Monday, May 17:
R. writes to Herr von Rudolphi in order to explain how he came to pick on Schroetter; great difficulties. The nearer we come to the goal, all the more wretchedly do things seem to conspire against us. I am only glad that R. does not entirely lose courage and inclination. Over coffee we talk about those so-very-religious ancient tragedies dealing with Greek myths, so flexible and adaptable; the only thing which could be compared to them is Bach’s Passion music, but that is far less free, since by then myth had turned into dogma. R. reads Gfrorer’s criticisms of the Gospels and says one must accept the four Gospels in the way one accepts a lava formation, nothing in them should be touched or altered. A walk through the meadows with the children, R., and the dogs. In the evening Herr Gross and Seidl to supper, the former to see me regarding R.’s birthday; the latter speaks very candidly about Richter and the strange way in which he has developed. The King sends an inquiry as to what R. would like for his birthday, R. asks for the promised bust. Worry about the singers, the experience with Schroetter really dismal!