Wagner, Richard. (1813–1883)
Autograph title-page for part of Götterdämmerung
Autograph title-page for part of Götterdämmerung, entirely in the hand of the composer and signed: "Fortsetzung des Klavierauszuges der 'Götterdämmerung' Zur Fortsetzung des Stiches eingesandt von Richard Wagner Bayreuth 14 Febr. 1874", being for Karl Klindworth's piano score of "Götterdämmerung", sent to the publishers Schott for the continuation of work on the engraving of that score. 1 page, cut down from a larger leaf of music manuscript paper, 23.8 x 18.8cm, laid down on card, together with an autograph letter by Carl Armbruster to the organist John Lott, dated 31 May, 1900, elucidating Wagner's autograph, laid down on the verso of the card. Bayreuth, 14 February 1874, light browning, else fine. Contained in a deluxe custom red morocco folder, lined with satin and silk (edges rubbed, one panel of the satin cracked, container else fine).A letter by Carl Armbruster to the Lichfield Cathedral organist John Lott, laid down on the verso of the card bearing Wagner's autograph, elucidates the composer's note thus: "It is an autograph of Wagner's and was by him placed round a packet of music written by C. Klindworth, who arranged the piano score from the full score of the "Ring". - The words, translated, are these: Continuation of the Pianoforte score of the "Dusk of the Gods" sent in for the continuation of the work of engraving...".
Götterdämmerung or Twilight of the Gods, WWV 86D, is the last in Richard Wagner's cycle of four music dramas Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung). It received its premiere at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus on 17 August 1876, as part of the first complete performance of the Ring. The first edition of the vocal score of Götterdämmerung, prepared by the German pianist and teacher Karl Klindworth (1830-1916), was sent to the printer in batches and was published by B. Schott's Söhne in April 1875. At this time, Cosima Wagner wrote in her diary: "part of the piano arrangement of Götterdämmerung arrives and is unplayable and ununderstandable, the middle voices too prominent, so that the main theme is obscured" (i.732). (21586)
Autograph Letter Opera Manuscript Music