Oct 22, 2015 - Sale 2394

Sale 2394 - Lot 306

Price Realized: $ 4,810
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 7,000 - $ 10,000
RECRUITING FOR CONCERT SERIES WHILE EXILED IN SWITZERLAND WAGNER, RICHARD. Autograph Letter Signed, to Hofkapellmeister Max Seifriz ("Esteemed Mr. Seifriz"), in German, inviting him and select members of his ensemble to perform in Wagner's concert series at the end of May. 1 page, 4to, with integral address leaf addressed in his hand; even moderate toning, vertical fold touching signature (without loss). Zürich, 28 April 1853
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"I just learned that your musical ensemble will leave Silesia in early May and then return to Hechingen. If so, I would be very pleased if you would assure me at once that I might count on some help from you.
"In any event, you and your dear violin are very welcome. And besides that: 1 cello, 1 contrabass,1 trumpeter (if he is very good), and similarly 1 good horn player, perhaps 2.
"Is someone with you who plays the bass clarinet?
"We would already be agreed on the terms.
"My performances will be held on the 18th, 20th, & 22nd of May. The rehearsals begin on the evening of the 15th, when everyone should be here.
"Please excuse my haste and send an agreeable answer soon."
Wagner's involvement in 1849 with revolutionaries who allegedly instigated the May Uprising in Dresden pushed him to flee Germany; he was not permitted to return until 1862.
The concert series beginning on May 18, 1853, was part of a number of concerts conducted by Wagner and organized by the Zürich Music Society, but this series was special in that the final concert on the 22nd fell on Wagner's 40th birthday. The program for each 2 1/2-hour concert in the series was identical: a 70-piece orchestra and 110-person chorus performed pieces from Der fliegende Holländer, Tannhäuser, and Lohengrin.
Published in Richard Wagner-Jahrbush, ed. Frankenstein, Berlin, 1907-08.