Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 23, 1874

Overview

News of a new American edition of Beethoven and the scattered gifts from supporters in several cities lifts the household slightly, though the sum still feels painfully inadequate against the scale of what is needed. The evening spent on India gives the day a quieter, inward close, like a momentary reprieve from practical anxieties.

Content

Friday, January 23:

In America, a second edition of Beethoven is being published, and it is described there as one of the most significant books of our time, a very remarkable sign! The people in New York also send 2,000 thalers, the people in Vienna 600, Lenbach 300, and Antonie Petersen five pounds, in all about 3,000 thalers.

All the same, next to nothing when one thinks what is needed. In the evening still occupied with India, a real spiritual release.