For some time I have not written. On Thursday a rehearsal of the three acts consecutively took place, after which R. and the singers deemed a rehearsal in costume to be superfluous.
Friday 17th (17th March, 1876)
On the 17th. R. completes the American March and receives for it five thousand dollars (25,000 francs). Dinner at Herr von Hülsen’s, in company with several dignitaries! In the evening a few friends with us, among others Elisabeth Krockow and Frau Wesendonck.
Saturday 18th (18th March, 1876)
18th. R., formally redeemed, no rehearsal, no composition, we pay several visits. (Fräulein Preiß, doubtless incited by Herr Scaria, returns the part of the Norn.) Dinner at the Menzels’, where R. is very cheerful and amiable. On Sunday to Count Harrach,[1] and (myself) to the Trade Museum; in the evening we dined with our friend.
Monday 20th (20th March, 1876)
Monday the 20th. Absolute nonsense for tickets, as much as one hundred and fifty marks are offered for a stall; at six o’clock the performance begins, the Emperor and the entire Court, together with many lesser courtiers, having arrived for the Emperor’s birthday; unheard-of thronging in the corridors, and liveliness. R., during the first interval, with the Emperor and Empress; otherwise with me in Hülsen’s box. Recalls, flowers, wreaths, and the rest; together with attempts at opposition—after the Shepherd’s strain, loud laughter from three or four persons. Betz as Marke superb; Niemann deplorable; Brandt as Brangäne good; Frau Voggenhuber (Isolde) in many respects surprising, though wholly inadequate. R. in good spirits, thanks to Betz’s Marke.
[1] Count Harrach, (1824-1893), illustrator, contributor to the political satire magazine Kladderadatsch from 1848.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]