Category: November 1875

R. entreats Director Jauner to visit him, that he may make his disclosures to him; the Director is so alarmed at the very thought that R. might depart, that the latter now gives him his promise to continue his efforts with “Lohengrin”! Deep vexation on this account… Prince Liechtenstein brings…

Princess Hohenlohe asked me to call on her today; I went, and returned home not greatly elated. Learned that Mr. Labatt has reported himself ill — whether from incapacity, ill will, or genuine indisposition is hard to determine. “Romeo and Juliet” by Gounod is given instead of “Tannhäuser”; the performance produces a truly…

We celebrate Semper’s birthday today, in the evening at his daughter’s, with several professors. R. is in most cheerful spirits, Master Semper likewise; they recall their shared experiences in Dresden, especially during the time of the revolution. [1] Footnote: Erroneously dated “28th”, incorrectly ending on Sunday 5th December, inclusive of…

Early to the rehearsal of my father’s “Battle of the Huns”;[1] a pleasant impression. Then to the Albertina, where I looked through the portfolios of Michelangelo — returned home in a fine and tranquil mood. At home I had to copy a letter from R. to Mr Fürstner; that fine gentleman…

R. dreamt lately of a situation in which he said to himself, ‘This I have dreamt so often, and now it befalls me in truth!’ — First rehearsal of “Lohengrin”. — In the evening we, R. and I, go to “Arria and Messalina” by Wilbrandt[1] — a most wretched piece of work, acted by players…

R. delivers an address to his singers, who had been stirred up to rebellion by the newspapers; all is appeased, and in the evening comes the second performance. The vexation over the foolish situation into which we had been brought is so great that during the first two acts I…