Category: April 1874

Still under house arrest, and the house looking like a desert, since curtains and furniture have already been removed. R. does not work, but writes to the King’s secretary, “amiably” complaining that though a great favor has been granted him, he has received no word about it.  In the evening…

Dull gray weather, I spend morning and afternoon with the children, writing letters. R. works, goes to the house twice during the day, has a bath, and also keeps an eye on everything. In the evening some more fine scores arrive from Paris, and R. plays me parts of Fa…

Spent more or less in bed. Nothing significant has happened, two fine spring days, but otherwise gray and stormy weather. R. also not well, and slow progress in the house. My father writes me that he will not be visiting us this summer, he is going to Rome for 6…

Loldi’s birthday celebrations have to be postponed, we are all in the grip of spring. R. writes a page of his score; he tries something out on the piano and then returns to his desk: “A stitch in time saves nine,” he says, laughing. —  Herr Peters-Friedlander writes of the…

I had a bad night and in consequence have to stay in bed, hoarse and running a temperature; the children all have colds, too. —  In the morning R. reads the latest work by our friend Nietzsche and summarizes his opinion thus: “It is the work of a very significant…

A new governess! May God give His blessing! R. teaches her the latest prayer for Fidi: “Dear God, tomorrow it would be nice if you could give me the largest slice!” —  R. goes to the house, I with him, he takes a bath but does not feel very well…