R. had the first rehearsal [1] today, and was not exactly dissatisfied; only that nobility and the dark glow are wholly lacking in the principal singer. We then drove to Doepler and examined the beautiful costumes for the “Ring”; they are indeed most handsome, manifold and simple, an entire culture confronts one there; I would have preferred a more mystical allusion; all that is too distinctly plastic impairs for me the effect of the music and of the tragedy; yet, if it must be depicted in a plastic way, it could scarcely have been conceived in a more beautiful or artistic manner.
In the evening I am with Mimi; R. hears a Swedish bass singer.
[1] Tristan on March 20th, 1876 in the Royal Court Opera (Unter den Linden).
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]