Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 15, 1877

Overview

Rehearsal day is dominated by anxiety over changing concert plans, with complaints coming from the Court and pressure from the press making the situation worse. Further complications arise from singers’ objections and hoarseness, and R. has to keep consulting others late into the night to salvage the program.

Content

Tuesday, May 15:

Rehearsal; great concern. The Court complains about the alterations in the program, but there is absolutely no chance of keeping to it, since Herr Unger will certainly not recover in time; the public, already intimidated by the press and by Herr Joachim and consorts, will doubtless become even more timid, despite the brilliant requests being made from all sides not to alter the program. But how can it be adhered to?

At home R. finds a plaintive letter from Mme Lucca. Herr Schott is refusing her something, though R. does not tell me what, nothing but torment from all sides.

I attend a session of Parliament with Miss Cartwright. At 10 in the evening Herr Hill sends word that he is hoarse. R. has to go over to see Richter in order to discuss the program once again!