Today 150 years ago

I paid a few calls, among them on Prof. Sickel, Semper’s son-in-law, who related to me the pitiful tale of Semper’s treatment in Vienna! Meanwhile R. heard Handel’s “Cecilia Cantata” [1] and is much delighted with the performance on Frau Wilt’s part, and profoundly moved by certain most ingenious passages in the…

R. went to rehearsal, morning and evening, and returns ever more dejected! “He who wants, must suffer”; were he to leave Vienna now, God knows what consequences might ensue! The most malicious tales are ever circulating in the newspapers — that we are selling our house, and so on and…

R. awoke in sorrowful spirits. Chose the costumes for “Lohengrin”, while R. conducted a rehearsal of “Lohengrin”, with nothing but wretched subjects! Paid a few calls; in the evening to “The Marriage of Figaro”—a most lamentable performance! Spent the later hours quietly with R., and thereby rose into a wholly cheerful mood, lifted…

Arose late, in a gloomy mood! R. must once more write a letter to Herr Fürstner; he will not desist from his demand, and R. will likely have to withdraw the new scene of “Tannhäuser”! Added to this, the most melancholy impressions from the “Lohengrin” rehearsals! Quartet soirée at Hellmesberger’s! In the evening,…

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…