Category: July 1874

A little tired from yesterday evening; all the same, R. works, but we stay quietly at home. In the afternoon music the divine Meistersinger, with memories of the times in which it was composed, and the ending of Götterdämmerung. In the evening alone with our friends; conversation about Herr Brahms…

Some preparations midday sudden arrival of Frau Materna, who pleases us enormously. In the evening there are 60 people gathered together, and she surprises us with the fullness and freshness of her voice and her command of her material.

Very sultry weather. R. works, and we then make merry with our guests, in the afternoon a drive to the Fantasie. In the evening made music again, Götterdämmerung.

Merry breakfast in the little summerhouse with our friends. Everyone then off to fulfill his obligations, lunch at 1 o’clock, drive to the theater and the Eremitage. — Letter from the publisher Fritzsch, business is bad and he wants an advance of 9,000 thalers. In the evening Götterdämmerung.

Telegram from our friend Standhartner, saying he is arriving today with his daughter, preparations and reception. Great joy at seeing this dear, loyal, and understanding friend again. Made music in the evening: third act of Siegfried. To my delight Dr. Standhartner finds that R. is looking very well.

R. orchestrates. I write some letters. In theafter noon a coffee party with the children in the Harmonie. In the evening music, the copyists and a singer from Breslau.