Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 17, 1876

Overview

R. had a musical insight in the evening, noting that a countertheme could be found by reversing a theme and comparing melodic relations to visual spectra. The day also brought dictation and visits, but the main practical concern was political: Feustel’s letter and Bismarck’s secretary both suggested approaching the Reichstag and the Prince directly. R. resisted firmly, insisting he would appeal to the Emperor and the Reich Chancellor, not to the Reichstag’s opinion.

Content

Monday, January 17:

R. wrote down a theme which came to him during the evening, and discovers that the countertheme can be found in a simple reversal of it; he says there are melody spectra for the ear just as there are light spectra for the eyes.

Dictation; visits with R.

Herr Gross brings us a note from Feustel; the latter has received a letter from Berlin which makes it seem advisable after all to approach the Reichstag and the Prince personally with a request. R. is very much against it.

Bismarck’s secretary writes somewhat confusedly, but also seems of the opinion that the difficulties would be less if one were to approach the Reichstag! R. replies that he cannot approach the Reichstag for an advance, also that he is appealing to the Emperor’s grace and the understanding of the Reich Chancellor, not, however, to the views of the gentlemen in the Reichstag.