Ludwig's First Visit to Switzerland--Richard Wagner leaves Munich
We know that Schiller, from Ludwig's childhood, had been his favourite
poet. At Munich, as in all other theatres, the master's works had
hitherto only been given in an abridged form. But the "romanticist on
the throne," commanded that in his own theatre they should be played
as the poet himself had intended. On the 18th of October 1865 Wilhelm
Tell was performed for the first time in its original shape.
After this representation the King was taken with the desire to
know the people and the country which Schiller had glorified in his
work. Accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Prince Paul of Thurn and Taxis,
he started on the 20th of October for Switzerland. In Lucerne, which
he made his headquarters, he went to the hotel Schweizer Hof. His
arrival being unannounced, and no one recognising him, he was given a
room on the third floor. The consternation among the personnel of the
establishment may be imagined when it became known the following day
that it was the King of Bavaria who had been lodged so high up. The
landlord, in dismay, hastened upstairs to make his apologies, and
offered Ludwig the suite of rooms on the ground floor in which royal
personages were usually accommodated. Ludwig declined the offer with
his kindest smile, declaring that he was satisfied with his little room
on the third floor, with its pretty view over the lake and mountains,
and that he would not leave it.
From Lucerne he made excursions to places in the woodland cantons rich
in legendary lore: to "Rütli" "Tells-Platte," "Stauffachers Kapel,"
to the Küsnach gorge, and several other places.
The hearts of the inhabitants went out to the handsome, enthusiastic
youth. The Schwyzer Zeitung published after his departure some hearty
words of appreciation and farewell. This he answered in an autograph
letter which ran as follows:--
"Herr Redakteur!
"It was with the greatest pleasure that I read to-day the warm
farewell from "William Tell's" land, and I answer it from my heart.
"I send my greeting likewise to my dear friends in the forest
cantons, for whom already as a child I had a particular affection.
"The recollection of my visit to the glorious interior of
Switzerland and of the honest, free people, whom I pray God to
protect, I shall always prize.
"With the kindest feelings, I am,
"Your gracious,
"Ludwig.
"Hohenschwangau, November the second, 1865."
On his return home Ludwig invited Richard Wagner to visit him; and
on the 10th of November the two friends were again together in the
"Swan Castle." It was intended to open at the beginning of the year
1866 the new school of music and dramatic art, with Hans von Bülow as
Principal. Wagner had much upon his mind which he desired to ask of
his royal friend, and was so satisfied with his stay at Hohenschwangau
that after his return home he telegraphed to one of his adherents:
"The year 1866 is ours!"
Meanwhile there were forces working from different quarters to
destroy the friendship between him and Ludwig. The Secretary and
the Keeper of the Privy Purse, who had enjoyed the late King's
confidence for years, considered it to be their duty to counteract
the tendency to extravagance which was showing itself in the young
Sovereign. They received support from the numerous opponents of the
poet-musician. The opposition grew into a perfect tumult; for the
people, who could neither understand his relations with Ludwig nor his
artistic objects, believed in the alarming pictures of him which his
enemies sowed broadcast in words and writings. "Well-informed persons,"
wrote the Volksbote, "affirm that Wagner within less than a year has
cost the privy purse no less than a million and nine hundred thousand
guldens. We do not vouch for the accuracy of the amount stated; but
we may mention it as certain that Wagner some weeks ago once more
demanded forty thousand guldens in order to satisfy his expensive
habits. Herr von Pfistermeister has advised the Sovereign not to
grant this new and excessive demand. As a result of this Richard
Wagner has written in his anger a letter very far from polite to
Herr von Pfistermeister; and finally he has in spite of everything
received the sum he desired." Ministers, Councillors of State,
burgher representatives, all took part against him. Among the general
public opinions were, however, somewhat divided. The following episode
occurred in a railway train. A Catholic priest expressed disapproval
of his Majesty for making so much of "Lutheran musicians." To this
a peasant who was sitting in the same carriage, replied: "I would
rather see the King with musicians than with priests."
The Secretary was looked upon by Wagner as the instigator of all the
opposition the latter met with, and on many occasions he expressed
himself in disparaging terms of this greatly respected man. In the
other camp, on the contrary, Pfistermeister was greatly admired on
account of the bold stand he was making against the inconsiderate
demands of the master, the Conservative papers siding strongly
with him.
On the 4th of December an address of confidence was laid out in
the business houses of Munich for signature, which it was intended
should be presented to Herr von Pfistermeister by a deputation. It
also contained a request that he would continue to stand fast by the
King's side. Ludwig received official information of these facts,
and at the same time it was made known to him how unpopular Wagner
had made himself. On the 5th of December he moved from Hohenschwangau
back to the Royal Palace at Munich. On the same day his mother, his
great-uncle Prince Karl, Archbishop Scherr, and the Premier, Baron
von der Pfordten, went to the Palace. In his capacity as Minister of
the Royal Household, the latter handed him a memorandum in which he
threatened to retire if Wagner did not leave Bavaria. Prince Karl gave
forcible expression to the belief of the court that this friendship
would have disastrous consequences. The police would no longer answer
for the poet-composer's safety. Lacqueys who were questioned let fall
hints that a revolution might break out under the present condition
of affairs.
The King had weak nerves, and was not a man of conspicuous
bravery. Wagner's violence and exactions had many times caused him
difficulties. He felt himself, moreover, greatly hurt by the manner
in which his name had been mixed up in the matter. The attacks of the
press and the threats of his relations and councillors would hardly,
however, have been sufficient to separate him from his friend, had not
another reason been added to them: he had received incontrovertible
proof that the poet-composer had a liaison with Frau Cosima von
Bülow. These proofs, for which he was quite unprepared, made a far
more painful impression on him than the meddling of his friends and
the malicious fulminations of the press.
Schwärmerei was a prominent trait in his character, and he had fixed
all his affections on Richard Wagner. The predominant feeling of the
latter was primarily gratitude to his royal patron; but there is no
doubt, judging by the letters and poems from his hand, that he also
cherished very great sympathy for the gifted youth. But Ludwig was
of a jealous nature. He wished to be loved for his own sake; and he
wished to possess his friend alone. The connection with Frau von Bülow,
therefore, became a source of bitter and continual disappointment
to him. The same day that he ascertained the fact with certainty,
he sent the Premier a document in which he made known his desire that
Wagner should at once leave Munich. "I will," he said on this occasion,
"show my dear people that their confidence in, and love for, me stands
higher than any other consideration." To von Lutz, later his Minister,
was allotted the task of verbally informing Wagner of the decision
which had been taken with regard to him. The same evening he visited
the Hof Theater with the Queen-mother. Instead of the warm welcome
he was in the habit of receiving when he had been absent for some
time, a murmur of displeasure was heard. He thought to see in this a
confirmation of the current of public feeling. The following morning
he sent Wagner an autograph letter, which ran as follows:--
"My dear Friend,
"Greatly as it pains me, I must ask you to comply with the wish I
expressed yesterday through my secretary. Believe me, I was obliged
to act thus! My affection for you will last for ever. I ask you,
also, always to keep your friendship for me. It is with a good
conscience that I dare say that I am worthy of it.... Who has the
right to part us?... I know that you feel as I do, that you can
perfectly measure my deep sorrow. I could not act otherwise, be
convinced of this! Never doubt the faithfulness of your greatest
friend.... It is not for ever.
"To death,
"Your faithful,
"Ludwig."
Even before the official organ of the Government had announced this
sensational banishment, the news had been disseminated with lightning
rapidity. The 8th of December was a holiday. Nevertheless, a meeting
of magistrates was convened to discuss the propriety of sending a
deputation to the King, to express the city's thanks. The debate
was protracted and sharp; it was finally agreed that the deputation
should not be sent. Nor did a torchlight procession which had been
thought of, take place.
While the Clerical and some of the Liberal papers were overjoyed
at Ludwig's action, the Progressive organ observed that "the august
relatives, members of the nobility, and officials of Church and State
who had informed the King of the prevailing condition of public
feeling had been incorrect in their statements. Wagner's presence
had done nothing to alarm the people, and had in no way diminished
their love of the King. Wagner's person had had nothing whatever to
do with the internal affairs of the country, and with the efforts of
the Progressive party."
On the 10th of December the master left Munich. Despite the cold
of winter and the dark early morning hour, the railway station was
filled with people anxious to see him and bid him good-bye. Ludwig
had sent him a last farewell letter, brimming over with sorrow:
"My precious tenderly loved Friend,
"Words cannot express the pain gnawing at my heart. Whatever it
is possible to do to refute the abominable newspaper accounts
shall be done. That it should have come to this! Our ideals shall
be faithfully cultivated--I need hardly tell you this. Let us
write often and much to one another. I ask it of you! We know
each other, and we will not give up the friendship which binds
us. For the sake of your peace I had to act as I have done.
"Do not misjudge me, not for a moment; it would be the pangs of
hell to me.... Success to my most beloved friend! May his works
flourish. A hearty greeting with my whole soul from
"Your faithful,
"Ludwig."
Wagner went to Switzerland and took up his abode there.
Neither the King nor his advisers thought that the banishment would be
for ever. The poet-musician did, indeed, return to Munich, on visits
of short duration, but he never stayed there again for any length of
time. The good relations between him and Ludwig were never broken,
and the gallant Monarch continued to hold his protecting hand over
him. He worked zealously for the inauguration of the Wagner Theatre
at Bayreuth, and the royal pension was paid without reduction out
of the privy purse until the death of Wagner in 1883. Frau Cosima,
however, who had been one of the causes of the friends' separation,
was unable to congratulate herself on any favour whatsoever; she might
not have existed as far as the ruler of Bavaria was concerned. As a
widow she sought an audience of him, to thank him for the proofs of
affection he had shown her husband. Ludwig refused to receive her. "I
do not know any Frau Cosima Wagner," he said coldly.
Although he had voluntarily sent the master away, and although, as
we have seen, other reasons than the voice of opinion had influenced
his decision, Ludwig never forgave the citizens of Munich for the
part they had taken in disturbing a friendship which had been the
source to him of so much consolation and pleasure. The aversion which
he showed the capital on many later occasions was first awakened by
this circumstance. The severance not only left behind it a profound
feeling of loneliness, but also, in his sensitive heart, a bitterness
which boded ill for the future.
"His too great love for me," wrote Wagner, on the 26th of December
1865, to Frau Wille, "made him blind to other connections, and
therefore he was easily disappointed. He knows nobody, and it is only
now that he is learning to know people. Still I hope for him. As I
am sure of his enduring affection, so I believe in the development
of his splendid qualities. All he requires is to learn to know a few
more people. He will then rapidly learn to do the right thing."
On the 1st of July 1867 he wrote in a letter to Malvida von Meysenburg:
"The only thing that kept me back in Munich was affection for my
friend, for whose sake I have suffered more than for any other
person.... I have saved him, and still hope that I have kept in him
one of my best works for the world."
Among Wagner's contemporaries there were but few who were disposed to
share his belief that he had saved the young King. On the contrary,
public opinion affirmed that it was he who had given Ludwig a taste
for the nocturnal life which entirely undermined his nervous system,
and that by his exaggerated poems of homage he had laid the foundation
of the megalomania which later developed in him. At the time of
Ludwig's death it was even declared that this friend was concerned
in the tragedy of the Starnberger See. The latter is, of course,
an unproved and improvable affirmation. With quite as much reason
might it be said that Ludwig II.--morbid as he was--had need of some
person who by the power of music could soothe him in his suffering
condition. Certain it is that from the day when the separation from
Richard Wagner took place the King's spirit became less, and his life
more joyless than it had been before.
It has also been thought that Wagner meddled in the guidance of
political affairs. This, however, is incorrect. There were, indeed,
many who credited him with an all-powerful influence over the King,
and he himself mentions this in a letter to a friend: "I pass for
a favourite who can bring everything about. The other day even a
murderess's relations addressed themselves to me!" It is also said
that, at the time when war seemed to be imminent between Prussia
and Austria, an endeavour was made through Wagner to induce Ludwig
to remain neutral. All, however, who are in a position to know,
are agreed that in the fulfilment of his duties as a ruler the young
Monarch never allowed himself to be influenced by him. Wagner has on
countless occasions declared that he never talked politics with the
King, because the latter had forbidden him to do so. When he touched
upon a topic which might in any way have led the conversation into
this channel, Ludwig would gaze up at the ceiling and whistle, as a
sign that he did not desire a continuation of the subject.
Finally, in summing up the relations between the two friends, it
must not be forgotten that, after Wagner's genius, it is to the
affection of the Bavarian King for him that the world owes to-day
the possession of the Meistersinger, Der Ring, and Parsifal. His
help at a time when it was most needed, gave back to the master his
strength and courage. Ludwig's magnificent generosity enabled him to
create these new and glorious works. Moreover, the royal protection
did much further to attract attention to Wagner and to the music of
the future. His enthusiastic admiration for the composer of Rienzi,
Der Fliegende Holländer, Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, Tristan und Isolde,
and the above-mentioned operas, has caused the name of Ludwig II. to
be honourably connected with the history of music.
Little more than twenty years have passed since his death, in the year
1886. But the prophetic words which he uttered on the 4th of August
1865, in a letter to Richard Wagner, have become reality. "When we two
are no more, our work will serve as a shining model for posterity. It
will delight centuries. And hearts will glow with enthusiasm for the
art which is from God, and is everlasting."