Richter the only one still with us; a joint visit to the theatre; the most melancholy impression, no progress whatsoever! …
Returned home, a letter from Director Jauner, rejoicing at obtaining “Die Walküre” for Vienna[1] (the condition for Materna!!!), wishes to already begin with the decorations. – – –
R. beside himself; meanwhile the contracts for the necessary chorus singers have still not been sent out; everything there rotten, faithless. And so coarse; R. has not yet been able to bring his work to completion with unspeakable effort, and already he is to desecrate it beforehand for Vienna!
A telegram from Herr Unger, he wishes not to come until Saturday! … He is in Kassel with his betrothed! R. therefore still knows nothing whatsoever of his progress. And at three o’clock a telegram from Frau Voggenhuber, that she has not been able to free herself from her obligations, and therefore will not be able to sing Sieglinde! … All this in a single afternoon. R. says that the lightest thing is what fate itself inflicts, but the faithlessness of men! … Their coarse enthusiasm.
[1] Enclosed with the booklet is a newspaper clipping from “Wagneriana” dated April 19, 1876, concerning Die Walküre in Vienna and Ritter’s alto violin.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]