Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 9, 1872

Overview

Wagner remains sleepless and unwell, and a letter from the councilor gives him little pleasure, though he continues to respect the King’s loyalty to the original plan. Despite feeling weak, he returns to work and the couple takes a drive through weather that shifts from sunshine to snow. Their evening reading of the Choephoroi leaves them deeply moved, while criticism of her father’s Christus stokes Wagner’s indignation and his resolve to exclude reviewers from a Vienna concert.

Content

Tuesday, January 9:

R. still not having good nights. Councilor D.'s letter gave him little pleasure. 'But I must always increasingly respect and admire the way the King keeps to the original position and fulfills my wishes despite everything.' The councilor wrote that with his 25,000 thalers for certificates of patronage the King had really had in mind sending people there, perhaps Herr v. Perfall.

R. could not work yesterday, but today he sits down again at his loom. Unfortunately he does not feel well. We go for a drive together; a fine, sunny morning has transformed itself into a wild, snowy afternoon. In the evening we read Choephoroi, which deeply moved us.