- 42
Wagner, Richard
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Wagner, Richard
- Unpublished autograph letter signed ("Richard Wagner"), to the wife of the music critic Léon Kreutzer, ABOUT "TANNHÄUSER", 5 February 1861
- paper
written in haste, informing her that the premiere of the opera has been fixed for 22 February, but noting that he does not know today whether it will be put back, and asking her to convey his respectful compliments to her husband
"...la 1.re représentation du Tannhauser est fixée pour le 22 février: s'elle sera reculée - je ne le pourrais pas dire aujourd'hui..."
1 page, 8vo (20.6 x 13.6cm), integral blank, pinholes, two later pencil annotations, [Paris,] Tuesday morning [5 February 1861], folded twice, traces of mount to verso of integral
"...la 1.re représentation du Tannhauser est fixée pour le 22 février: s'elle sera reculée - je ne le pourrais pas dire aujourd'hui..."
1 page, 8vo (20.6 x 13.6cm), integral blank, pinholes, two later pencil annotations, [Paris,] Tuesday morning [5 February 1861], folded twice, traces of mount to verso of integral
Literature
Text unpublished in Richard Wagner. Sämtliche Briefe; WBV 2918; TNG, xxvi, p.936
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
In the event, the Paris premiere of Tannhäuser did not take place until 13 March 1861, when a politically motivated demonstration, as well as Wagner's failure to provided the expected ballet for the second act, resulted in a celebrated débâcle. After two further disrupted performances the opera was withdrawn.