Diary Entry of May 20, 1873
Physical discomfort and practical disorder dominate the day, from illness in the household to sleep loss and logistical problems. Visitors arrive, plans for orchestral arrangements prove difficult, and the amateur organizers are unsettled by ambitious suggestions. The evening is spent in reading, suggesting that intellectual routine continues despite the strain. Overall the day feels consumed by friction between artistic aspirations and ordinary constraints.
Tuesday, May 20:
I am considerably indisposed; did not sleep a wink all night, and Franziska is confined to her bed. Arrival of young Brandt; discussions at the Ritters’ over the arrangement of the orchestra; not enough room. The boldness of my suggestions horrifies the amateur management. Wilhelmj cannot come; he has not been able to assemble a quartet. Difficulties of all kinds. I am rather tired.
In the evening we read Fallmerayer’s preface to his book on the island of Morea.