R. slept well, in a cheerful mood; I pay some visits with the friendliest company (HelmholtzProfessor Hermann von Helmholtz (1821 – 1894), physician, physiologist and physicist, one of the most influential natural scientists of his time. More, Luise Oriola, Princess Biron). At half-past seven, the concert; I am in Mimi’s box with Bonin Loë, Frau von Bülow[1] (Undersecretary of State), Prince Liechtenstein, and others. Great enthusiasm, according to Berlin’s standards, but the performance is not good, and R. is extremely exhausted, which also makes him upset. In the evening, I receive a visit from the Jachmanns and Frau Wesendonck with the Bissings.[2] The former tells me that R. has an expression he has never had before, a sense of comfort. Count Redern[3] visits me in the box and claims that R. has not changed since 1847. Bucher, for the first time, is deeply moved by the music, practically shouting in the hall, which is extremely unusual for the quiet man.
[1] Wife of Bernhard von Bülow (1815-1879), German stateswoman, Minister of State for Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1862, and later Ambassador to Berlin.
[2] Henriette von Bissing (1798-1879), née Sloman, German novelist, sister of Eliza Wille who lived in Switzerland.
[3] Friedrich Wilhelm Count von Redern (1802-1883), Director of the Royal Theater in Berlin from 1828-1842, and later nominal General Intendant of Court Music.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.