Category: November 1875

Rehearsals without end; for my part, occupation with the costumes — unprofitable, inasmuch as there is no time to bring forth anything truly beautiful. In the evening saw “Carmen” [1] with R.; thereafter I went to the artists’ soirée. Much tastelessness. [1] ). “I am convinced that Carmen will be the most popular opera…

R.’s sufferings, that is to say, the rehearsals begin. I make many visits; in the evening at the ballet “Brahma” with the children. [1] Cosima and the children were at the Vienna State Opera that evening to see the ballet "Brahma" by choreographer Hippolyte Monplaisir (1821–1877). Here is the stage design (Act…

Visit to the Albertina, most beautiful there a head by Hans Holbein, then a woman’s head by Bassano;[1] Dürer’s [works also]. Resolution to repeat the visit often. — R. had a restless night, dreamt of some violent conduct on Hans’s part; he observes that I am preoccupied with thoughts! ……

Wie move out! We take lodgings at the Hôtel Imperial. R. has a rehearsal at twelve o’clock and exerts himself greatly, as he must explain everything to these leading singers. Good understanding with the Richters. In the evening, “Carmen” [1] — a new French work, interesting for the glaring prominence of the…

We resolve to move out, great unrest. Paid several visits; saw Ellen, now the Duchess of Meiningen,[1] again after fourteen years; she had tidings of Hans, all sounded so sorrowful, it seemed my heart would burst! … In the evening, Verdi’s “Requiem” [2] — which is best not talked about. — —…

Broken and weary arrival at six o’clock in the morning; my friend Standhartner awaited me at the station – at the Grand Hôtel, the most dreadful disorder, everything in confusion. Discussion with Emilie Sierzputowska, returning from Italy; spoke much of Marie. Traduzione in italiano di Claudia Bilotti [© Claudia Bilotti…