent to you by the end of August. If you would +rather have this small sum at once, I will remit it by return. + +I have asked B. to tell you of the crime committed by me during +the visit of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia. "Tannhauser" had +been announced for the evening, when it was hoped that his +Majesty would visit the theatre. Knopp and Milde wereunable to +sing a note, and Frau von Milde also was hoarse. It was +impossible to give a whole opera, so I coolly took the first act +of "Tannhauser" as far as the end of the Pilgrims' Chorus, +closing in G major, then after a pause commenced again in G major +with the prelude to the third act of "Lohengrin," and so +continued with the whole act to the end of the duet, winding up +the performance with the overture "Carneval Romain" and the +second act of "Benvenuto Cellini," omitting the baritone air. + +Fraulein Fromann was present, and has probably written to you +about it. + +By the end of this month the Empress of Russia is expected, and +"Tannhauser" is again announced for the 31st. Beck takes the part +of "Tannhauser," and the entire finale of the second act will be +sung. The new close, however, must unfortunately wait till next +season, for a new scene is being painted for it, which cannot be +finished; everything else is ready and copied out. + +For next season we have Spohr's "Faust," with new recitatives, +and shall give Schumann's "Manfred" at the beginning of June. Of +the Ballenstedt Musical Festival, with the "Tannhauser" overture, +and the "Liebesmahl der Apostel," you have probably heard. + +Your "Faust" overture made a sensation, and went well. + +Farewell, and have a go at "Siegfried." + +Your + +F. L. + + + +77. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Today I write only a few hurried lines in order to avoid a +misunderstanding. Herr C. has made the sketches for the "Flying +Dutchman;" but, as I look at his work, it weighs heavily on my +heart that you are to pay five louis d'or for it, which, +according to my inmost conviction, it is not worth. (The man is +altogether extremely mediocre, and the only thing that attracted +my attention towards him was that he became acquainted with the +subject under my own extremely painstaking direction, and in +accordance with my most special intentions.) I have told him that +the management at Weimar had a good scene-painter, and that you +would only make occasional use of his sketches; if he would send +them to you, you could offer him no more than the small +remuneration of fifty francs. + +If he sends the sketches, please make Herr von Beaulieu +acquainted with this arrangement, so that he may reply to him in +the sense above indicated and send him the honorarium to his own +address. + +Pardon me, but I could not make up my mind to allow you to pay +five louis d'or for this trifle. About everything else I shall +write to you at greater length within the next few days. + +Farewell. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, May 25th, 1852 + + + +78. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +In addition to my last hurried lines, I write to you today a +little more comprehensively. First of all, I must thank you for +the news of the continued activity which you employ in the +propaganda of my works. Expressions of praise on that account I +omit once for all, for you are far above praise. Of the +performance of the "Faust" overture I had heard nothing beyond +your own brief notice. I cannot be angry with this composition, +although many detached things in it would not now flow from my +pen; especially the somewhat too plentiful brass is no longer to +my mind. If I knew that the Hartels would pay me a nice sum for +it, I should be almost inclined to publish the full score, +together with a pianoforte arrangement, which H. would have to +make; but I should like to be warmly persuaded to this, for on my +own account I do not care to propose such things. Am I really +going to figure at the next Musical Festival? People say that I +am a famous "made" man; if that is true, who is the maker? Do not +forget to add to the programme the explanation of the +"Tannhauser" overture which I wrote last winter for the Zurich +performance, and which I consider indispensable, because it gives +briefly a condensed picture of the poetic subject, which is +conceived in the overture quite differently from what it is in +the opera itself. (In that sense you are quite right in saying +that this overture is altogether a work by itself.) A copy of my +explanation you probably possess; if not, Uhlig has plenty. + +I really cannot understand why our numberless male choir +festivals, etc., have never yet produced the "Liebesmahl der +Apostel." But so many things are now to me inconceivable and yet +quite conceivable. In a large room, and with a strong chorus, you +may leave the instrumentation as it is; but I call your attention +to the fact that at Dresden I was compelled, after certain +important divisions of the composition, to have the key indicated +by two harps: the larger the chorus, the more inevitable is the +dropping of the pitch from time to time; but of this you would +probably have thought yourself. + +Concerning the (future) complete performance of "Tannhauser" I +have still many things on my heart, of which I do not find it +easy to unburden myself. First, certain minor matters. I do not +know exactly whether Walther von der Vogelweide in the contest of +the minstrels sang his song with you in the original B flat major +or in C major. There is here some inconsistency. I am aware that +B flat does not agree with the rest of the somewhat high-lying +part, and a singer who has the voice for the whole part cannot +make much effect in B flat, for which reason I was compelled at +Dresden to transpose the piece to C. But this C major is +altogether out of relation to the other songs of the singers' +contest, and more especially it destroys the transition to the +bright tone of the ensuing song of "Tannhauser," who, with his C +major, is supposed to go beyond Walther. Apart from this, the +song of Walther loses by means of this higher C major much of the +calm dignity which is its character. The dilemma can be solved +only by the part of Walther being sung by a low tenor and that of +Heinrich der Schreiber by a high tenor. The two parts therefore +must be rewritten, and in all the ensembles Walther should sing +the notes which in the score are assigned to Heinrich der +Schreiber, and vice versa. Only in the first finale Walther +retains all the solo passages. This is what I should like. I +further hope that you will give the scene between Venus and +Tannhauser in its entirety. The necessity of three verses of the +"Tannhauser" song I have, I believe, already pointed out to you. + +But now comes the principal thing; i.e., the great adagio of the +second finale. When at Dresden, after the first performance of +"Tannhauser," I made the cut in this adagio, I was in complete +despair, and in my heart cut every hope of "Tannhauser" as well, +because I saw that T. could not understand, and therefore much +less represent, the part. That I had to make this cut was to me +tantamount to abandoning altogether the purpose of making my +"Tannhauser" really understood. Kindly look at the omitted +passage, dearest friend, and realize what it contains. While +previously everything was grouped round Elizabeth, the +peacemaker, she being the centre, and all the others listening to +her and repeating what she said and sang, "Tannhauser" here +recognizes his terrible crime, and breaks down in the most +terrible repentance. When he once more finds words for his +emotion, which he can scarcely utter, because he lies on the +ground in a state of semi-consciousness, he suddenly becomes the +principal person, and the whole scene is grouped round him, just +as before it was round Elizabeth. All else is thrown into the +background, and in a manner only accompanies him as he sings:-- + +"Zum Heil den Sundigen zu fuhren, Die Gottgesandte nahte mir: +Doch ach! sie frevelnd zu beruhren Hob ich den Lasterblick zu +ihr! O! du, hoch uber diesen Erdengrunden, Die mir den Engel +meines Heil's gesandt: Erbarm' dich mein, der ach! so tief in +Sunden Schmachvoll des Himmels Mittlerin verkannt!" In this +stanza and in this song lies the whole significance of the +catastrophe of Tannhauser, and indeed of the whole essence of +Tannhauser; all that to me makes him a touching phenomenon is +expressed here alone. His grief, his sad pilgrimage of grace--all +this springs forth from the meaning of these lines; without +hearing them, and hearing them in this place, the spectator sees +in Tannhauser an inconceivable, arbitrary, wavering, miserable +creature. (The commencement of his tale in the last act comes too +late to make up for that which here must penetrate our mind like +a thunderstorm.) Not only the close of the second act, but the +entire third act, and in a sense the whole drama, receive their +true significance only when the centre of the whole drama, round +which it develops itself, as round its kernel, becomes perfectly +clear and lucid in that particular passage. And that passage, the +keynote of my whole work, I was compelled to cut at Dresden. + +This I declare: no representation of "Tannhauser" answers my +purpose if that passage has to be omitted. For its sake I will, +if need be, consent to the cut in the allegro of the finale, +which contains what is really the continuation of that passage--I +mean the place where Elizabeth takes up the B major theme as +canto fermo, while Tannhauser at the same time gives passionate +vent to his wild despair. If at some future time a performance of +this opera were wholly to satisfy me, Tannhauser would have to +sing this passage also in such a manner that it would not appear +long. + +You will ask me, "What are we to do? How can we expect a minor +singer to do what T. failed to accomplish?" I reply that T., in +spite of his voice, failed to accomplish many things that were +not beyond much less gifted singers. At the Tannhauser rehearsal +which I attended at Weimar the invalided Gotze brought out +passages and interpreted intentions in respect of which T. +remained my debtor. This latter has nothing but either brilliancy +or tenderness in his voice; not a single true accent of sorrow. +The singer of the "Flying Dutchman" here did a great deal more +than those at Dresden and Berlin, although they had better +voices. Try what you can do with Herr Beck, and explain to him +what is the important part. Only in case this passage comes out +well the Weimar public will see what the whole is about. (I add a +technical remark: If the singer in this passage is quite sure, +let him take the tempo freely; all the others must go with him: +he rules alone.) + +If a performance of Tannhauser were to be quite perfect, the last +finale of the opera would have to be given as it stands in the +new edition of the pianoforte score, including the song of the +younger pilgrims. Your score of the Flying Dutchman you can send +to Uhlig, who possesses a newly revised score, and will arrange +yours in strict accordance with it. + +When the time for the rehearsals comes, I will let you have some +further details. For the present I shall be satisfied if the +parts are copied in accordance with Uhlig's score and if the +scenery is painted after the sketches which I hope C. will send +you. + + +The "Flying Dutchman" has made an indescribable impression here. +Philistines who never go to a theatre or concert attended each of +the four performances in one week, and are supposed to have gone +mad. With the women I have made a great hit. The pianoforte +scores sell by the half-dozen. I am now in the country, and feel +tolerably cheerful. My work also pleases me again; my Nibelung +tetralogy is completely designed, and in a few months the verse +also will be finished. After that I shall be wholly and entirely +a "music-maker," for this work will be my last poem, and a +litterateur I hope I shall never be again. Then I shall have +nothing but plans for performances in my head; no more writing, +only performing. I hope you will help me. + +Are you going to make a trip this year? How about the rendezvous +which you made me look for as long ago as last summer? Are we +never to meet again? + +H. also ought to write to me again. Is he so busy with his +compositions? Of the Imperial Russian "Tannhauser"-"Lohengrin"- +"Cellini" theatre bill he told me nothing. + +Are you going to have "Tannhauser" the day after tomorrow? Good +luck to you! Make my compliments to the sovereign lady of all the +Russias. I hope she will send me an order, or at least traveling +money for Italy, where I should like to roam beyond anything. +Tell her so. I hear those people throw plenty of ducats out of +window just now. I am sorry to think that you will not be able to +manage "Lohengrin" for such a long time; the pause is too long. +As a punishment I shall dedicate the score to you when it appears +in print. I do not ask you whether you accept the dedication or +not, for punishment there must be. I must ask you to send me the +score of my "Faust" overture; I do not possess a copy. + +Farewell, and be greeted with all my heart. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. ZURICH, May 29th, 1852. + + + +79. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I have a favour to ask. + +I am hard at work and eager to finish the poem of my "Valkyrie" +in a fortnight. Some recreation after that will be a necessity; I +want the change of traveling, and should especially dislike to +finish my last poetic work, the great introductory play, here, +where the monotony of my accustomed surroundings oppresses me, +and where troublesome visitors put me generally in a bad temper. +I want to go to the Alps, and should like at least to have a +taste of the frontier of Italy, and to make a short sojourn +there. Such extravagances I cannot afford from my ordinary +income. For next winter I expect some extraordinary incomings +("Tannhauser" at Leipzig and presumably at Breslau). But, before +all, I reckon upon the money which you will get me for the +"Flying Dutchman" at Weimar. This latter I may calculate at +something like twenty to twenty-five louis d'or. Could you get +any one to advance me that sum? + +Unless Zigesar is again at the head of affairs, I should think it +inadvisable to apply to the theatrical exchequer for this advance +of honorarium, but perhaps some benevolent private person might +be found who would not refuse to disburse this sum for me. You +would at the same time furnish the best guarantee that the money +would really be forthcoming, for your zeal secures the +performance of the "Flying Dutchman" at Weimar during the winter. +This advance would give me great satisfaction, but I should want +the money by the end of June at the latest. Kindly see how you +can arrange this. + +My "Valkyrie" (first drama) turns out terribly beautiful. I hope +to submit to you the whole poem of the tetralogy before the end +of the summer. The music will be easily and quickly done, for it +is only the execution of something practically ready. + +Farewell, and let me soon have news of you. Did the Imperial +Russian "Tannhauser" come off? You are in the midst of great +Musical Festival troubles, are you not? Much luck and joy to it! + +Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +June 16th, 1852 + +Do you know anything about "Tannhauser" being contemplated for +Munich next autumn? I know nothing. It would be nice of Herr +Dingelstedt to think of such a thing. + + + +80. + +Herewith I send you a bill for one hundred thalers, and cordially +wish you good luck and a good mood, fine weather externally and +internally, for your Alpine trip. Let all be well with you, my +glorious friend, and proceed bravely with the completion of your +tetralogy. When do you think it will be ready? Is there a +possibility of thinking of its performance in the months of +August and September, 1854? Do not allow other undertakings or +claims to detract or detain you from this great enterprise, the +task of your life. + +For the dedication of "Lohengrin" I thank you most cordially; I +am delighted with it. + +The "Flying Dutchman" will most certainly be performed here next +February. Send me the designs soon, so that all may be prepared +in good time. Zigesar will probably resume the management before +long, at which I am very glad. + +Beaulieu has taken leave officially, and is gone to Kreuznach. + +The "Liebesmahl der Apostel" was satisfactorily given by the +Pauliner choir of Leipzig, under the direction of its conductor, +Langer. I was truly delighted with it, and mean to repeat the +splendid work as soon as there is a good opportunity. Although +external success and a certain (very uncertain) pleasing quality +are a secondary consideration with me in the case of works which +are decidedly above the public, it was agreeable all the same to +see that success and that pleasing quality as fully confirmed as +one could have desired. + +The chorus was not very numerous (about a hundred and twenty), +but well balanced, and the whole sounded beautifully. Milde and +his wife sang the duet from the "Flying Dutchman", which was much +applauded, and the "Tannhauser" overture went splendidly, and was +repeated by desire at the close of the Musical Festival on the +second day. The orchestra and the public were unanimous in their +enthusiasm, as indeed must be the case wherever the performance +is adequate. + +Long accounts of the Musical Festival you will find in Brendel's +"Neue Zeitschrift" (Brendel himself was at Ballenstedt), the +"Signale", "Rheinische Musikzeitung", and "Berlin Echo". + +Your + +F. LISZT + +June 26th, 1852 + +Perhaps you can spare a few minutes before starting on your +journey to write a few friendly lines to Langer about the +performance of the "Liebesmahl" at Ballenstedt. He has behaved as +excellently as might have been expected, and the chorus of +students is splendid. Without it the performance would have been +impossible, because the other singers were only just sufficient +to strengthen the chorus. Send your letter to Brendel, who will +give it to Langer, and let me have without delay the designs for +the "Flying Dutchman". + + + +81. + +Cordial thanks, best of friends, for sending me the money, in +connection with which I am troubled by one thing only: you do not +tell me that the hundred thalers have been advanced on account of +the honorarium for the "Flying Dutchman". I asked for the sum on +that understanding, and no other, and only if I may assume that +no one has been inconvenienced in this manner will it give me +pleasure to spend the money on a trip of recreation. That trip, +on which I start tomorrow, has come just in time; uninterrupted +work has again strongly affected me, and the nerves of my brain +are so overwrought that even these few lines put me in a state of +violent excitement, wherefore I must ask you not to be angry if I +make them very short. I feel that I am still capable of doing +good things, but only by keeping very strict diet, and especially +by frequently interrupting my work and entirely diverting my +thoughts before going on again. The "Valkyrie", the poem of which +I finished on July lst, I wrote in four weeks; if I had spent +eight weeks over it, I should now feel better. In future I must +adopt this course, and cannot therefore fix a term for the +completion of the whole, although I have reason to suppose that +the music will not give me much trouble. + +I am surprised that you ask me for the designs for the "Flying +Dutchman," because I have left the whole matter to the designer, +Herr C. This man, with whom I do not care to have any further +dealings, because he has a passion for borrowing from a poor +devil like me, wrote to me lately to say that he had applied by +letter to Weimar in this matter, but had as yet had no reply. If +you care to have the designs, all that is necessary will be for +the management to reply to C.'s letter, and I ask you therefore +to see that this is done. + +Uhlig will arrange the score for you as soon as he receives your +copy. + +A thousand thanks for all you have again done for my works +lately. I was not able to read the account of the Ballenstedt +Musical Festival with anything but deep emotion. I am sure that +by these performances you have again won many new friends for me, +and I have no doubt that if ever I come to the fore it will be +your doing. + +Farewell, and be happy! + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + + + +82. + +MOST GLORIOUS FRIEND, + +You have once more given me real, God-sent joy by your dedication +of "Lohengrin". Accept my most cordial, most fervent thanks in +return, and be convinced that it will be the task of my life to +be worthy of your friendship. The little that so far I have been +able to do for you and through you for the honour of art has +chiefly this merit: that it encourages me to do still better and +more decisive things for your works in the future. But what do +you mean by occupying yourself with the bad jokes which have been +circulating in a few newspapers, and by even accusing me of +having been the cause of them? The latter is quite impossible, +and H, has probably told you already that the manuscript of +"Siegfried" has not been out of his hands for months. Some time +ago I lent it, by your desire, to Fraulein Fromann alone, and the +reading that took place at Zigesar's at the beginning of last +year for the Hereditary Grand Duke cannot very well have +originated the bad joke in the "Kreuzzeitung". However, that joke +is quite harmless and insignificant, and I ask you urgently to +ignore totally this kind of gossip once for all. + +What can it matter to you whether people indulge their silliness +in connection with you and your works? You have other cats to +flog--"d'autres chats a fouetter," as the French proverb has it. +Do not therefore hesitate on your account or on my account to +publish the "Nibelung" tetralogy as soon as it is finished. +Hartel spoke to me about your letter in connection with this +affair about two months ago; and, in my opinion, you cannot do +better than give the poem to the public while you finish the +score. As to the definite performance of the three operas we must +have a good talk when the time comes. If in the worst case you +are not then back in Germany (and I need not tell you how I wish +that this worst case should not happen), I shall stir in every +possible way for the production of your work. You may rely on my +practical talents for that purpose and have implicit confidence +in me. If Weymar should prove too mean and poor, we shall try +somewhere else; and even if all our strings snap (which is not to +be expected), we may still go on playing if you give me full +power to organize an unheard of music or drama festival, or +whatever the thing may be called in any given place, and to +launch your "Nibelungen" there. + +You finish your score! and in the meantime let Hartel or some one +else publish the poem as a forerunner. + +How about the performance of "Tannhauser" at Berlin? I quite +approve of your exceptional demand of 1,000 thalers for the same +reasons which induced you to make that demand, and I thank you +cordially for the artistic confidence with regard to the +preparations which you have placed in me. Although a journey of +Berlin would in existing circumstances be somewhat inconvenient, +I am quite at your disposal, with the sole condition--which alone +would make my journey useful and serviceable to "Tannhauser"-- +that the Royal management asks me to come to Berlin by your +desire and to settle with that management and with the other +persons concerned the necessary preparations for the best +possible success of your work. In any other circumstances I +should be in an awkward and useless position at Berlin, without +achieving the slightest thing. If you consider the matter, you +will certainly agree with me, and see that this is the only way +in which I perhaps might be of use to you. + +As you know already, the "Flying Dutchman" is announced for the +next birthday of H.I.H. the Grand Duchess: February 16th, 1853. +Care will be taken that the opera is properly mounted. Zigesar is +full of enthusiasm for your genius, and will work with a will. +The corrected score has been sent at once to the copyists, and in +six weeks the work will be rehearsed comme il faut. + +The theatrical season begins with Verdi's "Hernani," after which +Spohr's "Faust," with new recitatives, will follow soon. By the +middle of November I expect Berlioz, whose "Cellini" (with a +considerable cut) must not be shelved, for, in spite of all the +stupid things that have been set going about it, "Cellini" is and +remains a remarkable and highly estimable work. I am sure you +would like many things in it. + +Raff has made great changes in the instrumentation and +arrangement of his "Alfred," and probably the opera in its new +form will have better effect even than before, although the three +or four first performances were much applauded. Altogether I look +upon this opera as the ablest work that has been written by a +German composer these ten years. You of course are not included; +you stand alone, and can be compared with no one but yourself. + +I am very glad you have taken this trip. The glaciers are +splendid fellows, and in the years of my youth I, too, had struck +up a friendship with them. The tour round Mont Blanc I recommend +you for next year; I made it partly in the year 1835, but my +traveling companion was soon fatigued, and fatigued me still +more. + +Farewell. Be at peace with yourself, and soon publish your +"Nibelung" poem, in order to prepare the public and put it in the +proper mood. Leave all manner of "Grenzboten", "Wohlbekannte", +"Kreuzseitungen", and "Gazettes Musicales" on one side, and do +not bother yourself with these miserable scribblings. Rather +drink a good bottle of wine, and work onwards, up to eternal, +immortal life. + +Your cordially grateful and truly devoted + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, August 23rd, 1852 + + + +83. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +A thousand thanks for your last letter. Unfortunately I cannot +reply to it as I should like to do; the nerves of my brain are +once more in a state of great suffering, and for some time I +ought to give up all writing and reading, I might say all mental +existence. Even the shortest letter wearies me terribly, and only +the most perfect quiet (where and how shall I find that?) may or +might restore me. But I do not wish to complain, only to explain +to you why it is that today I must limit my communication to +stating briefly what is absolutely necessary. Do not be angry +with me for not writing with that joyful expansion which is +intended to make up for the impossibility of personal +intercourse. As to Berlin nothing is settled yet. Hulsen +considered my demand as a vote of want of confidence in his +personal intentions, and this error I had to dispel by laying my +most perfect confidence as a weight on his conscience. All I want +him to do now is to acknowledge in a few words that he perfectly +understands my difficult position with regard to "Tannhauser" at +Berlin, and that he undertakes the performance with the desire of +conquering that difficult position. The whole subject of +honoraria I leave to him. One thing has recently calmed my +anxiety: I have written tolerably comprehensive instructions for +the performance of "Tannhauser", and have had them printed as a +pamphlet and sent a sufficient number of copies to the theatres +which had bought the score. I hope this will be of use. I send +you herewith half-a-dozen copies. There will not be much that is +new to you in the pamphlet, because I have discussed most things +with you by letter; still it might be useful to you, because it +will materially assist you in your purpose of restudying +"Tannhauser" if you will give it to the stage-manager and the +singers. This therefore I would ask you to do. The work has been +a perfect torture to me. This eternal communication by letter and +in print is terrible to me, especially when it is about things +the significance of which has for a long time lain far behind me. +In fact, if I still trouble myself about these earlier operas, it +is only from the necessity of circumstances, not from any desire +to hark back. This leads me to Berlioz and Raff. Candidly +speaking, I am sorry to hear that Berlioz thinks of recasting his +"Cellini". If I am not mistaken, this work is more than twelve +years old. Has not Berlioz developed in the meantime so that he +might do something quite different? It shows poor confidence in +himself to have to return to this earlier work. B. has shown +quite correctly where the failure of "Cellini" lies, viz., in the +poem and in the unnatural position in which the musician was +forcibly placed by being expected to disguise by purely musical +intentions a want which the poet alone could have made good. + +This "Cellini" Berlioz will never put on its legs. But which of +the two after all is of more importance, "Cellini" or Berlioz? +Leave the former alone, and help the second. To me there is +something horrible in witnessing this attempt at galvanizing and +resuscitating. For heaven's sake let Berlioz write a new opera; +it will be his greatest misfortune if he fails to do this, for +only one thing can save him, the drama, and one thing must lead +him to ever deeper ruin, his obstinate avoidance of this sole +refuge: and in this latter he will be confirmed by occupying +himself again with an old attempt, in which he has been deserted +by the poet, for whose faults he will try once more to make up by +his music. + +Believe me, I love Berlioz, although he keeps apart from me in +his distrust and obstinacy; he does not know me, but I know him. +If I have expectations of any one, it is of Berlioz, but not in +the direction in which he has arrived at the absurdities of his +"Faust". If he proceeds further in that direction, he must become +perfectly ridiculous. If ever a musician wanted the poet, it is +Berlioz, and his misfortune is that he always prepares this poet +for himself, according to his musical whim, arbitrarily handling +now Shakespeare, now Goethe. He wants a poet who would completely +penetrate him, who would conquer him by delight, who would be to +him what man is to woman. I see with dismay that this exceedingly +gifted artist is perishing in his egotistic solitude. Can I save +him? + +You do not want to have "Wiland." I believe it to be a beautiful +poem, but am no longer able to execute it for myself. Will you +offer it to Berlioz? Perhaps Henri Blaze would be the man to +treat it in French. + +How about Raff? I thought he was writing a new work, but no; he +is remodeling an old one. Is there no LIFE in these people? Out +of what can the artist create if he does not create out of life, +and how can this life contain an artistically productive essence +unless it impels the artist continually to creations which +correspond to life? Is this artificial remodeling of old motives +of life real artistic creativeness? How about the source of all +art unless new things flow forth from it irresistibly, unless it +is wholly absorbed in new creations? Oh, ye creatures of God, do +not think that this making is artistic creating. It betrays no +end of self-complacency, combined with poverty, if we try to prop +up these earlier attempts. If Raff's opera, as you tell me, has +pleased, he ought to be satisfied; in any case he had a better +reward than I had for my "Feen," which was never performed at +all, or for my "Liebesverbot," which had one abominable +performance, or for my "Rienzi," of the revival of which I think +so little that I should not permit it if it were contemplated +anywhere. About the "Dutchman," "Tannhauser," and "Lohengrin" I +trouble myself with disgust, and only for the reason that I know +that, on account of imperfect representations, they have never +been perfectly understood. If they had had their due anywhere, I +should care devilishly little about things that I have outlived. + +Good people, do something new, new, and once more new. If you +stick to the old, the devil of barrenness holds you in thrall, +and you are the most miserable of artists. + +Well, this is off my heart; he who charges me with insincerity +will have to answer Heaven; he who charges me with arrogance is +silly. + +I can write no more; do not be angry; my head is bursting. Only +let me say the warmest farewell that is in my heart. Love me as +before, and write soon to + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, September 8th, 1852 + + + +84. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +After my last letter you will think that I am quite mad. Lord +knows how I wrote myself into such a fury. Today follows +something very sober, a troublesome thing for you. + +Frau Rockel sent me the letter of her poor husband, without +giving me his address. I ask you therefore to forward her the +enclosed letter, also two parcels, which I have posted to you +today--(l) two little pamphlets; (2) a score of "Lohengrin"--both +meant for Rockel, and to be sent through his wife. H. was really +to have the score, but must resign it to the poor prisoner. He +must do this for the love of both of us, and Heaven will find him +another copy sooner or later. As I have once begun asking +favours, I go on. Be kind enough to send me two things:-- + +1. My "Faust" overture. I hope that, if you want it still, you +have had a copy made. I have a mind to rewrite it a little and to +publish it through H. Perhaps I shall get a little money for it. +B. must do the pianoforte arrangement, according to his promise +to me. + +2. My instructions as to the performance of "Lohengrin" which I +sent to you from Thun by letter in the summer of 1850. I want +particularly to have my beautiful designs of the scenery. I +intend to have new designs for the scenery, according to my +indications made by a Dresden friend or through his intercession, +so as to have them in readiness for such theatres as want to +undertake "Lohengrin" in future. If the Weimar management or any +other persons desire to keep my originals, they shall be +faithfully restored to its or their possession. + +Have I troubled you enough? When are you going to send me some of +your compositions? I see nothing of them here, and, in fact, +learn scarcely anything about music. Think of me occasionally. + +H. also is once again reticent. Uhlig complains of him and of a +hostile feeling on his part. What is the meaning of this? Let +each go his own way without snarling at the other who goes a +different way. + +Shall I soon hear from you again? How delighted I should be! + +Farewell, and think of me lovingly. + +Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, September 12th, 1852 + +The parcel will probably arrive a day after this. + +At Berlin things now tend towards the non-performance of +"Tannhauser." The performance has been postponed. As, according +to my calculation, it could not have been produced before the end +of January, and as my niece Johanna leaves Berlin at the end of +February, I was compelled to stipulate that ten performances of +the opera should be guaranteed for this winter. Otherwise there +was the danger that this opera too would have disappeared after +three or four performances, as was the case with the "Flying +Dutchman" and "Rienzi," which for that reason were cried down as +failures. If this guarantee is refused, I have given instructions +that the score shall be withdrawn. + + + +85. + +DEAREST AND BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Set my mind at rest by a few lines telling me that I did not +offend you some time ago. I live at such a distance from my +friends, that I always have a thousand anxieties, especially when +I do not receive news from them for long. Tell me, for heaven's +sake, have I written to you anything about Berlioz or Raff which +you might have misunderstood in the sense that I had something +against them? I have spoken as best I could from a distance; and, +especially with regard to Berlioz, my intentions are the best. +Therefore--a few lines, please! About Berlin everything is now +settled, but "Tannhauser" will not be fully rehearsed till about +December. Considering this delay of the matter, I do not want to +trouble Herr von Hullsen with new conditions just yet; but when +the time comes, I shall ask you to let me know once more whether +you can afford the sacrifice of going to Berlin. + +Belloni, as you know, is here; he has again talked much to me +about Paris, and, to my astonishment, I hear that you still have +plans of world-conquest for me in your head. You are +indefatigable indeed! To the translation of Tannhauser I have no +particular objection, especially as in Roger I might expect the +best Tannhauser that I could think of. In addition to this, +Johanna-I confess it would not be amiss. Herwegh also is doing +something for the Paris performance. He proposes to make a richly +coloured prose translation of the poem; however, I cannot yet +think seriously of it. + +My instructions as to the performance of Tannhauser have already +induced the Leipzig people to abandon the opera-a very modest +sign of acknowledgment of ill-will on their part. I am pleased to +hear, on the other hand, that Schindelmeisser in Wiesbaden, after +reading my pamphlet, has again begun the rehearsals from the +beginning. Did you like the pamphlet? As you think of studying +Tannhauser again, I assume that it will be useful to you for that +purpose with the stage-manager; the singers also may derive +excellent and much-needed service from it. But why has B. become +silent once more? + +Gradually my solitude here is becoming unbearable; and if I can +afford it, I shall go to Paris for the winter. How delighted I +should be to hear something from my Lohengrin played to me by a +good orchestra! Confess that I know how to bear much. + +My nerves are not in the best condition, but I have begun again +to work at my poem for an hour or so every day. I can find no +rest till it is ready, and I hope it will be soon. + +Farewell, best of all men. Let me hear from you soon, and before +all that you still love me. Farewell. + +Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, October 3rd, 1852 + +About the "Dutchman" I must write to you at length some day. Have +you forgotten the "Faust" overture and the designs for +"Lohengrin" for which I asked you? + + + +86. + +You are quite right, dearest friend, if you attribute the +weakness of Berlioz's mode of working to the poem, and my opinion +perfectly coincides with yours on this point; but you have been +erroneously led to believe that Berlioz is rewriting his +"Cellini." This is not the case; the question at issue is simply +as to a very considerable cut--nearly a whole tableau--which I +have proposed to Berlioz, and which he has approved of, so that +at the next performance "Cellini" will be given in three tableaux +instead of four. If it interests you, I will send you the new +libretto together with the old, and I think you will approve of +the change and of the combination of the two last tableaux in +one. I thank you cordially for your offer to let Berlioz have +"Wiland," and shall talk to him about it on the occasion of his +presence in Weymar. Unfortunately it must be feared that the +Parisians will not relish it, and Henri Blaze is in any case not +the man who could treat such a subject in a poetic manner and do +justice to it. Above all, dearest, best friend, do not imagine +that I could place a bad construction on any utterance of yours +about one man or the other. My sympathy for you and my admiration +of your divine genius are surely too earnest and genuine to let +me overlook their necessary consequences. You can and must not be +different from what you are; and such as you are, I esteem, +understand, and love you with my whole heart. + +Your "Faust" overture you will receive by today's post. A copy of +it exists here, and I shall probably give it again in the course +of this winter. The work is quite worthy of you; but if you will +allow me to make a remark, I must confess that I should like +either a second middle part (at letter E or F) or else a quieter +and more agreeably coloured treatment of the present middle +part:-- + +[score excerpt] + +The brass is a little too massive there, and--forgive my opinion- +-the motive in F is not satisfactory; it wants grace in a certain +sense, and is a kind of hybrid thing, neither fish nor flesh, +which stands in no proper relation or contrast to what has gone +before and what follows, and in consequence impedes the interest. +If instead of this you introduced a soft, tender, melodious part, +modulated a la Gretchen, I think I can assure you that your work +would gain very much. Think this over, and do not be angry in +case I have said something stupid. Lohengrin was given last night +in honour of the Prince and Princess of Prussia. The theatre was +again crowded, and Fraulein Fromann, who had been specially +invited by the Princess, has probably written to you about it. +Our further performances of Lohengrin and of "Tannhauser" will +greatly benefit by the influence of our new artistic director, +Herr Marr. I have given him your pamphlet about the performance +of Tannhauser, and we shall both do our best to satisfy your +demands. I am very glad you have published that pamphlet, and +advise you strongly to do the same thing for "Lohengrin" and the +"Flying Dutchman." I have not yet succeeded in discovering your +designs and instructions for "Lohengrin"; I gave them at the time +to Genast, and they made the round of the theatre here. If +possible, I shall send them to you, but I can make no definite +promise, for the rage for autographs may have gone so far that I +shall not be able to get them back again. + +Concerning Berlin, I repeat to you what I said before, viz.:- + +If you are convinced that I can be of service to the public and +still more to your works by my presence in Berlin, I am prepared +to perform this duty of art and of friendship. My efforts, +however, can lead to a good result only if Herr von Hulsen gives +me his perfect confidence and asks me to settle the necessary +steps for the rehearsals and performance of "Tannhauser." As +mouche du cache I cannot go to Berlin, and should in that +capacity be of little service to you. Your works, it is true, are +above success as at present understood, but I will bet ten to one +that "Tannhauser" or "Lohengrin," rehearsed and placed before the +public in a proper manner, will have the most decided success. +Wherever this does not happen the fault lies exclusively with the +inadequate performance. If, therefore, you wish to send me to +Berlin as your plenipotentiary, I am at your disposal, and give +you my word that the whole world, with the exception of envious +and inimical persons, who will be reduced to a small minority, +shall be content. But before I consent to this it is absolutely +necessary that Herr von Hiilsen should give me an invitation to +Berlin black on white, and also invest me with the powers which +my responsibility will make possible and desirable. In my +opinion, it behoves Berlin to find room for your three works +"Tannhauser," "Lohengrin," and the "Flying Dutchman," and I have +not the slightest doubt of a complete success if the thing is +managed properly. Herr von Hulsen will, no doubt, be of the same +opinion soon; but in the ordinary way and with the old theatrical +routine an extraordinary thing of this kind cannot be done. + +Send me soon your instructions for the "Flying Dutchman." I +should like you to write a few lines to Marr, so as to gain his +goodwill completely for your cause and to induce him to undertake +the stage-management of the "Flying Dutchman." Eduard Devrient +paid me a visit last month. We talked a great deal about you, and +I hope he will do something useful in Carlsruhe later on. + +You are good enough to ask for some of my compositions, but you +must allow me to delay this communication till we meet. I hope to +visit you, unless you visit Weymar next summer, and shall then +play many things to you. Of my orchestral pieces I might sooner +or later send you "Prometheus," but would rather not think of it +till I have done other things. Unfortunately I have been much +detained from working latterly, but I shall not tell you of my +pains and sorrows; you have more than enough of your own. Let us +stand bolt upright and trust in God. When shall I have your +poems? How long do you think that the four scores will +approximately occupy you? Can you expect to be ready by the end +of 1854? + +Of a Paris performance of "Tannhauser" we must not think for the +present; and extraordinary as is my confidence in your +extraordinary work (although personally like "Lohengrin" still +better), I cannot fail to take into account my experience of +operatic performances in Paris and to think that the +incompatibility of "Tannhauser" with the operatic tricks now in +vogue might interfere with its success. Germany, first of all, +must take the lead, for you have the advantage and the misfortune +of being an arch-German poet and composer. As far as I know your +works, I still think that "Rienzi" would be most adapted for a +French version, but do not vainly trouble your mind about it. +Write your "Nibelungen," and care about nothing else. All other +things will arrange themselves of their own accord when the time +comes. + +Farewell, and be as happy as I wish you to be with all my heart. + +Your + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, October 7th, 1852 + + + +87. + +MY DEAREST, BEST-BELOVED FRIEND, + +For your last letter, and especially for your remark about the +"Faust" overture (which has delighted me!), I owe you a regular +long letter, and must wait till I am in a good mood for it; for I +know that only in that case my answer can give you real pleasure. +Today I write you two hurried lines to say that I have accepted +your generous offer and, relying upon your kindness, have asked +Herr von Hulsen in a decided manner that you should be invited to +Berlin to take my place at the performance of "Tannhauser". I +have, I think, left nothing untried in order to induce Hulsen to +get over any possible difficulties in connection with his own +conductors there; I have made it a matter of personal feeling +between him and me, just as it is between you and me. I hope that +if Hulsen consents, his invitation will find you in a good and +favourable mood. I know how great this new sacrifice is which I +expect of you and how difficult you will find it to make but your +friendship makes me venture upon anything Hulsen, who probably +will not write to me himself, is to answer me through you; and +you also must tell me that you do it willingly for my sake. + +Of the great success of "Tannhauser" at Breslau you have probably +heard. + +But no more today. Weary as I am, I should only produce halting +things. + +Soon I shall write better and more. + +My best regards to H. Farewell, and do not lose your temper with + +Your old plague, + +RlCHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, October 13th, 1852 + + + +88. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +I have to write to you, and am so annoyed about what I have to +write to you that I would rather not take pen in hand any more. +Hulsen has declined; I enclose his letter. He has no notion of +what the matter is about, and it will never be possible to give +him a notion of it. This Hulsen is personally a well-disposed +man, but without any knowledge of the business under his care. He +treats with me about "Tannhauser" just as he might with Flotow +about "Martha." It is too disgusting. I see fully that I have +made a great mistake. From the beginning I ought to have made it +the first and sole condition that everything concerning the +performance of "Tannhauser" should be left wholly and entirely to +you. I can explain to myself how it happened that I did not hit +upon this simple method: The first news from Berlin about +"Tannhauser" only frightened me. I had no confidence in anything +there, and my instinct advised me to decline the thing +altogether. It is true that you occurred to me at once as my only +guarantee, but I had first to secure your consent to undertake +"Tannhauser" in Berlin. In order, as it were, to gain time, I +sent to Berlin the demand for 1,000 thalers, so as to keep them +going, and at the same time I applied to you, with the urgent, +impetuous question whether you would see to this matter. +Simultaneously with your answer in the affirmative I received +from Berlin the news of the delay and postponement of +"Tannhauser" till the new year. Being under the impression that +my niece would leave Berlin at the beginning of February, I +thought the "Tannhauser" performance would have to be given up +altogether, and instructed my brother to get the score back +unless Hulsen could guarantee me ten performances this winter. I +thought the matter ended, when I was told in reply that my niece +would stay till the end of May and that Hulsen would undertake to +announce the opera six times during the first month. Thus the +possibility of a performance of "Tannhauser" at Berlin, wholly +given up by me, was once more restored. + +From all the letters of Hulsen and my brother I could in the +meantime see perfectly well that these people were without any +understanding of what was to me essential and important in this +matter; that in all their views they were so totally incapable of +leaving the grooves of routine that I should have to fear they +would never understand my desire to invite you to Berlin. I +confess that I had some anxiety on the point, but at last I wrote +to Hulsen myself as clearly, warmly, cordially, and persuasively +as was in my power; I at once called his attention to the fact +that the hostility of the very insignificant Berlin conductors +would be as nothing compared with the favourable influence which +you would exercise on every side; in short, I wrote in such a +manner that I could not believe in the possibility of an +unfavourable answer. Read that answer, and take notice that I +have once more met with my usual fate: the fate of calling out to +the world with my whole soul and of having my calls echoed by +walls of leather. I am now discussing with myself what I shall +do. To give up everything and simply demand my score back--that +would be most agreeable to me. As yet I have not replied with a +line to either Hulsen or X. What do you think? Or shall I look on +indifferently, amuse myself when I can make a hundred thalers, +buy champagne, and turn my back upon the world? It is a misery. + +I am going from bad to worse every day, and lead an indescribably +worthless life. Of real enjoyment of life I know nothing; to me +"enjoyment of life, of love," is a matter of imagination, not of +experience. In this manner my heart has to go to my brain, and my +life becomes an artificial one; only as an "artist" I can live; +in the artist my whole "man" has been sunk. + +If I could visit you in Weimar and see a performance of my operas +now and then, I might perhaps still hope to recover. I should +there find an element of incitement, of attraction for my +artistic being; perhaps a word of love would meet me now and +then;--but here! Here I must perish in the very shortest space of +time, and everything--everything will come too late, too late! So +it will be. + +No news can give me pleasure any more; if I were vain and +ambitious, it would be all right; as I am, nothing "written" can +attract me. All this comes--too late! + +What shall I do? Shall I implore the King of Saxony, or perhaps +his ministers, for mercy, humble myself, and confess my +repentance? Who can expect that of me? + +You, my only one, the dearest whom I have, you who are to me +prince and world, everything together, have mercy on me. + +But calm! calm! I must write to you about the "Faust" overture. +You beautifully spotted the lie when I tried to make myself +believe that I had written an "Overture to 'Faust'." You have +felt quite justly what is wanting; the woman is wanting. Perhaps +you would at once understand my tone-poem if I called it "Faust +in Solitude". + +At that time I intended to write an entire "Faust" symphony; the +first movement, that which is ready, was this "solitary Faust," +longing, despairing, cursing. The "feminine" floats around him as +an object of his longing, but not in its divine reality, and it +is just this insufficient image of his longing which he destroys +in his despair. The second movement was to introduce Gretchen, +the woman. I had a theme for her, but it was only a theme. The +whole remained unfinished. I wrote my "Flying Dutchman" instead. +This is the whole explanation. If now, from a last remnant of +weakness and vanity, I hesitate to abandon this "Faust" work +altogether, I shall certainly have to remodel it, but only as +regards instrumental modulation. The theme which you desire I +cannot introduce; this would naturally involve an entirely new +composition, for which I have no inclination. If I publish it, I +shall give it its proper title, "Faust in Solitude", or "The +Solitary Faust", "a tone-poem for orchestra." + +My new poems for the two "Siegfrieds" I finished last week, but I +have still to rewrite the two earlier dramas, "Young Siegfried" +and "Siegfried's Death", as very considerable alterations have +become necessary. I shall not have finished entirely before the +end of the year. The complete title will be "The Ring of the +Nibelung", "a festival stage-play in three days and one previous +evening: previous evening, "The Rhinegold"; first day, "The +Valkyrie"; second day, "Young Siegfried"; third day, "Siegfried's +Death." What fate this poem, the poem of my life and of all that +I am and feel, will have I cannot as yet determine. So much, +however, is certain: that if Germany is not very soon opened to +me, and if I am compelled to drag on my artistic existence +without nourishment and attraction, my animal instinct of life +will soon lead me to abandon art altogether. What I shall do then +to support my life I do not know, but I shall not write the music +of the "Nibelungen", and no person with human feelings can ask me +to remain the slave of my art any longer. + +Alas! I always relapse into the miserable keynote of this letter. +Perhaps I commit a great brutality in this manner, for perhaps +you are in need of being cheered up by me. Pardon me if today I +bring nothing but sorrow. I can dissemble no longer; and, let who +will despise me, I shall cry out my sorrow to the world, and +shall not conceal my misfortune any longer. What use would it be +if I were to lie to you? But of one thing you must think, if +nothing else is possible: we must see each other next summer. +Consider that this is a necessity; that it must be; that no god +shall prevent you from coming to me, as the police (make a low +bow!) prevent me from coming to you. Promise me for quite certain +in your next letter that you will come. Promise me! + +We must see how I shall be able to exist till then. Farewell. +Bear with me. Greet H., and be of good cheer. Perhaps you will +soon be rid of me. Farewell, and write soon to + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, November 9th, 1852 + + + +89. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +I wait with great longing for a letter from you. + +For today one urgent request. Send at once the scores of the +"Dutchman" after which that of Weimar was corrected to Uhlig at +Dresden. In Breslau they have very long been waiting for a copy +to be arranged in the same manner. Please, please see to this at +once. Next week you will receive my remarks on the performance of +the "Flying Dutchman". Farewell, and remember lovingly + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +December 22nd, 1852 + + + +90. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +If through any delay the model score of the "Flying Dutchman" has +not yet been sent to Dresden, these lines may serve to inform you +of the great difficulty in which I have today been placed towards +a second theatre--that of Schwerin--because I cannot supply it +with the score which they urgently demand. I am truly sorry that +I have to plague you with such "business matters;" but who else +is there in Weimar? + +I wait with indescribable longing for a letter from you. +Farewell. + +Wholly thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +December 24th, 1852 + + + +91. + +December 27th, 1852 + +Pardon me, dearest friend, for my long silence. That I can be so +little to you and to your interests is a great grief to me. Your +last letter, of about six weeks ago, has made your whole sorrow +and misery clear to me. I have wept bitter tears over your pains +and wounds. Suffering and patience are unfortunately the only +remedies open to you. How sad for a friend to be able to say no +more than this. Of all the sad and disagreeable things which I +have to suffer I shall not speak to you; do not think of them +either. Today I will, before all, tell you something pleasant, +viz., that I shall visit you in the course of next summer, +probably in June. I shall not be able to stay in Zurich long, +where there is nothing but you to attract me. It is possible--but +this must not yet be spoken of--that on my way back I may conduct +a kind of festival at Carlsruhe. Can you by that time prepare an +orchestral work for the purpose?--perhaps your "Faust" overture-- +for I should like to produce a new work by you besides the +"Tannhauser" overture. + +Eduard Devrient wrote to me some days ago that the Court Marshal, +Count Leiningen, who is a friend of mine, had spoken to him of +the plan for a musical festival, to be conducted by me. It may be +predicted that considerable means will be at hand in Carlsruhe, +but as yet the public and the papers are to know nothing of it. +Write to me when convenient about some pieces which you could +recommend for the programme. I think, amongst other things, of +the "Missa Solemnis" (D major) by Beethoven, but should not like +to have again the ninth symphony, so as not to repeat the +Ballenstedt programme in extenso. + +The rumour reported by several papers that I am about to leave +Weymar and settle in Paris is quite unfounded. I stay here, and +can do nothing but stay here. You will easily guess what has +brought me to this maturely considered resolution. In the first +instance I have faithfully to fulfill a serious duty. Together +with this feeling of the most profound and constant love which +occupies the faith of my whole soul, my external life must either +rise or sink. May God protect my loyal intention. + +How far have you got with your "Nibelungen"? It will be a great +joy to me to grasp your creation through your immediate aid. For +heaven's sake, let nothing distract you from this, and continue +to weld your wings with steadfast courage! + +All is perishable, only God's word remains for ever, and God's +word is revealed in the creations of genius. + +Yesterday your "Tannhauser" was given apart from the subscription +nights, before an overcrowded house. A new scene had been painted +for the revised conclusion of the piece, and for the first time +we have given the entire finale of the second act (a splendid, +masterly finale!) and the entire prayer of Elizabeth in the third +act without any cut. The effect was extraordinary, and I think +you, would have been pleased with the whole performance. I +celebrated on this occasion a perfect triumph in your cause, for +now that the success has been so decided, I may tell you candidly +that no one here cared for the troublesome study of the finale or +for the execution of the revised close, and that the talking +backwards and forwards about the change lasted several months. +"Why," it was said, "do we want a different "Tannhauser" from the +one we are accustomed to?" Several people who had seen +"Tannhauser" in Dresden declared decidedly that our performance +was much better, and that it would lose by the new close and by +the restoration of the entire finale, etc., etc. To all these +excellent arguments I had but one answer: "For Weymar it is a +duty to give Wagner's works when and as far as it is possible in +accordance with the wishes and intentions of the composer." + +And, behold! in spite of all the previous chatter, the decisive +success of yesterday has been wholly in favour of my assertion. + +Herr von Zigesar has today written to Tichatschek to ask him to +sing "Lohengrin" here on February 26th, and has offered him a fee +of fifty louis d'or, an unheard-of sum for Weymar. I sent +Tichatschek the part soon after the first performance of +"Lohengrin" here, and hope that he will give us the pleasure of +complying with our request. I wish you could write to him direct +on this matter, or else induce him to come here through Uhlig or +Fischer. With the performance of "Lohengrin" I am in parts still +very much dissatisfied. The chief evil lies, as you say, in the +as yet unborn representative of the chief part. For the +performance of February 26th a new scene is being prepared for +the second act, for the one hitherto used is miserable. The +question of cuts, as you know, arose only in connection with the +second performance; at the third I again produced the entire work +unmutilated. With Heine and Fischer, who attended the last +performance, I had much talk about this glorious drama, to me the +highest and most perfect work of art. If Herr von Hulsen had +invited me to Berlin, I should probably have persuaded him to +give "Lohengrin" first; and I repeat that in Berlin I will lay +any wager on the colossal success of "Lohengrin", provided it is +given faithfully and enthusiastically, to do which would not be +excessively difficult in Berlin with goodwill and true +understanding. + +That Herr von Hulsen hesitates to call me to Berlin does not +surprise me, but as you have honoured me with your confidence, I +am sorry I cannot justify it in a brilliant manner. During his +last visit here the Prince of Prussia spoke to me about my +participation in the study of "Lohengrin" at Berlin. The Prince +has a high opinion of you as a poet and musician, and seems to +take an interest in the success of your works at Berlin. Beyond +this I can unfortunately have no influence in the matter, and +must quietly wait to see how they are going to cook up +"Tannhauser" there. In any case do not trouble yourself about the +future and contemplate the course of events in an objective mood. +When you hear particulars about the "Tannhauser" performances at +Berlin, write to me, for I hear from time to time the most +contradictory rumours of pourparlers. + +Have you received the book about "Tannhauser" by X.? The +dedication was quite unexpected to me, because for several months +I have not had the old friendly intercourse with the author. I +shall, however, call on him tomorrow, and am quite willing to +forget many disagreeable things which he has caused me for your +sake. The "Flying Dutchman" will go to Uhlig tomorrow. I was +unable to send it sooner, because the copying here is done with +the most troublesome slowness. It is therefore no fault of mine +that this return has been delayed so long, for I have pushed it +on every day. The two first pianoforte rehearsals of the "Flying +Dutchman" I have already held, and can guarantee a successful +performance on February 16th. After the second on the 20th +"Tannhauser" is to be given, and on the 26th "Lohengrin" will +follow. Let me ask you once more to persuade Tichatschek not to +leave us in the lurch at the latter. I have special hopes for +this performance of "Lohengrin", and should not like to let it be +spoiled on account of our small means. I can assure you, however, +that the interest of the public in "Lohengrin" is in the +ascendant; at every performance the strangers in our theatre +increase in number, and you are very popular at the various +hotels in Weymar, for on the days when one of your operas is +performed it is not easy to find a room. + +One other favour. I have recently made a pianoforte arrangement +of the "Tannhauser" march and of the wedding procession (I don't +know how to name the piece) in the second act of "Lohengrin" (E +flat major), and should like to publish these two pieces. Tell me +whether Meser has still the copyright of the melodies of +"Tannhauser", and whether I must ask his permission to publish +this piece, together with the other from "Lohengrin", with +Hartel. As Kistner has already printed the "Evening Star", I do +not anticipate any particular difficulty in letting Hartel +publish the "Tannhauser" march; at the same time, I should like +to be safe from any possible discussion afterwards, and therefore +inquire of you how the matter stands. + +Joachim goes on the lst of January to Hanover as concert-master. +A very able violinist, Ferdinand Laub, has been engaged for our +orchestra. + +I am glad that my marginal notes to your "Faust" overture have +not displeased you. In my opinion, the work would gain by a few +elongations. + +Hartel will willingly undertake the printing; and if you will +give me particular pleasure, make me a present of the manuscript +when it is no longer wanted for the engraving. This overture has +lain with me so long, and I have taken a great fancy to it. If, +however, you have disposed of it otherwise, do not mind me in the +least, and give me some day another manuscript. + +Au revoir then in a few months! I look forward to the moment with +joy. My pen is getting too horribly blunt to write to you. One +single chord brings us nearer to each other than any number of +phrases:-- + +[score excerpt] Continue to love me, even as I am cordially +devoted to you. + +F. L. + +Your pamphlet on the rendering of "Lohengrin" I have read with +much interest, and, let us hope, with some benefit for our +representations. I am glad to see that in several indications of +tempo I had guessed your meaning, and that many of your +intentions had been realized here in advance. H. will soon write +to you about yesterday's performance. + + + +92. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Have not in your version the overture and the close of the last +finale of the "Flying Dutchman" been rearranged in accordance +with a special score written by me last year? The close of the +overture especially has been entirely changed in the +instrumentation. The score containing this change I sent a year +ago to Uhlig, and he wrote to me that he had sent it to Weimar, +together with a second score containing the changes in the +remainder of the instrumentation. Please ask H. B.; you must have +received two scores. Look also in your score at the theatre. If +in that the close of the overture has been considerably changed, +and if especially at page 43 a new bar has been inserted, then +your score must have been arranged after that second one sent to +you, and the model copy must still be with you, for in the +Dresden score the close of the overture had been only very +slightly changed (a little in the violins). Two things I have to +ask you: if the second score is with you, send it at once to +Dresden, addressed to Choir director W. Fischer; if it does not +exist at Weimar, Uhlig having forgotten to send it to you, and if +therefore in your score at the theatre the close of the overture +has not been changed much (in the instrumentation), and no new +bar inserted at page 43, then let Fischer know at once, so that +he may send you the materials for making this important +alteration. I shall send him the score which is at the theatre +here, and in which I hope the matter has been corrected. + +To your most important kind letter recently received I shall soon +send an answer which, I hope, will please you. Today only this +business in great haste. + +Farewell. + +Ever thine, + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, January 8th, 1853 + + + +93. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +After many inquiries, thoughts, and searches the affair of the +"Flying Dutchman" scores has turned out to be as follows:-- + +The score containing the corrected close of the overture and of +the finale of the opera is the same which you left me here as a +present. I never thought of using it for our performance, and +therefore wrote to Uhlig (whose death has affected H. and me +painfully) shortly before his death that he had made a mistake in +demanding back two theatre scores, as one of them we necessarily +required here, while the other had already been returned to him. +Uhlig does not seem to have known that one of the three scores +which were here for some time was my personal property; and I, on +my part, could not admit his justification in describing my copy +as a score belonging to the theatre. The confusion which had +previously happened in connection with the "Dutchman" score, sent +from and returned to Dresden, made me assume that Uhlig had made +a second mistake. Your letter today explains the matter; and I +promise you that by tomorrow evening the theatre score shall be +carefully corrected after my copy, and that my copy, containing +the newly corrected close of the overture, etc., will be sent to +Fischer the day after tomorrow. You need not trouble yourself +about it, and may dispose of this score as you like. + +Kindly excuse these delays. Musikdirektor Gotze, who had to make +these alterations in the score, has been much detained from his +work, and only your letter explained the matter to me in the +sense that you wish to dispose of my copy, which is cordially at +your service. Nunc et semper. + +Your truly devoted + +F. LISZT + +January 12th, 1853 + +Your remarks about the rendering of the "Flying Dutchman" have +safely reached me, and I have already communicated them to the +singers. Farewell, and be God's blessing upon you. + + + +94. + +MY DEAR LISZT, + +The real answer to your last great letter you do not receive +today; I hold it over for a good reason. But I must tell you +something at once. Yesterday I heard from my niece at Berlin that +"Tannhauser" there could not be thought of for the present, +because the "Feensee" and Flotow's "Indra" had first to be given. +(The last thing that Hulsen had said was that "Tannhauser" should +be put in rehearsal after the Queen's birthday, November 13th, +1852.) I have let them know that I look upon this cavalier +treatment as an insult, and consider all previous transactions +finished, demanding at the same time the immediate return of my +score. This has eased my heart, and by Hulsen's fault I have been +released from all previous concessions. + +Now, dearest friend, comes the principal thing. I accept your +generous offer, and place all my further relations with Berlin in +your hands. Hulsen may reply to me what he likes; he may offer to +produce "Tannhauser" at once. I am determined to answer that in +my present condition I am unable to take a leading part in so +important a matter as the performance of my operas at Berlin, and +that therefore I refer him once for all, and concerning +everything in connection with the performance of my works at +Berlin, to you, who have unlimited power to do or leave undone in +my name what seems good to you. Let it be settled in this way, +and I ask you to act in the matter quite according to your own +opinion. I should think it most advisable if you had nothing +further to do with Hulsen, who is merely an instrument without a +will of his own. You will, I think, prefer to keep up +communication solely with the Prince and Princess of Prussia. I +was very glad to learn that even the Prince of Prussia understood +at once that your personal direction was inseparable from an +important performance of my operas. + +This then is the only basis on which a performance, be it of +"Tannhauser" or of "Lohengrin", will henceforth be possible in +Berlin. Without your direction I should not consent to such a +performance, even if you were to ask me. Our motto therefore must +be "Patience!" + +It is true that the hope of good receipts for next Easter had +made me a little soft towards the Berlin project. Lord knows, I +poor devil, should have liked to have a few thousand francs in my +pocket, so as to divert my thoughts and cure myself of my +terrible melancholy by a journey to Paris or Italy. However, I +must bear this and remain in my old state of resignation and +want. For all that I thus remain in want of, the unspeakable joy +of seeing you at last in the summer will compensate me; believe +me, that will make up for all. + +But let us stick to the point. Time will be needed, but perhaps +you will succeed in obtaining through the Prince and Princess for +next winter the invitation and commission to perform my two last +operas in Berlin. You will then probably begin with "Tannhauser". +This would appear to me a more natural order of things: perhaps +in the first half of the season "Tannhauser" and soon afterwards +"Lohengrin". It is true that you cannot count upon my niece, who +will be in Paris next winter. But there is little harm in this, +for Elizabeth is not of the first importance, and as regards +"Lohengrin" I am in a dilemma which it would perhaps be difficult +to solve. Six years ago I intended Elsa for my niece; now she +would have served me better as Ortrud. + +Therefore--just as you decide; I am content with everything. From +this day I shall have no further transactions with Berlin. + +The Leipzig people also have eaten humble-pie; they have +capitulated to me through Hartel. The performance there will +probably take place soon. Could you occasionally look after it a +little? + +At Frankfort they will begin next Saturday. The conductor writes +to me that he hopes for a good success. We shall see. + +I have written to Luttichau and asked him not to perform +"Lohengrin" at present, because I have not sufficient confidence +in any of his conductors. + +I am sorry to say I cannot write to T. He is very angry with me +on account of my instructions for the rendering of "Tannhauser." +Of course he cannot understand me. + +Do arrange that about the close of the overture to the "Flying +Dutchman." In case the one score should have been lost (a rather +serious loss to me), let Fischer know, and he will send the new +close to you; but do not give the overture without this change. + + +Herewith I send you another alteration; you will see where it +belongs. The effect of the brass and the kettledrums was too +coarse, too material; the spectator should be terror-struck by +the cry of Senta on seeing the Dutchman, not by kettledrum and +brass. God bless you. You will soon have news from me again. + +Farewell, and remember kindly your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH. January 13th, 1853 + + + +95. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I cannot thank you for your more than royal present otherwise +than by accepting it with the deepest, most heartfelt joy. You +are best able to feel yourself how I was affected by the receipt +of your splendid presents, how I greeted the three scores with +plentiful tears. The Florentines carried the Madonna of Cimabue +round the city in triumphal procession, amidst the ringing of +bells. I wish it were given to me to arrange a similar festival +for your works. In the meantime the three scores will repose in a +particular niche near me; and when I come to see you, I will tell +you more. + +First of all, the three works must be performed here in a proper +manner. All the changes in the score of the "Flying Dutchman" +have been carefully copied into the parts, and I shall not forget +the pizzicato you sent last. + +[A musical score illustration appears here.] + +Tichatschek has accepted Zigesar's offer, but Luttichau cannot +give him leave for the end of February. In consequence we must +wait for another opportunity, and Beck will sing "Lohengrin" and +"Tannhauser." Brendel and some other papers will probably notice +these performances. The "Flying" Dutchman presents no great +difficulties to our well-drilled artists, and I look forward to a +better performance, comparatively speaking, than of either +"Tannhauser" or "Lohengrin." The latter, however, goes much +better than at the four first performances, and upon the whole +one need not be dissatisfied. By the middle of May the newly +engaged tenor, Dr. Lieber, will arrive here, and I shall not fail +to study the three parts properly with him and to sing them to +him. I hear that he has a splendid voice and the best intention +to join in our movement. + +Till the end of May I must in any case remain in Weymar, much as +I long to see you again. The wedding festivities for the marriage +of Princess Amalie (daughter of Duke Bernhard, brother of our +Grand Duke) with Prince Henry of the Netherlands (brother of the +reigning King of Holland and of our Hereditary Grand Duchess) are +to take place in May, when probably "Lohengrin" or "Tannhauser" +will be given again, besides a grand orchestral concert in the +hall of the castle. + +The honorarium for the "Flying Dutchman" you will receive +immediately after the first performance (about February 20th). +How about Berlin? Has Hulsen replied to your last letter, and to +what effect? In case the whole matter is settled, as you indicate +to me, you may wholly rely and count upon me. Your annoyance at +the delay of the performance of "Tannhauser" is quite +comprehensible; and, in my opinion, you were right in demanding +back the score. Whether they will comply with your demand is a +different question. We must now see how we can achieve our +purpose in the quietest and safest manner. I need not repeat to +you that I desire with all my heart to justify the honour of your +confidence, but I earnestly hope that I shall be able to prove +this practically as soon as possible. Once more I thank you with +all my soul, and remain immutably + +Your sincerely devoted + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, January 23rd, 1853. + + + +96. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND, + +Herewith you receive a whole heap of new stuff. You perceive that +my poem is ready, and although not yet set to music, at least set +in type, and printed at my own expense, and in a few copies only, +which I shall present to my friends, so that they may have my +legacy in advance in case I should die during the work. He who +knows my position will again think me very extravagant in the +face of this luxurious edition; let it be so; the world, properly +so called, is so stingy towards me, that I do not care to imitate +it. Therefore, with a kind of anxious pleasure, I have secretly +(in order not to be prevented by prudent counsel) prepared this +edition the particular tendency of which you will find stated in +an introductory notice. Only a few copies have been struck off, +and I send you herewith a parcel of them, asking you to dispose +of them in the following manner. Of the three copies in a de luxe +binding you must accept the first as a present from me. The +second I have destined for the Grand Duchess on her birthday. +Tell her I have heard that she is indisposed and will probably be +unable to appear on her birthday in public. As therefore she will +not hear the "Flying Dutchman" at the theatre, I ask her to cast +a glance at my latest work. Tell her that, if it did not please +her throughout, I still thought I might assure her that woman had +never yet received such a tribute as every one who understood it +must find in my poem. The third copy de luxe forward to the +Princess of Prussia. Fortunately I have been able to get the +type, printing, and binding done in good time, and I assume +therefore that you will be in a position to present the gift on +the 16th. Of the other copies sent herewith, I ask you to keep +two in your own possession to lend them out according to your +discretion, and you will oblige me particularly by thinking soon +of A. Stahr, to whom I wish to be kindly remembered. He was the +first litterateur who ever paid attention to me as a poet. A +third copy please to forward in my name, with cordial greeting, +to Herr von Zigesar. Apart from this I send the following +parcels:-- + +1. For B., containing two copies: one for himself, the other for +my poor friend Roeckel. + +2. For Herr F. M., whose title I have unfortunately forgotten, +and my answer to whom, in return for his kind present, I have +held over till today. + +3. For A. F., who has just written to me that she is going to +Weimar for the festival; kindly give the parcel to her as to the +others. + +If you further find that you can dispose of some other copies +where they will be well and thankfully received, kindly let me +know soon; for that and similar emergencies I have kept back a +small number of copies. + +About the poem itself I cannot, and do not care to, say anything +more to you; when you find leisure to read it sympathetically, +you will say to yourself all that I could tell you. I shall never +again write poetry. But I am looking forward with much delight to +setting all this to music. As to form, it is quite ready in my +mind, and I was never before so determined as to musical +execution as I am now and with regard to this poem. All I want is +sufficient charm of life to get into the indispensable cheerful +mood from which motives spring forth gladly and spontaneously. As +to this I once before made bitter moan to you; I desired +salvation from the killing circumstances in which I am placed at +Zurich; I inquired as to the possibility of being permitted to +make a trip to Germany now and then, so as to witness a +performance of my works, because otherwise I should perish here +for want of encouragement. To your great grief, your answer had +to be in the negative, and you admonished me to have--patience. + +Dear, noble friend, consider that patience is only just +sufficient to preserve bare life, but that the vigour and +fullness which enable one to enrich life and employ it creatively +no man has ever yet drawn from patience, i.e., from absolute +want. Neither can I succeed in this. Listen to me! You are very +reticent as to the point in question. Let me know whether +anything has been done from Weimar in order to obtain for me at +Dresden permission to return to Germany, also what impediments +have been found in the way. If everything has not already been +tried, I should make the following suggestion: The Weimar court +invites me to visit Weimar for a few weeks, and sends me a +passport for four weeks; it then inquires, through its minister +at Dresden, whether they object, and would be likely to demand my +extradition to Saxony. If the answer were satisfactory--somewhat +to this effect: that the prosecution instituted against me four +years ago would be suspended for that short time--I might be with +you very quickly, hear my "Lohengrin", and then return straight +to Switzerland and wait for your visit (I might also read my poem +at court). See what can be done in this. I must hear "Lohengrin"; +I will not and cannot write music before. + +The German theatres do not cause me much delight; there is a +hitch everywhere, and I confess candidly that I often feel great +repentance at having consented to any performance outside Weimar. +Even two years ago I was conscious of myself, clear, and firm, +while I allowed myself no thought of the further expansion of my +work. Now I am torn to pieces, wavering, uncertain, and exposed +to every breath of wind, because I have to read now one thing, +now another, but never an intelligent judgment about my works in +the newspapers. I am much lowered in my own eyes. How +disgustingly dirty was again this Leipzig affair! The manager +makes sacrifices, enlarges the orchestra, reconstructs the same, +etc.; he hopes soon to recover his outlay, and raises the prices +as for an extraordinary thing; the enthusiastic public--stops +away and leaves the second performance empty. Oh, how different I +am from such canaille! But what a bad, disgusting scandal this +is! I am never to enjoy my life again. + +You thought the score would not be returned to me from Berlin at +my demand; this time you were mistaken. The score was returned at +once, and neither from Hulsen nor from any one else have I had a +line about it. Disgusting as such conduct is, showing as it does +how they felt in Berlin towards "Tannhauser", I must yet be glad +at this issue, first because it proves that in such circumstances +the opera, if it had been performed, would have been lost, and +second because now tabula rasa has been made, and everything has +been committed to your faithful care. The Berlin affair has +herewith taken an entirely new form; no obligation exists, and +your hand is henceforth perfectly free, provided that I may place +the matter once for all in your hands, while I have no longer +anything to concede or refuse, and am towards Berlin as one of +the dead. Cassel has asked for the score of "Tannhauser", and +there, I presume, the matter ends; I do not count upon any other +theatre. I can now therefore sum up my gain from this glorious +undertaking; very slender it is, and I must thank God that the R. +family continue to assist me. Otherwise I should (after buying a +few commodities for house and body, of which we were very short) +have reached once more the bare rock of my existence, and this +through the noble sympathy of that splendid Germany. + +I have no hopes at all for the further spreading of my operas. To +theatres like those of Munich and others I should have to refuse +them, because the conductors there would have nothing better to +do than to ruin me thoroughly. Once more I have to regret that I +yielded to a sanguine hope. + +How long I shall endure this terrible joylessness I cannot tell. +About the middle of last month, I was on the point of succumbing, +and thought that I should soon have to follow my poor Uhlig. I +was persuaded to call in a doctor, and he, a careful, +considerate, and conscientious man, takes much trouble with me. +He visits me nearly every other day, and I cannot but approve of +his treatment. Certain it is that if I do not recover, it will +not be his fault. The isolation of my position is too great; all +my social intercourse has died away; I was fated to survive and +cast from me everything. I stand in a desert, and feed on my own +vitals; I must perish. Some people will be sorry for this one +day, perhaps even the King of Saxony. + +What nonsense am I talking! Let us leave it alone; we cannot +alter it; it has always been so. + +Much luck to the "Flying Dutchman"! This melancholy hero is never +out of my head. I always hear + +[score excerpt] "Ach moch-test Du, blei-cher See-mann sie fin- +den!" + +With the + +[Score excerpt] "Doch kann dem blei-chen Manne Er-lo-sung ein- +sten noch wer-den!" + +all is over. For me there is no salvation but death. Would that +it found me in a storm at sea, not on a sick-bed! Yea, in the +fire of Valhall I should like to perish. Consider well my new +poem; it contains the beginning and the end of the world. + +I shall have to set it to music, after all, for the Jews of +Frankfort and Leipzig; it will just suit them. + +But stop; my epistle is getting wild and wilder; therefore I must +conclude. Adieu, my Franciscus, the first and only one who stands +before me like the heart of a giant! You indefatigable one, +farewell. When they play the ballad tomorrow, think of me. I am +sitting alone on the sofa, staring at the lamp and brooding over +my good fortune in having gained you from this miserable world. +Yes, yes, it is that which supports me. + +Farewell, my friend. My affectionate regards to you! + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, February 11th, 1853. + + + +97. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +H. sent you yesterday a long account of the first performance of +the "Flying Dutchman". The rendering was satisfactory, and the +reception such as I had reason to expect--decidedly warm and +sympathetic. The two Mildes did their very best to give to the +parts of the Dutchman and of Senta their full significance, and +they were completely successful. The overture raged and crashed +superbly, so that, in spite of the usual custom not to applaud on +the fete-day of the Grand Duchess, they clapped their hands and +called "Bravo!" with enthusiasm. Our orchestra is now on a good +footing; and as soon as the five or six new engagements which I +have proposed have been made, it may boast of being one of the +most excellent in Germany. + +Enclosed I send you the honorarium for the score of the "Flying +Dutchman", about which Herr von Zigesar has also written to you +yesterday. At the performance of the day before yesterday the +following princely personages, strangers here, were present: the +Duke of Coburg, the Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and his wife, +Prince Charles of Prussia, the Hereditary Prince of Meiningen and +his wife, Princess Charlotte of Prussia, the son of the Prince of +Prussia, heir-presumptive to the throne, the Prince of +Sondershausen; also several ambassadors from Dresden, General +Wrangel, and Prince Pukler-Muskau. + +In a few weeks the King of Saxony is expected here. + +Write to me soon what titles I am to give to the "Tannhauser" +march and the "Lohengrin" procession (E flat, Act II.), which I +have arranged for H. for drawing-room use. H. has forwarded you +two letters: one from Count Tichkiewitz, who is said to be a +passionate admirer of your genius (he wrote to me soon after the +appearance of my "Lohengrin" article a very enthusiastic letter, +and has now caused the "Tannhauser" overture to be played at +Posen; his family belongs to the higher aristocracy of Poland); +the other letter, from S. in H., I merely wanted to communicate +to you without wishing to influence your decision in this matter. +I made the acquaintance of S. in Weymar in a very casual +manner... and... so on.... + +I call your special attention to the postscript with regard to +Gotha which H. has added to his letter of yesterday by my desire. + +The time has not yet come for explaining the details of this +matter to you, and probably nothing further will come of it. In +any case I ask you, if they should apply to you direct from +Coburg-Gotha, to give me exclusive power to carry on this little +transaction, without troubling you with it. + +My most cordial thanks to you, best of friends, for all the +pleasure your "Dutchman" gives me; this summer we will have +another chat about it. Write soon to + +Your faithful + +F. LISZT. + +WEYMAR, February 18th, 1853. + + + +98. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I have just received the incredible news from the Prague manager +that, after the censorship had authorized the performance of +"Tannhauser", permission was suddenly withdrawn by a higher +personage, in other words that the opera was forbidden. There +must surely be some personal stupidity at work here. I should +like to assist the man; and thinking it over, I hit--as I always +do when there is need--on you. You have influence everywhere, +and, as far as I know, can say a word to some very influential +persons at Vienna. Kindly consider to whom you could apply, so as +to win over some one who would interest himself in the withdrawal +of this absurd prohibition. If it is not too much trouble, I ask +you specially to arrange this also for me. You can do so many +things. Adieu, dearest! Shall I soon hear from you? + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +February 19th, 1853. + +At Riga, in Russia, the performance has been permitted. + + + +99. + +You are truly a wonderful man, and your "Nibelungen" poem is +surely the most incredible thing which you have ever done. As +soon as the three performances of the "Flying Dutchman", +"Tannhauser", and "Lohengrin" are over I shall lock myself in for +a few days to read the four poems; as yet I have been unable to +get a free hour for it. Excuse me therefore for not saying more +today than that I rejoice in the joy which the printed copies +have given to you. + +The one intended for the Grand Duchess I have presented to her, +and that for the Princess of Prussia I have given to her brother, +the Hereditary Grand Duke. The others also have been forwarded to +their respective owners. If it is possible, send me about three +copies more; I can make good use of them. + +Your letter I have not put on the shelf, and hope to be able in +about six weeks to give you a definite and (D.V.) a favourable +answer concerning your return. I am extremely sorry that hitherto +I have had to be so "reticent," but you may be sure that I have +not omitted to do all that appeared to me opportune and was in my +power. Unfortunately I have nothing but very timid hopes; still +they are hopes, and all timidity and lukewarmness must be far +from me in my endeavour to gain you back for yourself. Rely upon +my warmest friendly love in this as in other matters. + +The Berlin affair you have arranged in the best possible manner, +and it is probable that, if henceforth you leave it entirely to +me, you will be satisfied with the final result. Whether +"Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin" are given in Berlin a year sooner or +later matters little to you; the chief question is how and in +what manner they are given: and as long as you are not back in +Germany, I believe that in our actual musical circumstances I can +offer you the only perfect security on this point. Moreover, +Berlin is the most important field for your works, and on the +success of those works there your whole position depends in the +most decisive manner. However, the performances at Frankfort, +Breslau, Schwerin, Leipzig, etc., are in themselves very +desirable, because they keep the matter warm and facilitate the +conquest of Berlin. They have also tended to place the artistic +question which has arisen through your means in a clearer light +than was previously possible. + +Before all, regain your health, dearest friend. We shall soon +take some walks together, for which you will want good steady +legs. I do not mean to drink tisane with you at Zurich; therefore +you must take care that I do not find you a hospital patient. The +Prague affair can, I hope, be arranged, and I am willingly at +your service. A very reasonable and intelligent man, whom I used +to know very well at Lemberg, Herr von Sacher, is now commandant +of Prague, and I shall apply to him in this matter. Write to me +at once, by return of post, from what quarter and when the +prohibition of the "Tannhauser" performance was issued, and send +me the letter of the Prague manager, so that I may be able to +explain the matter properly. Apart from this, I can knock at +another door in Prague. + +But, before all, I must be more accurately informed of the actual +state of things. + +Your + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, February 20th, 1853 + +The Princess read your "Ring of the Nibelung" the first day from +beginning to end, and is full of enthusiasm for it. + + + +100. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Please let me have two words to say whether you have received a +parcel, sent from here on February 11th, and containing several +copies of my new poem, "The Ring of the Nibelung." + +I had hoped that it would reach you before the 16th, but your +letter makes no mention of it. I am very anxious about this, +because it has spoiled a great pleasure to me. Therefore one +word, please! If it has not arrived, I must apply for it at the +post-office. All the rest I shall answer later on. + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, February 28th, 1853. + + + +101. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +I send you today, immediately on receipt of your kind letter, the +epistle from the Prague manager announcing the prohibition of my +"Tannhauser". This is all I know of the matter. It would be an +excellent thing if you could succeed in having this interdict +withdrawn. It annoys me specially on account of the manager, who +in the whole affair has behaved energetically and charmingly. We +should both be very grateful to you. + +In order not to forget your question as to the titles, I will +answer it at once, as best I can. Nothing occurs to me but "Two +Pieces from "Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin"." + +1. Entrance of the guests at Wartburg. + +2. Elsa's bridal progress to the minster. + +This, in my opinion, would best indicate the character of the +pieces in accordance with the events represented. I am looking +forward to your pianoforte arrangement of these pieces in the +ingenious manner peculiar to you; and, above all, I am most +agreeably flattered by it. I myself nurse the plan of calling a +good orchestra together here next May in order to give to the +people who would like to hear some of my music a characteristic +selection (not dramatic, but purely lyrical) of pieces from my +operas. I have composed the following programme. By way of +introduction: + +The March of Peace from "Rienzi". After that-- + +I. "Flying Dutchman". + +A. Ballad of Senta. + +B. Sailors' song (in C). + +C. Overture. + +II. "Tannhauser". + +A. Entrance of the guests at the Wartburg. + +B. Tannhauser's pilgrimage (i.e., introduction to the third act +complete and with programme); then, joining on immediately, the +song of the returning pilgrims (E flat major). + +C. Overture. III. "Lohengrin". + +A. Instrumental prelude. + +B. The whole scene for male chorus commencing with the song of +the watchman on the tower, which enters in D major immediately +after the great prelude in A major, and thus leads from the +heights to the earth. This is followed (after a transition +specially written) by Elsa's bridal progress (with a close, +specially written in E flat). + +C. Wedding music (introduction to Act III.); bridal song; then +wedding music in G major repeated. This makes the conclusion. + +I undertake the whole thing only to hear something out of +"Lohengrin", and would willingly abandon this substitute if I +could once hear the real "Lohengrin". + +Well, you have at least hopes. I sigh on your and my own account +when I hear you say so. + +But all this leads me beyond the purpose of these hasty lines. + +To Zigesar I hope to write tomorrow; I have to thank him for his +unusually rich gift for the "Dutchman". To my disgrace, I must +confess that it came very conveniently, although it curiously +reminded me of the fact that last year I visited the islands of +the Lago Maggiore at the expense of friend Liszt. Lord knows, I +shall always remain a disreputable fellow. Why do you have +anything to do with me? (In the spectre scene of the third act of +the "Flying Dutchman" you might have made cuts without +hesitation.) + +I am much obliged to the Princess for her zeal in making +acquaintance with my new poem; if I could only read it to you +both, I should have no fear. + +The three copies I shall send you before long. + +Farewell for today, you dear, good friend. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER. + +ZURICH, March 3d, 1853. + + + +102. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND, + +As to one thing I must ask you seriously not to misunderstand me. + +If your gigantic perseverance of friendship should succeed in +opening my return to Germany, be assured that the only use I +should make of this favour would be to visit Weimar now and then, +take part for a short time in your activity, and witness an +important performance of my operas from time to time. This I +want; it is a necessary of life to me, and it is this which I +miss so cruelly. I should derive no other benefit from it; I +should never permanently settle in Germany, but should retain as +the scene of my life, or rather work, calm, beautiful +Switzerland, endeared to me by nature. How little I am able to +endure the permanent excitement which would be involved in my +frequent public appearances I know full well; after each +explosion, such as I want them now and then, I should require the +most perfect quietude for my productive labour; and this I can +have here without stint. A permanent position I therefore could +never resume in Germany, and it would not fall in with my views +and experiences. On the other hand, temporary outings for the +purposes already indicated are, as I said before, indispensable +to me; they are to me the rain which I require unless my plant is +to wither and to die; I can only live in extremes--great activity +and excitement and--most perfect calm. + +I have already contemplated what my position would be, for +example, towards Berlin in case my return were granted, and have, +after mature consideration, come to the conclusion that even then +I should ask you earnestly to undertake the performances of my +operas there. + +Twice I have produced an opera of my own at Berlin, and have been +unfortunate each time; this time I should therefore prefer to +leave the undertaking wholly to you; at the utmost I should enjoy +your doings incognito. In any case you alone would be able to +influence in my favour the circumstances and personal relations +which are indispensable; I should again spoil everything. This +therefore is prudence. Moreover, I cannot express to you how my +heart rejoices at the thought that I might look on from a hidden +corner while you instilled my work into the Berliners; this +satisfaction to my feelings I must live to see! + +But enough for today. Of your visit to Zurich I dream every day, +and make earnest preparations for being able to dispense with my +tisane. Don't come too late. + +Write to me soon how you like my poem; in the summer I shall read +it to you. If all goes well, there will also be musical sketches, +but before the middle of May I cannot really set to work. + +A thousand warm greetings from your + +R. W. + +March 4th, 1853. + + + +103. + +Bach's "Passion Music" will be performed this evening, which will +account for my extraordinary notepaper. + +I have forwarded your letter to the D. of C, and he has replied +in a very friendly and amiable manner. Finally he says to me, "On +verra ce qu'on pourra faire pour lui plus tard," and this point I +shall not fail to discuss with the D. on occasion. You have of +course not the slightest doubt as to my view of this matter; +otherwise, my dearest friend, I should have to think that you had +gone out of your mind. Excuse the word! You could not have +possibly seen the matter in any other light from what you have +done, and for the same reason I had to remain perfectly passive +and neutral. For heaven's sake, keep as well as you can, and do +not be annoyed by the inevitable stupidity and malice which are +opposed to you so frequently from different quarters. + +The affair at Prague appears to me somewhat complicated. Laub, +who has taken Joachim's place in our orchestra, wrote to me from +Prague yesterday that the prohibition of "Tannhauser" must be a +theatrical trick of St.'s, the director of police (President +Sacher) having informed him that he knew nothing of that +prohibition. I have asked Laub in consequence to ferret out the +matter carefully and to ask St. to write to you or me plainly and +precisely. Before taking an official step, one must know by whom +and in what manner the prohibition has been issued, and on whom +the withdrawal thereof depends. I mentioned to you President +Sacher as the director of police in Prague because in the +Austrian monarchy similar orders are made by that official. If he +declares that "he knows nothing about it," I know still less +where the difficulty lies and at what door I should have to +knock. On April 4th the "Tannhauser" overture will be played at +Prague, and until then I wait for further information from Laub. +In the meantime I think it advisable that you should write a +friendly letter to St., asking him in what manner Tannhauser has +been prohibited at Prague, and to whom one would have to apply in +order to get rid of this difficulty. It is of course far from my +wish to inspire you with suspicion against St.; but it is +necessary for us to sift the matter thoroughly, and after so many +experiences it may be permitted to anticipate different and even +contradictory possibilities. + +Your + +F. LISZT. + +LEIPZIG, March 25th, 1853. + + + +104. + +MY DEAREST FRIEND, + +I hear much too little of you. This is not a reproach, but merely +a complaint. That you work for me daily and always, I know; in +return I live almost entirely with you, and from my place of +abode here I am always absent. I live here a perfect dream life; +when I awake, it is with pain. Nothing attracts or holds me, or +rather what attracts and holds me, is in the distance. How can I +avoid being deeply melancholy? It is only the post that keeps me +alive; with the most passionate impatience I expect the postman +every morning about eleven. If he brings nothing or brings +something unsatisfactory, my whole day is a desert of +resignation. Such is my life! Why do I live? Often I make +unheard-of efforts to get something from abroad; lately, for +instance, I had my new poem printed, to give a strong sign of +life. I sent it to all the friends who, I might assume, would +take an interest in me, and in this manner I hoped to have +compelled people to vouchsafe me a sign. What is the result? +Franz Muller in Weimar and Karl Ritter have written to me; no one +else has thought it worth while even to acknowledge receipt. + +If it had not been for a few enthusiastic women at Weimar, I +should have heard nothing of the third opera week. Even the most +unheard-of efforts which you make on my behalf become an empty +breath of air to me. I am condemned to perish amidst leather and +oppressive dullness. + +Would it not be possible to leave all this and begin an entirely +new life? How absurd it is on your part to worry yourself in +order to help me! Alas! no, you cannot help me in this manner, +only my "fame," and that is something entirely different from me. +Nothing on paper can be of any use to me, and yet my whole +intercourse with the world is entirely through paper. What can +help me? My nights are mostly sleepless; weary and miserable, I +rise from my bed to see a day before me which will bring me not +one joy. Intercourse with people who torture me, and from whom I +withdraw to torture myself! I feel disgust at whatever I +undertake. This cannot go on; I cannot bear life much longer. + +I ask you with the greatest urgency and decision to induce the +Weimar court to take a definite step, in order to ascertain once +for all whether I have sure and immediate expectations of having +the return to Germany opened to me. I must know this soon and for +certain. Be perfectly open with me. Tell me whether the Weimar +court will take this step; and if it takes it, and takes it soon, +let me know the result. I am not inclined to make the slightest +concession for the sake of this wish; I can assure you that I +shall take no part whatever in politics, and any one who is not +absolutely silly must see that I am not a demagogue with whom one +must deal by police measures. (If they wish it, they may place me +under police supervision as much as they like.) But they must not +expect of me the disgrace of making a confession of repentance of +any kind. If on such conditions a temporary return could be +granted to me, I do not deny that it would be a lift to me. If, +however, it is not possible, and if a definite negative answer is +given, let me know at once and without any prevarication; then I +shall know where I am. Then I shall begin a different life. Then +I shall get money how and where I can; I shall borrow and steal, +if necessary, in order to travel. The beautiful parts of Italy +are closed to me unless I am amnestied. So I shall go to Spain, +to Andalusia, and make friends, and try once more to live as well +as I can. I should like to fare round the world. If I can get no +money, or if the journey does not help me to a new breath of +life, there is an end of it, and I shall then seek death by my +own hand rather than live on in this manner. + +I must forge myself artificial wings, because everything round me +is artificial, and nature everywhere is torn and broken. +Therefore hear and grant my prayer. Let me know soon, and know +for certain, whether I may come back to Germany or not. I must +take my decision accordingly. + +After this language of despair, I cannot find the tone which I +should have to assume in writing to you about other matters which +I might wish to communicate to you. Most of these would be +effusions of thanks, as you know. Good Lord, that also drives me +wild: that I always have to write this to you. My impatience to +see you grows into a most violent passion; I can scarcely wait +for the day of your arrival. "Write" to me definitely about what +date you will be here. Let it not be too late. Can you come in +May? On May 22nd I shall be forty. Then I shall have myself +rebaptised; would you not like to be my godfather? I wish we two +could start straight from here to go into the wide world. I wish +you, too, would leave these German Philistines and Jews. Have you +anything else around you? Add the Jesuits, and then you have all. +"Philistines, Jews, and Jesuits," that is it; no human beings. +They write, write, and write; and when they have "written" a +great deal, they think they have done something wonderful. Stupid +fools! do you think our heart can beat for you? What do these +wretched people know about it? Leave them alone, give them a kick +with your foot, and come with me into the wide world, were it +only to perish bravely, to die with a light heart in some abyss. + +Let me soon have news of you; and, before all, let me know when +you are coming. Farewell, farewell, longingly waited for by + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +ZURICH, March 30th, 1853 + + + +105. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +Your letters are sad; your life is still sadder. You want to go +into the wide world to live, to enjoy, to luxuriate. I should be +only too glad if you could, but do you not feel that the sting +and the wound you have in your own heart will leave you nowhere +and can never be cured? Your greatness is your misery; both are +inseparably connected, and must pain and torture you until you +kneel down and let both be merged in faith! + +"Lass zu dem Glauben Dich neu bekehren, es gibt ein Gluck;" this +is the only thing that is true and eternal. I cannot preach to +you, nor explain it to you; but I will pray to God that He may +powerfully illumine your heart through His faith and His love. +You may scoff at this feeling as bitterly as you like. I cannot +fail to see and desire in it the only salvation. Through Christ +alone, through resigned suffering in God, salvation and rescue +come to us. + +I had already indicated to you that I did not expect an answer +from Dresden before my departure from here. If you accuse me of +negligence and lukewarmness, you are unjust to me, but I can +forgive you. If, in accordance with your desire, I made your +affair dependent on an immediate "Yes" or "No," I should greatly +compromise it. Our court here is very favourably inclined towards +you, and you may feel sure that every possible step is being +taken to open your return to Germany. A few days ago I spoke +about it to our Hereditary Grand Duke, who positively assured me +that he would actively intercede for you. This you must not +mention anywhere; but it would be well if you were to write a +letter to the Hereditary Grand Duke, telling him that you have +been informed through me of his magnanimous disposition and +asking him not to forget you altogether. Do not write too +diplomatically, but give vent to the feelings of your heart, and +send me the letter, which I will hand him at once. In spite of +all, I hope to find you in a good mental and physical condition +when I visit you at the end of May. By then you must turn out +your whole hospital, and I promise you to leave mine en route to +take it up again on my way back. As the wedding festivities of +Princess Amalie and Prince Henry of the Netherlands will not take +place till after the middle of May, I shall not be with you +before the first days of June. Seven or eight weeks must +therefore still elapse. + +The "Tannhauser" overture was received with enthusiasm and +encored at Prague, as Laub told me, who was present at the +performance. + +As regards the performance of "Tannhauser," the real state is +very nearly what I wrote to you. The tenor St., brother of the +manager, will shortly leave Prague, and there will then be no +singer for the principal part. I also hear that there is no +Elizabeth, and until you give me further information in the +matter I am not inclined to put down the non-performance of +Tannhauser to a fictitious order of the police while such real +theatrical impediments are in the way. Has St. replied to you? + +From Laub I hear that the supposed difficulties have been +discussed in high circles (Count Nostitz, Princess Taxis, etc.) +in a manner not favourable to St, I should, however, not like to +accuse St. till we have sufficient proof of his bad conduct. If +you write to him in the sense indicated in my letter to you from +Leipzig, we shall soon get to the bottom of the matter. Kittl is +at present at Frankfort-On-Main, where his "operatic wants" are +being supplied by "Die Franzosen bei Nizza." The work is to be +given on April 11th. Probably he will stay here for a day on his +way back, and through him I mean to get more accurate information +as to the Prague complications. + +Kossak's critique of "Indra" has amused me. If you have not read +it, I shall send it to you. + +Brendel has grand schemes, which he will probably communicate to +you. He is coming here for the next performance of Raff's opera +"King Alfred," in order to talk to me about the new paper which +he would like to bring out in the course of the summer. The +enterprise is in itself good enough, but I have still my doubts +as to the means at disposal. What do you mean by Raff's +confidential letter against the "Tannhauser" notice in the +Grenzboten? + +Do not be offended, dearest friend, because I have not yet +written to you about the "Ring of the Nibelung" at greater +length. It is not my business to criticize and expound so +extraordinary a work, for which later on I am resolved to do +everything in my power in order to gain a proper place for it. I +have always entreated you not to abandon the work, and am +delighted by the perfection of your poetic workmanship. Almost +every day the Princess greets me with the words-- + +"Nicht Gut, nicht Geld,--noch gottliche Pracht; Nicht Haus, nicht +Hof,--noch herrischer Prunk; Nicht truber Vertrage trugender +Bund, Noch heuchelnder Sitte hartes Gesetz: Selig in Lust und +Leid, lasst--die Liebe nur sein!" + +Counsellor Scholl will shortly read the four dramas at the +Altenburg to a small circle which I shall invite for the purpose; +and when I come to Zurich, you must be good enough to go through +the whole with me, so that we may exchange heart and soul on the +occasion. + +S. wrote me a longish letter, in which he plainly says that the +poem is a total mistake, etc. I have not sent you this letter, +because I think it useless, and shall never be of his opinion. By +word of mouth I shall let you know about various opinions which +in the meantime I listen to without comment or discussion. + +Your truly devoted + +F. LISZT + +WEYMAR, April 8th, 1853 + + + +106. + +Herewith, dearest, best of friends, I send you the answer of the +Prague manager, containing particulars as to the prohibition of +"Tannhauser." If you have time and care to do so, co-operate in +this affair also, in accordance with the love you bear me. + +I long for a letter from you, and am curious to hear from +yourself what truth there is in your rumoured breach with Weimar. + +I live in the expectation of your visit; surely you have not +abandoned it. + +Adieu. A thousand greetings from your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, April 11th, 1853 + + + +107. + +[FRAGMENT.] + +How ever could you think that I should "scoff" at any of your +magnanimous effusions? The forms in which we endeavour to gain +comfort in our miserable circumstances depend wholly upon our +nature, our wants, the character of our culture and of our more +or less artistic sensations. Who could be heartless enough to +believe that to him alone the true form has been revealed? Only +he could think so who has never fashioned for himself such a form +of his hope and faith, but into whose dull mind it has been +instilled from outside as some one else's formula, who therefore +does not possess sufficient inner power to preserve his own empty +existence by dint of vital instinct, and who thus again +communicates the formula received from others as a formula for +others. He who himself longs and hopes and believes will surely +rejoice in the hope and faith of others; all contention about the +true form is mere empty self-assertion. Dear friend, I also have +a strong faith, on account of which I have been bitterly scoffed +at by our politicians and sages of the law. I have faith in the +future of the human race, and that faith I draw simply from my +inner necessity. I have succeeded in observing the phenomena of +nature and of history with love and without prejudice, and the +only evil I have discovered in their true essence is +lovelessness. But this lovelessness also I explain to myself as +an error, an error which must lead us from the state of natural +unconsciousness to the knowledge of the solely beautiful +necessity of love. To gain that knowledge is the task of history; +and the scene on which that knowledge will be practically shown +is none other than our earth, than nature, in which there are all +the germs tending to this blissful knowledge. The state of +lovelessness is the state of suffering for the human race; the +fullness of this suffering surrounds us now, and tortures your +friend with a thousand burning wounds; but, behold, in it we +recognize the glorious necessity of love: we call to each other +and greet each other with the power of love, which would be +impossible without this painful recognition. In this manner we +gain a power of which man in his natural state has no idea, and +this power, expanded to the power of all humanity, will in the +future create on this earth a state of things from which no one +will long to fly to a hereafter henceforth become unnecessary; +for all will be happy, will live and love. Who longs to fly from +this life while he loves? + +Well, well, we suffer now. We now should despair and go mad +without faith in a hereafter; I also believe in a hereafter, and +have just shown you this hereafter. If it lies beyond my life, it +does not lie beyond that which I can feel, think, conceive, and +comprehend; for I believe in mankind, and require nothing +further. + +I now ask you, Who at the bottom of his heart shares my faith +more than do you, who believe in me, who know and demonstrate +love as no one else has proved and practiced it yet? You realize +your faith in every moment of your life; I know deeply and inly +what you believe; how then could I scoff at the form from which +such a miracle springs? I should not be as much of an artist as I +am if I did not joyfully understand you. + +Let us bravely fight and struggle; then all whims will disappear. +That I must remain so far from my battlefield is what makes me +complain so often. + +Well, my highest hope will be fulfilled: + +I shall see you again. + +This implies everything that can give joy to me; and I am sure +that at your arrival, and through means of it, you will find me +so elated that you will take my present and past complaints for +pure hypocrisy. My nerves, it is true, suffer a great deal, and +for a very natural reason. But I am now in hopes of strengthening +them thoroughly; for that I shall want a little "life:" the +medical cure alone will not be sufficient. That "life" you will +bring to me, and I promise you that you will find me hale and +hearty. + +I am almost glad that you are not coming to my musical +performances here, which will take place May 18th, 20th, and +22nd; we shall afterwards be more by ourselves, belong to each +other more. Oh, how I rejoice in the thought! + +You will find everything comfortable with me; the devil of luxury +has taken hold of me, and I have arranged my house as pleasantly +as possible. When the real thing is wanting, one does what one +can to help one's self. Well, come; you will find me half mad; +you, you, you, and no one else! + +What further shall I say in reply? I find I have taken to +chatting on the main thing. + +S.'s judgment of my poem satisfies my vanity--I mean, because it +proves my judgment. In spite of all, I took S. from the beginning +for a confirmed litterateur whom you for a moment had carried +away with you, but only for a moment. A litterateur cannot +understand me; only a complete man or a true artist can. Leave it +alone; it will be all right. When once I have cast everything +aside to dive up to the ears into the fount of music, it will +sound so well that people shall hear what they cannot see. We +must have a long talk about my further practical plans as to the +performance. + +All scribbled things are absolutely distasteful to me, and it is +the greatest effort to me to read the musical paper. I wish that +all this had no reference to me; let the people do for their own +sakes what they think they ought not to omit; what was necessary +for me you have done. Dearest, dearest friend, do not think that +I meant to reproach you when recently again I wrote with furious +impatience about my return to Germany. I do this quite at random; +I call out when I am in pain, but I accuse no one, certainly you +least of all. You are unfortunate in being so near to my heart; +for that reason you hear everything that I sigh and complain of +violently and painfully. Be not angry, and forgive me cordially. +I will write to the Hereditary Grand Duke, because it gives me +pleasure. + +Enough for today; my fingers are becoming cramped. But how many, +many things I shall have to say to you. I keep everything for +that occasion, and have really not written to you once about your +performance of my operas, of which quite recently again I heard +such wonders. All that will come by word of mouth, if only I do +not go mad! + +Farewell. Greet the Princess. A thousand kisses from + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +April 13th, 1853 + + + +108. + +Bravo, Schoneck! Long live Kroll's theatre! Those people have +rational ideas, and work bravely. The fact that you are friendly +with Schoneck, and can count upon his goodwill and musical +intelligence, gives a favourable turn to the performance of +"Tannhauser" at Kroll's theatre, and I, for my part, do not +advise you against it, the less so as you seem to like it. Your +citing Mirabeau as marchand de draps is quite applicable to +"Tannhauser" at Kroll's theatre; and if Schoneck manages to fill +the parts moderately well, the thing will, no doubt, hugely amuse +you. + +Simultaneously with this I write, by your desire, to Schoneck to +compliment him on the impending performances. I have advised him +to go to work prudently, as the whole matter is in his hands. We +may anticipate a very good result, which will cordially please + +Your + +FRANZ LISZT + +I shall write to Prague tomorrow, to President Sacher; this +matter will probably drag on for some time. + + + +109. + +MY DEAR FRIEND, + +In the most frightful turmoil of business, I must send you a few +words of enthusiasm. I have been writing an explanatory programme +for my musical performance here, and was led on that occasion to +look once more through your pamphlet on my opera. How can I +describe my feelings? When has an artist, a friend, ever done for +another what you have done for me? Truly, when I should be +inclined to despair of the whole world, one single glance at you +raises me again high and higher, fills me with faith and hope; I +cannot conceive what I should have done without you these last +four years. Oh, and how much you have made of me; it has been +indescribably beautiful for me to observe you during that space +of time. The idea and the word "gratitude" cannot contain my +meaning! + +You say that you do not yet expect to get your leave of absence! +Do not frighten me, and tell me by return that you are coming, +and coming soon. + +I have engaged Damm. It was a mad undertaking to find an +orchestra of seventy men when there were only fourteen competent +musicians in the place. I have plundered all Switzerland, and all +the neighbouring states as far as Nassau. It was necessary to +raise the guarantee fund to 7,000 francs in order to cover +expenses, and all this that I might hear the orchestral prelude +to "Lohengrin." + +I expect you for certain in the first days of June. If only the +joy of seeing you again does not drive me mad! Adieu. Come to + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, May 9th, 1853 + + + +110. + +Your splendid programme for the musical performances at Zurich, +May 18th, 20th, and 22nd, has made me quite sad, dearest friend. +Why can I not be present to make some returns to you for all I +owe you? But what is the good of questioning, brooding, and +sorrowing? I cannot get away from here before the end of June. +Tomorrow (the 20th) we have a grand court concert (the programme +is of no interest to you), and ten days afterwards the +performance of "Moses" by Marx, which I have to conduct. On June +15th takes place the jubilee of the Grand Duke, for which his +Majesty the King of Saxony will probably come here, and the 20th +is the birthday of the Hereditary Grand Duke. On the 26th or 28th +I accompany my mother, who is still half lame, to Paris; and by +the middle of July at the latest I shall be with you in Zurich. +Till then I must have patience, and need not give you any further +explanations. + +I talked some time ago with the Princess of Prussia about you. +The performance of "Tannhauser" at Kroll's is variously commented +upon. I am still of opinion that the personal influence and +ability of Schoneck are in this matter decisive. Since my last +letter to Schoneck I have heard nothing from him, but I believe I +told you of an offer that was made to me to take the Leipzig +opera to Berlin and to conduct "Tannhauser" at the Konigsstadt +Theatre. I have naturally declined this offer. + +I hope Schoneck will keep his word and bear the responsibility of +an adequate performance of "Tannhauser" honourably, thus +justifying your confidence. When you hear further particulars, +ask him to communicate them to me, as I have been questioned on +various sides about this matter, and have warmly defended +Schoneck's undertaking against the wavering portion of your +friends and the public. + +Alwine Fromann was here for some days. I have learnt to love her +through you. Your "Nibelungen" has been read excellently on four +evenings at the Altenburg by Counsellor Sauppe, director of the +Grammar School, who formerly lived for some years at Zurich. The +whole subject of the "Nibelungen" I shall work out with you in +conversation; in the meantime only this: that I am wholly in +favour of it, and ask you urgently to take the musical part +seriously in hand. + +I hear from Prague that "Tannhauser" is being prepared there for +next autumn. If this is confirmed, the other step which I +contemplated will become useless. In any case I shall wait a +little while to gain better ground for the matter. + +"Lohengrin" will be given at Wiesbaden, and at Schwerin the +"Dutchman" is heaving in sight. Have you finished the "Faust" +overture? Damm has probably told you that we have given it here +several times fairly well. Apropos of Damm, tell him that he can +stop as long as he likes. I envy the fellow his good time with +you. + +This afternoon Louis Kohler, from Konigsberg, will arrive here to +hear your "Lohengrin." Alas! alas! "Indra," by Flotow, absorbs +all the delicate attentions of our artistic direction; and this +wretched medley will be given the day after tomorrow as festival +opera. Did you formerly have intercourse with Kohler? I only know +him through some very amiable notices of a few of my pianoforte +works. His last letter is a kind of dithyramb about "Lohengrin," +which naturally predisposes me favourably towards the man. + +Farewell, you unique man! and may we soon be together. + +Your + +F. L. + +Let me soon have news of your performances at Zurich, and do not +forget to send Brendel a notice of them for his paper. About +Brendel, who recently visited me here, I have several things to +tell you. + +Please God, I may have good news to bring you from Dresden; it is +that which keeps me here till the end of June. + + + +111. + +DEAREST, + +I feel beaten down and weary. Damm has probably written to you +about my musical performances. Everything went off right well, +and Zurich was astonished that such a thing could have happened. +The Philistines almost carry me on their hands; and if I cared +for external success, the effect of my performances would more +than satisfy me. But, as you know, my chief object was to hear +something from "Lohengrin," and especially the orchestral +prelude, which interested me uncommonly. The impression was most +powerful, and I had to make every effort not to break down. So +much is certain: I fully share your predilection for "Lohengrin"; +it is the best thing I have done so far. On the public also it +had the same effect. In spite of the "Tannhauser" overture, +preceding them, the pieces from "Lohengrin" made such an +impression, that they were unanimously declared to be the best +thing. For the "Bridal Procession" I had specially written a very +effective new close, which I must communicate to you; following +upon the "Bridal Song," I repeated the G major prelude (wedding +music), after a short transition, and gave a new conclusion to +this also. These pieces have had a tremendous popular success; +everybody was delighted. It was a real feast for the world around +me. All the women are in my favour. + +I might have repeated the concerts six times, and they would have +been full on every occasion, but I stuck to three performances, +because I had enough of it, and was afraid of getting tired. +Besides this, I could not have retained the orchestra any longer; +many had to go home, especially eight musicians from Wiesbaden, +the best of the orchestra there, who had given me great pleasure +by coming. I had almost nothing but concert-masters and musical +directors--twenty most excellent violins, eight tenors, eight +splendid violin-cellos, and five double-basses. All had brought +their best instruments; and in the acoustical orchestra, +constructed according to my indication, the tone of the +instruments was most bright and beautiful. It is true that the +whole cost 9,000 francs. + +What do you think of our citizens raising all that money? I +believe that in time I shall be able to do unheard-of things +here, but for the present it has cost me unheard-of trouble. +During the week preceding the performances, I read in my way, +which you will hear later on, my three operatic poems before a +very large audience in public and gratis, and was delighted by +the powerful impression they produced on my hearers. In the +intervals I studied my choruses with amateurs, and these tame, +four-part people at last sang as if they had swallowed the devil. +Well, I am a little lame and weary in consequence. It is hard +that you will have to leave me in my loneliness for the whole +month of June. + +Why have your festivities been suddenly postponed? Not till the +middle of July? Just now you would have been of infinite benefit +to me; I am very lonely. + +For the present I must try to pick up a little by a wandering +life; perhaps I shall go for a few weeks to Brunnen, on the lake +of Lucerne, and try to settle down to work. I shall make +excursions from there to the Bernese Oberland and thus pass the +time till your much-desired arrival. How long shall you be able +to stay? In the second half of July I am to go to St. Moritz, in +the Grisons, to go through a cure there from which they promise +great benefit for my health. Will you follow me to that +beautiful, wild solitude? That would be splendid! By the end of +August, when you have to leave me again, I shall go to Italy, as +far as it is accessible to me. (I wish it could be to Naples! The +King of Saxony might manage that!) The means I must get somehow, +if I were to steal them. + +In other respects "business" with me is flat. You have probably +heard that the manager of the Berlin court opera has procured an +order which prevents the smaller theatres of Berlin, and +especially Kroll's theatre, from performing such operas as +"Tannhauser." From this we see how powerfully even a threat acts +upon these people; they are of course ashamed of themselves, and +do not wish to incur open disgrace. I have authorized Schoneck to +announce "Tannhauser" as a "Singspiel," but he himself is +doubtful whether the thing can be managed. He loses in this +manner a fine opportunity of making himself favourably known and +of raising himself above his hole-and-corner circumstances. I +lose a nice income for this summer, for the undertaking would +have brought me in a few thousand francs. But God's, or rather +Herr von Hulsen's, will be done. It is quite plain that in our +excellent states the "other thing" has nowadays the upper hand; +the Princess of Prussia may wish and desire what she likes, she +will not be able to conquer that, nor Herr von Hulsen either. +Good Lord, I know the thing. + +However, I was peculiarly pleased that you from the first looked +upon this Berlin experiment just as I did, and that we quite +understood each other. I can quite imagine how the Philistine +must have shaken his head. It was equally clear that you were +unable to accept the proposal for the Konigsstadt Theatre with +the Leipzig troupe, and I am only annoyed at their impudence in +offering you such a thing. It implies indeed a gross insult, for +which one must pardon our dull-headed theatrical mob. "Lord, +forgive them, for they know not what they do." + +Dearest friend, have you not yet had enough of Weimar? I must own +that I frequently grieve to see how you waste your strength +there. Was there any truth in the recent rumour of your leaving +Weimar? Have they given in? + +But all this is idle talk. My brain is a wilderness, and I thirst +for a long, long sleep, to awake only when my arms are around +you. Write to me very precisely, also whether you are inclined, +after a little stay at Zurich, to go with me to the solitude of +the Grisons; St. Moritz might, after all, do you good, dearest +friend; we shall there be five thousand feet high, and enjoy the +most nerve-strengthening air, together with the mineral water, +which is said to be of beneficial effect on the digestive organs. +Think this over, consult your health and your circumstances, and +let me know very soon what I may hope for. + +Farewell, best and dearest of friends. Have my eternal thanks for +your divine friendship, and be assured of my steadfast and +warmest love. + +Your + +RICHARD W. + +ZURICH, May 30th, 1853 + + + +112. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I have just received the enclosed letter, programme, and +newspaper from Prague. If you will write a few lines to Apt, you +will please him very much. Also be kind enough to send a copy of +your "Nibelungen" to Louis Kohler in Konigsberg (care of Pfitzer +and Heimann, music-publishers). He deserves this attention from +you, and I promised it him during his stay here, when he +cordially joined your banner. From Leipzig, after the performance +of "Tannhauser," he wrote me a letter which I could sign myself, +and you are sure to find in Kohler a very zealous, able, and +honest champion of your cause in the press. + +A little book by him on the melody of speech will shortly appear. +As a composer for the pianoforte he has done some excellent +things. Several years ago an opera of his composition was +produced at Brunswick. Kohler is about thirty-two years old, and +married. + +Marx was here recently. We have become friends, and shall +probably approach each other still more closely. His oratorio +"Moses" was given fairly well under my direction. + +A little court concert was given the day before yesterday in +honour of their Majesties the King and Queen of Saxony. Further +details I shall tell you when I see you. Unfortunately I must +doubt that the steps taken so far will lead to the desired +result, but there is yet another hope before my departure, for +which I must wait. The Hereditary Grand Duke will soon go to +Dresden, and has promised me his intercession in this matter. + +In ten or twelve days I shall give you an exact plan of my +journey. It is very possible and almost probable that Joachim and +Robert Franz will accompany me to Zurich. It is quite understood +that I go with you wherever you like, but I shall not be able to +stay with you longer than ten days altogether. Whether it will be +at the beginning or the middle of July I cannot say for certain, +because this journey depends on another much longer one. + +Damm has told us wonderful things of your three performances. The +poetic indications which I read in the programme, especially +those of the introduction to "Lohengrin" and the overture of the +"Flying Dutchman," interested me very much. Before long I may +send you a little article about the "Flying Dutchman"; and if you +approve of it, it shall be published. + +I have been much depressed these last few days by many and +various things. These are the days of thunderstorms. With all my +heart and soul I shall rejoice on seeing you again. Let us be +faithful to one another, though the world go to ruin. + +F. L. + +June 8th, 1853 + + + +113. + +I have nothing to write to you, dearest, except that I await you +longingly. You might come before the middle of July, seeing that +you will not be able to give me more than ten days in all. This +of course determines me not to expect that you should go to the +watering-place in the Grisons with me for a few days only. It +would have been different if you could have stayed with me there +for some length of time. I suppose you will not be here this +month, and I may, without fear of missing you, go next week to +Interlaken in the Oberland to visit part of the R. family. At the +beginning of July I shall be back again, and expect you daily. + +That Franz and Joachim intend to come too is famous. Franz had +already half promised me. I shall be delighted to make their +acquaintance. Prague and Konigsberg (Kohler) will be attended to. + +I read today in the "Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik" the article by +T. in Posen, in which there is a stupid thing, viz., an +exaggeration, where he says that I consider "Schoneck one of my +most gifted disciples." Schoneck as a musician is quite +insignificant, and as a man without particular culture; he is +simply a theatrical conductor--at least as far as I know him. I +was struck, however, by his uncommon and specific talent as a +conductor, as well as by his nervous, restless, and very active +temperament, combined with a strong turn for enthusiasm. He once +saw me study Beethoven's music with an orchestra, and conduct it, +and devoured what could be acquired with genuine astonishment, +making it his own with so much cleverness that later on at +Freiburg he produced the music to "Egmont," which he had heard me +do, with very great success, as competent witnesses have assured +me. It was the same afterwards with the "Flying Dutchman," which +he grasped completely as a conductor. But beyond his specific +gift as a conductor, I do not think that I have influenced him +particularly, and should certainly not like him to be considered +my representative, although I may count upon his devotion. If the +Berlin plan at Kroll's is, after all, realized--and there is +again strong opposition to it now-I must think of having my +intentions more specially represented, and have young Ritter in +view for that purpose. As to this also we must have a talk. +However, the success of "Tannhauser" at Posen, under Schoneck's +direction, is again a striking incident. Within six days they +gave it four times, with the largest receipts. Only think what +trouble I had at the time with this opera at Dresden. + +But enough. That you, like me, do not seem to be in good spirits, +grieves me very much, but I become more and more convinced that +people like us must always be uncomfortable, except in the +moments, hours, and days of productive excitement; but then we +enjoy and luxuriate during that time more than any other man. So +it is! Soon we shall talk! I am almost afraid of this joy! You +will write, will you not? + +Adieu, dearest friend. + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, June 14th, 1853 + + + +114. + +BEST OF FRIENDS, + +Today week--Thursday, June 28th--I start from here. At Carlsruhe +I shall have to stop till July 1st, in order to look at the +localities, and to make some preparations for the impending +Musical Festival there. On July 2nd I shall therefore hope to be +with you at Zurich. My time will be very short, but it will be an +unspeakable pleasure to live with you for a few days. + +I enclose a few disappointing lines concerning your affair, which +have been sent to me by an unknown hand. I hope to be able to +tell you better news when I see you. I shall go straight from the +mail office to you at Zeltweg, to ask you about the hotel where I +shall stop. Probably Joachim and Franz will come with me. If it +is not too much trouble, notify my arrival at Winterthur to +Kirchner and Eschmann, whose personal acquaintance I should like +to make. + +I have just received from Hartel your portrait, which seems to me +more like than the previous one. If there is a decent sculptor at +Zurich, you must oblige me by giving him a few sittings, for him +to model a large medallion in relief of you. I cannot bear +lithographed portraits; to me they have always a somewhat +bourgeois appearance, while sculpture represents a man in a very +different way. + +In ten days, dearest friend, we shall wholly possess each other. +If you like to write to me, address Poste restante, Carlsruhe, +where I shall be till July 1st. + +Your + +F. LISZT + +June 23rd, 1853 + +[ENCLOSURE.] + +If I venture to trouble you with a few lines, my motive, I hope, +will gain me your kind forgiveness. In today's number of the +"Freimuthige Sachsen-Zeitung" the old Steckbrief (order of +arrest) (v. 49) against Capellmeister Richard Wagner has been +copied, with the remark "that it is said that he intends to +return to Germany, and therefore the police are requested to keep +a watchful eye on him, and, in case he is found in Germany, to +arrest him and deliver him here." + +Although I know Capellmeister R. Wagner from of old, I do not +know how to communicate this news to him, because it is said that +most of the letters sent to refugees in Switzerland are either +opened or never delivered; and I am not acquainted with any other +safe way. + +A consultation which I had with some of Richard Wagner's friends +led us to determine, as the only means, upon asking Court- +Capellmeister Dr. Liszt, one of the most faithful and best-known +friends of the great composer, "to acquaint Capellmeister R. +Wagner with the above by some sure ways and means." + +Asking you once more to pardon me for the trouble I give you, I +remain, with the greatest esteem and veneration, + +----- + + + +115. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I have just returned from a trip, and find your letter. Thank +God, I have not much to write in answer beyond expressing my joy +that you are coming so soon. Saturday, July 2nd, in the morning, +or at the latest in the evening, I shall await you at the mail +office. You might stay with me, but I am afraid you would not be +comfortable, especially if you come with Joachim and Franz. All +this we shall settle at once at the office. There is a good +hotel, Hotel Baur. I shall let Kirchner and Eschmann know. Good +Lord, how glad I am. Not another word by letter! + +Au revoir. + +Your + +RICHARD WAGNER + +Could you let me know by telegram exactly when you are coming? + +We have beautiful weather. + + + +116. + +You see, dear friend, that I am approaching; and unless official +impediments delay me one day, I start the day after tomorrow- +Friday, July 1st--by the afternoon train for Basle, and arrive at +Zurich by the mail-coach on Saturday, early in the morning. At +the latest, I shall be there on Sunday at the same hour. Joachim +I expect here; Franz, I am sorry to say, will not be able to come +till later on. + +Your + +FRANZ LISZT + +CARLSRUHE, June 29th + + + +117. + +FRANKFORT, Tuesday, July 12th, 1853, 6 p.m. + +UNIQUE FRIEND, + +The Musical Festival at Carlsruhe will take place on September +20th, and I write you these few lines in haste to ask you to send +me the altered passage in the score of "Lohengrin" at Weymar. + +If not inconvenient to you, I should be glad if you could lend me +for six weeks your Zurich parts of the overture to "Tannhauser" +and the pieces from "Lohengrin" for use at the Carlsruhe +festival; send them straight to Devrient. As the Hartels have not +printed the parts, it will not injure their interests; and we +shall at least be sure that the parts are correctly copied, as +you have already used them at Zurich. From Weymar I shall bring +the parts of the "Tannhauser" overture with me. At the two +concerts of the Carlsruhe festival the orchestras and artists of +the Darmstadt, Mannheim, and Carlsruhe theatres will co-operate. +As the performances take place at the theatre, the trebling of +the parts will be quite sufficient, for the house does not hold +more than fourteen or fifteen hundred people, and an orchestra of +a hundred and ninety and a chorus of something like a hundred and +sixty will consequently have a good effect. As soon as the +programme is settled I shall send it to you; for the present I +tell you only that the "Tannhauser" overture will make the +commencement of the first concert and the "Lohengrin" pieces the +close of the second. In addition to this, there will be two +pieces by Berlioz, the finale of Mendelssohn's "Loreley," the +Ninth Symphony, etc. Frau Heim will, I hope, on this occasion be +the reporter for Zurich, and I shall do my best to put her in a +good temper. Johanna sings this evening at a concert in the +theatre for the benefit of a local actress. "Tannhauser" will not +be given tomorrow. After the concert I shall see Schmidt, and +shall inquire as to particulars. . . . In case J. is still here +tomorrow, I shall pay my most humble respects to her. She +appeared first as Romeo, and yesterday sang Fides for the benefit +of the Pension Fund. With E. Devrient I spent a few hours +yesterday at Badenweiler. He is going to visit you at Zurich, but +can make no certain plans for the present, as he expects the +Prince Regent at Badenweiler. His daughter suffers a great deal, +and his wife also appeared to me in very weak health. Frau +Meyerbeer also I met at Badenweiler. With Schindelmeisser I shall +communicate by telegraph early tomorrow morning; and in case +"Lohengrin" is given on Thursday, I shall run over to see it, and +return home to Weymar on Friday. + +Through your hat I nearly got into difficulties with the police +at Carlsruhe, because its species and colour are considered +specially suspicious, being accounted red, although grey. I was +accidentally advised of this; nevertheless I have got on well so +far, and shall always maintain that the hat is well-conditioned +and loyal, because you have given it to me. + +Apropos, neither of the two persons to whom I have hitherto +talked about it was inclined to believe in your wholly +unpolitical position and mode of feeling. It will certainly take +some time before a more correct opinion of your circumstances and +your whole individuality is arrived at. + +My best compliments to your wife, and many thanks for the +kindness and love she showed me during my stay at Zurich. + +Do not forget either my most "well-conditioned" homages to Frau +Kumner and her sister. To our Grutly brother and his wife say all +the friendly and true things which I feel for them, and to +Baumgartner give a good "shake-hand" (translated into musical +Swiss) in my name. The days at the Zeltweg remain bright, sunny +days for me. God grant that we may soon be able to repeat them. + +Your + +DOPPEL PEPS, alias "Double Extract de Peps," or "Double Stout +Peps con doppio movimento sempre crescendo al fffff," which +latter we shall live to witness at the performance of the +"Nibelungen." + +Once more I ask you if possible to grant the "Tannhauser" and +"Lohengrin" parts to the Carlsruhe festival, and kindly to write +a few words to that effect to Devrient. I am off to the concert. + +Johanna sings three songs by Schubert ("Wanderer," "Trockne +Blumen," and "Ungeduld"), and I sing + +[Figure: a musical score] + +Pardon me if I have put the bars in the wrong places, and whistle +it better for yourself. Address Weymar. + + + +118. + +DEAR, DEAR FRANZ, + +Here I am in the capital of the Grisons; all is grey, grey. I +must take rose-coloured paper to get out of this grey, just as a +certain tinge of red glimmers through your grey hat. You see I am +compelled to take to bad jokes, and may therefore guess at my +mood. Solitude, solitude, nothing but horrible grey solitude, +since you went away! Wednesday evening my Zurich people tried to +dispel this grey solitude with their torches; it was very pretty +and solemn, and nothing like it had happened to me in my life +before. They had built an orchestra in front of my house in the +Zeltweg, and at first I thought they were erecting a scaffold for +me. They played and sang, we exchanged speeches, and I was +cheered by an innumerable multitude. I almost wish you had heard +the speech of the evening; it was very naive and sincere; I was +celebrated as a perfect saviour. The next morning I left in +company with St. George; since then rain has fallen incessantly. +Last night we found the only mail-coach from Coire to St. Moritz +full, and had to make up our minds to stop here for another two +nights and one day. Before leaving Zurich I fetched your +Frankfort letter from the post-office; alas! it was the last joy +which I took with me from deserted Zurich. Be cordially thanked +for it, you dear, departed joy! + +Today I inaugurate your new writing-case with a first "written" +communication to you. Let me talk of business; all else has +become too terrible for my pen and ink since I possessed you +wholly, heard your noble voice, pressed your divine hand. +Therefore to--business! + +You shall have the parts; each of them is in a book which +contains all the pieces of my Zurich concert; you will therefore +have "Tannhauser" as well as "Lohengrin." But as your orchestra +will be larger than mine, you will have to have them copied out; +still I think they will arrive in time if I send them to Devrient +not before the middle of August, after my return from St. Moritz; +let me know whether you think the same. If you also want the +voice parts and think the chorus ought to begin studying before +the middle of August, I will send you them through my wife before +the others; as to this also I want your instructions. The newly +written score of the "Lohengrin" pieces, containing all the +alterations, will be ready in four weeks at the latest. I +therefore prefer to wait till then rather than send you the +alterations on detached slips of paper, which would be of little +use to you. About the middle of August the entire and properly +arranged score will be sent to you at Weimar; but if you insist +upon having the alterations separately at an earlier date, write +to me, and I will obey. So, so, so, so! this is the business. + +And now what remains? Sadness! sadness! After you had been taken +from us I did not say a single word to George. Silently I +returned home; silence reigned everywhere. Thus we celebrated +your leave-taking, you dear man; all the splendour had departed. +Oh, come back soon, and stay with us for a long time. If you only +knew what divine traces you have left behind you! Everything has +grown nobler and milder; greatness lives in narrow minds; and +sadness covers all. + +Farewell, my Franz, my holy Franz. Think of the wild solitude of +St. Moritz, and send a ray of your life there soon. + +My wife read your letter with me, and was delighted--She greets +you cordially. George asks me to greet you, and thanks you for +remembering him. He will soon be a poet for your sake. Farewell, +dear, dear Franz. + +Your + +RICHARD. + +COIRE, July 15th, 1853. + + + +119. + +X. is going to sing in "Tannhauser" at R. in about a fortnight. +She had to leave at once after the concert on July 12th, in order +to attend to some starring engagements. I saw her first in her +dressing-room at the theatre, where she had kindly invited me to +visit her for a quarter of an hour after the concert. That +quarter of an hour I employed in doing my duty as a doctor and +apothecary in the "well-conditioned" line. I told her many and +sundry things which she was able to understand. Before taking +leave X. promised me to sing Ortrud and Elizabeth at Weymar in +the course of next winter, which I accepted very thankfully. Papa +X. has some plans for a German opera in London, and opines that +your operas would have a fine effect there. I replied that the +needful and indispensable would first have to be done for them in +Germany. There is no hurry about London, and perfect success +there is only possible when the ground in Germany has been firmly +occupied. + +To S. and M. I repeated once more that it would be scandalous not +to give "Tannhauser" on this occasion, and S. went so far as to +promise me that, in case of difficulties, he would announce +"Tannhauser" with Frau Anschutz-Capitain in the intervals of the +starring engagement. + +Has Schindelmeisser sent you our Wiesbaden "Lohengrin" snuffbox? +As Ortrud was ill, "Lohengrin" could not be given this week. Frau +Moritz is a very amiable and excellent woman and artist. She is +studying Elsa and Senta, and is quite determined to make active +propaganda for your operas. Moritz is going to read your "Ring of +the Nibelung" this month at Wiesbaden. + +When I go to Carlsruhe, I shall again visit Moritz at Wiesbaden. + +Your letter to C. A. reached me this morning early; excellent and +worthy of you! This afternoon I drive to Ettersburg to pay my +respects to the young gentleman, and shall hand him your letter +at once. + +The Princess of Prussia is here with her mother, and will +probably remain till the end of July. Whether the etiquette of +court mourning will permit me to have a talk with her I do not +know. + +Be happy in the Grisons, you godlike man. When you work at the +"Nibelungen," let me be with you, and keep me within you even as +you have received me--in truth and love. + +Your + +F. L. + +WEYMAR, July 17th, 1853. + +Enclosed I send you a letter from Kohler, which you may on +occasion return to me. Have you read his pamphlet "The Melody of +Speech"? Perhaps you might write a few words to him. + +Do not forget the Carlsruhe scores, and, if possible, the parts. +Address always Weymar. + +[ENCLOSURE.] + +HIGHLY ESTEEMED DR. LISZT, + +This is my book. Do not expect to find anything in it, lest I +should have the misfortune of incurring your censure. + +I have sent the book to Wagner, and it makes me anxious to think +that it might displease him; I wish I knew something definite. +Wagner has given me infinitely great pleasure by sending me his +"Nibelungen." I owe this to you; you were my intercessor. + +I am still reading the book. At first it was strange to me, but +attracted me as something strange does attract us. Unconsciously, +however, I lost myself in it, and now feel quite at home in it, +with the true joy of Valhall. The work strikes me with a power +which is of a peculiar kind, and I do not care to vex my spirit +with reflections. It is such a fine thing if they do not occur of +themselves, although, no doubt, the after-effect of the book will +lead to reflections. I do not think that for centuries so truly +sublime a piece of poetry has been created, so powerful, so full +of simplicity--simple in diction--there is marrow in every word. +Everything in it appears great, even in an optic sense; the forms +of the gods I see before me large, but endowed with the ideal +beauty of force; I hear their voices resound afar, and when they +move, the air is stirred. This language is in itself true music, +and therefore cannot be "set to music." I have a distinct idea of +the actual representation of this work and of its perfection; and +I discover a kind of speech melody in the forcibly phrased and +vividly grouped verses of Wagner, such as I imagined as the +ultimate ideal of dramatic tone-speech when I wrote my book; +perhaps you hold a similar opinion, or rather you know, as you +have been with Wagner. To him I should like to write every day, +if only two lines; but Heaven preserve so much occupied a man +from my very superfluous words. If Wagner would only let me know +ten vocal notes from his "Nibelungen," my mind would be at rest. +Wotan is sublime, like a statue in bronze, and yet so humanly +conceivable at the same time. The close of the first act of the +"Valkyrie" is overpowering. Oh! how I felt with Siegmund. When I +read, my soul seemed to expand as if I were looking from a high +point upon a large, new world. + +Let me have two brief words about Wagner's intention; I shall be +eternally grateful to you. I shall always think with delight of +my journey and my stay at Weimar. The Altenburg stands +daguerreotyped on my soul. + +I still smoke your "Plantages" cigars when I want to reward +myself after much working. Your arrangement of the Ninth Symphony +for two pianos has filled me with the greatest enthusiasm; it is +a marvelous work, which I shall shortly notice in print. + +How about new editions? Let me write about them all! + +In the feuilleton of our newspaper here I wrote three articles +about you and Wagner; now, after all, comes S. and writes too, +upsetting so many things which I had built up. He is a terribly +confused spirit, and the humour of it is that he thinks everybody +else confused. + +Is Raff working busily at his Samson? I hope we shall soon hear +something of him. Remember me to him very kindly. + +And now I take my leave of you, asking for your forbearance with + +Your wholly devoted + +LOUIS KOHLER. + +KONIGSBERG, July 3rd, 1853. + + + +120. + +Your splendid letter on rosy paper has cheered me up. The air +here feels so thick, so buttery (so like rancid butter). Well, +let it be as it may, I do not care; you write your "Nibelungen" +and "Delenda Philisterium!" + +To the young Grand Duke I gave your letter, and I can assure you +that he has fully understood your noble language, your high-toned +feeling. I had the honour yesterday of seeing the Princess of +Prussia; she is staying here at Belvedere without chamberlain or +dame d'honneur, simply as the loving and very lovable daughter of +her mother, "the Frau Grossherzogin-Grossfurstin" (this is now +the official denomination of the Grand Duchess Maria Paulowna). +Zigesar, who remains with the latter as acting chamberlain and +house-marshal, tells me wonders of the grace and amiability of +the Princess of Prussia. I have of course told her many and +various things about you. + +The Zurich people have acted very well, and we at Weymar have +taken cordial interest in your serenade and the torchlight +procession. What a pity "Double Peps" was there no longer! He +would have drummed and torched with a will. + +The day after tomorrow I must start for Carlsbad, and shall stay +there till August 15th, wherefore address Carlsbad till middle of +August, after that Weymar. The 28th of August (anniversary of +Goethe's birthday and of the first performance of "Lohengrin") is +fixed for the "Huldigung" (taking the oath of allegiance to the +new Grand Duke). I shall probably be there, and must write a +march of about two hundred bars by command. Raff is to write a Te +Deum for the church ceremony. + +For your kind loan of "Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin" to Carlsruhe I +am very thankful to you. You save us time and trouble, and I feel +quite safe now. + +I expect then that between the 15th and 18th of August (please, +not later) all the orchestral and choral parts as well as the +scores will be in the hands of Devrient at Carlsruhe, and I shall +advise him as to their arrival. A correct and spirited +performance of the "Tannhauser" overture and the pieces from +"Lohengrin" I guarantee, and you shall have satisfactory accounts +of it. + +If not inconvenient, please arrange that I, with several others, +may meet you after the Carlsruhe festival (about 24th or 25th +September) at Basle. I should like to revive in your company for +a few days, which shall be called "Lohengrin days." By that time +I suppose you will be back from your journey, and a meeting will +do good to both of us. + +Live happy in the enjoyment of your power, my great, splendid +Richard. + +Remember me very kindly to George, and let me soon hear from you. + +Your + +FRANZ. + +WEYMAR, July 25th, 1853. + +Till August 15th address Carlsbad, then again Weymar. + + + +121. + +Cordial thanks, dearest friend, for your cheerful letter. I am +half ashamed of the dismal mood which prevented me so long from +writing to you. I lead here an unbearable, solitary life, in +grand but terribly charmless surroundings. At the beginning I +made excursions with George to the glaciers and neighbouring +valleys, but as this did not agree with my cure, I remained +confined to this wretched little place, which, fortunately, I +leave the day after tomorrow. Whether the cure has been of use to +me the future must show, but upon the whole I am not inclined to +repeat it. I am too restless to give up all activity for such a +long time. In brief, I am not a fit subject for a cure; that I +perceive. I am now all ablaze to go to Italy, but do not intend +to start before the end of August, for they say that only in +September Italy becomes comfortable for us. For how long I shall +roam about there, Lord only knows. Perhaps I shall not be able to +bear it long alone, but the thought of returning to Switzerland +so very soon is unpleasant to me. Tell me, dearest Franz, have +you quite given up your idea of going to Paris? Our meeting there +would be much pleasanter than at the commonplace Basle. Are you +so much tied by time and space? Of course the hope of seeing you +once more this year regulates all my plans; and if you offer me +an opportunity for the end of September, I should be a precious +fool not to make use of it. See you again therefore I shall in +any case; but I venture to ask that you should make it possible +to come to Paris, where I should like to divert my thoughts for a +little time before permanently returning to my honest +Switzerland. The distance from Carlsruhe to Paris is not greater +than to Basle. You get there in one day from Strassburg. Pardon +me for pressing this caprice upon you. + +The Wiesbaden "Lohengrin snuffbox" has had a great effect upon +me; it was forwarded to me here by my wife. Your humour seems to +have been excellent, so that Schindelmeisser was no doubt unable +to understand it. This snuffbox also shall one day figure in my +collection of rarities. + +Have you received an invitation from Leipzig? Wirsing wrote to me +about Lohengrin, but I, on my part, wrote to Raymund Hartel +asking him to take the matter in hand and to communicate to +Wirsing my conditio sine qua non. You perceive that, on the +strength of your friendly promise, I have freely taken to +sinning. + +I hear that at Berlin the scheme of "Tannhauser" at Kroll's is to +be taken seriously in hand in September or October. Schaffer also +wrote to me about it. + +Young T. wrote to me from Posen that his father had at last +permitted him to devote himself to music entirely, and he now +prays on his bended knees that I should allow him to live near me +at Zurich. This somewhat embarrasses me, for I know that the +young man is mistaken in me and Zurich; so I have written to tell +him that I am starting on a journey, and that, as he wanted to +leave Posen at once, he might first visit you at Weimar, where I +would announce him to you. After that he might go with you to +Carlsruhe and from there proceed to Zurich, where I should be +willing to be of service to him as long as he could stand the +place. Do not be angry with me for having put him too on your +shoulders; you will soon get rid of him. + +I always have an anxious feeling that I might have lost something +in your eyes since our meeting, probably because I feel how much +you have gained in mine--gained as if there had been anything +left for you to gain! What a fool I am! + +The parts, etc., I shall send next week to Carlsruhe. + +St. George is still very lazy, but he shall work. He sends best +regards. Farewell. I must not write more. Tell me soon whether +you have not yet had enough of me. + +Give my best respects to the Princess. We shall soon meet again! + +Farewell, farewell, best of human beings. + +Your + +R. W. + +ST. MORITZ. + +P.S.--The Kroll-Berlin "Tannhauser" has fallen through after all. +Schoneck has just written to me that he has broken with the +director, Wallner, because the latter refused to carry out his +undertaking as to the excellence of the ensemble. + + + +122. + +As usual, dearest friend, you have had an excellent idea. It is +settled then that we go to Paris, and there have a meeting at the +end of September, after the Carlsruhe performances. As before +then your chief purpose is to see the Mediterranean, I advise you +to go to Genoa and Marseilles, and thence to Paris. Napoleon +says, "La Mediterranee est un lac francais," so you may go from +your Swiss lakes to the French lake for a few weeks and then come +to me in Paris. + +By the middle of October I must be back at Weymar, but a +fortnight of Paris will be quite enough for us. + +Therefore this is settled. + +T. will be very welcome at Weymar. He wrote to me once or twice +before, and, between ourselves, I have heard several things about +him which make me think that his character is not oversolid. But +that does not matter, and may be left to Meser. A few days ago I +received a letter from Berlioz, in answer to my last, in which I +had said several things about you. + +I quote the following lines:-- + +"Our art, as we understand it, is an art of millionaires; it +requires millions. As soon as these millions are found every +difficulty disappears; every dark intellect is illumined; moles +and foxes are driven back into the earth; the marble block +becomes a god, and the public human: without these millions we +remain clodhoppers after thirty years' exertion. + +"And yet there is not a sovereign, not a Rothschild, who will +understand this. Is it not possible that, after all, we, with our +secret pretensions, should simply be stupid and insolent fools? + +"I am, like yourself, convinced of the ease with which Wagner and +I should fit each other if only he would grease his wheels a +little. As to the few lines of which you speak, I have never read +them, and therefore feel not the slightest resentment on their +account. I have fired too many pistol-shots at the legs of +passers-by to be astonished at receiving a few pellets myself." + +In Paris we shall continue the subject; material and good fun +will not be wanting. + +At Leipzig I hope to find a few lines from you, and by the end of +this month I shall write to you from Weymar when and how long I +can be in Paris. If in the meantime I should have to write to +you, I shall address to Zurich, as you must to Weymar. + +Farewell, and be cheerful, and do not talk nonsense about what +you might have lost in my eyes. At Leipzig I shall attend to the +"Lohengrin" affair; so far I have heard nothing about it. + +Your + +FRANZ LISZT. + + + +123. + +Let me today, dear Franz, thank you by a few lines for your last +letter. I cannot get on with "writing" to you any longer; nothing +occurs to me but my sorrow at your disappearance and my desire to +have you again soon and for long. All else scarcely moves me, and +"business" relations between us have very little charm for me. +The only thing I can think of is seeing you again in the present +year. Give me a rendezvous in Paris after the Carlsruhe festival. +In any case I shall send my wife to Carlsruhe, so that she may +bring back a taste of you. + +Almost my only object in "writing" to you is to ask you to +forward the enclosed letter to L. Kohler. I know neither his +title, nor his address. You might also apologize to him for this +very letter, which, I believe, is written in a terribly bad and +confused style. The foolish man wants to hear something from me +about his book, but as soon as I bend my head a little towards +theory the nerves of my brain begin to ache violently, and I feel +quite ill. I can and will theorize no longer, and he is not my +friend who would lure me back to that cursed ground. Pereant all +X. and X. if they know of nothing better than this eternal +confused speculating about--art! + +Here I live in a wild solitude, ice and snow around me. The day +before yesterday we roamed for half a day over glaciers. Herwegh +must put up with it. I shall not release him from my net; he must +work. He swore yesterday that he had the poem for you in his +head. Good luck! + +Get me your medallion, you wicked man. I must have it at once. As +to the rest, do with me what you like. About the sending of the +parts and score to Carlsruhe I await your instructions. I assume +that you received my letter from Coire. + +I am almost annoyed that you have had intercourse with X.; these +people are not worth looking after. Be sure that nothing +satisfactory will come of it; we must have whole men or none at +all, no half ones; they drag us down: we shall never drag them +up. I should be proud if this "man of talent" would decline to +assist me altogether. + +However, in this matter also you must do as you like. Before all, +take care that you continue to love me, and that we see each +other soon. + +Farewell, dearest friend. + +Your + +R. W. + +Many greetings from St. George. + +ST. MORITZ, CANTON GRISONS, July 26th, 1853. + + + +124. + +Truly, writing is a misery, and men of our sort should not write +at all. However, your rosy paper and your luminous letters, which +looked like Spanish grandees, gave me real pleasure. While you +are at Coire, intent upon your water-cure, I sit here in Carlsbad +looking at nothing but puffed-up faces, excepting one which +shines on me like a bright, comforting sun. Till the 16th I must +remain here, and on the 22nd I shall be back at Weymar. + +By way of entertainment I enjoy Labitzki and his water-cure +orchestra, Aldridge, the black Roscius, who plays beautifully +Othello, Macbeth, and Fiesco; also spurious Arabs and genuine +Chinese, who howl and tinkle to make one run away. + +Passing through Leipzig, I saw B. His new book will appear soon, +in which there is a separate chapter entitled "Criticism of R. +Wagner." We must see whether he has brewed digestible stuff. At +Dresden I visited the R.'s. Frau Kummer and her sister had gained +my affection at Zurich, and C., who was summoned specially from +Pillnitz to meet me, pleased me very well this time. On my +journey back I shall again look up the R.'s, for I like to remain +in communication with people who prove real friends of yours. We +form a little Church of our own, and edify each other by singing +your praises. Take note, dear Richard, and make up your mind to +it, for it cannot be otherwise. You are now, and will be still +more, the concentric focus of every high endeavour, high feeling, +and honest effort in art. This is my true conviction, without +pedantry and charlatanism, both of which I abhor. Do not fail to +use your powerful influence with C., so that he may exert his +faculties with some consistency and regularity. I spoke to him of +B.'s plan of an Art Review. If you set him tasks, he may do good +service to the cause and himself. How about the "leading +programme" which you and H. are to sketch together? This is the +corner-stone of the whole enterprise. Do not be deterred; I think +it necessary that you should submit to some trouble and tedium +for the purpose. Before going to Weymar I shall have some +definite talk with B. about the matter. If you want to +communicate with me on the subject, address Poste restante, +Leipzig, or, better still, to the care of Y., so that the letter +arrive in Leipzig on the 19th inst. Perhaps by that time you will +have been able to settle the chief heads of the programme of +"Blatter fur Gegenwart und Zukunft der Gesammt-Kunst" and to draw +the outline of the whole scheme. + +I repeat it once more, without you and your direct and indirect +influence nothing, or something much worse than nothing, will be +done. Therefore be patient and help as and where you can. + +Do not forget that E. D. expects the "Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin" +scores and parts for the Carlsruhe festival on August 15th. You +are always so careful and punctual in fulfilling your promises +that I am under no anxiety, and only tell you that they wish to +begin studying your pieces in Carlsruhe as soon as possible. + +B. will probably come to Carlsruhe, and will be at Weymar at the +end of this month. I have spoken to Meser at Dresden and warmly +recommended to him H. as the most suitable musician to entrust +with the four-hand pianoforte arrangement of "Tannhauser." If +Meser should write to you about it, be good enough to propose H. +to him for this work in preference to other arrangers and +derangers. Give my best remembrances to G., and abide with me. + +Your + +F. L. + +CARLSBAD, August 7th, 1853. + +P.S.--Our friend Kohler has latterly been severely attacked by +several individuals who have the arrogance to think that they +stand in opposition to you, while in reality they move in a low +and bottomless region. As you probably do not read similar +newspapers, I tell you of the fact, and ask you to take account +of it in your intercourse with Kohler, whom you should keep in +kindly remembrance as one of the loyal. + +Kohler will visit you next year; you will be satisfied with him. +I forwarded your letter to him at once. + +P.S.--Try, if possible, to be back from your intended journeys by +the end of September, so that we may meet after Carlsruhe. I hope +to be quite free on September 24th. + + + +125. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I returned from St. Moritz a little sooner than I had thought; of +my intention to that effect, I believe I wrote to you before. +Your last letter was forwarded to me punctually. What pleased me +most in it was your good humour and the fact that you spent your +day at Dresden with the R.'s, of which they had already informed +me in great triumph. Reading their accounts, I felt as if I had +been there myself, and as if that evening had only been a +continuation of the Zeltweg days. It was splendid and kind of +you. As to K. I must wait; we shall see later on. George promised +me yesterday that he also would write to you today. From what he +says, he is well inclined towards the matter; I shall be glad if +it is taken in hand seriously, for then I shall have hope for a +possible success of the enterprise even without me. + +My dear Franz, once for all do not reckon upon me for any +critico-literary enterprise; I cannot go in for that kind of +thing. Just as some time ago it was an absolute necessity to me +to express my revolution in the fields of art and of life in +perfect continuity, even so, and for that very reason, I have at +present no inclination for such manifestations, which are no +longer a necessity to me. Of this you must be aware, for you know +and prove by your own deeds that "quand on agit, on ne s'explique +pas;" and I am at present disposed only for action, no longer for +explanation. You seem to be of opinion, however, that for the +sake of the cause I might conquer my inclination a little and in +my own way exert myself. It is just this point which I have made +clear to myself: my faculties, taken separately, are not great, +and I can only be and do something good when I concentrate all +those faculties on one impulse and recklessly consume them and +myself for its sake. Whatever part that impulse leads me to +adopt, that I am as long as necessary, be it musician, poet, +conductor, author, reciter, or what not. In that manner I at one +time became a speculative art philosopher. But apart from this +main current I can create and do nothing except under extreme +compulsion, and in that case I should do something very bad and +expose the smallness of my special faculties in a deplorable +manner. What you want of me, or rather, as I know very well, what +X. wants of me, there is no longer any need for my doing. I have +spoken about the theme in question so often and at such length +that I am conscious of having done quite enough. X. and his +friends and enemies have not even read my writings as they should +be read in order to be understood. Otherwise it would be quite +impossible that this wretched "separate art" and "universal art" +should be the upshot of all my disquisitions. Honestly speaking, +I am sick of discussing with stupid people things which they can +never take in, because there is in them not a trace of artistic +or really human stuff. If I were to take up the cudgels once +more, it would be rather against these unfortunate enlightened +people than against the intentionally retrograde Jesuits of +literature, with whom one need not trouble one's self unless one +wants to talk for victory as a litterateur, which has never +entered my mind. Certainly, most certainly, I should be very glad +to know that I had been rightly understood by many people, glad +to see and to hear that clever, instructive, and enlightening +things were written and laid down in a journal devoted to such an +object; this, indeed, would be the reward of my sacrifices. But, +good heavens! there is surely no need that I should write, that I +should help, again; these things should come to me from another +quarter. It cannot possibly suit me to write the same thing over +and over again on the chance of being at last understood, besides +which I should probably only puzzle people worse and worse. + +Therefore if, in your opinion, the review cannot be started +without me, I simply say, Very well then; leave it alone, for in +that case it has no object and no value. I still have hopes of +G.; he is certainly lazy, but, at any rate, I know that he knows +what is at stake and what should be done. Moreover, his whole +nature at present impels him to discharge his inner being in the +direction necessary for us; if he once is in the proper swing, I +hope he will persevere. It is of course understood that my +advice, my views, and my opinions are always at his disposal, and +in very special cases I may go to work myself; but I must first +see that others commence and initiate the work. + +Before all, keep that unfortunate "Universal Art" out of the +title! + +Enough of this! + +I am in a miserable condition, and have great difficulty in +persuading myself that it must go on like this, and that it would +not really be more moral to put an end to this disgraceful kind +of life. Solitude and disconsolate loneliness from morning till +night--such are the days that follow each other and make up life. +To cure my sick brain the doctor has prevailed upon me to give up +taking snuff altogether; for the last six days I have not taken a +single pinch, which only he can appreciate who is himself as +passionate a snuff-taker as I was. Only now I begin to perceive +that snuff was the solitary real enjoyment that I had +occasionally, and now I give that up too. My torture is +indescribable, but I shall persevere; that is settled. Therefore +no more snuff-boxes; in future I accept only orders of merit. + +My journey is settled in this manner: August 24th I start from +here, and arrive in Turin on the 29th at the latest. You can +address Poste restante, unless you write to me here first, from +where all my letters will be forwarded to me. Genoa, Spezzia, +Nice, will detain me till I hear from you for certain when and +where our meeting is to be. In the "Carlsruhe Gazette" it was +announced that the Musical Festival had been postponed till +October; will our meeting have to be postponed too? If you cannot +come to Paris, I will of course come to Basle; that is +understood. As you happen to be in Leipzig, very kindly remember +me to Brendel; I wish he could have visited me, and think that we +should have got further in many ways. (Devrient was here when I +and my wife too were absent!) Frau Steche recently wrote to me; +she shall have an answer before I start. Could you lend her a +copy of the "Nibelungen"? B. is not to read it out. Altogether I +am very sorry that I ever had the poem printed; it is not to be +pulled about like this; it still is mine. + +Have you received any communication as to "Lohengrin" at Leipzig? +Hartel has left me without an answer for ever so long. I hope I +shall hear soon how the matter stands. + +Farewell; ah, farewell. How I envy you your whole existence. +Greet your esteemed friend from me, and arrange so that you both +come to Switzerland soon; in that case something may still become +of me. Adieu, dear, unique friend. + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, August 16th, 1853. + + + +126. + +"Sancte Franzisce! ora pro nobis!" + +I write to you today from the very first stage of my Italian +journey, because, as fate would have it, I was unable to answer +your last letter from Carlsbad before this. Everything else is +thrown into the shade by our rendezvous in Paris, to which you +have given your consent in so splendid a manner. But now you must +do all in your power to assist me in making it possible. Listen. + +The French minister has refused to give me his vise for my +passport to Paris, and today I called on M. Salignac-Fenelon at +Berne and had a long talk with him about it. Here again you must +help me. Salignac, after having become better acquainted with me, +promised that he would write at once to his Government in Paris, +setting forth that, in his opinion, I have been calumniated, that +personally I have inspired him with confidence, etc. He wishes +that you should talk to the French minister at Weimar about this +matter, so that he too might write to Paris and put in a good +word for me. Salignac thinks it would be of good effect if the +Grand Duke himself would say a few words in my favour to the +minister. As I have told them the true object of my journey to +Paris and mentioned Berlioz as one who is to take part in our +meeting, it would be well if you could let Berlioz know at once, +for it is very possible that inquiries may be made of him as to +the truth of my statements. Do get me this vise for Paris. I am +too delighted to think of our meeting. I was in hopes of getting +a few lines from you from Leipzig before my departure, but shall +probably not receive them till I reach Geneva. From the +"Carlsruhe Gazette" I see that the festival is fixed for October +3rd to 5th; to me this delay does not matter, and I hope it does +not to you either. The Hartels recently forwarded to me some +louis d'or on the part of Wirsing, without informing me that you +had been invited to superintend "Lohengrin" at Leipzig or that +you had accepted the invitation. I hope soon to get particulars +from you. I suppose you received my letter at Leipzig. The lazy +H. informs me that he has not yet written to you. What is one to +do? I am on my way to Turin, dearest Franz, where I shall stay a +little time; and if you answer at once, your next letter will +find me there Poste restante. (In any case address Turin until +further notice.) I am out of sorts, and suffer from +sleeplessness. The French vise worries me very much. I should +like so much to meet you in Paris; it would be splendid. + +Greet Berlioz for me; he is a funny customer; he has not yet +arrived at the point where millionaires only could be of use to +him. But he is a noble fellow, and all will be right in the end. + +Adieu, you best and dearest of all men; continue to love me. + +Your + +RICHARD. + +BERNE, August 25th, 1853. + + + +127. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +I am back again in Zurich, unwell, low-spirited, ready to die. At +Genoa I became ill, and was terror-struck by my solitary +condition, but I was determined to do Italy, and went on to +Spezzia. My indisposition increased; enjoyment was out of the +question; so I turned back to die or to compose, one or the +other; nothing else remains to me. + +Here you have the whole story of my journey, my "Italian +journey." + +I am anxious because I have had no letter from you for so long. +You received a letter from me at Leipzig; has it annoyed you? +From Berne I wrote to you about the vise of my passport for +France, and you were to send your answer to Turin. If that has +been done, the letter will be forwarded to me. But why is it that +I hear nothing else of you? Has the Carlsruhe festival been +postponed, and will it be too late for you to come to Paris? I +must be content; I want to see you, wherever it may be; if Zurich +is too far for you, I will come to Basle. Paris begins almost to +be unpleasant to me in my imagination; I am afraid of Berlioz. +With my bad French, I am simply lost. + +I have found many silly letters here, amongst others the enclosed +from Director Engel, of Kroll's establishment, Berlin. It seems +to me as if I could scarcely accept his proposition. May I leave +the matter to you, and will you kindly take the decision upon +yourself? In order to know what may be useful or detrimental, one +must have a local knowledge, which I cannot possibly acquire +here. Could you through Kroll, SchafFer, and others make +inquiries which would enable you to judge of the effect of such +an undertaking as that projected by Engel? To me this +"Tannhauser" on the concert platform is horrible, in spite of the +six louis d'or for each performance. Of course I cannot tell +whether, apart from the absurdity of the thing, it would not be +well to keep the fire alight in Berlin. It seems certain that in +the higher regions there everything is as dull as possible, and +that no decisive step in my favour will be made in that quarter. +I wish you would simply say "Yes" or "No." How about Leipzig? I +can get no real information from there. It is very long since I +heard anything of you! + +Alas! I am out of sorts and God-forsaken. I feel so lonely, and +yet do not want to see any one. What a miserable existence! I +cannot help smiling when I read in B.'s paper the articles by R. +F.'s brother-in-law; the man thinks he is going thoroughly to the +bottom of the thing, because he is so moderate and cautious; he +knows very little of me. Formerly I was very sensitive to being +fumbled about in this manner; at present I am quite indifferent, +because I know that this kind of thing does not touch me at all. +If these people would but know that I wish to be entirely happy +only once, and after that should not care to exist any more! Oh +for the leathern immortality of india-rubber, which these people +think it necessary to attribute to one by way of reward! + +Adieu, dearest and best. See that we soon possess each other +again, otherwise I shall go from bad to worse. + +Adieu, dear Franz. + +Your + +RICHARD. + +ZURICH, September 12th, 1853. + + + +128. + +DEAR FRANZ, + +There is a young Frenchman here who lives at Florence, and wants +to become acquainted with my music, in which your pamphlet has +interested him. His journey is arranged chiefly with a view to +hearing my operas, and in order to reward his zeal I thought I +could not very well decline his request of a few lines to you; so +I commend him to your kindness. + +Your + +RICHARD W. + +ZURICH, September 13th, 1853. + + + +129. + +CARLSRUHE, September 19th, 1853. + +At last, dearest, unique friend, I am again nearer you, and in a +fortnight or eighteen days we shall meet either at Basle or +Paris. As soon as I know myself I shall send you particulars. +Today I only ask you to send me your passport by return of post, +so that I may transact the affair with the French minister here +in case you have not yet received a definite answer from Berne. +The French minister at Weymar, Baron de Talleyrand, is +unfortunately at present in Scotland, but I think it will require +no special patronage to get the necessary vise. Send me your +passport by return of post, and I will take care of the rest. + +At Dresden I stayed lately for more than a fortnight. About +Tichatschek, Fischer (now operatic stage-manager), and the +theatrical affairs there I must tell you several things when I +see you, also about matters at Leipzig. I have settled with Rietz +that I shall be present at the final rehearsals and the first +performance of "Lohengrin," and shall give you an accurate +account of it. When I came to Leipzig, I found a good deal of +gossip about the "Lohengrin" performance current there. But now +it has probably ceased, and you will hear no more of it. + +The opera is to be given in the course of November, and, in my +opinion, a very warm reception of your work on the part of the +public may be expected. The fortress of Leipzig has been +conquered for your name and your cause, and even the +"Wohlbekannte" informed me that he had been moved to tears by the +"Lohengrin" finale. If things go on in this way, Leipzig will +soon "Lohengrinize." If there should be a delay of the +performance, it will do no harm; au contraire, and in that +respect even the aforesaid town gossip was not unfavourable. I +shall tell you about all this at length. The matter concerning +Engel I shall settle tomorrow, and shall write to you at once; I +am still a little doubtful whether one ought to accept or not. +Conradi, the Capellmeister, is a friend of mine; and if anything +comes of the matter, I shall put myself in communication with +him. He has known "Tannhauser" ever since the year 1849, when he +was staying at Weymar. Such an undertaking depends largely upon +the manner of execution. For the present I am of opinion that we +ought to be in no hurry about giving our consent; a concert +performance of "Tannhauser" at Kroll's establishment has much +against it, and might probably interfere with the stage +performance which must of necessity follow. Leave the whole +matter to me. H. has a good idea; he thinks that if E. is so +favourably inclined towards spreading your works in Berlin, or +rather towards making money by them, he might arrange a +repetition of your Zurich concerts with the identical programme. +But about this also there is no hurry. On certain conditions I +should be prepared to go to Berlin and undertake the direction of +the three Zurich concerts. I should probably employ the Male +Choir Association which Wieprecht conducts, and of which I have +had the honour of being honorary conductor ever since the year +1843. + +More about this on an early occasion. In the meantime I think you +will do well to write to E. that you cannot accustom yourself to +the idea of a concert performance of your drama. + +Enough for the present. + +Your + +F. L. + +CARLSRUHE, September 20th, 1853. + + + +130. + +DEAREST FRANZ, + +Very angry as I am with you for having left me without news so +long, you shall have a rose-coloured sheet today in return for +the excellent news of your proximity and of our early meeting. By +return of post I was unable to answer you, because your letter +had to be forwarded to me at Baden, where I stay at intervals +with my wife, who is undergoing a cure there. Enclosed is the +passport. Salignac-Fenelon, the French minister at Berne, has +sent me no news up to date, and it will therefore be well if you +can settle the matter with the minister at Carlsruhe. Even if +Paris had to be given up for the present, which must entirely +depend on you, it will be of importance to me to have the French +vise, so as not to be shut out from Paris and France for the +future. You may safely offer every possible guarantee, and +promise that I shall not mix myself up with any political +matters. I know that this will satisfy the French Government. +They may, moreover, be certain that I shall not permanently stay +in France, but without fail return to Switzerland. For your +communications about Leipzig and Berlin I thank you cordially; as +to Berlin it shall be exactly as you say. + +What will happen at Carlsruhe? D. again left me recently without +an answer, probably because I asked him to advance me the +honorarium for "Tannhauser," as I had reason to be anxious about +my income. + +By the way, concerning the rendering of the very difficult male +chorus "Im Fruh'n versammelt uns der Ruf," I must ask you to +choose the best singers for it. + +For the piano passage (A major, E in the bass) it would be well +if eight soloists were to sing about eight bars by themselves; +the neat, elegant piano cannot be done by a large chorus. (This +is a minor matter.) + +You appear to be well and in good spirits; you are a happy man. +From Dresden Julia wrote to me in ecstasy about you; you must +have been very comfortable; a good thing I was not there and +remained alone instead. + +Child, I have much to tell you. If matters are to go well, you +must frequently stay in Switzerland; then all will be right. +About this and similar things we shall talk. In the meantime let +me have news from Carlsruhe now and then. + +My real life lies always abroad. + +God bless you. Take my most joyful greeting and kiss. + +Your + +RICHARD. + +ZURICH, September 22nd, 1853. + + + +131. + +I have at last hit upon a way of settling your passport affair +which will make it unnecessary for me to have your passport here. +When all is settled, I will let you know how it has been done. I +herewith return your passport and ask you to apply to Fenelon +again, either by letter or personally, when probably he will not +hesitate to affix his vise to your passport. Tell him that you +intend to start for Paris on October 5th at the latest, and that +we two are to meet at Basle. Concerning this meeting I ask you +particularly to be at Basle on the evening of the 6th without +fail. J., Pohl, and probably several others are longing to see +you, and I have promised to take them to you at Basle. I should +like to come again to Zurich, but am too much pressed for time. +At Basle, then, either at the "Storch" or at the "Drei Konige," +as you prefer. I hope that by that time you will have received +your passport, and we can then at once concoct our journey to +Paris. + +Answer "Yes" without fail, and do not mind the somewhat tedious +journey from Zurich to Basle. Today my rehearsals begin here, and +I shall again have to go to Darmstadt and Mannheim to have +separate rehearsals, till we return here next Saturday for the +general rehearsals. In addition to this, I have to pay my +respects to a number of known and unknown people of all sorts. + +Are not your wife and Madame Heim coming to the festival? Let me +know in case they have that intention, for at the last moment it +will be difficult to get tickets. + +I am obliged to you for your instruction as to the eight singers +in the A major passage (E in the bass) of the "Lohengrin" chorus, +and shall act upon it. Do not be angry, dearest friend, on +account of my long silence and my insignificant letters. You know +that my whole soul is devoted to you, because I love you +sincerely, and that I always try to serve you as well as I can. + +Your + +FRANZ LISZT. + +Sunday, September 25th, 1853. + +P.S.--It would be the simplest thing if you could go to Berne +yourself; but this is not absolutely necessary, and it will be +sufficient if you write to his Excellency, enclosing your +passport and asking him to return it to you at Zurich by October +3rd. Perhaps it would be better if you were to write, so that he +may forward your letter to Paris. Consider this, and do not +forget that we are to meet at Basle on the evening of October +6th. + + + +132. + +Best thanks, my dearest Franz. I have just written to M. Fenelon, +enclosing my passport once more. Candidly speaking, the matter +suddenly begins to annoy me very much, and I do not expect a good +result. My wish quite coincides with your plan. I fully +anticipated that Basle could not be avoided altogether; it is +adapted for a meeting with the friends who have come to +Carlsruhe. The excursion to Paris after that concerns us two +alone; so our thoughts have once more been the same. + +As to the rest, I am longing to get to work at last. My ordinary +life is unbearable unless I, so to speak, devour myself. +Moreover, I cannot keep my peace, as I particularly want to do, +unless I devote myself to this music. + +After your visit, everything came to nothing with me this summer; +no other hope was fulfilled, all went wrong, and--well, we shall +see whether I get this passport. + +The day after tomorrow week, we shall meet! (I wish it were the +day after tomorrow.) Will you, or shall I, engage the hotel? Let +it be the "Drei Konige;" they have nice rooms there and a balcony +looking over the Rhine; let us engage some of those. You are once +more in the middle of your exertions, and I must almost envy you; +I at least realize by such exertions alone that I am alive. Rest +is death to me; and if sometimes I go in quest of it,--I mean +that other rest; the beautiful, the joyful,--I feel that in +reality it must be nothing but death, but real, noble, perfect +death, not this death in life which I die from day to day. + +Adieu, dearest friend. + +What a blessing that you have no double! + +Au revoir soon! Your + +RICHARD W. + +ZURICH, September 29th, 1853. + + + +133. + +DEAREST FRIEND, + +It just occurs to me that in "Lohengrin" I have forgotten to mark +the tempo in one place, which I discovered only when I conducted +it here--I mean in the "Bridal Song" in D major, after the second +solo passage of the eight women, the last eight bars before the +tempo primo. + +[Figure: a musical score] + +Here the tempo is to be considerably slower even than at the +first entry of the D major; the impression must be one of solemn +emotion, or else the intention is lost. + +How are you? + +Today week! + +Your + +R. W. + +September 29th, 1853. + +In the "Bridal Procession" (E flat), where the first tempo +reappears in the woodwind, + +[Figure: a musical score] + +that woodwind ought to be doubled. + + + +134. + +I have promised the concert score of the "Lohengrin" pieces to +Apt, director of the "Cacilienverein," Prague; therefore kindly +leave word at Carlsruhe that this score is to be sent immediately +after the last concert to Apt in Prague; the parts to go back +here. + +Yesterday you had the general rehearsal; I am always with you. + +The day after tomorrow! I say, "The day after tomorrow!" + +Adieu. + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH. October 2nd, 1853. + + + +135. + +Here I stand and stare after you; my whole being is silence; let +me not seek words, even for you. Speech seems to exist only to do +violence to feeling. Therefore no violence, but silence! + +I have not much news for you from the "world." Tomorrow I start +for home, but shall see your children before I go. Madame Kalergy +I did not find at home and am doubtful whether I shall see her. +Make my excuses to her. + +From Zurich I shall write to you again. Be thanked for your +blissful love! Greet the Princess and the Child! Can I write +more? Ah, I am all feeling. My intellect is within my heart, but +from my heart I cannot write to you. + +Farewell, farewell, you dear beloved ones. + +Your + +RICHARD W. + +PARIS October 26th, 1853. + + + +136. + +I suppose you have nothing to write to me, dear Franz, or else +you would have sent me a few lines. + +Your children told me that they had had a letter from you, +telling them that you had quickly got to Weimar and had lived +there quietly till your birthday without seeing anybody. On your +birthday I made some music in Paris; I had at last to offer +something to my two or three old Paris friends, one of whom you +appreciated. + +Erard sent me a grand pianoforte, which has filled me with a +fanatical desire to perform some flights on it, even if I had +still to learn fingering. So then I began to "Tannhauser" and to +"Lohengrin" on the Boulevard des Italiens as if you were with us. +The poor devils could not understand why I was beside myself. +However, it went better than at Madame Kalergy's, although you +were present then. Why?--Madame Kalergy I did not see again, but +I hope the few lines I sent her have made my excuses. Apart from +this, I received a visit from an agent de police, who, after I +had passed my examination satisfactorily, assured me that I might +stay in Paris a whole month. My answer that I should leave sooner +astonished him, and he repeated that I might stop a whole month. +The good man! dear Paris!, The Emperor also I saw. What more can +one desire? + +The day before yesterday I arrived here. Peps received me +joyfully at the carriage, and in return I gave him a beautiful +collar, engraved with his name, which has become sacred to me. He +never leaves my side; in the morning he comes to my bed to awake +me. He is a dear, good animal. The minster of Strassburg I saw +again; my good wife stood with me in front of it. It was dull, +rainy weather. The divine point of the tower we could not see; it +was covered by mist. How different from that other day, the +sacred Sunday before the minster! + +Let it be night; the stars shine then. I look upwards and behold; +for me also there shines a star. + +Farewell, and greet the dear ones. Today the Rhinegold was +coursing through my veins; if it is to be, if it cannot be +otherwise, you shall have a work of art that will give you +joy(?). + +Dear, unique friend, remember your poor + +RICHARD W. + + + +137. + +The "pale mariner" has once more gone across the stage here, and +in his honour I yesterday occupied the conductor's seat again, +after an interval of eight months. + +With the "Flying Dutchman" I left the orchestra for a time at the +beginning of last March, and with the same work I resume my +connection with the theatre for this season. + +You may assume that my passion for your tone and word-poems is +the only reason why I do not give up my activity as a conductor. +Small as may be the result that I can achieve, it is not, I +think, altogether illusory. We have arranged a Wagner week; and +the "Flying Dutchman," "Tannhauser," and "Lohengrin" have taken +firm ground and cast deep roots here. All the rest is moonshine +to me with the sole exception of Berlioz's "Cellini." For this +work I retain my great predilection, which you will not think +uncalled for when you know it better. + +Next week I shall have to rehearse "Tell," and the opera will be +given in a fortnight. "Tannhauser" will follow immediately +afterwards. As our new tenor, Dr. Liebert, a very willing, +industrious, and gifted singer, has never sung the part, I shall +go through it with him separately once or twice. In all +probability the performance this year will be better than the +previous ones. The "Flying Dutchman" was given yesterday, to the +increased satisfaction of the public. Milde and his wife acted +and sang beautifully, and I may assume that you would have +witnessed the performance without grumbling, although our weak +chorus is a fatal evil. Four or five new engagements have been +made for the chorus, but that of course is by no means +sufficient. + +Immediately after my return, I proposed to Zigesar to give +"Lohengrin," with Tichatschek and Johanna, on the evening when +the court visits the theatre again. (The strict mourning will +last several months still, and during that time the court box +remains empty and dark.) If no special impediments arise, that +performance will take place. Up till then I shall conduct only +your two operas, "Tell" and Dorn's "Nibelungen." + +Of my personal affairs I say nothing. The poor Princess sends her +friendliest greetings. She is troubled with a large mass of +correspondence of the most unpleasant kind. May God grant that +next summer we enter a new stage of the status quo, and that our +Zurich trip need not be delayed after the end of June. Your +"Rhinegold" is ready, is it not? Bestir yourself, dearest friend. +Work is the only salvation on this earth. Sing and write, +therefore, and get rid of your brain abscess by that means. +Perhaps your sleep will become a little more reposeful in the +same manner. Kind remembrances to your wife from your + +FRANZ. + +October 31 1853. + +Do you remember a Herr Friedrich Schmitt, professor of singing at +Munich? Have you read his pamphlet, and what do you think of it? +Write me two words about it. How about Tyszkiewiz? Did you see +him at Paris several times after I had left? + + + +138. + +DEAREST FRANZ, + +My threat that I should once more lay you under contribution in +an impudent manner must today be realized. Listen to me! I feel +so hale and hearty at my work that I may expect everything--not +only the success of my music, but better health as well--if I can +only stick to it without interruption and yield to my splendid +mood without anxiety. If I had to get up in the morning without +taking at once to my music, I should be unhappy. This is the +first day I break into in order, if possible, to get rid once for +all of this fear which follows me like a treacherous spectre. For +that reason I must arrange my money affairs so as not to be +molested by them any longer. This I can do by selling my +theatrical royalties on Lohengrin. By the peculiar character of +this income I am kept in a state of strange and most painful +excitement. Although it is tolerably certain that my two last +operas will be given at all German theatres, as "Tannhauser" has +already been at most of them, the time when they may be asked for +and paid for is so uncertain that I, being largely dependent upon +this income, often get into a fatally unsettled state of mind, in +which my sanguine temperament is apt to suggest to me that the +royalties to be expected are nearer than they really are. By that +means I overrate my immediate income, and consequently spend +considerably more than I possess. By the occasional and illusory +character of these theatrical royalties and by my certainly +indefensible liking for a pleasanter way of life than I have led +these last years, I have been placed in the position of having to +pay large sums next Christmas without being able to reckon upon +any income whatever with certainty. Even if the case were not as +urgent as it is, this eternal waiting upon chance, this continual +expectation of the postman, whether he is going to bring me an +offer or a favourable answer, are so troublesome, so humiliating +and disturbing to me, that I am compelled to think of a radical +cure, and for that purpose I want you to assist me with the +Hartels. I propose to sell to the Hartels the copyright of the +score of "Lohengrin," including the right of selling it to +theatrical managers, with the following exceptions only:-- + +1. The court theatres of Berlin, Vienna, and Munich, which will +have to acquire the performing rights of "Lohengrin" from me. + +2. The theatres of Weimar, Dresden, Wiesbaden, and Leipzig, which +have already obtained those performing rights from me. A list of +the theatres which will have to apply to the new proprietor will +be found on the enclosed sheet. It includes all those theatres +which have already successfully produced "Tannhauser" or will +produce it soon, as may be safely predicted from these +precedents. In the case of the twenty-two theatres to which I +have already sold "Tannhauser" the amount of the honorarium +received has been indicated; and for the correctness of these +indications, as well as for the fact that I am not going to let +the other fifteen theatres have it cheaper than is in each case +stated, I pledge my word of honour. The aggregate income from the +twenty-two and from the fifteen theatres I calculate, as the +enclosure shows, at six hundred and thirty-two louis d'or; and +the question is now what sum I can demand of the purchaser of +"Lohengrin," including the theatrical rights, on condition that +he pays me in cash by Christmas of the present year; that is, by +December 20th, 1853. + +I should prefer to apply to Messrs. Hartel in this matter--(1) +because they would be the most respectable purchasers; (2) +because they are the publishers of the score and pianoforte +arrangements, and are therefore interested in the success of the +whole; and (3) because this would at last give me an opportunity +of coming to terms with them as to a proper honorarium for the +copyright of "Lohengrin." + +If Messrs. Hartel remember in what circumstances I at that time +offered them the publication of "Lohengrin"; if they call to mind +that I expressly told them that I did not believe in the success +of my operas, at least during my lifetime, and that therefore I +looked upon their undertaking the publication simply as a +sacrifice, which they made in the interest of a hopeless but +respectable cause; if they bear me out in saying that I myself +acknowledged the wiping out of an old debt (of the settlement of +which they had, on account of my position, the very remotest +chance) to be in these hopeless circumstances a sacrifice on +their part, but that at the same time I expressed my conviction +that in case, against all expectation, "Lohengrin" should turn +out a success, and its publication a good speculation, they would +think of me in a generous manner--in case of all this these +gentlemen will not consider it unfair or inopportune if I look +upon the circumstances as changed to such an extent that I may +now think of some profit for myself. In the first instance it is +a fact confirmed to me by repeated observations and experiences +that even before there was a sign of a further spreading of these +operas by means of theatrical and concert performances the +publication of my works had developed into an exceptionally good +business, entirely through means of Weimar and of your efforts, +dearest friend. In consequence of some concerts, and recently the +incredibly successful performance at Wiesbaden, this has become +more and more certain, and nothing similar has perhaps ever +happened to an opera before it had been made known by the leading +theatres. It has also been shown that wherever parts of it were +performed the music of "Lohengrin" was much more attractive even +than that of "Tannhauser", although the latter also occupies the +theatres and the public to such a degree that it everywhere +prepares the way for "Lohengrin". It may therefore be confidently +assumed that "Lohengrin", after the example of "Tannhauser", will +make the round of all the theatres and secure the favour of the +public even more lastingly than the latter, which has been the +saving of more than one manager. In such circumstances, while +thanking the Messrs. Hartel for undertaking the publication in +the first instance, I venture to remind them of a debt of honour +in the sense that they should allow me to have my share in this +success of the business. If, in accordance with their generous +turn of mind, I may expect Messrs. Hartel to be favourably +inclined towards this--especially as at the time they undertook +the matter less for the sake of gain than of honour--the question +would only be in what manner they should assign to me my share of +the profits. Perhaps they would be very willing to let me have a +certain portion of the money accruing from the sale of detached +parts of the opera. I remember that when, ten years ago, I +proposed to them the publication of the "Flying Dutchman," they +offered me the profits of the sale of the large pianoforte score +after fifty or a hundred copies had been disposed of. Lucrative +as my share might turn out in this manner, yet this kind of +income would show the same unsatisfactory and painful features +already complained of in connection with the uncertain theatrical +royalties, which therefore I should like to sell outright. I +should then prefer a sum payable at once, and all that we need +find out is the price, fair to both parties. For that purpose I +may first mention the step which I have fixed upon taking in +order to make the copyright of "Lohengrin" much more valuable +than otherwise it would be--I mean the publication of separate +vocal and pianoforte pieces. We all know that the so-called +morceaux detaches are the chief source of profit in the case of +operas; to publish such would in the case of "Lohengrin" be +impossible on account of the peculiar character of the opera, in +which there are no single vocal pieces that in a manner detach +themselves from the context. I alone, being the composer, was +able to separate a number of the most attractive vocal pieces +from the whole by means of rearranging and cutting them and +writing an introduction and a close to them, etc. Nine such +pieces, short, easy, and even popular, I gave you some time ago, +asking you to keep them till further order and then send them to +Messrs. Hartel; they may be published as arranged by me. In +addition to this, I indicated to B. five numbers, arranged in a +similar manner as the vocal pieces, only longer, which he is to +transfer to the pianoforte as independent and melodious pieces. +By that manner the bad impression of the pianoforte scores +without words, arranged without my concurrence, and perfectly +useless, would be obviated. + +Apart from adding in this way to the value of the copyright, I +have opened to my publishers an unexpected source of income by +transferring to them the right of printing the librettos for the +theatres. How very lucrative this generally acknowledged right is +may be seen from the fact that in one winter six thousand copies +of the libretto of "Tannhauser" were ordered for Breslau alone. +Messrs. Hartel offered to share the profits of the sale of +librettos with me, but in this case also I prefer to take at once +a lump sum, to be settled upon. After having stated in this +manner what I offer to my publishers for sale, I think it +appropriate to name the lump sum which I think I may ask. + +The receipts from the theatres (with the exception of those +specified) I have in the above calculated at six hundred and +thirty-two louis d'or. This is a minimum which, no doubt, could +be considerably increased. I have already announced to the +theatres that they will have to pay more for "Lohengrin" than for +"Tannhauser." Breslau, for example, would certainly have to pay +at the least twenty-five louis d'or, as they did for the "Flying +Dutchman," instead of twenty; I might even insist on thirty. +Apart from this, I have not mentioned all the theatres; I have, +for example, omitted Ratisbon, Innsbruck, and others, although +even the smallest theatres have attempted "Tannhauser;" Zurich +also I have not mentioned. In addition to this, I place at the +disposal of the purchasers the non-German theatres abroad, such +as Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, etc., with the +exception, however, of London and Paris. All this and everything +accruing from the copyright I should cede to the Messrs. Hartel +for the sum of 15,000 francs (I have calculated the theatrical +receipts at a minimum of 13,000 francs), payable in full at +Zurich on December 20th. + +I wish very much that this or something similar could be brought +about, so that I might be able to dispose of the next few years-- +those most important working years--and to keep them clear of all +mean anxieties. If you consider, dearest Franz, that I do not +offer rubbish for sale, that in the future this opera and +"Tannhauser" alone are likely to yield me an income--I do not +wish, even in my thoughts, to soil the "Nibelungen" with Jewish +calculations, so as to keep them, if possible, quite clean in +this respect also--if you, finally, go through my general, but I +think accurate and by no means chimerical, calculations, you will +perhaps find my demand fair enough and--now I am coming to it-- + +support it with the Hartels. + +This I ask you fervently to do. + +An opportunity will be offered to you by the impending +performance of "Lohengrin" at Leipzig. No one of course can +compel the Hartels to undertake the purchase, even for a smaller +sum; but if any one can, it is you, and therefore I had to apply +to you. + +Perish all this Jewish business! Today has been a bad, musicless +day; out of doors also it is grey and misty; let us hope tomorrow +will be better. + +Farewell, my most unique, my dearest friend. + +Your + +RICHARD W. + +ZURICH, November 16th, 1853. + + + +139. + +DEAREST RICHARD, + +I returned last night from Leipzig with a bad cold; and the +enclosed letter from Hartel, which I found here, has made my cold +and my temper worse. When I went to Leipzig on December 1st, I +spoke to the Hartels about your proposal, and showed them your +letter, because that document explains the matter clearly and +comprehensively. I have known the Hartels for years to be +respectable and comme il faut, and therefore flattered myself +that they would meet your wish in one way or another. Such, +however, is unfortunately not the case; and I am in the +unpleasant position of having to forward you a refusal. It is +just possible that they were a little riled by your dislike of +the pianoforte arrangement for four hands, which I think quite +justified and natural on your part. I was unable to conceal this +detail from them, because I think it of some importance for all +further copyright transactions. The Hartels belong to the +"moderate party of progress," and are influenced by several +friends of the so-called historic school. Jahn especially is a +great friend of Dr. Hartel's; and your and my friends Pohl, +Ritter, Brendel, etc., are a little in their bad books. + +Tomorrow week (December 21st) "Lohengrin" is announced at +Leipzig, but probably the first performance will be delayed till +the 26th (Boxing Day). In any case I shall go over for the two +last general rehearsals and for the first performance, and shall +send you an accurate account. Rietz is said to be very careful +with the orchestral rehearsals, taking the woodwind, the brass, +and the strings separately. Altogether the "Lohengrin" +performance at Leipzig has been very well prepared, and a +decisive and permanent success of the work may be anticipated +with certainty. + +Berlioz has had his revanche for his previous appearance at the +Gewandhaus by the two performances of his works which took place +at the Gewandhaus December lst and nth, under his own direction. +I was present on both occasions, and shall tell you more about it +when we meet. Today he returns to Paris, and at the end of April +he is coming to Dresden, where Luttichau has offered him the +chance of conducting two concerts at the theatre. There is also +some talk of a musical festival under Berlioz's direction at +Brunswick next summer, where his Requiem and Te Deum are to be +performed. + +"Tannhauser" will be given here next Sunday. I have studied the +part with Liebert, and think that he will do it well. The whole +finale of the second act will be given, also the new close with +the reappearance of Venus, and on an early occasion I mean to +restore the sixteen bars in the adagio of the finale of the +second act which I believe T. had cut; that is, if you agree. It, +however, always requires some prudence and caution to make +similar changes here, especially as the theatre is to be +conducted more than ever on economic principles, etc. + +How is Herwegh? I shall write to him this week for certain. Since +my return to Weymar I have been plagued in many ways; my chief +business is almost in a worse state than before, but there is not +as yet any definite result. Pardon me, dearest Richard, if I pass +this over in silence; you know that generally it is my way if I +can say nothing good.... + +I should have liked much to send you a different answer from the +Hartels; but, alas! it cannot be helped. Be of good courage, +nevertheless, and work at your Rhinegold. Next summer I hope to +visit you and to stay with you for some time. My best +remembrances to your wife. The honey she sent me is splendid, and +I am always rejoiced to look at it when it is put on the table in +the morning with my coffee. + +Farewell, dearest Richard, and write soon to + +Your + +F. L. + +WEYMAR. December 13th, 1853. + +Hoplit's pamphlet about the Carlsruhe Musical Festival you have +probably received. At Christmas I shall send you the Kunstler +chorus, which is being autographed in full score. + + + +140. + +DEAREST FRANZ, + +Two words today in great haste. I am angry with myself for having +burdened an overpatient friend like you with this Hartel affair. +Pardon me. It is all over now, and (D.V.) you will hear nothing +more about this Jewish business. I am, it is true, for the moment +in an awkward position, but you must not mind that. Are you out +of temper? + +But you are composing. The Princess has written to me about it. +You must surprise me soon! + +I spin myself in like a cocoon, but I also spin something out of +myself. For five years I had written no music; now I am in +Nibelheim. Mime made his complaint today. Unfortunately I was +last month taken ill with a feverish cold, which disabled me for +ten days; otherwise the sketch would have been ready this year. +At times also my somewhat cloudy situation disturbs me; there is +at present an ominous calm around me. But by the end of January I +must be ready. Enough for today. I have many things to tell you, +but my head is burning. There is something wrong with me; and +sometimes, with lightning-like rapidity, the thought flashes +through me that it would be better, after all, if I died. But +that has nothing to do with my writing music. Adieu. Greet the +Princess and the Child many times. Soon more from + +Your + +WAGNER RICHARDTOL + +ZURICH, December 17th, 1853. + +P.S.--You will have another letter very soon. + + + +141. + +Many thanks, you dear bringer of Christmas cheer. You come like a +true saviour to me, and I have placed you on my work-table, as on +an altar. Thanks, a thousand thanks, to you for coming. I was +very lonely. + +If I had a sweetheart, I think I should never write to her, and +to you also I must write little--I mean writing apart from +relating external events. The events I experience within me I can +write of all the less, because I could not even tell them, so +necessary is it to me to feel or--to act. + +I know that I shall have another letter from you soon, because +you have something to relate to me; so I am proud, and rely upon +it, and keep my peace, telling you thereby that I love you +sincerely with all my heart. + +Your + +R. W. + +ZURICH, December 25th, 1853. + + + +142. + +Thursday, December 29th, 1853. + +WEYMAR,--just returned from Leipzig. + +After waiting in vain yesterday and the day before at Leipzig for +"Lohengrin," I returned here today. Probably the performance will +not take place for a few days; at present nothing can be settled, +because now Elsa, now the King or Telramund, is ill, or because +the bass clarinet ordered from Erfurt has not arrived; and when +it does arrive at Leipzig, it is not certain whether the +clarinet-player there will be able to play it, etc., etc. + +David and Pohl had informed me Monday evening that the general +rehearsal would take place on Tuesday. I had to conduct +"Tannhauser" here on Monday, December 26th. This was the second +performance with Liebert as "Tannhauser;" the first took place on +the preceding Sunday (December 18th), the subscription being on +both occasions suspended--an unprecedented fact at Weymar in +connection with an opera which had reached its fifteenth +performance. House crowded, so that on the first occasion many +people had to be refused admission. Performance upon the whole +satisfactory; Liebert in places excellent. The tempi were slower +than Tichatschek takes them, just as I had studied them with +Liebert; for I had been obliged again to have five or six +rehearsals of "Tannhauser." Your metronomical indications I +naturally accepted as my rule, which formerly I had not been able +to do--69 for the song of "Tannhauser," 70 or thereabouts for the +D major passage of Wolfram, etc. The impression on the whole +public was striking and inspiriting. The Mildes were called +Liebert was called, and even my nose had to show itself at the +end. In brief, the two evenings gave me a degree of pleasure +which only my fear that you, glorious, dearest, best of friends, +might be in trouble, could impair. + +But to continue. Tuesday, at 3 a.m., with the thermometer at +twenty degrees below zero, I and Cornelius took the train in +order to be at Leipzig in time for the "Lohengrin" rehearsal at +8.30 a.m. I at once sent word to David, who informed me that the +rehearsal would not take place, on account of the indisposition +of Herr Schott (King Henry). David soon afterwards called on me, +and gave me hopes for another day. Yesterday they sent a telegram +here to summon the Mildes, for Brassin and Frau Meyer also had +been taken ill, but Zigesar would not permit the Mildes to go to +Leipzig, because the "Flying Dutchman" is announced here for New +Year's Day. At last this morning I am credibly informed that some +days must elapse before "Lohengrin" is given at Leipzig. They +promised to let me know by telegram as soon as anything was +settled; and if I can possibly manage, I shall again go to +Leipzig, in order to give you an account of the performance. + +In the meanwhile I have handed the nine pieces from "Lohengrin," +which H. had recently sent me, to the Hartels; and you will have +a letter about them together with these lines, as Dr. Hartel +assured me yesterday that he would write to you direct and +without delay. En fin de compte: The Hartels are very +trustworthy; and if you will permit me, I advise you to make use +of their excellent and well-deserved reputation as publishers, +because I feel convinced that later on your relations with them +will turn out very satisfactory. As you have appointed me your +humble court-counsellor, I add the remark that you will be well +advised in insisting upon H.'s name being inserted in the title- +page of the Lohengrin pieces, for there is no rational cause for +refusing H. this satisfaction, which he has fully deserved by his +faithful and energetic adherence to you as well as by his actual +talent. + +The Hartels will finally agree to this, and I have spoken to them +in that sense. Of course in similar affairs I have to take the +mild position of a mediator, which now and then is a little +troublesome. However, so it must be; and side issues must not be +allowed to impede or endanger the principal question. If +therefore you reply to the Hartels, write to them that you +specially desire to have the name of H., as the author of the +pianoforte arrangement of your "Lohengrin" pieces, inserted in +their edition, and that if you write other operas later on you +intend to entrust H. with the pianoforte arrangement. H. is +devoted to you heart and soul, and you may feel sure that he will +do the work to your satisfaction. However, if you like, I will +revise the arrangement and after that send it to you, so that not +a single note may remain which does not please you and is not in +accordance with the design of the composition as well as with the +requirements of the pianoforte. On New Year's Day we shall have +the "Flying Dutchman" here. The two last performances of +"Tannhauser" have made Weymar your official "Moniteur" amongst +theatres; and, without flattering myself, I venture to doubt +whether your works have been performed anywhere else in an +equally satisfactory manner all round. For next year, for +example, a new hall of Castle Wartburg is being painted, also a +bridal chamber for the third act of "Lohengrin," etc. Several a +little more expensive dresses have been ordered, and in May +Tichatschek and probably Johanna will play Lohengrin and Ortrud. +All that is possible has been done. The impossible you will +provide in the "Rhinegold." How far have you got with it? Shall I +have the score in May, according to promise? Go on with it +bravely! As soon as you have finished, the rest will follow. + +Forget all about Philistia and Jewry, but remember cordially + +Your + +FRANZ. + +I presume you have received the medallion which the Princess sent +you. In the first week of the new year I shall send you the score +of my "Kunstler" chorus, which I have had autographed here. +Devote a quarter of an hour to it, and tell me plainly your +opinion of the composition, which of course I look upon only as a +stepping-stone to other things. If you find it bad, bombastic, +mistaken, tell me so without hesitation. You may be convinced +that I am not in the least vain of my works; and if I do not +produce anything good and beautiful all my life, I shall none the +less continue to feel genuine and cordial pleasure in the +beautiful and good things which I recognize and admire in others. + +Farewell, and God be with you. + + + +END OF VOL I. + + + +**************************************************************** + + + +INFO ABOUT THIS E-TEXT EDITION + + + +This volume of "Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt" is the first +volume of a 2-volume set. The letters were translated into English +by Francis Hueffer. Each page was +cut out of the book with an X-acto knife and fed into an Automatic +Document Feeder Scanner to make this e-text; hence, the original +book was disbinded in order to save it. + +Some adaptations from the original text were made while +formatting it for an e-text. Italics in the original book were +ignored in making this e-text, unless they referred to proper +nouns, in which case they are put in quotes in the e-text. +Italics are problematic because they are not easily rendered in +ASCII text. + +Almost everything occurring in brackets [ ] are original +footnotes inserted into the text. + +Also, special German characters like U with an umlaut, and French +characters like a's and e's with various markings above them were +ignored, replaced with their closet single-letter equivalents. U +with an umlaut is U, A with a caret above it is A, and so on. + +This electronic text was prepared by John Mamoun with help from +numerous other proofreaders, including those associated with +Charles Franks' Distributed Proofreaders website. Special thanks +to N. Harris, S. Harris, T. McDermott, A. Montague, S. Morrison, +K. Peterson, P. Suryanarayanan, V. Walker, R. Zimmermann and +several others for proof-reading. + +This e-text is public domain, freely copyable and distributable +for any non-commercial purpose, and may be included without +royalty or permission on a mass media storage product, such as a +cd-rom, that contains at least 50 public domain electronic texts, +even if offered for commercial purposes. Any other commercial +usage requires permission. 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