Category: Cosima Wagner Diaries

Various Hoffmann and Bruckner capers, to the great annoyance of Richard, whose work is much hindered thereby. Visit from a cathedral organist from Augsburg, an enthusiastic Swabian with all the warmth and vitality of the South German character. In the evening the mayor, still in connection with the Hoffmann affair….

Departure of Herr Wesendonck. R. says to him, “Since you have shown so much sympathy toward me, you must be pleased to see me now so content,” whereupon his good friend shows signs of emotion as he bids R. goodbye. —  Stormy weather, summer now probably over.  Our sgraffito man…

After writing some business letters (having noticed that copyright in melody has been forgotten in the new Reich law on authors’ rights in Germany), R. exclaims, “This is what we call progress—stumbling along in the wake of the French and the English.” In the afternoon, visit from Herr Wesendonck, whom…

Start of school for Boni. Worked with Lusch. R. finishes his letter of seven full sheets to the King; then starts again on his work.  I have the task of writing to Herr Hoffmann and the brothers Brückner; it seems the latter do not wish to work with the former,…

R. goes on writing, and I work with the children. A walk in the afternoon; the whole countryside completely parched.  It is reported in the newspaper that the King is only waiting for the performances in Bayreuth before setting up a regency and going on a journey to India. Strangely…