Now a word about my affairs! They are going well, and I am fully aware of my good fortune in being able to hold such regular rehearsals again, with everyone always punctual to the minute and taking things seriously, no chatter, sheer uninterrupted zeal. When I think that that ass of a Dettmer used always to think he was doing me a favour by singing Colonna, I may detect a trace of this feeling in Botticher and others, but they are always in dead earnest over their work and in return I shall get a capital ensemble. I can naturally expect to get the best Irene here, and the duet in the last act will be a shining example of what we have long missed in Dresden! Mme. Koster is almost too good for Adriano. There is something very virginal, very womanly about her, far more so than Johanna, who seems to me rather heavy by comparison. Besides this there is an uncommonly gracious charm in her voice; in short I am rejoicing in an “Elsa.” Botticher approached me to give the Dutchman again too with Mme. Koster. Just at present Pfister is taking the place of Peps with me. He is forever at my heels and never leaves my side. I am indulging him for I get on good terms with him so and can the better take him in hand without offending him.
To-day is my first completely free day and I shall use it to visit Tieck at Potsdam. Mme. Frommann asserts that Tieck may be of the greatest use to me with the King. Lord, I have still not seen Meyerbeer!
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 133