R. is no worse, yet still far from well; he drives with me to the orchestral rehearsal, and here too he has everything to direct and determine! In the afternoon, second rehearsal of the third act (Walküre). Yesterday was the first, to the profound agitation of all participants and spectators alike. When R. demonstrated to Fräulein Scheffsky the gesture by which she passes from rigid despair to joyous terror and enraptured exultation, tears streamed from the eyes of us all. Prof. Doepler said to me most charmingly that every evening they all went into raptures over Wagner — all the artists — and pitied the poor patrons who would attend but a few performances and thus in truth know nothing of the matter. ‘We gladly pay the three hundred thalers,’ he says, ‘for we are enjoying the time.’ The grouping of the Valkyries magnificent. The rock looks like a very nest of Valkyries. Prof. D. says he knows that R. will attain a great age, and solely because he has resolved upon it himself! — However, R. is terribly weary at the conclusion of such rehearsals. —
Today, business letters for him: to Dr Simson in Berlin (Fürstner), then to Herr Voltz concerning Herr Batz, who does not cease in his insolence. It is dreadful for me to think that Fidi, after our deaths, will still have dealings with this man.