Category: Cosima Wagner Diaries

I start my year with a headache, I write in this book and take care of business, plus some letters and tidying the rooms to start my year well. – Exchange cards with local friends. R. has his troubles with Mr. Voltz and Batz. –  It is very strange to…

New Year’s Eve, at the conclusion Knecht Ruprecht, since he is connected with the forest! — “Tat tvam asi,” R. says to me again, “this is you,” pointing out everything to me—the children, the house, his works. —  When he goes out in the afternoon he always takes bread for…

The big girls on the ice, first injuries to Lusch’s pride, the little ones playing with their toys, I at my writing desk! … In the afternoon Lusch writes to her father. In the evening our four musicians; R. reads them his letter to the conductor Klughardt [1], which is…

As a result of yesterday evening, I write to the headmistress and ask her to take my children about the time we go away. —  The children invited out, return home in high spirits, Fidi full of stories. No reading in the evening, playing with the children downstairs. (I read…

Visit from friend Feustel concerning the affair of the mason and especially the clause in the contract whereby from the 410th certificate of patronage onward all money coming in must be paid to the royal treasury; the concerts are also included; and money can only be requested for use on…

Gersdorff has sent me a splendid print taken from Moretto’s picture The Coronation of Mary in Brescia, one of the most moving creations that I know. I am very touched that friend Gersdorff should have thought of me when looking at this picture. R. goes for a walk with Fidi,…