A staging rehearsal of the conclusion of Rheingold already produces the most powerful impression! Richter relates to me on Saturday the 10th that, when the last separate orchestral rehearsal had taken place, the entire orchestra burst into jubilation. All have radiant eyes and cheerful faces; here, as they themselves declare, they are become quite different men, positively revived into life. R. returns very early from the rehearsal of the conclusion of Rheingold with piano accompaniment; all, he says, has gone so well!
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]