Ferdinand Ries, Brief an Franz Gerhard Wegeler in Koblenz, Frankfurt am Main, 25. November 1827, Autograph

Ries had Georg Döring review the libretto of his opera "The robber's bride". Now, even the former critics of the piece have been convinced. Ries regrets that Wegeler does not like the new version: "soll es denn nie zu unsrer Zufriedenheit ausfallen? denn Sie gehören auch unumgänglich zu dieser Oper." He sent Döring's version to Johann Joseph Reiff and fears an objection because Döring did not use the scene with the sleeping robber from Reiff's first version of the libretto. Ries mentions further dramaturgic changes, leading to the elimination of an aria (Laura's prayer) that he believes is the best one of the whole opera. The three-act structure is kept. The first act has been completed. After reviewing the textbook Louis Spohr noticed that some choirs are too close to each other. Concerning the last finale that he deems as the most difficult part, Ries asks for Wegeler's help again: "wenn Sie jetzt das Sujet mit mehr Muße durchlesen können, so schreiben Sie mir doch noch einmal ein paar Worte darüber." Ries is enthusiastic about singer Henriette Sontag (born 1806 in Koblenz) as Desdemona. Rossini's opera "Othello" was performed in Frankfurt. But Wegeler will also be able to experience it in Paris. Ries intends to send a remark in advance concerning his piano concert op. 151 "Gruß an den Rhein", currently at Simrock for engraving purposes. Wegeler shall review the draft, correct it and forward it to Simrock (see W 57). His daughter shall make a copy of the corrected version for Ries. Simrock printed the preliminary report dated December 1827 in the first edition of the piano concert in German and French. Here Ries introduces a type of rubato sign (straight dash above the notes) to indicate parts that are to be played a little more slowly, i.e. in a stretched way. (FG)