Wagner, Cosima, (1837-1930)

thanking him for the articles he has lent her, including those on Rienzi, and for supporting her recommendation of Sgambati, answering his comments about The Ring by assuring him that he will find listening to all four works less fatiguing once he hears them under better conditions, discussing the faults of the press, and making a point of requesting that he never accept on hearsay the utterances and opinions of her husband ("...Il est une chose seulement que je voudrais vous prier de ne jamais accepter sur ouï-dire, ce sont les paroles et les jugements de mon mari...")

4 pages, oblong 8vo (11.2 x 18cm), central vertical fold, Bayreuth, 4 January 1877 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Wagners heard Rienzi in Bologna on 5 December 1876 ("much better than in Vienna") and had met Giovanni Sgambati in Rome only a few days previously. Wagner had recommended his works to his publisher Schott in Mainz.