Richard Wagner to Theodor Uhlig | August 11, 1852

Overview

A business note: Breslau has written directly and accepted Wagner's terms for Tannhäuser, and Hanover, by the King's command, is also preparing the opera, so Uhlig should send the corrected score and designs and engage a second copyist if needed. Wagner asks whether Uhlig can wait for his expenses until autumn and tells him to stop paying postage.

Letter

Best Friend!

A line or two to-day on business matters! I have just had a letter direct from Breslau: I have answered and made the conditions, such as I lately wrote to you. So send thither the corrected score as soon as possible, and order the designs for costumes and scenery.

Also, see at once about fresh scores and designs, for I have just been informed that Hanover, too, by special command of the King, is on the way towards Tannhäuser. If Wölfel is not enough, you must see about a second copyist.

I have not yet received any money; what is the state of your fund for expenses? Can you wait till the autumn, or do you want money before then?

Another request: as you have so often to write me on business matters, do not pay the postage any more. Am I to ruin you utterly?

I have written to Heine to-day. My head is not clear enough yet for work.

Farewell, good fellow.

Your

R. W.

Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to His Dresden Friends, Theodor Uhlig, Wilhelm Fischer, and Ferdinand Heine, trans. J. S. Shedlock (Scribner & Welford, 1890), No. 73