The instrumentation of The Rhinegold is now half finished, but only in pencil, and there is still the fair copy to be made. I shall then send it you, the fair copy in numbers, so that you can quickly make me a pianoforte arrangement in the first place, simply so that I can conveniently play and sing the stuff to people.
I have had no answer as yet, but hear this much: that the Musical Festival will not take place before July. I will tell you the news forthwith! Joachim thinks he may not be able to come - he too a Philistine perhaps? Call him over the coals. If only Zurich were not such a nest of scoundrels! I take refuge in my work now, of course, and when I look beyond my own door I ignore all but the lovely scenery and that dear lady. If you can survive for a spell in such an atmosphere, come when you feel inclined.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 260