Wednesday, February 24:
First rehearsal, much trouble caused by Richter’s incredible neglectfulness (he has not sent the tubas, and the tuba players, promised us quite definitely, will not come!). Nevertheless, since the orchestra is good at sight-reading, the effect is overwhelming. It puts everything so far experienced into the shade; what passes through my ears is like the most powerful forces of Nature, and even more, it does not pass through either, but stamps itself on my mind forever.
R. not too tired after the rehearsal; he lies down afterward and comes to table quite fresh. Very nice letter from the four children. In the evening a small party at Marie Dönhoff’s, made the acquaintance of Countess Andrassy, charming and beautiful, and also Countess Festetics, ladies in waiting to the Empress.