Most Honoured Sir,
I well must doubt that you will recollect my unimportant self at the time when, as a young man, I first devoted myself with wild enthusiasm to music, but nevertheless had already enough intelligence to be able to appreciate your efforts as choir-master at the Leipzig Theatre. Once since then have I had an opportunity of admiring the fruits of your diligence and of your extraordinary address: this was at a performance of La Juive in Dresden. After that, I heard this opera in Paris, and while noticing the difference between the Dresden and the Paris chorus, I could not help thinking of you; although it made me sorry for the Paris Opera, which did not show to advantage in this comparison.
Chance and good-fortune have so willed, that I should be placed in the position to lay claim to your valuable services to my own advantage.
The general management of the Dresden Theatre has lately notified to me the definite acceptance of an opera, Rienzi, which I had sent in, and I have been assured that it will be produced as speedily as possible. Through one of my friends I know that you — unsolicited by me — have shown a friendly interest in my plans and wishes, and as I am assured that your own vote was recorded on the question of accepting my opera, so, by the favourable result, I have to flatter myself that your decision was not hostile to me. From all these premisses, I have to esteem myself truly fortunate in now being able with confidence to sue for your kind protection. Although the opera, in whose auspicious "birth" yourself will take so great and important a part, is not my first-fruits; although the style and fashion of its ruling conception of dramatic music I only finally decided on after many an attempt in other fashions; and although I feel compelled to protest against the opinion, naturally prevalent in consequence of the obscurity of my name, that in Rienzi I am making my first appearance with a first attempt: still I should be more than blind and presumptuous, did I not of my own accord call attention, in advance, to the fact that I count first on indulgence in the judgment of my work. In this sense I approach you, most honoured sir, when I declare that, during my five years' practice as music-director, I became most thoroughly convinced of the preponderance that practical knowledge gives to judgment, and therefore confidently place myself in your hands, as your many-sided experience must be acknowledged by all. With regard to the many difficulties which, perhaps not without displeasure, you will have to encounter in rehearsing my opera, be assured beforehand — I implore you — of the fullest and heartiest thanks which any one so convinced as I am of the greatness of the obligation can offer in payment. My special views with regard to the distribution of the choir in separate divisions, etc., I will communicate to you shortly; you will kindly make use of any suggestions which you find practical, while in everything which runs counter to your own much riper views I, as a matter of course, entirely give way to you.
May I succeed in preserving your interest and gaining your respect! Be assured that neither would be the humblest reward to which, in my present purpose, I eagerly look forward!
With most sincere respect and devotion,
Your deeply obliged servant,
Richard Wagner.
Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to His Dresden Friends, Theodor Uhlig, Wilhelm Fischer, and Ferdinand Heine, trans. J. S. Shedlock (Scribner & Welford, 1890), No. 93