Category: September 1875

Drive to the Vyšehrad; visit to the museums; a fine picture: St. Luke by Mabuse [1]—Fidi’s portrait by Van Dyck (Johann Wilhelm of Orange). Departure at two o’clock (we should the children the bird collection, above all the magnificent Chinese pheasant); at eight o’clock in Eger, Hôtel Welzel. [1] Jan…

A second farewell from the newly won friend—and I wandered through the city with a clouded mind; visited the Bastion, the Hradschin, the Schützeninsel; at the “Black Horse”, beneath the arcades, a very pleasant meal. In the afternoon drove to Baumgarten, in the evening through the much-frequented streets. Pleasant impression,…

Early departure for Aussig; at the station I am accosted by Emilie Sierzputowska, who had closed the eyes of Marie Muchanoff—profound impression! … Walk to Schreckenstein, the chamber seen where R. sketched the Tannhäuser; fair morning. At two o’clock departure for Prague, arrival there at eight; I meet the friend…

Miserable night, foul odours, uncleanness in Germany, we leave the hotel. Breakfast at the Kurhaus, ascent of the Schlackenburg; [1] R. shows me the pheasantry, where once he read to his mother the poem of Tannhäuser. Also the house “To Paradise”, where, as a young man, he surprised his family,…

Good night; first to Sprudel, then up to Hirschsprung, drive in the carriage, midday meal in the Salle Saxe—Karlsbad soon exhausted, though very fair, many Israelites. Departure at three, in the evening at seven o’clock in Teplitz; entered the “Prince Deligue”, but we lodge at the “King of Prussia”, where…

In the morning still at Konradsreuth; at two o’clock to Hof, in the evening, with glorious moonlight, in Karlsbad. Lodged at the ‘Golden Shield,’ where R. had been forty-two years ago! Traduzione in italiano di Claudia Bilotti [© Claudia Bilotti | WAGNER Salon] Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.