Wagner, Richard. (1813–1883)

Signed Receipt from the first Bayreuth Festival

An original signed document from the important composer, confirming the receipt of 2,879.47 marks from Carl Voltz of the theatrical agents Volts and Batz, Wiesbaden. Wagner has signed at the lower right and dated Bayreuth, January 15, 1877 (the winter after the first Bayreuth Festival). 4.25 x 10.75 inches (10 x 27 cm). Folding creases; otherwise in fine condition. Handsomely framed together with a portrait of Wagner.


Volts and Batz acted as Wagner's agents between 1872 and 1882, but the relationship was tense, marked by sporadic lawsuits. The final breach came when they demanded the sum of 100,000 marks for releasing Wagner from his contract with them. Ultimately, Wagner's son-in-law Adolf von Gross won the case against them, but only after Wagner's death in 1883.  (15857)


Signed Document/Item
Classical Music
Opera