313 - WAGNER (Richard), 1813–1883.

WAGNER (Richard), 1813–1883. Autograph letter signed “Rich. Wagner,” [Paris], 16 rue Newton, November 29, 1859, to Gaetano Belloni, 1 p., in-8, in French. A very interesting letter regarding Wagner’s plans in Paris and the premiere of *Tristan und Isolde* in Karlsruhe. Having recently settled in Paris, Wagner was still awaiting a reply from Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden, whose support he had hoped to secure for the staging of *Tristan und Isolde* in Karlsruhe. However, the endeavor is meeting with resistance from Eduard Devrient, director of the Court Theater. The composer confides to Belloni that he has received no news and assumes that, in the event of a refusal, he would have already been notified. This uncertainty leads him to reconsider his plans: “My strategy is likely to change in several respects,” he writes, eager to discuss the matter with his correspondent. The letter thus attests to the advisory role played by Gaetano Belloni in Wagner’s life—a trusted confidant and particularly valuable intermediary in Parisian musical circles: “We would have plenty to talk about […] I would very much like to consult with you, dear [?]—one of the wise and prudent!” In his memoirs, Wagner also recounts that Belloni was advising him at the time on how to conduct—and, above all, how to finance—his Parisian ventures. The letter ends on a friendly note with greetings to Madame and Mademoiselle Belloni and the announcement of Minna Wagner’s arrival in Paris: “My wife has arrived and will be pleased to see you,” followed by a warm “Adio, amico.” Includes its original cultural property export certificate from the Ministry of Culture.