Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 5, 1872

Overview

R. came home at noon, and their reunion filled the day with joy after his absence. He recounted Bayreuth developments, harsh encounters with the Wagneriana circle, and his disgust with Berlin, while she shared the letters that had arrived in his absence. The evening was spent in intimate conversation, with both of them savoring the relief and happiness of being together again.

Content

Monday, February 5:

Day of return! I expect R. at twelve, and he really comes! Happiness, joy, delight, bliss; all of this for us in this hour of reunion.

R. says that my letters always seemed to him like a voice from the Ganges, and now he is back again on the Ganges. Much to be related; the Wagneriana vanished into thin air, much Jewishness to put up with; but, on the other hand, Bayreuth, “my greatest practical stroke of genius.”

The Wagneriana had withdrawn their signatures because, at the banquet in Berlin, Tausig had not introduced the members by name, thus, so to speak, denying them. Jewish sensitivity and Jewish revenge. Cohn unbelievably brazen. R. has a profound repugnance for Berlin.

The evening passes in all sorts of talk; I recount to him the contents of letters which arrived during his absence. The infinite joy of seeing each other, having each other again!