Help me, Heaven, to bear this heavy heart –– the first rehearsal, and at the very first note my breast feels near to bursting! When Mr. Hill sat at table with us last evening, R. spoke of the lofty orchestral buskin upon which his singers must stand.
Later, we were visited by Mrs. Grün and her husband, who had just arrived from Petersburg and brought with him the strangest of tales. It is said that a certain Mr. Bilse there prevents those who would become patrons from fulfilling their intention, by spreading word that, owing to disputes with the orchestra members, the performances will not take place at all!
The newspapers report that R. has gone to Homburg for a cure, in order to mislead the singers who are expected at rehearsals. Indeed, some very important members are still absent (Niemann, Betz, Materna).
The evening was spent with the company in the garden. Mechanist Brandt arrived and declared that he had been on the verge of departing today with his men, who, through the indolence of the local workers, are compelled to remain idle! –– Yet the study here begins most excellently.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.