Biebrich a/ Rh. May 22, 1862. Dear Lady-friend, To-day is my birthday : someone has sent me flowers into the house [cf. Meistersinger ill]. I have been ill, and only yesterday could I get into the park again. Of yourself I durst think little now, as I can help you in nothing more and simply cherish silent wishes for your welfare ; so I sat all lone. Suddenly there came an inspiration for the orchestral introduction to the third act of the Meistersinger. The most engrossing climax of this act will be the moment when Sachs stands up before the whole assemblage, and is greeted by the people with a mighty outburst of enthusiasm, whereon they chant with clarion tongue the first eight lines of Sachs's ode to Luther (the music for which is ready). For the introduction of this 3rd act — the curtain rising upon Sachs seated in deep thought — I now shall give the bass strings a soft and mellow, deeply melancholy strain to play, that bears the character of utmost resignation ; then the solemnjoyous melody of the " Wacht auf ! Es rufet * gen den Tag ; ich hor' singen im griinen Hag ein' wonnigliche Nachtigall," sounded by horns and sonorous wind-instruments, will be added thereto as bright evangel, and developed more and more by all the band. It has become clear to me that this work will be my most consummate masterpiece, and also — that I shall [live to] consummate it. But I wanted to give myself a birthday-present ; I'm doing so, by sending you these tidings. Take care of yourself, attend to your health, and — -if think of me you must — picture me always in the frame of this birthday-morning mood ! It will be a comfort to you, and you will flourish too, for sure ! — Best wishes from Your Richard Wagner.
Richard Wagner
Source: Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck, translated by Ellis, No. 132