Wednesday, April 12:
Much time with the children. R. receives a letter from Dr. Standhartner, saying Herr Jauner is making the release of Frau Materna conditional on the performances of Tristan and Walküre in Vienna next winter.
So, before the work has even been done here, the seeds of its dissolution are being sown! R. complains about having to earn his living through the humiliation of his work; he says already he must admit to himself that the performances here will do nothing toward altering the wretched artistic situation.
Nothing noble can last long in this world of ours; its appearance is fleeting, and what effort is needed to bring this about! R. goes with the children to the menagerie and returns home with a dismal impression of it.