April 1738
VeniceI visited Rachel often in the beginning, although the time spent together was difficult for me. The doctors allowed me some privacy while we visited, but that allowance was limited to about one hour each time. They would reappear after that interval and, with their application of medication and attention to Rachel's mood, indicate to me that my visit should come to an end.
“Is there still music?” she asked me soon after my arrival each time.
“Yes, there is still music,” although I didn't understand the meaning of her question. I queried the doctors about this and they commented that she seemed preoccupied with music, usually speaking of the violin specifically, and that she asked about concerts in the city, and about Antonio Vivaldi often.
The man himself had become a
