Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 14, 1874

Overview

A morning walk to the theater and a farewell to Gersdorff give the day a quietly emotional tone, sharpened by the beauty of the place and memories of Tribschen. Later visits are more practical and musical, ending with discussions of Bach and the final removal of the troublesome painter.

Content

Wednesday, October 14:

Walked to the theater in the morning with friend Gersdorff. Said goodbye to him. He found the theater in the morning light truly magical. The unceasing activity amid all the splendors of Nature has its effect on me, and how movingly!

After lunch R. and I recall our times in Tribschen: “Those were sacred times,” says R.

In the evening Herr Rubinstein's father visits us. We have at last gotten rid of the painter Hoffmann, and on good terms! Friend Feustel is with us in the evening; he speaks against the arrest of Count Arnim. Young Rubinstein plays us a fantasy and fugue by Bach, and R. tries to give friend Feustel an idea of what Bach means.