R. writes to Herr von Rudolphi to explain how it came to be that he chose Schroetter; great distress — the nearer we draw to our goal, the more everything seems to conspire against us. I am only thankful that R. does not entirely lose heart or spirit.
Over coffee we speak of the ancient tragedies, so deeply religious, which dealt with the pliant and formative Greek myths — comparable only to the “Passion” of Bach’s, though far less free, for the myth there has become dogma. R. reads Gfrörer’s “Critique of the Gospels” and remarks that one must accept the four Gospels as one accepts a formation of lava, nothing may be stirred or altered therein.
A walk through the meadows with the children, R., and the dogs. In the evening, Herr Groß and Seidl for supper, the former has come to see me for R.’s birthday; the latter speaks quite openly regarding Richter and his strange course of development. —
The King sends to inquire what R. might wish for his birthday; R. requests the promised bust. — Great concern over the singers — the experience with Schroetter is truly hopeless! …
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.