In a few days more from your

R. W.

MAY 26TH, 1854. 156.

HIGHLY ESTEEMED HERR INTENDANT,

By your courteous letter of May 29th, I must perceive that you
are not inclined to agree with Wagner's artistic views which
cause and account for my interference in the performance of his
works at Berlin. I sincerely regret that the deplorable
circumstances which prevent Wagner from living in Germany are
still in existence, and that many things occur thereby which
impede the natural progress of the performances of "Tannhauser"
and "Lohengrin." You, sir, are too well versed and experienced in
matters of art to ignore how much the success of important
dramatic works depends upon the manner of their performance. The
masterpieces of Gluck, cited in your letter, surely owe, in spite
of their great beauties, their permanent effect largely to the
particular interest taken in them by Spontini and to his personal
influence at Berlin. In the same manner, the exceptional
successes of Spontini's and Meyerbeer's own operas were enhanced
by the special activity of their composers. It would lead me too
far to discuss further facts which have been proved so often, and
I confine myself to telling you candidly that if the management
intends to do no more than give TANNHAUSER or LOHENGRIN just like
any other work, it would be almost more advisable to give any
other work and to leave those of Wagner alone.