Category: March 1875

Various unpleasant news from home. However, R. is quite well, thank God. — Last night, he told the household friends of the strange dream he once had in Switzerland, in which he saw himself walking with Herwegh[1] along high mountain paths, where suddenly a tribute was brought by a male…

Made a few visits with Marie Dönhoff and in the evening, a lovely soirée at the Dönhoffs, where R. sees Marie Hohenlohe again for the first time in 19 years. After a great intimacy, a complete estrangement had occurred, but R. recognises her again, and despite the gaps and the…

R. had a very good night; in the morning, Rubinstein arrives from Pest and reports that the receipts were 5300 Gulden net, and the first concert here netted 9600 Gulden, so our Bayreuthers can be satisfied. Around noon, the loveliest Countess; after that, visits made with R. A letter from…

We left at 8 o'clock; Father accompanies us to the station. A sorrowful farewell! … In Neuhäusel, a gypsy band plays dances, and R. asks them for the Csárdás, which they play; it moves me deeply, so wild, fiery, and melancholically desolate, I must think of Father; the sky is…

In the morning, I visit the museum; unfortunately, the Esterhazy Gallery is closed. Overall, the impression of Hungary is one of deep sadness; it seems to be heading toward complete disintegration. Theft in the administration is a daily occurrence, alongside rampant megalomania—no German is allowed to be spoken. Life is…

Dress rehearsal; an ugly hall, poor acoustics, inadequate preliminary rehearsals; Father plays Beethoven's concerto, leaving us paralysed; an incredible impression! Incomparable magic, not playing, pure sounds. Richard says this makes everything cease to exist. We dine together at the Hotel Hungaria. In the evening, “The Flying Dutchman”, conducted by Richter;…