{"id":1420,"date":"2026-09-26T20:16:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T20:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alfoart.com\/derionzini-en\/?p=1420"},"modified":"2026-09-26T20:21:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T20:21:33","slug":"february-1842-sophie-knorrings-diary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alfoart.com\/derionzini-en\/february-1842-sophie-knorrings-diary\/","title":{"rendered":"February 1842. Sophie Knorring\u2019s Diary."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2190 Read January, 1842<\/a><\/strong><\/em> | List of all names and events\u2192<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begun around May 1, 1841, at her parents’ estate Paschlep, and concluded around March 1, 1842, in St. Petersburg*.<\/a><\/em> The entire diary text is quite extensive, so it has been divided into several articles by month and is accompanied by explanations. The discoverer of this document and the compiler of the detailed commentary is the historian Sergey Gavrilov<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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February 1842<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

* Hover your cursor over the bold text to see the commentary.<\/strong> On mobile devices, press and hold your finger on the highlighted text while you read the comment, then release.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st, Sunday<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n
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In the morning, I practiced my exercises. For the sake of order, there were discussions (pour parler)<\/a><\/strong> about who should go to Herr Billing’s concert; Grandmother had a ticket for me, but I did not wish to incommode (inkomodiren) Aunt Louise on account of the carriage (Equipage). At last, it was decided: I dressed and left even before breakfast. I feared I would no longer find Aunt Minna at home, but they were all still there. I exchanged a few words with Grandmother and departed. Herr Billing, Madame Oehlmann, and Herr Legrand sang and played; on the whole, there was nothing remarkable about it<\/strong>.<\/a> From high society (haute soci\u00e9t\u00e9), there were only Madame Kr\u00fcdener and Countess Sheremeteva (Tscheremeteff)<\/a><\/strong>. I took Aunt Minna home and returned… The weather was very poor<\/em>; it was thawing so much that almost no snow was to be seen. For dinner [we had] Herr von Knorring from Lugden and Arthur, Nikolai and Woldemar, only Knorrings.<\/a><\/strong> Nikolai and Arthur stayed for tea. In the evening, I was very unwell<\/strong><\/a><\/em>; I fainted (wurde ohnm\u00e4chtig), and thereafter<\/strong> I vomited quite violently (vomirte).<\/strong><\/a> I escorted Papa to his room and remained there until half past twelve [at night]; Uncle Pontus also came in, and we spoke a great deal, partly about our journey [home]. I was very exhausted (angegriffen) and was glad when I reached my bed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday, 2nd.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning, I worked; as we were sitting at the table for breakfast, Tamburini arrived, which made me very glad, as we were to have guests in the evening, [and] I would not have been able to sing. Immediately after the lesson, we went by carriage to the quay (zum quai) and walked there, as it was<\/strong> [warm and slushy]<\/strong><\/a>. We walked as far as the Winter Palace (Winterpalais)<\/strong> and were fortunate enough to meet Mikhail Pavlovich,<\/strong><\/a> who was conversing with Aunt Louise; I was delighted to see him so close. He looked so engaging. After we returned home, we made our toilet. [Visitors arrived:] Generalin Strandmann with her 2 daughters and son, Generalin Richter with her 2 sons and daughter. After the meal, we went into the red room; Louise and H\u00e9l\u00e8ne went to Madame Solovovo’s (Salavoj) to see her toilette, as H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Pavlovna was having a masquerade (Mascarade).<\/a><\/strong> Then we played with the children and even danced with them. We also made a little music; after tea the Strandmanns left, the Richters stayed until half past eleven. We divided into groups: Arthur remained at the pianoforte, [while] H\u00e9l\u00e8ne, Fr[\u00e4ulein] R\u00fcdiger and I sat, did our needlework, and spoke much of books, and had great amusement while the others entertained themselves [in their own way]. In the evening, I wrote a long letter to Mama.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sophie von Knorring encounters Mikhail Pavlovich Romanov on the embankment. AI reconstruction by Sergey Gavrilov.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, 3rd.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It was decided to go to the Gypsies (zu den Zigeunern)<\/a><\/strong>. After coffee, I practiced my exercises; Aunt Louise went out. Arthur came to us and chatted for quite a long time… Konstantin joined us. There was much laughter and teasing (gezeckt), especially of Konstantin; shortly thereafter, Aunt and Minna returned home. At 3 o’clock we dined, so that at 4 o’clock we could go to the Gypsies in the Engelhardt Hall (im Engelhardtschen Saal); when we entered, it was still quite empty; they were just then occupied with finding chairs, but an old servant knew how to remedy this misfortune. The hall filled up every minute, and at last the regimental music (Regiments-Musik) began to play, which, while the Gypsies rested, filled the pauses with its music. And then the Gypsies appeared: 4-5 men, of the ladies, two were in Russian dress, the others in national (National) [gypsy dress]. Although their singing is at times wild and noisy (lermend), when they perform a solo, they are unusually beautiful and sweet. I especially liked one named Agrafiona [written in Russian letters by S.G.], who had a soft but almost lovely voice. Shortly before the end, an old, very corpulent (corpulente) gypsy woman danced with Ilia Socolof, the leader of the troupe<\/a><\/strong>, in a most extraordinary manner: this woman, I would say, with absolute grace (grace), and he, in turn, with incredible liveliness and flexibility. In short, I must say that I have not seen anything for a long time that has interested me so much; I was only so sorry that my dear family did not see it, especially Mama would have liked it. I had the pleasure of seeing Madame Uglinskaya, Mademoiselle Leocadie [Uglinskaya]<\/a><\/strong> and their servant Baranov there, of whom Louise so often tells me. Immediately after tea, Tamburini came, and I took my lesson. In the evening, I spoke a great deal more with Arthur about the Gypsies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday, 4th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The weather was very poor<\/em>; it was thawing so much that [there was no] snow, and there was no thought of a walk. In the morning, I practiced my exercises; after breakfast, I sat with Louise and Konstantin on the settee. At 4 o’clock we dressed and went for the last time all together to Grandmother’s<\/a><\/strong>, where we found Papa, Annette, Jette, Ovander and Fr[\u00e4ulein] Cramer<\/a><\/strong>. After the meal, we had a dress rehearsal (Generalprobe) with Fr[\u00e4ulein] R\u00fcdiger. Lohmann[?] came, and also Herr [illegible] was very amiable, which charmed Nette R\u00fc[diger]<\/a><\/strong>. Then we, the young ladies (Demoiselles), did our needlework in the dining room, and after tea, we left, having had a very merry time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday, 5th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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In the morning I practiced my exercises, as in the evening I was expecting Opochinin (Apalschenin)<\/a><\/strong> and Mollerius for singing. After breakfast, I took a little walk with H\u00e9l\u00e8ne along Zakharyevskaya<\/a><\/strong> [Zacharofskoy – written in Russian letters], then practiced again. Aunt and Louise went to Haberzang’s<\/a><\/strong>. A long table was set for 20 people, as all the household, as well as Herr and Frau Pesarovius, were dining with us. At the table, my vis-\u00e0-vis was Ovander, for whom I was very sorry<\/a><\/strong>, as he played such a deserted part: no one really spoke to him, and I felt compassion. After the meal, at 7 o’clock, Tamburini came, who [brought] me a wonderful… “…[last?] week Herr [Stender] came, without [announcing himself?] uninvited; <\/strong>that Arthur was with us requires<\/strong> a separate mention<\/strong><\/a>.” …a small music notebook (B\u00e4ndchen Notenheft); I was very happy, but at the same time very embarrassed, as I did not know how I should properly give thanks. I offered him my hand, which he, like a gallant man, kissed. After we had sung and chatted a little – Tamburini and Op[ochinin] (Apalschenin), Stender, Vietinghoff with his wife, and Prittwitz also arrived. We sang the new trio a couple of times, then the duet with Op[ochinin] from “Don Giovanni”<\/strong> (Don Jouan)<\/strong><\/a>; then both gentlemen [performed] a very beautiful duet from “Belisario” and one buffo duet, in which Op[ochinin] shone. Then we sang the Rossini duet “Dunque io son… tu non m’inganni,” which amused everyone greatly. The gentlemen stayed for another hour, exchanging compliments, etc.; the gentlemen drank tea and then hurried off to sing some more at Admiralin Korsakova’s. I did not do anything in particular<\/em>; I chatted with Aunt Jette, etc. The gentlemen made up a card party; we were in the red room, in which the company was arranged very pleasantly; all the places (etablissements) were taken, and from that [arose] this cozy picture. After tea, everyone departed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On these pages, the St. Petersburg slush and sudden February thaws do nothing to hinder Sophie’s bustling social life. During a promenade near the Winter Palace, the young ladies are fortunate enough to converse with Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich himself, and the very next day they head to the Engelhardt Hall to listen to the famous Gypsy choir of Ilya Sokolov, which leaves the girl in absolute delight with its dances and romances. And although exhaustion sometimes takes its toll, leading Sophie to faint at night, the musical evenings in the family circle make up for everything. A visit from Maestro Tamburini, who gallantly kisses his student’s hand while presenting her with a music notebook, is alone worth a great deal, after which the home’s red drawing-room is transformed into a real stage where Sophie, together with the brilliant Opochinin, sings duets from “Don Giovanni” and “The Barber of Seville”!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Friday, 6th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I finished my letter to Mama, then practiced my exercises. I walked according to my old habit; for dinner [we were] alone… In the evening, at 8 o’clock, I took my singing lesson. Tamburini had a headache and was in a bad mood (mauvaise humeur)<\/a><\/strong>; he was angry with his wife over… [the apothecary?], as he was so [often?] cross. For the rest of the evening, I worked. Afterward, we chatted in the drawing-room with Arthur, and there arose a most serious conversation, namely: what brings us closer to God – joy or sorrow?<\/a><\/strong> Arthur and I were of the opinion that the latter [sorrow] contributes more to this, while Louise and R\u00fcdiger believed that one could also come to the Lord through joy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday, 7th.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The air [weather] is lovely, but the frost and wind are terribly strong. However, since Papa had not yet seen anything here, I made a proposition (proposition) to Papa to hire a carriage (Wagen) and go with me to Grandmother’s, which he then did. I went with Aunt Minna and bought a parasol (Sonnenschirm), and then in the Russian shops (russischen Buden) I bought cloth for tambour embroidery (Tambourin Tuch).<\/a><\/strong> We sat for quite a while at Grandmother’s and returned home rather late. In the evening, as at dinner, [we were] alone, only Arthur. Everyone [had gone] to the theater; however, Papa returned, as he could not find a box. I gladly went to my room to finish Louise’s travelling bag (Reisesack), and sewed until the early hours of the third [morning]<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday, 8th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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In great haste, I dressed; after coffee, H\u00e9l\u00e8ne and Annette Ovander went to church, and I remained with Louise. Count Oppermann paid a visit, after which Louise went to bed, and Aunt Louise read the Bible and then a sermon. For dinner, we had Woldemar and Arthur Knorring, Grandmother, Aunt Minna, and Madame Meybaum. After the meal, the regimental music (Regiments Musik) arrived, and we waltzed a little; the music was superb (superbe). We sat in the drawing-room and held a conversation (conversation). I had an exceptionally good time this evening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday, 9th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I diligently practiced my exercises, then worked hard with Louise on my needlework. Arthur for dinner. Papa and Aunt Louise went out in the forenoon. In the evening, [we were] alone.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, 10th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The weather is dismal, as it was thawing and the snow had completely disappeared. I began my work on the pocketbook (Taschenbuch) for Tamburini. We were alone, among ourselves; in the evening I awaited Tamburini, but he did not come. We, the young ladies, worked and after tea went downstairs, laughed, and jested as usual.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quiet hours spent sewing travelling bags suddenly flow into deep theological debates about what brings one closer to God\u2014joy or sorrow. And the very next day, the decorous reading of sermons is replaced by a visit from Count Oppermann and the loud performance of an invited regimental orchestra, to which the young people waltz right in the drawing-room. Maestro Tamburini also adds colour to this palette: one moment he arrives for a lesson completely out of sorts due to domestic quarrels with his wife, the next he skips lessons altogether, while his devoted student diligently embroiders an elegant pocketbook for him as a gift, while away the evenings with jokes and laughter with her cousins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wednesday, 11th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After breakfast, the four of us\u2014Papa, I, H\u00e9l\u00e8ne\u2014drove out, while Aunt Louise and Louise went for a walk. We drove to the Perspective [Nevsky Prospekt]<\/a><\/strong>, where it was all mud (lauter Koth); the snow had completely melted, which left us in torment (in Tormenten). When we reached the Neva, we went for a walk along the grand quay and met the Grand Duke and the beautiful Madame Kr\u00fcdener. For dinner, apart from Arthur, [we were] alone, as we were in the evening.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday, 12th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning, I worked; at 1 o’clock, a singing lesson. I took a walk. For dinner, Grandfather<\/em>, Grandmother, and Aunt Minna; after the meal, we made music and worked. Grandfather stayed with us the whole evening. I went for a walk with Aunt Louise.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday, 13th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I worked; after breakfast, the three of us drove out with Aunt Louise. First, to the Knorrings from Lugden, whom I then met. The young ladies are quite sweet and pretty, but nothing special at all. From there to the English Shop (Englisches Magazin)<\/a><\/strong>, where we also bought dresses for the sisters, then I ran a few more small errands. We returned home around 5 o’clock. For dinner, we had dear Arthur<\/a><\/strong>; in the evening Herr Beling [?] saw how much I laughed that evening at Knorring. [There was] a sudden certainty<\/a><\/strong> that I would be leaving the next morning.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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At 12 o’clock we dressed and drove to the Hermitage (Ermitage)<\/a><\/strong>, where we had appointed a rendezvous with the Knorrings. However, they did not come, and we were sent away [not admitted]. We saw only one part, as the other is dismantled (abgebrochen)<\/strong>; the main thing [there] is the paintings. We wanted to see the grand ceremonial staircase as well, but this was not permitted, and we drove to the quay, and from there on foot across the Neva (\u00fcber die Neva zu Fu\u00df)<\/a><\/strong> to the Fortress [Peter and Paul]<\/a><\/strong>, to see the church, which is very ancient (alterth\u00fcmlich). We examined the tombs of the deceased Emperors and Empresses, made of marble, with golden plates, trimmed with ermine (Hermelin) and adorned with the Russian eagle. I was very, very interested in the Turkish banners to the left of the door, [and] on the tomb of Konstantin P[avlovich] – the keys of Poland (Schl\u00fc\u00dfeln von Pohlen)<\/a><\/strong>. Utterly exhausted and tired, we returned home. In the evening we were alone; the gentlemen [had gone] to the theatre.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday, 15th.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I went with H\u00e9l\u00e8ne and Louise to the Annen-Kirche<\/a><\/strong>, to hear a sermon by Pastor Bese. I must say, I had imagined his sermons to be worse; but he spoke a great deal about righteousness by works (Werkgerechtigkeit). When we arrived, we found no seats; a gentleman gave us two chairs until at last a pew (Bank) was unlocked for us. After breakfast I wanted to practice, but Karl and Louise came from the Kazan [Cathedral] (aus Kasan), and so we chatted until it was time to dress; we spoke of relatives here and in Reval. For dinner we all three went to Ivan And[reyevich]’s, where [were] Grandfather and Grandmother and Aunt Jette, Herr and Frau Amburger, Robert Dahler and Arthur Knor[ring]. It was a very pleasant evening and a very good dinner (diner). After the meal we sang a little, and then very animatedly discussed Kursell and the student<\/a><\/strong>; there we learned that Louise Meybaum is said to be very ill. At night, in the early hours of the first (nach 12 Uhr), we went home in a hired carriage, which was an open sleigh (Schlitten) at the front, very well wrapped up. Six people, as Papa came with us; it was very amusing, as Aunt Louise and I had the pleasure of being swaddled (eingemorschelt)<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday, 16th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I wrote; at 1 o’clock \u2014 my singing lesson. Louise and Aunt Louise drove out, I went for a walk later with H\u00e9l\u00e8ne. When we returned home, I practiced. For dinner [was] Arthur. After the meal, Herr von Knorring came with his daughters<\/a><\/strong>, and it was a very pleasant evening, Stender came as well… \u2013 I had never seen Konstantin so amiable as on this evening; he thought it should be so \u2014 three or four good hands [at cards?], and also a little music was made. They are very sweet girls. Stender brought us a waltz that Lise Kl\u00fcpffel had composed for us.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, 17th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It seemed strange to me to hear (Es fiel mir seltsam ins Geh\u00f6r) that Aunt Louise told Tamburini not to come yesterday; I practiced diligently. Louise finally received the order (Order) to perform in the quadrille<\/a><\/strong> at the masquerade at Grand Duchess Helene’s (H\u00e9l\u00e8ne); there was a great agitation, notes were written and inquiries made about it, in order to [correctly perform] the pas de folie [step of madness?]. For dinner [we were] completely alone. After the meal the gentlemen went to the theatre, Aunt Louise \u2014 to Madame Meybaum, Fr\u00e4ulein R\u00fcdiger \u2014 to her sisters. It is said there are great troubles there, it will even come to a divorce (Scheidung)<\/a><\/strong>; I am very sorry for Fr[\u00e4ulein] R\u00fcd[iger], as she loves her sisters and is very saddened. The three of <\/em>Karl and us went for tea to the Kl\u00fcpffels, where we were very kindly received and spent a most pleasant evening; the eldest [of the ladies] had dressed for us in a pretty cap and a beautiful shawl. Stender was also there. When we returned home, we found everyone already home, except for the gentlemen, who also soon arrived; Fr[\u00e4ulein] R\u00fcd[iger] was very distressed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday, 18th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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The weather was very poor, it snowed, a storm raged, and the wind blew, so we had to abandon our walks (Promenaden); instead, I practiced very diligently. Aunt Louise went with Louise to the Cancrins. Arthur was with us for dinner; after the meal, we made our toilette to go to the ballet. Taglioni performed (spielte) for the last time in “La Sylphide” (der Silfide)<\/a><\/strong>. The boxes were all so sold out (vergriffen) that we got a box in the baignoire (banoire Logen)<\/a><\/strong>, which is very unpleasant, as the gentlemen all stand in front of you, and there is nothing to be done about it. The ballet has only two acts, but it is utterly charming; Taglioni is a perfect Sylphide; one cannot imagine anything more graceful and light than she is in this piece.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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A painting of “Paolo and Maria Taglioni in the ballet ‘La Sylphide'” (1832). Source: internet<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I understand very well why Trubetskoy is so in love with her that he wants to marry her<\/a><\/strong>; she enraptures me (mich rei\u00dft Sie hin) every time. Only the old witch who portrays the demon<\/em> do I not like. The set of the 1st act represents the interior of a room, and Taglioni appears and disappears as a Sylphide; the gorge, I distinguish [the scene with] the Sylphides (zeichne ich aus) as an apotheosis; the set of the 2nd act is magnificent (magnifique); it represents a garden; in the distance one can see water, a sunrise<\/em>; it is truly a sublime spectacle. It is a most charming ballet, and I liked it very much, and yet I give “La Gitana” (Gitana) the preference<\/a><\/strong>. This was the last time “La Sylphide” was performed<\/strong>.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday, 19th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I sewed; I awaited Tamburini, but he did not come. After breakfast I drove with Aunt Louise to the quay, and there we had a pleasant walk on the perfectly dry pavement, as it had frosted today. While I was standing in the sleigh at the [house of the] Vyazemskys (Wiasemsky’s), the Heir to the Throne (Thronfolger) drove past<\/a><\/strong>. When I returned home, I had breakfast [again], and then went to practice; because of this, I was late, and I dressed in great haste. For dinner, we had Grandfather and Grandmother and the Knorrings from Lugden, as well as Ferdinand Ramm<\/a><\/strong>; Angelica was very sweet. I spoke quite a lot with Knorring, who in 2 days was to go to the Caucasus (in den Caucasus)<\/a><\/strong>. After the meal, Ramm played music, and then I sang. The Knorrings and Ramm left before tea; at 9 o’clock Louise went to the Cancrins for a rehearsal (repetition), [and] we remained in our own circle. For tea, General Ovander came, whom I like very much. He has a very pleasant appearance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday, 20th.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning I wrote to Mama. Then the servant announced that Madame Isservood [?] was here. I was glad to see her; while we were both sitting in the drawing-room, Hassing<\/strong><\/a> came to us, we chatted for a very long time; I was very comfortable, and Madame Isservood sat there, unable to take part in the conversation (conversation), which was in [Russian<\/strong>], the old man asked and told much; at last he left, and after Tomasi [Ovander?] had stayed for another quarter of an hour, he [too] left. Today was the greatest rush in the world, \u2013 it was altogether a confusing (confuser) day. In great haste, Louise’s toilette [outfit] was put in order, even Nikolai Knorring had to help; Aunt Pesarovius and Emma Knorring were with us for breakfast. After breakfast we went for a walk. Louise returned home around 3 o’clock. In the evening [we were] alone with Arthur; Beling was with us.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The St. Petersburg slush turns a stroll down Nevsky Prospekt into an ordeal, but it doesn’t stop Sophie from a risky walk directly across the ice of the Neva to the Peter and Paul Fortress, where the young lady examines captured banners on the imperial tombs. Behind the glittering fa\u00e7ade of high society lie real dramas\u2014from an impending scandalous divorce in the governess’s family to the hasty departure of one of the cavaliers for the war in the Caucasus. The climax, however, is the historic farewell performance of Maria Taglioni in “La Sylphide.” Watching the ballet from an uncomfortable box in the baignoire through a crowd of standing men, Sophie not only admires the airy grace of the ballerina but also shares the main society gossip: Prince Trubetskoy is so in love with the dancer that he is ready to walk her down the aisle!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Saturday, 21st.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning, I put my things in order<\/a><\/strong>; after breakfast I went with Papa, Aunt, and Louise by sleigh to Grandmother’s. I stayed with her. First, I drove out with Aunt Minna to Rozinsky’s, to Osterlov’s, to Zhadimirovsky’s<\/a><\/strong>…; I saw and spoke with Mademoiselle Virginie and Alexandrine and stayed for a while, and then hurried back, as Aunt was waiting for me in the sleigh. We four dined together (in 4), Grandfather went to the theatre, and we three remained alone, and the evening passed very, very pleasantly; this will probably be the last evening before my… [departure]<\/a><\/strong>; the conversation (conversation) was lively, we spoke a great deal about Kursell and my relations with him; [so much so] that I became so strangely agitated that the blood rushed to my head. Grandmother took such a lively interest (nahm so viel Theil), that it was very pleasant for me to speak with her. Karoline came for us in the evening; we left in a small sleigh; the ride was very good, it was so beautiful and starlit (sternhell) that I was very sorry when we arrived. At home I found H\u00e9l\u00e8ne and Nette alone<\/em>; all the others were at the Branitzky’s ball. We chatted a little more and went to bed; I had bought a New Testament (neue Testament) for Nette, which seemed to give her much joy. News came from Petrikirche.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday, 22nd.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I had severe stomach pains and did not go to church; Aunt Louise and H\u00e9l\u00e8ne went, and Louise went to a dance rehearsal (tanzprobe)<\/a><\/strong>. For dinner we had Grandfather and Grandmother<\/em>; after the meal, the Knorrings and Stender came; they stayed quite late. In the morning Tamburini was with us, but I was hoarse and could not sing at all; however, he stayed with me for a whole hour, [and] we chatted very pleasantly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday, 23rd.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the morning Tamburini..<\/a>.<\/strong> [The diary breaks off]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sophie hastily packs her things and makes her farewell visits. After running through the fashionable city shops, she spends a last cozy evening at her grandmother’s, where a frank conversation about the rejected suitor, Otto von Kursell, agitates her so much that the blood literally rushes to her head. Tamburini, in parting, once again shows wonders of gallantry: finding his student completely hoarse, the maestro does not leave but stays for a full hour for a pleasant, friendly chat. But just as Monday morning arrived and another singing lesson was to begin, these amazing St. Petersburg chronicles suddenly break off in mid-sentence, leaving us to wonder about the subsequent fate of the characters!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

All Commentary on the Article<\/summary>\n
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1. Society French (Pour parler \/ Inkomodiren):<\/strong> On February 1st, the diary opens a new month with an amusing mix of French and German. In the house, there are debates (pour parler<\/em> \u2014 negotiations\/talks) about how to allocate seats in the carriage (Equipage<\/em>). Sophie, as a true well-bred young lady, does not want to “incommode” (inkomodiren<\/em> \u2014 from the French incommoder<\/em> \u2014 to inconvenience, to trouble) her aunt with logistical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Herr Billing, Madame Oehlmann, Herr Legrand sang and played; on the whole, there was nothing remarkable about it<\/strong> – a concert at the Engelhardt House on Nevsky Prospekt. See the announcement<\/a> in the newspaper Russky Invalid: “Mr. Billing, a young singer brought here by Madame Pasta, intends to give a musical morning, today, Sunday, February 1st, at the house of Madame Engelhardt. The concert will also feature: pianist Mr. Legrand, clarinetist Mr. Sch\u00e4fer, and Madame Oehlmann, who possesses a rare contralto voice. Tickets are 10 rubles,” etc.<\/p>\n\n\n

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3. Countess Sheremeteva (Tscheremeteff) –<\/strong> Anna Sergeyevna Sheremeteva (1811\u20131849), daughter of Sergei Vasilyevich Sheremetev, wife of Count Dmitry Sheremetev. A lady-in-waiting to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna; a talented singer and pianist. An honorary member of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Knorring from Lugden and Arthur, Nikolai and Woldemar, only Knorrings<\/strong> \u2013 In the noble families of Estonia, it was customary to name representatives of different branches of the same family by the name of their hereditary estates. Lugden (Estonian: Luke) was an estate near Dorpat (Tartu), owned by the Knorrings, descendants of Major General Otto Knorring. They were called the Knorrings of Lugden. The branch of the Knorrings to which Sophie belonged was called the Knorrings of Kedik (Estonian: Keedika). Nikolai and Vladimir Knorring belonged to the Knorring branch of Udenk\u00fcll (Estonian: Uugla). All the Knorrings mentioned here shared a common great-grandfather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Poor Health (Fainting):<\/strong> On the evening of February 1st, Sophie becomes very ill. She writes directly: “wurde ohnm\u00e4chtig u. vomirte” (I fainted and after that, I vomited quite violently). This was likely the result of a recent fever or a common intestinal disorder (food poisoning). It is also possible, however, that it was the consequence of the vinegar diet, made fashionable by Lord Byron, which involved taking vinegar with water and rice for a “cleansing effect.” Constant companions of such a diet were dental problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. But despite this, she sits in her father’s room (with Uncle Pontus) until half-past twelve at night, discussing their upcoming departure for home in Estonia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. The Weather:<\/strong> St. Petersburg’s winter continues its eccentricities: Sophie complains that everything is thawing, the temperature is above freezing, and the streets are slushy (“almost no snow can be seen”). A typical picture for the city on the Neva!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Meeting with the Grand Duke at the Winter Palace:<\/strong> While walking along the embankment, Sophie meets Mikhail Pavlovich<\/strong> (the younger brother of Nicholas I). He casually stops to chat with her Aunt Louise, and Sophie admires him from up close. In those years, the Imperial family actively strolled through the center of St. Petersburg, interacting with high society without excessive security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Masquerade at H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Pavlovna’s:<\/strong> That same evening, a grand high-society masquerade ball was held at the Mikhailovsky Palace (now the Russian Museum), hosted by the wife of Mikhail Pavlovich \u2014 Grand Duchess H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Pavlovna. Sophie’s cousins go specifically to the “unattractive” Madame Solovovo’s (whom Sophie had criticized earlier) to see what costume she would wear there!  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. A Trip “to the Gypsies”:<\/strong> This is a fantastic stroke of luck! Sophie sees and describes with her own eyes the legendary Gypsy choir<\/a> of Ilya Sokolov<\/strong> (1777\u20131848) \u2014 the conductor and soloist of the Yar restaurant choir, to whom Pushkin addressed the quatrain “So the old grumbler, the gypsy Ilya…<\/a>“. By the will of her St. Petersburg relatives, Sophie finds herself immersed in the very epicenter of the subculture of the male half of the 19th-century Russian nobility, with its cult of “freedom-loving” gypsies \u2014 the very “gypsy-ism” that was repeatedly romanticized in Russian literature, starting with Pushkin. The phenomenon of Russian men’s attraction to “gypsy-ism” is explained by the highly regulated nature of noble life; the Gypsy choir offered an emotional, musical, and erotic “freedom” that became fashionable. Sophie, of course, evaluates only the external aspects of the performance, primarily the vocals and the exotic clothing and dances, which impressed her so much that in the evening, she “spoke a great deal more with Arthur about the Gypsies.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Engelhardt Hall:<\/strong> The concert takes place in Engelhardt Hall<\/strong> \u2014 the famous concert hall in Vasily Engelhardt’s house on Nevsky Prospekt (No. 30, now the Small Hall of the Philharmonia). It was there that concerts and masquerades, including those described by Lermontov in his play “Masquerade,” were held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Concert Structure:<\/strong> The diary brilliantly describes the arrangement of concerts at that time: to allow the Gypsy singers to rest, a military regimental orchestra (Regiments-Musik) would play for the audience during the pauses between their numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Ilya Sokolov<\/strong> –<\/strong> Ilya Osipovich Sokolov<\/a> (1777\u20131848) \u2014 the leader of the Moscow Gypsy choir. The description of how he, already an old man, dances with “incredible liveliness and flexibility” with a portly Gypsy woman is a living slice of the cultural history of the Russian Empire!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Mademoiselle Leocadie [Uglinskaya]<\/strong> – Leocadia Alexandrovna Uglinskaya (ca. 1821 \u2014 ?) was a grand-niece of Lermontov’s grandmother, E. A. Arsenyeva, who in her will of October 30, 1841, bequeathed her 25,000 rubles. She was the sister of Alexandra Albrecht. It is unclear from Sophie’s diary why her cousin Louise “so often tells” of her. The expression “I had the pleasure of seeing” should probably be taken as irony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. “For the last time, all together at Grandmother’s”:<\/strong> This phrase (February 4th) is a signal that the father’s arrival was not just a visit. They are beginning to say their farewells to the elder relatives before their imminent return to Estonia. Our St. Petersburg journey is reaching its final stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Fr[\u00e4ulein] Cramer<\/strong> \u2013<\/strong> evidently, one of the daughters of Benedict Cramer, the sister of General Ovander’s wife. Her presence at the family dinner shows the close ties between the Severin and Cramer families, both through kinship and business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Nette R\u00fc[diger]<\/strong> \u2013 we encounter the name of Fr\u00e4ulein R\u00fcdiger for the first time. This must be Nette, or Anna R\u00fcdiger (1822-?), granddaughter of the Vyborg governor Karl Magnus R\u00fcdiger, who died in 1821 in Hapsal, and daughter of Major General Alexander R\u00fcdiger (1782-1825). As an orphan, she apparently lived with wealthy relatives as a companion.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Opochinin again!<\/strong> The fame of the musical evenings at Aunt Louise’s is spreading throughout St. Petersburg. Sophie diligently practices her singing from the morning, because in the evening she is once again expecting the brilliant Russian baritone Vladimir Opochinin (Apalschenin<\/em>), whom we met in the previous pages!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Zakharyevskaya  \u2013<\/strong>Zakharyevskaya Street<\/a> is located in the same area as the barracks of the Chevalier Guard Regiment. In just a few months in St. Petersburg, Sophie has not only thoroughly mastered the Russian language but also the topography of the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Haberzang<\/strong> –  Johann Gottlieb (Ivan Vasilyevich), Doctor of Medicine, State Councillor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Empathy at the Table:<\/strong> On Thursday, Sophie demonstrates her wonderful, sensitive nature. At a large formal dinner (for 20 people), Herr Ovander is seated opposite her. He has been “abandoned” \u2014 none of his neighbors are engaging him in polite conversation, and Sophie sincerely pities him (ich empfand Mitleid<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. That Arthur was with us requires<\/strong> a separate mention<\/strong>. This is simply delightful! Sophie hides a little intrigue in the margins of her diary. It seems the competition for Sophie’s attention between Stender and Arthur continues. And Arthur is clearly winning! Arthur Knorring (the very same “most charming man” whom she “very much likes” and with whom she discussed the Gypsies all evening) requires “a separate mention,” whereas Stender “arrives uninvited.” The true secrets of St. Petersburg’s drawing-rooms!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. “The Barber of Seville” in the Drawing-Room:<\/strong> This is fantastic! Sophie reveals the repertoire of their home concert. Sophie sings a duet from Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni” with Opochinin (possibly “L\u00e0 ci darem la mano”<\/strong>). The highlight of the evening was the duet from Gioachino Rossini’s opera “The Barber of Seville” – “Dunque io son… tu non m’inganni?”<\/em> (“So it is I… you do not deceive me?”). Sophie sang Rosina, and the celebrated Opochinin (Apalschenin) sang Figaro! Rosina’s part requires a very refined singing technique, with fast passages, short groups of sixteenth notes, descending runs, and fine ornamentation. The maestro’s lessons found a brilliant confirmation – Sophie effectively passed her exam!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. The Gallant Maestro and His Grumpy Wife:<\/strong> The intrigue of the previous page is resolved – Tamburini brought Sophie a gift of a bound music notebook (B\u00e4ndchen Notenheft<\/em>) and gallantly kissed her hand. The next day, however, the great Italian arrived for the lesson with a headache and in a bad mood (mauvaise humeur<\/em>). Sophie, like a true chronicler, notes the reason: he had quarreled with his wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. Theological Disputation of the Youth:<\/strong> The entry for February 6th is one of the most profound and psychological in the entire diary. The young people of St. Petersburg are sitting in the drawing-room seriously discussing a theological question: what brings a person closer to God – joy or sorrow?<\/strong> Sophie (who recently buried her sister, broke off an engagement, and was seriously ill) along with Arthur argues that it is Sorrow. But her more carefree cousins (Louise and Fr\u00e4ulein R\u00fcdiger, who flutter from ball to masquerade) defend Joy. This is a perfect slice of the worldview of the Romantic era! It is interesting what ultimately guided Arthur’s choice of opinion \u2013 his actual beliefs or his sympathy for Sophie?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. Tambour Embroidery:<\/strong> They head to the Gostiny Dvor on Nevsky Prospekt. There, Sophie buys a summer parasol (in preparation for the spring season or a trip) and supplies for Tambourin<\/em> \u2014 a popular 19th-century embroidery technique that required special round hoops resembling a drum (tambourine). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

26. A Gift for the Maestro:<\/strong> In response to the music notebook he had previously given her, Sophie decides to make a reciprocal gesture and begins a piece of needlework: she is sewing or embroidering a pocketbook (Taschenbuch<\/em>) for Antonio Tamburini.   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

27. A Drive along the “Perspective”:<\/strong> Sophie describes a typical problem of the St. Petersburg winter during a thaw. The snow on Nevsky Prospekt (which at that time was often called by its French-style name, Perspective<\/em>) had melted, exposing the cobblestone pavement and leaving behind nothing but mud (lauter Koth<\/em>). A sleigh ride over the stones without a snow cover caused the passengers physical suffering, which Sophie describes with the word Tormenten<\/em> (torments). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

28. English Shop:<\/strong> On Friday, the ladies go to the famous English Shop, located on Nevsky Prospekt (near number 16). In the first half of the 19th century, it was one of the most prestigious commercial establishments in the capital, selling imported fabrics, haberdashery, and luxury goods. There, Sophie buys dresses as gifts for her sisters who remained in Estonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

29. Dear Arthur<\/strong> \u2013<\/strong>Sophie’s own admission that she likes Arthur. It is especially significant in the context of her morning acquaintance with his sisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30. A Sudden Departure:<\/strong> The vertical note in the margin (“das war auf einmal die gewi\u00dfheit da\u00df ich am andern morgen abgereisth bin” – “that was at once the certainty that I was leaving the next morning”) is key. It was likely added by the author later. Judging by the text, the decision to leave was made swiftly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

31. Construction of the New Hermitage:<\/strong> The entry for February 14th is a fantastic piece of historical evidence! Sophie writes that they could not see the entire Hermitage because a part of it was “abgebrochen” (dismantled). It was precisely in 1842 that the architect Leo von Klenze began the large-scale construction of the New Hermitage<\/strong> building (the one with the Atlantes). For this purpose, the old buildings on the site were mercilessly demolished. Sophie witnessed this great construction project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

32. On Foot across the Neva Ice:<\/strong> Unable to get into the Hermitage, they go to the embankment, descend onto the ice, and walk across the frozen Neva to the Peter and Paul Fortress. In the 19th century (before the construction of permanent bridges), the ice of the Neva was a main pedestrian thoroughfare of the city in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

32.2 Peter and Paul Fortress<\/strong><\/a>\u2013<\/strong> the original citadel of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Its grounds include the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which served as the burial place for the representatives of the Romanov dynasty, starting with Peter the Great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

33. The Tomb of Konstantin Pavlovich and the Keys of Poland:<\/strong> In the Peter and Paul Cathedral, Sophie describes the trophies with incredible accuracy. She sees Turkish banners (likely trophies from the Russo-Turkish War of 1828\u20131829) and, most importantly, on the tomb of Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich (Nicholas I’s brother), lie the “keys of Poland” (Schl\u00fc\u00dfeln von Pohlen)<\/strong>. Konstantin was the viceroy in the Kingdom of Poland and fled Warsaw during the uprising of 1830 (he died of cholera in 1831). After the suppression of the uprising, the keys to the surrendered Warsaw were indeed ceremoniously placed on his tomb in St. Petersburg. The fact that Sophie, a Baltic German, pays such close attention to this is very telling! During the Soviet era, these military trophies were destroyed as a “shameful” legacy of the tsarist times.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

34. Annenkirche and Theology:<\/strong> On Sunday, they go to the famous Lutheran Church of Saint Anna (Annenkirche) on Kirochnaya Street. Sophie, as always, critically assesses the theology: Pastor B\u00f6se spoke too much about Werkgerechtigkeit<\/em> (righteousness by works), which for true Pietist Protestants (who believe in salvation by faith and grace alone) was a sign of a “weak” sermon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

35. Kursell and the Student:<\/strong> The drama continues! At Madame Andreeva’s home over a good dinner, the relatives once again “very animatedly discuss” the rejected suitor Kursell and some unnamed “student.” Apparently, the family council regarding Sophie’s personal life is still in full swing. Considering that Arthur Knorring was a student at the University of Dorpat at the time, the discussion resembles a comparison of potential suitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

36. A Baltic German Dialect Word (eingemorschelt):<\/strong> Sophie uses a charming little word, eingemorschelt<\/em> (from the dialectal einmurscheln \/ einmummeln<\/em> \u2014 to bundle up to the ears). Six of them were crammed into an open hired sleigh, and she and her aunt had to wrap themselves so tightly in their fur coats and blankets that it sent them all into fits of laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

37. For dinner [was] Arthur. After the meal, Herr von Knorring came with his daughters<\/strong> \u2013 the frequent visits from the Knorrings of Lugden as a whole family prove that there were some hopes of uniting the families through closer kinship ties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38. Divorce in the 19th Century (Scheidung):<\/strong> This is a real family drama of the era! Sophie writes that her governess’s sisters (Fr\u00e4ulein R\u00fcdiger) are having such problems in their family that it will come to a divorce. In the Russian Empire of the 1840s, the dissolution of a marriage was an exceptional matter, requiring the permission of church authorities, and was always accompanied by a colossal social scandal and a stigma of shame. It is no wonder that the poor governess returns home “very distressed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

39. An Order for the Quadrille (Order):<\/strong> Cousin Louise finally receives an “order” to participate in a masquerade quadrille at Grand Duchess H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Pavlovna’s. At imperial balls, complex costumed quadrilles were rehearsed for weeks, and to be chosen for one was considered the highest social honor. The preparation of a special dance (pas de folie) caused a veritable storm in the house! <\/p>\n\n\n

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A painting of “Paolo and Maria Taglioni in the ballet ‘La Sylphide'” (1832). Source: internet<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

40. Taglioni performed (spielte) for the last time in “La Sylphide” (der Silfide)<\/strong> \u2013 an account of incredible historical value, a true gem of the diary. Even if Sophie had written nothing else about her stay in St. Petersburg, the diary would be worth publishing for this entry alone. Sophie has left for history a sufficiently detailed description of the ballet “La Sylphide,”<\/a> which to this day forms the core of the repertoire and the glory of many academic ballet companies! In most theaters, however, including in Russia, “La Sylphide” is staged in the version by the Danish choreographer August Bournonville to the music of the Danish composer Herman Severin L\u00f8venskiold. Sophie shares her impressions of the original version staged by F. Taglioni to the music of Schneitzhoeffer. This version was long forgotten and only artistically reconstructed in 1972 by the outstanding French choreographer and restorer of old choreography, Pierre Lacotte (see the Paris Opera Ballet’s 2004 production of La Sylphide here<\/a>. In the role of the Sylphide is the inimitable star of the Paris Opera, Aur\u00e9lie Dupont).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

41. The Baignoire Boxes (Baignoire Logen) and Theatre Etiquette:<\/strong> There were no tickets for the farewell performance of “La Sylphide,” and the family had to settle for a baignoire box (boxes at the parterre level). Sophie complains about this, revealing a theatrical custom of the time: “the gentlemen all stand in front of you, and there is nothing to be done about it.” The parterre (directly in front of the baignoire) had standing or passage areas for men (officers, dandies), who often obstructed the ladies’ view of the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

42. The Scandal of the Century \u2014 Trubetskoy and Taglioni:<\/strong> And this is a true diamond of high-society chronicles! The entire capital was whispering about the mad passion of the young, fabulously wealthy, and handsome Prince Alexander Vasilyevich Trubetskoy<\/strong><\/a> for Maria Taglioni. He spent enormous sums on her (for example, he gifted her the “Golden Palace”<\/a> in Venice), and there were serious rumors in society that the aristocrat would marry the dancer. Sophie, having seen Taglioni as the Sylphide, writes: “I understand very well<\/strong> why Trubetskoy is so in love with her that he wants to marry her.”<\/strong> (Incidentally, Trubetskoy never married her, but many years later, he married… her daughter!). A. Trubetskoy was dismissed from service on January 18, 1842, “for domestic reasons” with the rank of colonel and his uniform. Sophie, of course, knew almost firsthand the real reason for his resignation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

43. “La Sylphide” vs. “La Gitana”:<\/strong> Sophie acts as a ballet critic of the Romantic era. She has just seen the masterpiece \u2014 the ballet “La Sylphide” (probably with the same Maria Taglioni). She acknowledges its greatness (“a sublime spectacle”), but honestly writes that she preferred the noisy and colorful “La Gitana” with its gypsy dances. Was she influenced by her visit to the gypsies on February 3rd? Sophie’s artistic intuition failed her here. The ballet “La Gitana” has long since faded into oblivion, whereas “La Sylphide” is firmly rooted in the repertoire of ballet companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

44. The last time “La Sylphide” was performed \u2013<\/strong> a small but important note for the history of ballet. Until now, the date of the last performance of La Sylphide with Maria Taglioni in St. Petersburg was unknown. This is important not only from the perspective of pure ballet history. It is known, for example, what an impression Taglioni’s performances had on the young Fyodor Dostoevsky. “Of all the St. Petersburg pleasures, the theater attracted him most… Fyodor Mikhailovich always spoke with admiration of the impression made on him by the dancers Taglioni, Shlefokht, Smirnova, Andreyanova, and the dancer Johansson.” (A.E. Riesenkampf: Memoirs of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky<\/a>). The author of the monograph “Dostoevsky and His Characters in Theatre Seats, at Concerts, and in Places of Amusement<\/a>. 1837-1849,” citing A. Gozenpud, believes that Dostoevsky saw Taglioni “in the ballet ‘Gerta, or the Queen of the Elfrids,’… which premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre on January 26, 1842,” but with no less, and perhaps even greater, probability, one can speak of the last performance of “La Sylphide” on February 18, 1842.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

45. Meeting with the Heir to the Throne:<\/strong> An incredible coincidence on the embankment! Sophie is standing in a sleigh by the house where the Vyazemskys lived, and at that moment the Thronfolger<\/em> \u2014 the Heir to the Throne, Tsesarevich Alexander Nikolaevich (the future Emperor Alexander II, the Liberator) \u2014 drives past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

46. Ferdinand Ramm<\/strong> (1815-1871) \u2013 another family acquaintance from among the neighbors of the Estonian estates. Son of Klas von Ramm, owner of the Padis-Kloster estate (Estonian: Padise), in 1842 \u2013 a guards officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

47. Service in the Caucasus:<\/strong> The conversation with the young Knorring is a living breath of the era of Lermontov and Tolstoy. Knorring announces that in two days he is leaving to serve in den Caucasus<\/em> (in the Caucasus). In the 1840s, the Caucasian War was in full swing, and service there was for young noblemen both a place of exile and a way to quickly advance their military careers. It seems that Sophie’s departure to Estonia and the unnamed Knorring’s departure to the Caucasus were interconnected events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

48. Hassing<\/strong> –  Alexander (Karl Ewald Alexander) Ivanovich Hassing (1788 -1844)\u2014 Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, Actual State Councillor, General Staff Doctor of the Fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

49. Language Barrier in the Salon:<\/strong> On Friday, an awkward but typical St. Petersburg situation arises. Sophie chats with the old man Hassing in Russian (!), and a visiting lady (probably English or French) is forced to sit in silence, as she does not understand the language in which the conversation<\/em> is being conducted (the lady probably spoke only English\/French).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

50. Packing for the Road:<\/strong> At last! Saturday, February 21, 1842. Sophie writes: “Am morgen brachte ich meine Sachen in Ordnung” (In the morning, I put my things in order). She makes her farewell visits to numerous acquaintances with her aunt and ends the page with a long-awaited confession: this is probably her last evening in St. Petersburg. The real finale of the journey is on the next page!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

51. To Rozinsky’s, to Osterlov’s, to Zhadimirovsky’s<\/strong>: this likely refers to the shops of merchants to make purchases. Rozinsky \u2013<\/strong> Alexander Karlovich Rozinsky, a St. Petersburg merchant of the 3rd guild, resided (and traded?) on Nevsky Prospekt in the Loubier House; Osterlov, Johann Yakovlevich,<\/strong> a merchant of the 3rd guild, resided on Vasilyevsky Island in his own house; the Zhadimirovskys<\/strong> lived in a house on Bolshaya Morskaya Street. Sophie also had personal connections with the Zhadimirovskys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

52. Closing the Chapter with Kursell:<\/strong> On her (presumably) last evening in St. Petersburg, Sophie sits down with her matriarchal grandmother and speaks frankly about her rejected suitor, von Kursell. This conversation is physically difficult for her (“the blood rushed to my head”), but the wise support of her grandmother brings her relief. The circle is complete: the young woman arrived in the capital depressed over this engagement, and she leaves having received a blessing and peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

53. A Touching Farewell to the Maestro:<\/strong> Sophie’s relationship with the famous Italian baritone Tamburini was full of drama: he would disappear for weeks, she would get angry, he would arrive out of sorts because of his wife. But at their last meeting on February 22nd, when Sophie is too hoarse to utter a sound, the world-famous opera star simply sits with her for a whole hour, and they “chatted very pleasantly.” A beautiful, human chord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

54. The Social Whirl Continues:<\/strong> And while Sophie packs her things and philosophizes, St. Petersburg continues its bustling life. Cousin Louise goes to a tanzprobe<\/em> (dance rehearsal) \u2014 undoubtedly, she is still perfecting that same quadrille figure for the grand ball at the Grand Duchess’s, and the other family members are dancing at the lavish ball of the Branitzkys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

55. An Abrupt End:<\/strong> This is the most cinematic ending one could imagine! On the morning of February 23rd, Tamburini arrives. Sophie begins to record this… and drops her pen. Why? Perhaps at that very moment, the carriages for the departure to Estonia were brought to the house, and her father hurried her along. The notebook was thrown into a trunk and never filled again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Estonian National Archives (EAA). F. 1334. Op. 1. D. 78.<\/strong> EAA.5269.1.106<\/a> Tagebuch der Sophie von Knorring. [The Diary of Sophie von Knorring. Vol. II] (1841\u20131842).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2190 Read January, 1842<\/a><\/strong><\/em> | List of all names and events\u2192<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2190 Read January, 1842 | List of all names and events\u2192 Begun around May 1, 1841, at her parents’ estate Paschlep, and concluded around March 1, 1842, in St. Petersburg*. The entire diary text is… <\/p>\n

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