Much bustle over the dress rehearsal, which takes place at six in the evening — alas, only to R.’s sorrow! The orchestra spiritless, the ballet wholly unsuited to the music, the singers inadequate, the decorations poor, the stage machinery bungling. — Yet R. remains wonderfully calm, and at the close addresses the orchestra most cordially, apologising for having occupied them with so old a “trifle.” Richter thanks him in the name of the orchestra, kisses his hand, and again offers his personal thanks for R.’s forbearance toward him … Prince Hohenlohe[1] presents himself to Richard upon the stage and expresses himself most graciously.
[1] Konstantin Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, Oberhofmeister (chief of the king’s court) in Vienna.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.