ALS in German, one page, 5 x 8, February 4, 1877. Letter to Reinhold Patitz. In full (translated): “Would it not be possible that you might allow me and my family to see these pictures this evening with your equipment? Joh(an) would expect you from seven thirty on.” In very good condition, with partial separations along central horizontal fold, some scattered light foxing and soiling, and a couple small tears to bottom edge. Accompanied by a handwritten letter of provenance which reads: “This letter by Rich. Wagner was written to Reinhold Patitz of Dresden who lectured (with illustration) on the Nibelungen Ring! It was given to me for a consideration.”
Wagner’s ‘Ring of the Nibelung’ is a cycle of four music-dramas: ‘The Rhinegold,’ ‘The Valkyrie,’ ‘Siegfried,’ and ‘Dusk of the Gods.’ Each is loosely based on characters from Norse sagas and a work of extraordinary scale with countless admirers, including Patitz, who lectured on the topic. The admiration was a two-way street, judging from this significant correspondence, as Wagner requests a chance to view the illustrations Patitz used in his lectures. A desirable indirect reference to a work that is widely considered among the greatest of all musical expressions. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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