Category: October 1874

Many errands in the morning in connection with Lusch’s birthday. R. works. A conference between the management committee and Herr Hoffmann is supposed to take place in the afternoon, but Herr Brandt’s inability to attend means it is again put off.  In the evening Anabasis. Many domestic unpleasantnesses.

R. tells me in the morning about the book he is now reading, Hüllmann’s[i] The Oracle of Delphi, the origin of the name Hellas, etc. —  The children in school, Fidi at the kindergarten. R. works; in the evening Anabasis, great delight in it. [i] Karl Dietrich Hüllmann (1765-1846), German historian, professor…

Various Hoffmann and Bruckner capers, to the great annoyance of Richard, whose work is much hindered thereby. Visit from a cathedral organist from Augsburg, an enthusiastic Swabian with all the warmth and vitality of the South German character. In the evening the mayor, still in connection with the Hoffmann affair….

Departure of Herr Wesendonck. R. says to him, “Since you have shown so much sympathy toward me, you must be pleased to see me now so content,” whereupon his good friend shows signs of emotion as he bids R. goodbye. —  Stormy weather, summer now probably over.  Our sgraffito man…

After writing some business letters (having noticed that copyright in melody has been forgotten in the new Reich law on authors’ rights in Germany), R. exclaims, “This is what we call progress—stumbling along in the wake of the French and the English.” In the afternoon, visit from Herr Wesendonck, whom…

Start of school for Boni. Worked with Lusch. R. finishes his letter of seven full sheets to the King; then starts again on his work.  I have the task of writing to Herr Hoffmann and the brothers Brückner; it seems the latter do not wish to work with the former,…