Not very good news concerning the concert—the receipts are expected to be rather meagre. At lunch, we are visited by Baron Hofmann and Director Jauner;[1] the former has, indeed, reshaped the operatic affairs much in accordance with R.’s own ideas. Richter, now Kapellmeister there upon R.’s recommendation, also makes his appearance, though he leaves but a poor impression. —
In the evening, “Around the World in Eighty Days”,[2] the great success of current times; pitiful effect, utter witlessness, wholly devoid of imagination.
[1] Franz Jauner (1832-1900), 1875-80 Director of the Court Opera in Vienna.
[2] ‘Le tour du monde en 80 jours’, 1873, ‘The journey around the world in 80 days’ by Jules Verne (1828-1905), French writer, author of utopian novels.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.