DEAR SIR,

I have the honour to return the following answer to your question
as to the "conditions" of the performance of Wagner's operas in
Berlin:--

It need not be explained at length that the performances of
"Tannhauser" and "Lohengrin" which have so far been given by
theatres of the second and third rank, satisfactory and
creditable for them though many of them have been, cannot be
accepted as a standard for the performances contemplated at
Berlin. For the very reason that Wagner attributes special
importance to the Berlin stage, he has asked and commissioned me
to assist him in this matter as a friend and an artist, and has
given me unlimited power to act for him. The conditions are
really none other than a dignified and adequate representation,
which would guarantee a more than ordinary success for these
works. The latter result is not doubtful to me provided that the
representation is worthy of the Berlin stage, and I venture to
think that you, dear sir, would share this opinion after the
final rehearsals. But in order to arrive at rehearsals at all, I
consider it necessary that a conclusive and brief conversation
should without delay take place between you and me to settle the
following points:--

A. The cast.

B. The arrangement of the rehearsals, at some of which I must be
present.