[R. Wagner] Remarkable autograph letter by Ludwig II, quoting from "Die Walküre" and declaring his devotion, c.1864

[WAGNER, RICHARD]--LUDWIG II, KING OF BAVARIA

Remarkable autograph letter to Richard Wagner signed ("Ihr Ludwig"), quoting from "Die Walküre" and expressing his undying devotion, probably c.1864

written in the adolescent king's early hand, ABOUT "THE RING", referring specifically to the moment when Brünnhilde appears before Siegmund (hovering over the sleeping Sieglinde), to lead him to Valhalla: "Look up at me, it's me that you will soon follow", (Die Walküre, beginning of Act 2 Scene 4), declaring that whilst this "Ring" is still uncertain, Wagner is his "miracle" and a rock on which he finds peace, urging him to stay with him, as everything will now fall into place and he will will never doubt him, always true, faithful unto death

...Sieh auf mich. Ich bin’s der bald du folg[s]t... 

Aber bleiben Sie hier, bei mir...meine Ruhe, mein Wunder. Niemals werde ich an Ihnen zweifeln. Immer treu--Bis in den Tod...

1 page, 8vo (18.7 x 12.6cm), in black ink, [Munich, probably c.1864], small stain to top margin, incorrectly dated by a later hand ("12 September 1872")

Ludwig II (1845-1886) acceded to the Bavarian throne on 10 March 1864, whilst still only eighteen. He had become a devoted fan of Wagner's music from the day in February 1861 when he first saw Lohengrin at the Court Opera in Munich. On 4 May 1864, he met with Wagner for nearly two hours at the Royal Palace: Wagner later wrote "Alas, he is so handsome and wise, soulful and lovely, that I fear that his life must melt away in this vulgar world like a fleeting dream of the gods". It was a turning point in Wagner's career, leading to the production of Tristan und Isolde in Munich the following year. Ludwig's handwriting here accords with other examples dating from 1864, but soon afterwards it changed somewhat. Wagner had composed Die Walküre in 1854-1856; although it was not staged until 1870 (in Munich), excerpts were performed at the Theater an der Wien on 26 December 1862.

LITERATURE:

Sotheby's is happy to acknowledge the assistance of Professor John Deathridge in preparing our description for this lot.