Wagner's Letters

Richard Wagner to Felix Mendelssohn

April 11, 1836 · Magdeburg

Overview

Wagner sends Mendelssohn a symphony composed when he was eighteen, offering it as a gift rather than a request for patronage. He asks only that Mendelssohn look over it when convenient, hoping it will demonstrate his seriousness and industry.

Letter

I ask you to accept as a present from me the accompanying Symphony, written when I was eighteen years old. I ask for nothing in return but that you should glance over it in some idle hour or other. Perhaps it may serve to give you an indication of my honest efforts and industry.

Richard Wagner

Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 32

Previous letter: March 26, 1836 Next letter: April 19, 1836 Back to Letters