CHAPTER XI.

DRESDEN, 1842-1843.

New and hopeful prospect--Feels assured of “Rienzi” proving successful--Ignored by Paris, received with open arms by Dresden, the hallowed scene of Weber’s labours--Joy at returning home a conqueror--A new life for Minna--Reissiger, chief conductor of the Royal Opera--Fischer, the manager and chorus director, his friend--His “Rienzi” and “Adriano”--First performance of “Rienzi”--Unmistakable success--Wagner appointed co-chief conductor with Reissiger--My own first acquaintance with Richard Wagner--August Roeckel, the man, friend, and musician--His letter describing Wagner--Intimacy and political sway over Wagner--Visit of Berlioz to Dresden--His opinion of the “Dutchman” and “Rienzi”--The father of Roeckel tutored by Beethoven in the part of Florestan--Meetings of Richard Wagner and Hector Berlioz--Cold bearing of the latter.....114