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[The letter written apparently to Belloni (who has already been mentioned) was, like the present one, published by Wilhelm Tappert, in a German translation and in an incomplete form, in the Neue Musik-Zeitung (Cologne, Tonger) of October 1st, 1881. The editor unfortunately could not obtain possession of it complete and in the original. According to Tappert, a Belgian musical paper pronounced it spurious, for reasons unknown to the former.]
Weimar, May 14th, 1849
Dear B.,
Richard Wagner, a Dresden conductor, has been here since yesterday. That is a man of wonderful genius, such a brain- splitting genius indeed as beseems this country,--a new and brilliant appearance in Art. Late events in Dresden have forced him to a decision in the carrying out of which I am firmly resolved to help him with all my might. When I have had a long talk with him, you shall hear what we have devised and what must also be thoroughly realized. In the first place we want to create a success for a grand, heroic, enchanting musical work, the score of which was completed a year ago. [Lohengrin.] Perhaps this could be done in London? Chorley, [Chorley (1808-72) had considerable influence in London as author, critic, and writer in the Athenoeum.] for instance, might be very helpful to him in this undertaking. If Wagner next winter could go to Paris backed up by this success, the doors of the Opera would stand open to him, no matter with what he might knock. It is happily not necessary for me to go into long further discussions with you; you understand, and must learn whether there is at this moment in London an English theater (for the Italian Opera would not help our friend!), and whether there is any prospect that a grand and beautiful work from a master hand could have any success there.
[It was not in London, but in Weimar, as is well known, that the first performance of "Lohengrin" took place (on August 28th, 1850). It was not until twenty-five years later that London made acquaintance with Wagner's work on the stage, in the Italian Opera and with Nicolini in the title-role; and the composer himself heard it for the first time in Vienna on May 15th, 1861.]
Let me have an answer to this as quickly as possible. Later on-- that is, about the end of the month--Wagner will pass through Paris. You will see him, and he will talk with you direct about the tendency and expansion of the whole plan, and will be heartily grateful for every kindness. Write soon and help me as ever. It is a question of a noble end, toward the fulfillment of which everything must tend.
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