Wagner's Letters

Richard Wagner to Robert Schumann

January 3, 1843 · Dresden

Overview

Wagner tells Schumann with joy that The Flying Dutchman has achieved a triumphant first performance in Dresden, a success he values even more than Rienzi because it follows a new artistic path. He says the immediate audience acclaim exceeded expectations, with enthusiastic calls after the later acts and a particularly powerful performance by Devrient.

Letter

Most honoured friend! Since I know you take an interest in me I write in the joy of my heart to tell you that I yesterday achieved a triumphant success with my opera, The Flying Dutchman, of which I am prouder than of the success of Rienzi, because in this new opera I strike out a way markedly different from anything to which the public is at present accustomed. I and all my friends foretold a marked success for the opera when once the public had had time to get to know it, but all our expectations were exceeded by the immediate acclamation of this first performance. After the second and third acts I received wildly enthusiastic calls, as did the singers. Devrient in her part achieved what is perhaps her most original piece of work. Her success was tremendous, the audience turning hot and cold by turns in sympathy.

Richard Wagner

Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 79

Previous letter: December 3, 1842 Next letter: January 5, 1843 Back to Letters