The smell of pine-woods in July ! The long avenue outside the city of Bayreuth, that leads straight up the hill, crowned by the Wanner Theatre, a noble structure architecturally admirable severe, simple, but exactly adapted to its purpose .... I join the stream of pilgrims, some in carriages, others on foot. As we approach, a clear blast of trombones and brass from the terrace in front of the grand entrance, plays out the Grail "motive” It is the well-known signal there is no time to be lost. I enter at the prescribed door, and find myself close to my appointed place. Everyone such is the admirable arrangement seems to do likewise. In a few minutes about one thousand persons are seated without confusion. The theatre is darkened, the foot-lights are lowered, the prelude begins.