R. somewhat better, but still very run down. Family lunch after work with the children. R. is able to do some orchestrating. In the evening visit from Frau Materna and her husband; she is hoarse, but she is given the part of Brünnhilde—may God grant His blessing!
R. very umwell, he seems to have caught cold yesterday, and singing is always a great strain on him. I alone accompany our friends to the railroad station; I am glad of Standhartner’s love for Richard and his delight in what he calls R.’s good fortune. Comfortingly he finds him…
A little tired from yesterday evening; all the same, R. works, but we stay quietly at home. In the afternoon music the divine Meistersinger, with memories of the times in which it was composed, and the ending of Götterdämmerung. In the evening alone with our friends; conversation about Herr Brahms…
Some preparations midday sudden arrival of Frau Materna, who pleases us enormously. In the evening there are 60 people gathered together, and she surprises us with the fullness and freshness of her voice and her command of her material.
Very sultry weather. R. works, and we then make merry with our guests, in the afternoon a drive to the Fantasie. In the evening made music again, Götterdämmerung.
Merry breakfast in the little summerhouse with our friends. Everyone then off to fulfill his obligations, lunch at 1 o’clock, drive to the theater and the Eremitage. — Letter from the publisher Fritzsch, business is bad and he wants an advance of 9,000 thalers. In the evening Götterdämmerung.
