Dear and Very Honored Friend,
Your friendly letter leaves me a good hope…for next year. I have just transmitted your thanks and the data relative to our concerted idea to the Grand Duke, who arrived at Ostend on Thursday last, with his daughters, his son and his daughter-in- law. Their Royal Highnesses return to Weimar the 1st September for the fete of Carl August, which the Emperor and Empress of Germany will solemnise with their presence. Monseigneur tells me to invite you to it. I observe to him that you will probably be detained elsewhere; nevertheless, if you should come to Germany at that moment, be assured that you will be warmly welcomed and received at the Court of Weimar.
The monument of Carl August will be inaugurated on the 3rd September. The ceremony of the "Toison d'Or" ["Golden Fleece">[, at which the Emperor will be the sponsor of his brother-in-law, our Grand Duke, will take place on the 4th. Then T.R.H. will leave Weimar, and my poor self return to the Villa d'Este (towards the middle of September) for as long a time as my very dear compatriots will allow of it. They press me strongly to return to Pest on the 1st November; before obeying them I shall come and see you at Florence.
Please count always on the feelings of sincere and high esteem of your very cordially devoted
F. Liszt
Bayreuth, August 2nd, 1875
The papers keep you au courant of the marvels of Wagner's theater here. The performances (announced for the month of August '76) of the Tetralogy, "Der Ring des Nabelungen," will be the chief event of dramatic Art, thus royally made manifest for the first time in this century in its ensemble and unification of Poetry, Music, Acting, and their decorations of Painting and mise-en-scene.
There is not merely the chance, but the guarantee of a grand and striking success, in view of the sublimity of the work itself, and also of the enthusiasm which it already excites amongst the numerous staff of artists chosen to interpret it. In spite of the difficulties of this new transcendental style of Wagner, the preparatory study and rehearsals are an enchantment for the singers and the musicians of the orchestra.
By the 18th August I shall be back at Weimar, and shall stay there till the 6th September.
To Madame Laussot my tender and grateful regards.