Diary Entry of April 11, 1873
Weather and fatigue limit the day’s outward action, leaving conversation and music at the center. A drive to the Eremitage and some reading provide the main structure, though the mood remains somewhat irritated. Wagner reflects critically on contemporary musical habits, indicating once again that aesthetic judgments and personal weariness are tightly linked.
Friday, April 11:
R. very weary, but despite that and the uncertain weather we drive out to the Eremitage. Thunder and lightning; we speak of an essay. Not much conversation.
Played Loewe ballads. We are a little vexed by our friend’s music-making pastimes, and R. expatiates on the turn music has taken.