The whole of Götterdämmerung!!! Unger restored back to health; in his stead, trouble with Hagen; Herr Kögel, nervous, departs; negotiations with Scaria, whose baseness remains true to itself. Great distress in the cashbox: every day costs two thousand marks, little money comes in, and Herr Feustel reports that within three weeks we shall have nothing left. I seek to obtain my capital from Paris, but without success! At last, on the 10th, the good news arrives that 6,600 marks has been received and that the political situation is calmer. Malwida Meysenbug has arrived, and there is also a splendid essay by Nietzsche: “R. Wagner in Bayreuth”.[1] — The Götterdämmerung is uniquely moving, captivating. Staggering news of the sudden death of one of our orchestra members — a Herr Richter from Berlin! — — — Wilhelmj was wholly absorbed by the brutality of people; the absurd tax upon dogs gives rise to the most dreadful scenes. His compassion, once recognised by the people, awakens their greed. The dog-catcher no longer kills the dogs, but seeks to make a business of them, feeding them upon the flesh of dead dogs, whereby they become blind! … Quite well-to-do people rid themselves of their faithful animals merely to avoid paying the tax — horrifying. We are forming an association for the rescue of these poor creatures!
[1] “R. Wagner in Bayreuth”: “Untimely Meditations, Part Four: Richard Wagner in Bayreuth”, published by E. Schmeitzner in Schloßchemnitz, 1876; Nietzsche to Gersdorff on July 21: “Wagner wrote: ‘Friend! Your book is tremendous! Where did you get all that experience from me?’”
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]