Sunday, March 2:
R. again did not sleep well, and I was very worn out - I almost think it is because of my letter; R. wants to know what I have said, I tell him and am pleased by his approval. At noon he again fetches me and plays to me the wonderful transition to the bells. Then lunch, at which my reappearance is celebrated! Afterward R. goes out for quite a long walk.
In the evening conclusion of the 48 Preludes and Fugues; the B-flat major fugue, which we call the “pleading” one. R. sings to it, “Please do not be angry, please will you forgive?” and makes an imploring gesture. R. has the last prelude played quickly and with great passion; he finds it quite remarkable that Bach concludes in this way, says that the entire sonata of the future is contained in it, and at a certain passage he observes, “Tristan und Isolde cannot do that better.” Then the entrance of the Flying Dutchman, with which even R. himself is pleased; I ask for the Overture as well, and with it feel my youth sounding within me again, with everything that filled, elevated, and powerfully influenced it. I am wearing the “Scheherazade,” which gives R. pleasure, and in his usual flattering way he says, “Let the whole world see that we love each other.” Blessed in faith, blessed in love!