Category: Cosima Wagner Diaries

The mood remains gloomy: “I am missing a hero,” as it says at the beginning of “Don Juan”, R. jokes, though without cheer. He writes to Niemann, lamenting his plight over Siegfried. Will it help? … In the evening, he takes up “The Jewess”, finding joy in the grand style…

Breakfast in the summer house, followed by a walk in the court garden; R. drinks his spring water. — Still no idea where the Siegfried is to come from; in the afternoon, drove up to the theatre, where, as usual, we learn nothing but discouraging news — the workers are…

R. not too tired, the Ritters are staying with us, beautiful weather in the evening, Brandt the machinist visits, much to discuss, including the rainbow bridge.[1] Later, R. takes up several parts of the “La Vestale”[2] with great joy. [1] Image: “Rheingold”, Scene 4.[2] “La Vestale”, opera by Gaspare Spontini…

At first light, the children offer their congratulations, Venetian glass (if the glass breaks, good fortune will continue); at eleven, a second greeting, Faith, Love, Hope (Fidi, Loldi, Eva), 62 light balloons lit in the hall, with the “Huldigungsmarsch” played alongside. R. says to me that I have given him…

R. occupied with many letters, I with the birthday matters and the children’s lessons. In the afternoon, a general outing to Fantaisie, glorious weather, lovely spirits. Upon our return home, we are surprised by the arrival of the Ritters, Franziska and Alexander; a cheerful evening spent in lively conversation. Traduzione…

Much going on, as always, for R.'s birthday; he is occupied with orchestral arrangements. In between, Gfrörer and Moltke; the conversation between the two before Sedan, on whether or not to show magnanimity, pleases R. greatly; he envies the men of action! … In the evening, we watched the moonrise…