Wagner, Richard

stating that he has heard from all sides that it will be impossible for him to obtain the use of the Opéra for his concert, and that indeed the venue would be very disadvantageous to him, withdrawing therefore his request for the use of the same and informing him that he has been granted the use of the Salle Ventadour in the Théâtre Italian, explaining that he feels it is high time for him to inform him of these developments since some of his friends have gone so far as to speak of this in public, admitting that this turn of events is welcome to him, asking him if he might invite the emperor to his concerts, noting that it is of great importance to him to have his support as this might help him in a future attempt to have one of his works performed at the Opéra  

"...Immerhin muss es mir von grosser Wichtigkeit sein, Seine Majestät mir geneigt zu machen, da ich wohl nun auf diese Wege Seines Interesse für mich, zu einer späteren Aufführung ein[es m]einer Werke in der grossen Opé[ra] gelangen hoffen kann..."



3 pages, 8vo (20.8 x 13.4cm), embossed with the composer's monogram (RW"), Paris, 9 January 1860, burn hole to second leaf, repaired, with some slight loss of text, rusty paper-clip stain to first page, creasing, a few small marks

Richard Wagner. Sämtliche Briefe, xii (2001), No. 12 (text substantially but incompletely published); WBV 2664

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 beginning of 1860 saw Wagner in Paris conducting three concerts of excerpts from his works in the Théâtre Italien (25 January, 1 and 8 February). Although Emperor Napoleon III did finally grant him free use of the Opéra for these performances, his permission came too late, as Wagner had already obtained the use of the Salle Ventadour at the Théâtre Italien. The following year, however, did indeed witness the staging of one of Wagner's operas, Tannhäuser,  at the Opéra - one of the most notorious débâcles in music history.