[...] We are to perform Tristan in the little Court Theatre before an audience [...] assembled solely by invitation. In any case, the performance will have nothing whatever to do with the ordinary theatrical performances here. Accordingly, we shall only borrow from the theatre the orchestra and singers for the lesser rôles. I count on Mitterwurzer for Kurwenal and Beck for Mark. As to Brangäne, I am on the point of testing Fräulein Stehle's powers.—
I can no longer be bothered with "opera and operatic public." It is fortunate that I have acquired a royal friend who completely agrees with me. No doubt you, too, will be able to take your stand with me apart from this discreditable crowd of hangers-on of art. [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 600