ALS in German, one page, 5.25 x 8.25, Paris, June 14, 1860. Letter to a patron. In full (translated): “I am today in greatest need of 500 francs. If you could once more grant me this small sum, you would be doing me an enormous favor. Whatever happens, I will give it back to you the day after tomorrow. Would you be so kind as to give the money in an envelope to the bearer of this message?” In very good condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds (vertical fold passing through first letter of signature), scattered foxing, and overall toning from previous display. Wagner wrote this letter at a tumultuous point in his life—he was living in exile, his personal relationships were falling apart, and he was beginning to run out of money. Though he had just finished composing Tristan und Isolde—now one of his most famous operas—he could find nowhere in Paris to stage it. His misfortune in Paris would continue into the next year, when he premiered a revised version of Tannhauser that nearly caused riots. Luckily, Wagner was soon granted return to Germany and, in 1864, the newly crowned Ludwig II began to support Wagner’s work, relieving his financial woes of the past. A rare and exceptional letter from a turning point in the composer’s career. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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