Castle Kynzvart - Kynzvart Museum of History (09)

The Kynzvart curio cabinet conceals hundreds and thousands of unique objects which already astonished the visitors of the castle museum in the time of Prince Metternich. The use of the original archive catalog, the original handwritten inventory books and documents now helps to clarify the origin and history of many notable old and exotic curiosities and give back to them their long forgotten histories.

© Dr. Milos Riha, castle steward of the Castle Kynzvart (Koenigswart), Czech Republic, 2004
© Translation: Jack Heller, 2006

(9) „Mauline“ and Richard Wagner German / Deutsch Czech / Cesky: In November 1860 the Austrian ambassador Prince von Metternich came with his wife to the imperial fall residence in Compiegne (a city in northern France used as a summer residence by French monarchs). The Princess Pauline recounted everything with enthusiasm as she became acquainted with the brilliant composer Richard Wagner. In June 1860, he presented to her a short opus “Pains” and he put around the score his personal dedication and handwritten signature. The enthusiasm of the princess for Wagner was not reciprocated by others however. Everyone tried to convince her that “his atrocious music of the future where every chord sounds false”, in France and especially in Paris, could not be successful. France loves only pure melody!

Such obvious condemnation Pauline could not countenance. Not for nothing was she called “Mauline Petternich [wordplay meaning ‘mouthy Pauline’]”. For her and Wagner’s critics she prepared a crafty revenge. At the ball in the Tuleries an opportunity was presented to her when she called on Emperor Napoleon III and he began to talk with her. When the conversation moved in the direction of opera she said to him that, to her greatest regret, the repertoire of the Paris Opera was quite limited – it shifted only between “William Tell”, “The Hugenots”, and “La Favorita”. Why is it, in the Paris Opera, not possible to present in addition new and successful works, as is the case on the greatest stages in Austria and Germany? “Now or never!” said the princess and mentioned as an example Richard Wagner and his “Tannhäuser”: I myself have a large request – an urgent request to Your Majesty!” – “Your request concerns the Opera?” the Emperor replied laughing. – “Yes. It concerns an opera, which I would be delighted to see here in my life…” - “and by who is this enchanting opera?” – “By Richard Wagner, one of the greatest composers of our time. It’s called ‘Tannhäuser’ and was played in Vienna where all music lovers called it a masterwork.” – The emperor stroked his beard and murmured, “Tannhäuser, Richard Wagner … I recognize neither the opera nor the composer…” – “Listen, Bacciocchi!” the emperor turned to his chief valet, Count Bacciocchi, “the Princess Metternich is interested in “Tannhäuser” for the Opera, by a certain Richard Wagner and she wishes greatly to see it here – you look after that!”

In Paris the opera was rehearsed and rehearsed. In the winter, Richard Wagner himself came in order to torment the orchestra with long and strained rehearsals. The roll of Tannhäuser was played by a well-known singer named Niemann, who journeyed especially for this occasion from Germany. As the time of the premiere neared, Wagner was ever more nervous. Franz Liszt who was residing in Paris at the time, rushed to calm his friend. One time both composers came to Metternich and Liszt played on the piano how he would introduce the march at the beginning of the opera.

When Princess Pauline on the great day, March 13, 1861, came into her loge, the eyes of all in attendance turned towards her. All Paris knew that the entire evening would focus on her presence. But the entire performance was an absolute disaster! There was no end to the whistles and yells of the audience. The opera could never survive such a failure. Princess Pauline wept from shame and – as she wrote in her diary – she smashed her beautiful, expensive fan into small pieces.

Wagner had to withdraw “Tannhäuser” and was up to his neck in debt. Her acquaintances appealed to her to rescue the artist - she herself contributed five thousand francs. Within twenty-four hours twenty-five thousand were collected and the debt paid. The disappointed composer abandoned Paris which did not understand him. Wagner’s score with the dedication of the preceding year and also the name itself – “pains” – remind the visitor to the curiosity cabinet of a long forgotten story.

Continuation follows - Further history Proceeding history Museum of Stories / List (German)

Kynzvart Castle, CZ-35491 Lazne Kynzvart
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