Category: Cosima Wagner Diaries

Many household duties; farewell to Herr Scharff. In the evening a farewell meal for Herr Unger, who now goes with Prof. Hey to Munich. — Letter from my mother, rejoicing in the alleged rebirth of France; she also speaks of the incredible prosperity of this country. While here, need prevails…

R. alas had a bad night! … The medalist Scharff will be finished with the medal; technically it appears the better, yet in expression the previous one pleases me more. In the afternoon R. to the examination of Herr Unger, returning with the firm conviction that he will be able…

R. is persuaded that his indisposition springs from the vexation caused him by Niemann. I tell him one must resolve to regard him as a meteor, and then also endure the meteor-stones that fall upon one’s head. Errands for the children—R. keeps quiet yet is still not wholly well. In…

R. unwell, must remain in bed! Appears to be a chill. Much time with the children during the day (letters written to the elder ones); in the evening alone in my little grey chamber. A violent storm; the equinox—it is said not to be good to be at sea at…

Much business; the Americans very importunate as ever; a new patron, Jacques Blumenthal. The medalist Scharff to dinner, who relates much concerning the hopeless condition of affairs in Austria—for what does the Austrian fight, when he goes to war? In Hungary all who speak German are dismissed! In Bohemia, three…

Good night for all; R. writes to Dr. Jauner, in very earnest terms, against Tristan and Isolde in Vienna with Vogl. We discuss what Betz and what Niemann may reply; it is most grievous to deal with beings who speak an altogether different language. R. says, rightly, that he expects…