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Auction: 21066 - Historical Documents, Postal History and Autographs
Lot: 258

Germany
Music and Entertainment
Richard Wagner
1853 (16 February) Autograph letter in German (accompanied by transcription in English) signed "Richard Wagner" from Zurich to Louis Schindelmeisser at the Theatre in Wiesbaden (Nassau). The Address panel is franked with a superb strip of four of the Switzerland 1850 Rayon II, 10rp. (positions29-32), tied by multiple strikes of the diamond of bars. Comprising a lengthy letter all in Wagner's hand over two integral pages in which Wagner contemplates the surprising success of the production of Tannhäuser in Frankfurt:
"There remains to me only amazement at how under such circumstances my Tannhaeuser was able to meet with approval before a public of the quality of that in Frankfurt", crediting his correspondent for this accomplishment.
Continuing further to allude to the possibility of a production in Jena which he "felt obliged to regard as inadvisable" due to the "character of the production and having reclaimed "the score of Tannhäuser from Berlin.
Wagner signs off with an intriguing postscript "Strange: in Leipzig the 'singers' conflict' has yet again come through most strongly". A wonderful letter in fine condition with both philatelic and manuscript significance, so rare it is to find Wagner corresponding so candidly on his work.

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Sold for
£16,000

Starting price
£6000