DS, in German, one page, 9 x 11, Patronat-Schein letterhead, February 1, 1872. Certificate of patronage or “ticket” given to the individuals who were members of a joint stock company that Wagner formed to try to raise funds to build and establish the theatre in Bayreuth. The document reads, in part (translated): “The bearer of this certificate, by having paid in 300 thalers … has acquired patron privileges for the three complete performances of the stage festival work The Ring of the Nibelung to be put on in Bayreuth. Among these patron privileges is the right to have a comfortable seat at his unconditional disposition for each of the 12 evenings in which the three cycles of the four-part work will be performed. In addition he has the right to participate in a Patrons Committee that is to be created and that will determine the assignment of 500 seats for future Festival performances.” As none of Germany’s opera houses would have the facilities or persons for the representation of the Ring of the Nibelungen, Wagner formed a joint stock company, the members of which, under the name of Patrons, were furnished with a “Patronat’s-schein” (a ticket at the price of 900 marks, about $250 in gold), which admitted them to a cycle of three performances, each consisting of the whole drama over four nights. With funds thus raised, Wagner laid the cornerstone to the theater in Bayreuth in 1872. An initial public subscription proved disappointing, however. As part of the effort to secure further financing for the Festival and the building of a new theatre, Wagner, on the suggestion of his friend and admirer Emil Heckel, launched a number of Wagner Societies to increase participation in the Festival’s subscription. Societies were established, among other places, in Leipzig, Berlin and Vienna. Desperate, Wagner turned to his former patron, Ludwig II, who, despite his misgivings, agreed to lend financial support. In January 1874, Ludwig granted 100,000 thalers; construction on the theatre, designed by architect Gottfried Semper, started shortly thereafter. The document has been countersigned by three other authorized administrators. Light red cancellation “x” through printed text, some light soiling, and intersecting folds, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA
