Your
R. W.
March 21st, 1856.
212.
DEAREST RICHARD,
At last I am able to tell you that you will receive one thousand francs at the BEGINNING of May. When you wrote to me at Vienna about this matter it was impossible for me to tell you anything definite, and even now I am unable to undertake an ANNUAL obligation.
I am always sincerely sorry to have to tell you anything disagreeable, and for that reason I waited for the moment when I should be able to state that the aforesaid sum would be sent to you. I have more than once explained to you my difficult pecuniary situation, which simply amounts to this, that my mother and my three children are decently provided for by my former savings, and that I have to manage on my salary as Capellmeister of one thousand thalers, and three hundred thalers more by way of a present for the court concerts. For many years, since I became firmly resolved to live up to my artistic vocation, I have not been able to count upon any additional money from the music publishers. My Symphonic Poems, of which I shall send you a few in full score in a fortnight's time, do not bring me in a shilling, but, on the contrary, cost me a considerable sum, which I have to spend on the purchase of copies for distribution amongst my friends. My Mass and my "Faust" symphony, etc., are also entirely USELESS works, and for several years to come I have no chance of earning money. Fortunately I can just manage, but I must pinch a good deal and have to be careful not to get into any trouble, which might affect my position very unpleasantly. Do not be angry, therefore, dearest Richard, if I do not enter upon your proposal, because for the present I can really not undertake any regular obligations. If, which is not quite impossible, my circumstances should improve later on, it will be a pleasure to me to relieve your position.
About my journey to Zurich I can tell you nothing until I know when the consecration of the Gran cathedral is to take place. Some papers state that this solemnity will come off in the course of September. In that case I shall come to you before, at the beginning of August. As soon as I have official news I shall write to you. In the meantime I must stay here. On April 8th, the birthday of the Grand Duchess, I have to conduct "I due Foscari" by Verdi, and at the end of April the performances of your niece Johanna.
Unfortunately I missed Carl Ritter when he called; I had gone to Gotha for that day to hear the Duke's opera "Tony." Carl Formes sang the title part. I hope I shall see Carl at Zurich. Remember me kindly to him. Through his sister Emilie you have probably had news of our last "Lohengrin" performance, which went off very well. Caspari sang "Lohengrin" much better than it had been heard here before. The Princess of Prussia had asked for the performance, and for want of a local Ortrud (Frau Knopp, who used to sing the part here, has given up her engagement and gone to Konigsberg) we had to write for Madame Marx, of Darmstadt, in all haste. An overcrowded house and a most attentive public were foregone conclusions. Berlioz was present.
Do you correspond with Counsellor Muller? He is sincerely devoted to you, and well intentioned.