Wagner's Letters

Richard Wagner to Franz Liszt

July 1, 1848 · Dresden

Overview

Fighting 'for death or life' over his debts, Wagner implores Liszt to come to Dresden in person, believing his presence would do more than his name to settle the affair of the opera copyrights. Though he cannot offer any performances, he promises Liszt all his operas as his hereditary property.

Letter

Best of friends,

Here am I fighting for death or life, and do not know what the end will be. I have written to my lawyer to tell him of my last hope: that by your energetic interference my affairs may possibly be arranged. Your name will go far in the transaction, but your person still farther; let me have the latter for a day, but very soon. According to news which has reached me here, I shall next Wednesday or Thursday have to undertake a journey which will keep me away from Dresden for a fortnight. Performances of my operas I cannot, for that and other reasons, offer you. Could you make up your mind to come here very quickly even without the expectation of one of my operas? If I offer you no performances, you shall, on the other hand (that is my most ardent wish), possess all my operas as your hereditary property. Do come! Your personality will do much good, more than my personality will be able to do all my life; for I cannot help myself.

Best greetings, excellent friend!

Source: Project Gutenberg eBook #3835, Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 1, No. 6