Dear Friend!
. . . In regard to the theatre, I repeat the following, as the result of the most mature deliberation:
The dimensions of the auditorium as well as of the stage must be so estimated that they may serve as the foundation of the future massive structure, for I wish to present my patrons at once with the ultimate ideal plan in a clear and distinct form. The material for the provisional building, on the contrary, must be so selected as to meet only the most necessary requirements in regard to safety.
Everything that can be economised in the way of material will be welcome, and in this direction it is necessary to go to the last extreme. I consent to an entire structure of wood, however much this will vex my dear Bayreuth fellow citizens, who would like very much to see at once a building of stately exterior. In an extreme case I will adopt for the auditorium nothing more than one of those temporary structures which are so much used at present for music festivals and the like. I would even accept the obstruction of a balcony, as the entire thing is only meant to give the general idea. On the other hand, the heavy and ingenious machinery must be made thoroughly solid; as this, together with the foundation, shall, if God wills, outlast our lightly-put-together provisional structure.
In short, the material to be reduced to a minimum. The expense which cannot be avoided must be met in some way. . . .
For singers, musicians, and other personnel, I need not far from one hundred thousand thalers. On this point you must have confidence in me! . . .
If, from these definite explanations, you can feel that the purely technical authorities are sufficiently instructed for a conference, I should prefer you to get along without me, if possible, dear friend; furthermore, the telegraph wire is always there for definite questions and decisions. . . . At present my plan is to go to Vienna on the 6th of May and arrive in Bayreuth at the latest on the 15th. If I am not absolutely needed for the time being, we shall return to Lucerne the end of May, and move to Bayreuth in October with child and chattel for all time. . . .
Accept cordial greetings, dear friend, from
Yours faithfully,
Richard Wagner.
Source: The Story of Bayreuth as Told in the Bayreuth Letters of Richard Wagner, trans. and ed. Caroline V. Kerr (Small, Maynard and Company, 1912), No. 25