Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 16, 1873

Overview

A letter from Herr Hoffmann brings renewed financial pressure, since he is demanding payment for work already done and a monthly stipend beyond that. The household balances these matters through Feustel and Erlanger, while R. continues composing and the writer runs Christmas errands. In the evening they read Ariosto, whose lightness and wit are appreciated in theory but not especially enjoyed in practice. A warm letter from Alwine Frommann offers a pleasant counterpoint to the practical concerns.

Content

Tuesday, December 16:

Letter from Herr Hoffmann: he is demanding 1,500 thalers for the work so far done, and later 300 thalers a month. Herr Feustel will see whether Baron Erlanger will at least pay the 1,500 thalers, having subscribed 3,000.

R. works; I still have a lot of errands to run, Christmas delights and vexations.

In the evening we read a canto, the first, by Ariosto, but I cannot get much enjoyment from it, despite my admiration for the light and amusing action.

Very nice letter from Alwine Frommann. R. works diligently on his score.