Category: Cosima Wagner Diaries

With R. to Haas[1], looked at oriental things and bought a few items. R. visits his friend, Princess Metternich[2], who, despite her affected hatred of Germans, greets him with great joy and leaves a decidedly pleasant impression. I visit Countess Andrássy with Marie Dönhoff, and the extremely favorable impression from…

Second rehearsal; the tubas are indeed here, but Richter forgot to have the harp parts copied. Resolved not to go to Pest, at least not to give a concert there. A mutinous spirit in the orchestra; because these people always have poor conductors, who can only maintain their position due…

First rehearsal – the incredible negligence of Richter (he did not send the tubas, and the promised tubists will not come![1]) causes much distress. Nevertheless, since the orchestra reads well from the parts, the impression is overwhelming. Everything previously known fades; like the most powerful force in nature, the music…

Wrote to the children (for the second time), made some errands. In the afternoon, drove to Princess Hohenlohe, meeting her for the first time in 15 years, odd impression. Afterwards, with the charming Marie D., saw Prince Liechtenstein again. R. holds a rehearsal with Frau Materna and Glatz; not exactly…

R. slept very well, I sleepless, thinking anxiously of the house. Visits with R.; to Makart’s astonishing studio; a sublime cupboard of curiosities.[1] To Angeli, in the evening to “Fidelio”, not a bad performance. R. not with me. (Saw Uncle Liszt again.) [1] The word “Rumpelkammer” cannot be directly translated…

Packing and saying our goodbyes, arrangements made. On the train, I waved to the children. R. and I "for the first time alone"[1] in a long while, meaning for the moment free from worries. A serene mood comes over us; also hope the children are well taken care of. Much…