Category: Cosima Wagner Diaries

A prolonged and good spell of work with Lusch—literature, English, French. In the afternoon arrival of Herr Betz, who came together with Herr Brandt. Since “an engineer” had been announced, I took (as a result of my weak eyes) Herr Betz to be this man, and when R. entered and…

R. receives a letter from Councilor Dufflipp: the King sends friendly greetings to him and me. He orchestrates a page of Götterdämmerung. In the evening the musicians again; we learn that the article, which has been reproduced in all newspapers, has alarmed some singers, who however much they would like…

Severe thunderstorm in the morning, it felt as if Wahnfried would collapse. — Visit from the conductor Doppler from Vienna. R. discusses his Viennese experiences. — Regarding the present state of affairs fit is said that the Jesuit university in Lille is now to be built in great splendor), R….

Did English, French, literature with Lusch, with much enjoyment; R. asks if I really believe that a child of this age can be interested in such things, though he remembers that when he was eight the poems “The Hostage” and “The Diver” had indeed made a tremendous impression on him….

R. wanted to start today on the 3rd act of Götterdammerung, but all sorts of things cropped up, and it is not so easy to get back into the thread. I go with Lusch to see the former governess of the Grand Duchess of Oldenburg regarding Italian lessons, which she…

A letter came yesterday from Marie Schleinitz, reporting the sale of the Menzel water color for Bayreuth (1,200 thalers) and at the same time the death of the charming wife of the Russian ambassador, who threw herself into the lake at Potsdam; I am very touched by what my friend…