Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Autograph letter signed ('Richard Wagner') to [Eduard Liszt], Starnberg, 23 May 1864
In German. Eight pages, 209 x 136mm, on bifolia. Envelope; with three ivy-leaves taken from Wagner's grave by Eduard Liszt in 1884, in an envelope. Provenance: Sotheby's, 29 November 1985, lot 247.

'I am beginning a final new, noble and deeply happy life, under the protection of my good genius': on his ignominious flight from his creditors in Vienna, and the transformation of his fortunes under the patronage of Ludwig II. Wagner opens the letter by thanking Eduard for his help in Vienna, though he complains bitterly at his treatment there, the loss of his house and the lack of financial support from his friends. He had made arrangements to take the honourable course of returning to the city to face his creditors, but reproaches Liszt for opposing this course, and attempts to justify his actions, whilst lamenting their consequences, especially the fire-sale of his possessions, above all his piano which was sold much too cheaply. Nevertheless, he accepts the blame: 'In any case, I bear the main blame: it is I who acted carelessly and unwisely at the beginning, who caused the most saddening and disgusting worries to my friends and who should have only and rightly suffered alone from the confusion that followed'. He then informs Liszt of the remarkable new turn of events in the form of the intervention of Ludwig II: 'You will have heard about the wonderful turn that my fate has taken! The ideal of my wishes is fulfilled: I am beginning a final new, noble and deeply happy life, under the protection of my good genius, which heaven led to me in a wonderful way'.

Wagner had moved to Vienna in 1863, settling in the suburb of Pinzing, but his extravagance had quickly run up unsustainable debts, and ultimately he was forced to take Eduard Liszt's advice to flee the city, first to Switzerland and then to Stuttgart. There his fortunes took a decisive turn for the better, when Ludwig II adopted him, settled his debts and promised to foster his career. Eduard Liszt (1817-1879) was the uncle of Franz Liszt, though younger than him.