WAGNER (Richard). Born in Leipzig (Germany). 1813-1883. German composer. L.A.S. "RICH. WAGNER" to "Dear Friend" [Charles Nuitter or Jules Guillaume?] Lucerne (Switzerland), 25 February 1869. 2 3/4 pages in-8. In French. VERY RARE. LETTER CONCERNING THE PARIS PREMIERE OF RIENZI AT THE THÉÂTRE LYRIQUE IMPÉRIAL CONDUCTED BY JULES PASDELOUP. WAGNER, WHO LOVED PARIS VERY MUCH (THE MARCH 1861 PERFORMANCE OF TANNHAÜSER HAD BEEN A CUISING FAILURE FOR THE GERMAN COMPOSER), DECIDES NOT TO TAKE ANY PART IN PASDELOUP'S PROJECT. ...I have decided not to go to Paris, and to leave Mr. Pasdeloup's enterprise its entirely personal character. It was with this in mind, and with completely peaceful explanations, that I wrote an ostensible letter to Mad. Judith Mendès, who was asked by Mr. Girardin to write about me for "La Liberté" on my expected arrival in Paris. I believe that this letter will be published very shortly in this newspaper... But, after careful consideration, I feel that I have no business getting involved in his attempts to transplant my works. But what I always want to do is give my opinions, so this is done from a distance. I think you will agree. In any case, stick to my last letter; we don't want a disaster (...). Above all, I am counting on Mr Vauthras' assistance, in other words, his judgement. If he thinks the business can work, let it work without hindrance. However, in the event of an imminent disaster, I will act as a last resort to prevent misfortune... I am still writing to Padeloup, who invited me to come. Farewell, dear! Keep me up to date with the latest news... He adds a p.-s. ...I am enclosing the letter I have just described to Pasdeloup, which I am leaving open so that you can find out what it contains. I attach great importance to the appointment required: please make it a condition of my consent... Rienzi, an early work by Wagner, was premiered in Dresden in 1842. Rienzi would not be performed in Paris until 57 years after its premiere in Germany, under the baton of Jules Pasdeloup in a French translation by Charles Nuitter and Jules Guillaume (Nuitter had already contributed to the translation of Tannhäuser and Lohengrin), on 6 April 1869. Judith Mendès (daughter of Théophile Gautier) was one of the first and most ardent supporters of the Wagner cult in Paris. She wrote several articles on Wagner for the press, and in the summer of 1869 made the pilgrimage to Tribschen with Catulle Mendès (whom she had just married) and the poet Villiers de l'Isle-Adam. A very lively friendship developed with the master of the Ring and his wife Cosima, which was expressed in an abundant correspondence over several years.