CHAPTER VI.

1836-1839.

Life and troubles at Magdeburg--Wagner marries--Minna Planer: the woman, her home, her trustful love--Reflections on his life at Magdeburg--His ability as a conductor of the orchestra and singers--Popularity of Auber and Rossini--Renewed trials at Königsberg, 1837--Success of Meyerbeer--Paris the ruler of German taste--Wagner’s ambition of going to Paris--Sends sketch of new libretto to Scribe--No answer--Writes an overture on “Rule Britannia,” and sends it to Sir George Smart--Not noticed--Wagner’s impressions of stage life after his experience at Würzburg, Magdeburg, and Königsberg--Visit to Dresden and “Rienzi”--Conductor at Riga, 1839--His difficulties increase--Paris the sole hope of relief--Resolves to go to Paris--Sets sail for London--“The Champagne Mill”--Arrival in London.....55