Category: May 1875

Farewell to the Ritters, an agreement is made that their son will come to stay with us starting in August. Arrival of Brückwald, meeting at the theatre, where R. wishes me to be present; it is a pleasure for him only if I am there, otherwise everything is a torment…

The Just Men and their Wives! My good wife delighted me with a splendid garden fete on my birthday! But:—Business!— Unger still hasn't put in his appearance, although I have twice telegraphed him that I had something important in view for him. I fear I shall be obliged to give…

In the morning, R. always reads from the work of the “Generalstab”[1], with much pleasure. I write to the children and give the little ones their lesson. A fine letter from the King to R.; otherwise, many worries, the inn question, the money question, the Siegfried question, one might certainly…

The mood remains gloomy: “I am missing a hero,” as it says at the beginning of “Don Juan”, R. jokes, though without cheer. He writes to Niemann, lamenting his plight over Siegfried. Will it help? … In the evening, he takes up “The Jewess”, finding joy in the grand style…

Breakfast in the summer house, followed by a walk in the court garden; R. drinks his spring water. — Still no idea where the Siegfried is to come from; in the afternoon, drove up to the theatre, where, as usual, we learn nothing but discouraging news — the workers are…

R. not too tired, the Ritters are staying with us, beautiful weather in the evening, Brandt the machinist visits, much to discuss, including the rainbow bridge.[1] Later, R. takes up several parts of the “La Vestale”[2] with great joy. [1] Image: “Rheingold”, Scene 4.[2] “La Vestale”, opera by Gaspare Spontini…