Dearest and best of friends,
There is much that could be said in reply to the question how we all are! The world, and more especially “Germania”, is becoming increasingly repugnant to me!
Our cares are considerable, and I am bound to regard it as utterly foolhardy to allow the performances to go ahead this year. We have sold 490 of our Patrons’ certificates, whereas, according to our latest calculations, we need 1300 to break even. In other words, the undertaking that we originally planned is now totally wrecked. We shall simply have to take the risk of seeing what curiosity may finally achieve. Even Feustel believes it is worth taking this risk; but we must anticipate a shortage of funds in June etc. when the musicians and singers arrive and want to be paid in cash. I applied for an advance of 30,000 thalers from the Emperor. But Bismarck has thwarted the affair. I shall see what can still be done when I go to Berlin at the beginning of March, when I shall also be seeing how things are faring with “Tristan”, although that, too, is something in which I have little faith. - For the rest, we are putting a brave face on it. Everything will be ready on time (on credit!); the artistic details will be worked out to the highest pitch of perfection. Brandt, as always, is outstanding, - my chief support!
Apart from Scaria, I have encountered no reluctance on the part of the singers: they all seem firmly resolved to remain loyal to our cause. I shall be able to find a remedy for Scaria, - assuming he does not change his mind again at the last minute; the matter is still not entirely settled. Otherwise very little news.
Every good wish from us all to your wife and friends!
If you could conjure up a minor miracle, it would be most welcome to me! But I shall always remain
Your sincerely devoted
Richard Wagner.
Source: Selected Letters of Richard Wagner, trans. and ed. Stewart Spencer and Barry Millington (W. W. Norton & Company, 1988), No. 436