Dearest, best Friend!
In answer to the question “How are all of you?” there is much that could be said! The world, and particularly Germania, is becoming more and more odious to me! Our cares are great, and, on the whole, the project of allowing our performances to take place this year seems foolhardy. The number of our Patrons’ Certificates reaches only four hundred and ninety; while, according to the latest calculations, thirteen hundred are necessary in order to come out even.
The undertaking as originally planned is therefore fully shipwrecked. Now we must take the risk of seeing what curiosity will eventually do for our cause. Even Feustel believes that we may make this venture; but we anticipate a lack of funds in June, etc., when the musicians and singers arrive and will wish to draw their money.
I solicited a loan of thirty thousand thalers from the Emperor. When I go to Berlin in May to look after “Tristan”, — in which I have no great faith, — I shall see what can be done. For the rest, we must put a good face on the matter here. Everything will be ready (on credit!); the artistic details of the performance will be carried out to a point of the highest perfection.
Brandt—as ever, excellent—my chief support.
Aside from Scaria, [1] I have come across no reluctance among the singers; everyone seems to stick to the cause with fine courage. I shall know how to help myself even if Scaria does not mend his ways at the last moment; however, I have not entirely given him up yet. Otherwise there is nothing new. Cordial greetings to your wife and friends from me and mine. If you could practise a little sorcery, it would be most welcome to me.
But I remain always
Yours most faithfully,
Richard Wagner.
Bayreuth,
Feb 4th, 1876
[1] Emil Scaria was a Vienna singer, whom Wagner hoped to secure for the role of Hagen, but his demands seemed so excessive that he was obliged to relinquish the idea, and the first Bayreuth Festival took place without the desired co-operation of Scaria.
Wagner who recognised this artist’s talent and capacity for the role, wrote to him: “If any rich man or monarch were backing me, as you erroneously seem to suppose, I should not hesitate to comply with your demands secretly!” Fortunately Scaria was a conspicuous exception, as the other artists gave themselves heart and soul to the undertaking, and only demanded sufficient compensation to make it possible for them to devote all of their time to the rehearsals.