WAGNER, Richard (1813-1883). Autograph letter signed ('Richard Wagner') to [the French music publisher Gustave-Alexandre] Flaxland, n.p., n.d. [20 June 1860], one page, 8vo, on a bifolium, fine pink paper; tipped onto guards, with an English translation.

WAGNER, Richard (1813-1883). Autograph letter signed ('Richard Wagner') to [the French music publisher Gustave-Alexandre] Flaxland, n.p., n.d. [20 June 1860], one page, 8vo, on a bifolium, fine pink paper; tipped onto guards, with an English translation.

Apologising for bothering the recipient, Wagner berates his servant for being 'very stupid ... he does not understand French'; knowing the 'chicanery' which accompanies the reception of music, he asks Flaxland to be so kind as to sort out a parcel of scores which he hopes will include the 'long-awaited score of Tannhäuser': 'Da komme ich wieder mit einer Plage ... mein Diener ist sehr dumm und weiss nicht Französisch. Andrerseits weiss ich, dass der Empfang von Musikalien ... mit Chicanen verknüpft ist ... Haben Sie doch die grosse Güte, mir schnell die angekommene Musik (ich hoffe, die sehnlichst erwartete Partitur von Tannh.) ausläden zu lassen ... Seien Sie mir nicht böse!'.