Wagner, Richard: Music and Letter Manuscripts of the BSB

The Bavarian State Library holds numerous prints and manuscripts by the composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883), which represent important, in part unique sources on his life, work and environment. The collection presents digitized copies from two departments of the BSB: It comprises the most important handwritten letters and correspondence from Wagner's circle, which are catalogued under various signatures in the Department of Manuscripts and Early Printed Books. From the holdings of the Music Department, a central source of first and early prints of musical works by Richard Wagner is included, as well as music manuscripts in autograph or contemporary transcriptions and important adaptations (e.g. the orchestral version of the 'Wesendonck-Lieder' by Felix Mottl). Selected musical sources from the historical performance material of the Bavarian State Opera are also included, including the scores of 'Tristan und Isolde' and the 'Meistersinger von Nürnberg' used in the world premieres.