Thursday, March 16:
16–20: Did not write in all this time.
On Thursday there was a rehearsal of the three acts, one after the other, after which both R. and the singers considered a rehearsal in costume unnecessary.
On the 17th R. finishes the American march and is receiving 5,000 dollars (25,000 francs) for it. Dinner with Herr von Hülsen and several dignitaries! In the evening some friends with us, among others Elisabeth Krockow and Frau Wesendonck.
On the 18th R. was downright relieved: no rehearsal, no composition; we pay some calls. (Frl. Preiss, probably egged on by Herr Scaria, sends back the part of the Norn.) Dinner with the Menzels, at which R. is very cheerful and friendly.
On Sunday, to Count Harrach’s, and I to the Museum of Applied Arts; in the evening ate with Mimi.
On Monday the 20th, utter turmoil with the tickets, up to 150 marks being offered for the better seats; the performance begins at 6 o’clock, the Emperor and all his Court, plus many minor Courts, present on account of the Emperor’s birthday; a tremendous crush in the corridors, and much activity. R. with the Emperor and Empress during the first intermission; otherwise with me in von Hülsen’s box.
Curtain calls, flowers, wreaths, and the usual, on top of it attempts by the opposition, loud laughter from three or four people following the shepherd’s tune. Betz splendid as Marke; Niemann bad, [Marianne] Brandt good though inadequate as a whole. R. put in a good mood by Betz’s Marke.