Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 4, 1876

Overview

Dictation was overshadowed by deep melancholy, with Siegfried providing almost the only relief. R. walked up to the theater and found the place nearly empty, while even the practical arrangements for lodging were being handled uncertainly because no one knew who would come. An English lady’s thoughtful Schopenhauer biography offered some comfort before the evening returned to Don Quixote.

Content

Friday, February 4:

Dictation; deep, deep melancholy; Siegfried the only source of amusement. R. wanders up to the theater: it is like a desert up there! The preparations for accommodations are having to be pursued very casually, since nobody has the slightest idea who will come.

My pessimism is such that I can scarcely believe any more in the money value of curiosity! R. would like to explain the position to a patron. A nice book from an English lady, Helen Zimmern, a biography of Schopenhauer, done with great understanding. In the evening Don Quixote.