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Lot 1319
Wagner, Richard (1813-1883) German composer. Autograph Letter Signed ("Rich. Wagner"), Paris, February 21, 1861, 3 pp, 5½ x 4 in. To Joseph Tichatschek (1807-1886), dramatic tenor who created the role of Rienzi in 1842 and Tannhäuser in 1845. Wagner addresses a problem that both Tichatschek and Albert Niemann (who was going to perform the role of Tannhauser in the Paris production, then in rehearsal and due to open on March 13th) were having with the finale of the second act of Tannhauser: the tenors claimed that the passage was too demanding on their voices, not leaving them strong enough for the third act. Against his better judgment, Wagner had made some cuts, but in this letter, he tells Tichatschek that he has found the solution. The letter is in fine condition; with transmittal envelope and translation. In full:
"My dear Ticheck!
Don't be angry about my long silence and excuse it due to my excessive work burden. I wish to make an urgent request, based on our friendship.
Please examine in the second-act finale of Tannhäuser, Adagio, the following passage: 'Zum Heil den Sündigen zu führen!' Only now I know why it made no effect at the time and I eliminated it. I have now corrected my mistake, this way: This whole passage must be sung by Tannhäuser Solo: no ensemble with him. That way it makes an enormous impression.
Please, let this be arranged for you (it is indicated exactly in the engraved score) and sing it from now on in this way in all performances. It will be of some strain but - you are accustomed to that1 Sing it with the greatest energy as if you had nothing to sing any more afterwards and
1. you will make a tremendous impression with it, and
2. you will achieve a completely personal triumph for me and for yourself. I shall not tell you anything further!
See you again next summer! Auf Wiedersehen! Next week, Tannhauser at last will be given here. Many cordial regards from your Rich. Wagner."
Tannhäuser was the first opera by Wagner produced by the Paris Opera. It was ordered by Emperor Napoleon III under the influence of Princess Metternich, wife of the Austrian ambassador. After months of preparation, with more than 150 preliminary rehearsals, and eight full rehearsals, there were three performances on March 13, 18, and 24. At all three performances, the young aristocrats of the Jockey Club, wanting to humiliate Wagner and his patrons, blew whistles and created a disturbance, drowning out the opera. It was subsequently withdrawn and Wagner left Paris.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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