Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 4, 1875

Overview

R.’s rehearsals left him increasingly drained, and the strain was compounded by talk of consequences, the sale of their house, and the broader uncertainty around Vienna. Princess Hohenlohe visited and discussed family matters, while Marie Donhoff’s friendly call briefly interrupted her letter-writing. Though R. was vexed by the day, he gradually recovered enough that they ended it calmly and went to bed in better spirits.

Content

Saturday, December 4:

R. at rehearsals in the morning and evening, returning more depressed each time! “He who desires, must suffer; if he were to leave Vienna now, who knows what the consequences would be? We have sold our house, etc., etc.”

Princess Hohenlohe calls on me, and talks a lot about my father, also her mother. Letter from my father; I intend to reply to it in the evening, but am interrupted by Marie Donhoff’s friendly call. R. is very tired and vexed by the rehearsal, but gradually recovers, so that we go off to bed in good spirits.