Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 2, 1871

Overview

Cosima speaks painfully with the children and handles a wide range of correspondence while Wagner works on his essay. Italian reports note Verdi's discreet attendance at Lohengrin, lending the Bologna success further significance. Schopenhauer gives both of them an exalted feeling about life despite the day's sorrow.

Content

Saturday, December 2:

Talked to the children, much sorrow. Also letters of all kinds (Gerson, Rothschild, Frau Tausig, Countess B., Marie Schl.). R. works on his essay. Report from Italy, Verdi at a performance of Lohengrin, applauded by the public on that account, but he stayed at the back of his box so as not to distract from the solemnity of the performance. We continue reading Schopenhauer. Feelings of exaltation regarding life.