[Wagner, Richard. (1813–1883)] Wagner, Cosima. (1837–1930) [Toscanini, Arturo. (1867–1957)]
Autograph Letter from the Collection of Arturo Toscanini
Autograph letter from the daughter of Franz Liszt who was later the wife of Richard Wagner and, after his death, the director of the Bayreuth Festival for 31 years. To her daughter Daniela von Bülow, discussing Wagner ("...Papa war gestern recht leidend..."), Mozart's Figaro and the visit to Dresden ("...überall Juden!..."), 4 pages, 8vo, with an autograph envelope by Cosima Wagner, postmarked Dresden, 13 September 1881. Translated in full as follows, the letter written partially around the border in tiny script, so rather difficult to make out:"Sunday, 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Hopefully, Darling, by the time these lines will reach you, we will be with you within a few hours; but I can only say “hopefully”, as Dr. J today discovered 2 beginning abscesses on Papa which he wants to lance. Tomorrow morning a session, and possibly in the afternoon, and then take the 6 o'clock train to Leipzig, and be at your place Tuesday at noon, hopefully. - - Today, I went to the porcelain collection, an hour which I limited to China on account of my mania for thoroughness. Then we met as planned(?) with Papa at the Sixtina, and I tried to show something. In desperation, I came upon A. Kaufmann, who, really(?), scampering away in the most feminine manner, gracefully has accepted the art of painting. Finally, we came to Canaletto, which Papa also liked a lot. Then we went to Dr. J. and from there to Schlesinger's, where we had a very nice lunch. The woman full of words(?), but in very good style. This evening the Msinger (Meistersinger) is not taking place, but instead Freischuetz. The music for Preciosa made a most lovely impression on me. Fioi(?) was in the catholic church today and listened to a mass by Beeth. (Beethoven) and the Ave Verum of Mozart; because of Figaro, I was tired of old-fashioned music for a while! Oh, the endings! My ear is almost as sore as my mouth. Also, I can't stand/read(?) the Injet(?), and I found it quite annoying, that the count, who is mean and is being made fun of, sings a pompous and serious aria. And yet, the work also contains the most beautiful and eternal characteristics of Mozart's genius! In the Preciosa, I heard only Bernag's (?) declamation; Jews everywhere! And it seems to me that the piece is lovable and could be played well. - Please pass on my apology to Stein and Jenk for my letters from early this morning [and yesterday]; I wrote them in the greatest hurry and did not proofread them. Will you be so kind and respond to the enclosed letter by Blum, and that is, after you have found the slip of paper [in the white book or in the folder, grey color(?)], on which the measurement of the Portiere (curtain over a doorway) has been written down by Betty. If the 8 - 50 of the chosen fabric is enough, then please ask Blum to send it. I think actually, it will be too much; measure it with Betty, the Atlas (silk fabric) is 60 c. (centimeters) wide; I want a Portière like the yellow one, with roses - you know - If it is not enough, the 8 - 50, then please write Blum and cancel it. - Papa was rather ailing yesterday, and so, a day got lost for J. Give my regards to Schoerers/Schoesers(?) and Wolgs/Wolys/Wolfs/Wolps(?). Ask E.(?) Wolp(?) to forgive me when I don't write! Maybe I'll still get to it. - Bari(?) and Rolda(?) are silent(?). Therefore I do not call “Schautima(?)“. - A thousand kisses, blessings and regards. Also pass on my apologies to A. Ich/Ick(?) on account of the too early telegram. Everybody said it was Wednesday, the 8th, and I assumed that the 8th was the birthday. - Do you think one should give Betty a sermon? She sewed everything so badly, huge stitches, threads hanging loose, and handed it over to me so dirty; perhaps one should threaten her? I think I'll hire(?) someone else here." (8809)
Autograph Letter Opera