184 To Fedor von Milde, Kammersanger
[A singer in the service of a prince] in Weimar [An excellent Wagner singer. The first Telramund in Lohengrin.]
Dear Friend,
I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of letting you know of the really extraordinary success, not made up, but thoroughly effectual and brilliant, of your wife. [Rosa, nee Agthe, trained by Franz Gotze.] Cologne, Dusseldorf, Bonn, Elberfeld, and the entire neighborhood agree with Aix-la-Chapelle that your wife made the festivity of the Musical Festival; and although success cannot as a rule be considered as a criterion of artistic worth, yet if it be attested so truly and de bon aloi as in this case, and follow that artistic worth, it has something refreshing and strengthening in which we, in trio, can fully rejoice.
A speedy meeting to us, and friendly greetings and thanks from Yours ever,
F. Liszt
Aix-La-Chappelle, Wednesday, June 3rd, 1857