Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 17, 1876

Overview

The weather was bleak, and Rubinstein’s grievance about being denied access to accompany the rehearsals added to the irritation, especially since he had already quarreled with the other musicians. R. was furious, and the singers were growing more demanding as well. A later note on the same page shifts briefly to Thursday, May 18, when the children’s dancing lesson brought some delight before fresh delays and complaints returned.

Content

Wednesday, May 17:

Bad, rough weather and little to bring us pleasure. Among other things, Herr Rubinstein complains of not being admitted to the rehearsals to accompany, though he has quarreled with all the other musicians here. R. is very indignant about it. The singers are also becoming more demanding.

Thursday, May 18:

The children’s dancing lesson arouses delight. Arrival of young Brandt, complaints! Everything behindhand; swimming machine dubious. The painter Hoffmann claims his tickets, which he is said to have sold already!