Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of November 15, 1874

Overview

A brisk morning in the garden turns the day inward, as family life and R.'s labor on his vast score dominate the mood. Guests bring music in the evening, and the discussion of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and the limits of analysis gives the day an elevated, reflective tone.

Content

Sunday, November 15:

Fine cold morning in the garden with the children—R. works, groaning, on his monster. In the evening some guests; music is played, Mozart’s D Major Symphony, which R. uses to show the difference between M.’s genius and Haydn’s—how much more greatly Mozart was influenced by ideality. Herr Rubinstein plays us Beethoven’s A Major Sonata. The first movement, flowing, ambling along, but at the same time full of sensitivity, is impossible to analyze.