Work with the children and dictation. In the afternoon R. has a meeting, from which he returns deeply cast down! It looks like recklessness to set one’s sights on the performance at all! Only 488 patrons have been secured! Meanwhile the expenses continue to rise, and the press is even closed to us for announcements! — — —
In Paris the Figaro, it seems, has published a defamatory article [1] about R.; a certain Herr Ullmann[2] urges R. to reply, if only for the sake of Lohengrin, which is to be performed in Paris! … R. replies that he reads no newspapers, and that any rejoinder belongs to those who honour the press with their attention. — On his part, Hans too appears to have been exposed in America to the same misery of our public affairs!
[2] Herr Ullmann: a frequently mentioned agent.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]
Further Documents:
[1] presumably this article.