Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of November 21, 1879

Overview

A restless night gives way to a bright walk and a more public-minded conversation about France's surplus and possible artistic uses for wealth. In the evening, a brief game gives way to Beethoven, which he performs with such gravity that sorrow seems to be carried off into it.

Content

Friday, November 21:

R. was somewhat restless during the night; but since the sun is shining, he goes for a walk in the palace gardens. Over coffee he reads to us from the newspaper that France has quite a considerable surplus, which it intends to put to some significant artistic purpose.

In the evening we play whist, but only briefly, then R. goes to the piano and, after playing a few bits from the finale of the Eroica, plays the whole second movement, so splendidly that I have the feeling that all sorrow has been borne to the grave in this austere and manly lament. R. laughs when I thank him! ...

Letter from the King-