Lot 442
  • 442

Wagner, Richard & Franz Liszt

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description

  • paper
Autograph letter and document signed twice ("RichardWagner"), 2 pages (9 x 11 in.; 228 x 280 mm), Bayreuth, 16 February 1874, headed "Nothgedrangene Erklärung," being a statement to his friends and supporters sent to the publisher Fritzsch for publication in the Musikalisches Wochenblatt, about concert performances of Die Walküre, the letter written on verso of the declaration; some staining consistent with use by the printer, creased at folds, one small split at center fold. Brown half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped title on spine. Wagner expresses his distaste for performances of fragments of his opera in concert programmes, explaining that he is attempting to stage a complete performance of The Ring in Bayreuth and is expending a lot of energy and time to do this. The performance of fragments deflects him from this great task and gives a false impression of the work as a whole. He refers to the Munich production of the opera, arranged by the Bavarian king Ludwig II, which was performed without Wagner's sanction. "... Das Problem eines solchen Aufführung habe ich aber eben selbst erst noch zu lösen, da namentlich der seltsame Erfolg der, von mir unbeeinflussten, Theater-Aufführungen der "Walküre" in München mir beweisen, wie unrichtig mein Werk bisher noch verstanden worden ist ..."



With:
Liszt, Franz. Autograph letter signed ("F.Liszt"), 2 pages (7 x 4 ½ in.; 178 x 114 mm), Villa D'Este, Rome, 13 January 1870, to his granddaughter Daniela von Buelow; trace of guard along left-hand edge. Maroon cloth folding-case, gilt-stamped title on spine. Thanking her for her Christmas letter, sending messages to her mother Cosima and sister Blandine, thanking Blandine for her poem "Christkindchen Sternkindchen,"discussing the practice of Christmas Trees, which have even reached Rome and enjoining her to continue pleasing her mother by remaining obedient, studious and pious: " ... La touchante coutume des Arbres de Noel est originaire d'Allemagne; elle se repand de plus en plus ailleurs, et a Rome aussi, on illumine le bois du 24 Decembre un bel arbre, au cercle des artistes allemands ..."



Liszt's daughter Cosima was divorced from Hans von Buelow in 1870 following her liaison with Wagner. The relationship between father and daughter was troubled. Liszt composed as set of pieces entitled Weihnachtsbaum, eventually dedicated to his beloved granddaughter Daniela between 1874 and 1876.