Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of March 18, 1872

Overview

R. had a better night but remained badly exhausted and unable to work, which for me was the clearest sign of how serious things were. Dr. Kafka’s letter brought encouraging subscription figures from Vienna and the prospect of even more money by concert time. I found Hans’s letter in town, full of irritation toward Germany and Germans, and later a package arrived from London with an article about Richard Wagner. Storms and a subdued dancing lesson made the rest of the day feel heavy, though we kept the evening quiet.

Content

Monday, March 18:

R. had a good night, but is still very run down. Letter from Dr. Kafka, who reports that 99,000 florins have been subscribed in Vienna, and 50,000 florins will definitely have been collected by the time of the concert. R. cannot work, which says everything as far as I am concerned; he also looks very run down.

In town with the children; found letters, one from Hans, full of ill humour against Germany and all things German. Package from Herr Franz Hiiffer in London with an article, “Richard Wagner,” in a review. Dancing lesson, storm, spent the evening quietly with R.