Today 150 years ago

Richard now somewhat unwell after all. Enrichment of the company through the addition of Herr Scaria. In the evening, the prayer from “Lohengrin” and the duet (Elsa and Ortrud) — magnificent. (I reply late in the evening to Hans!) Traduzione in italiano di Claudia Bilotti [© Claudia Bilotti | WAGNER…

A letter from Hans, conveying to me his last will! … Almost without ceasing I now spend the hours in prayer, and seek out every occasion to sacrifice whatever might offer me even a moment’s joy. Is there such a thing as happiness [1]?? … [1] Alludes to “Lohengrin”, Act…

Still the twice-daily rehearsals, and in the evenings our artists — the spirit among them remains excellent. A visit to the palace for Mimi and her husband. Traduzione in italiano di Claudia Bilotti [© Claudia Bilotti | WAGNER Salon] Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.

Up very early, to church with the two eldest; beforehand, I wrote in the diary. The entire “Rheingold” is rehearsed — it goes very beautifully. In the afternoon, made several visits with Lusch. In the evening, many strangers and Bayreuth folk; there is music-making, and all appears cheerful. Traduzione in…

Up early, departed around ten o’clock, arrived in Bayreuth by one — Daniella moves me deeply through her likeness to her father; a full children’s table, then for me the reviewing of books and the children’s garments — and rehearsal with evening meal. The children kept separate and shut out!…

Many final preparations for the children’s arrival; departure at one o’clock; solitude in planning, a strange mood — were death to come in such a moment, it would have little to take, so lifeless all seems. At half past eight in the evening, the children arrive — much emotion and…

Preparations for the arrival of the children, and rehearsals; in between, letters — I wrote to Dr. Standhartner, asking him to visit Hans and report to me on his condition. To no one can I describe the heaviness of heart I bear; I wish my children were already grown, that…

Continuation of this life; the Vogl couple have arrived from Munich — Herr Unger causes much trouble. Even greater, however, are the difficulties with the theatre construction: it has become clear that the building supervisor [1] was not equal to his task, having neglected everything, so that Brandt is in…

R., fortunately, remains in good health, conducting rehearsals morning and afternoon; in the evening, the guests remain. We scarcely find a moment to exchange a word, and I move about bearing the unrelenting dignity of sorrow — by day hot and dry as if in fever, by night in tears….