Much occupied with the children. R. receives a letter from Dr Standhartner, Director Jauner makes the granting of leave to Frau Materna conditional upon “Tristan” and “Die Walküre” being given in Vienna next winter. Thus, even before the work has here been brought to fruition, the germ of its dissolution is already present!
R. laments that he must live by the disgrace of his art, and already finds himself obliged to say that even the performances here will alter nothing in the wretched condition of art. No greatness can endure in our world, a fleeting apparition, and what toil it costs to bring even that forth! R. goes with the children to the menagerie, and returns from it with a most disordered impression.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]