Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 23, 1875

Overview

After showing Frau Wesendonck around town and taking lunch with the church councilor, the day moves on to the Eremitage and then an evening of Beethoven sonatas. R. reflects that Beethoven’s middle period marks mastery and success, though he feels a certain chill in it.

Content

Saturday, October 23:

Showed Frau W. over the town; lunch with the church councilor, then to the Eremitage; in the evening Beethoven sonatas, first and last “Heroide.” R. calls Beethoven’s middle period, the Waldstein Sonata, the period of achieved mastery and success, but one in which a little coldness prevails.