Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #774
Richard Wagner

A curious Wagner asks to see the illustrations used in conjunction with a lecture on his operatic masterpiece, Ring of the Nibelung including ‘The Valkyrie’

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

A curious Wagner asks to see the illustrations used in conjunction with a lecture on his operatic masterpiece, Ring of the Nibelung including ‘The Valkyrie’

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.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #373 - Ended July 13, 2011





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $50.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.