Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 8, 1872

Overview

The first letter from the children reported that they were well, which brought relief. At rehearsal, the players were thrilled to perform under R., and he allowed Conservatoire students to attend, drawing much cheering before withdrawing to rest. The day also brought social chatter about Hans, Rubinstein, the hostility of his wife to Wagner's music, and the aristocracy's passivity toward Bayreuth, while Herbeck tried to defend himself over the Meistersinger affair and R. later played to a brilliant audience despite poor execution.

Content

Wednesday, May 8:

First letter from the children; they are well. Drove to the rehearsal; nice reception, the players glowing with pleasure at playing under R. Music from Tannhäuser and Tristan. R. allows the students from the Conservatoire in, much cheering.

After the rehearsal he lies down and I return Countess D.’s visit; heard nice things about Hans, am told he speaks of me with respect, says how happy he is that his children have the best of mothers, while he is the worst of fathers.

Then the Countess talks of Rubinstein, who left Vienna in a fury over its Wagnerianism. His wife had also flown into a rage over Wagner’s music and had walked out of the performance of Die Meistersinger. And finally of the aristocracy, which is completely passive toward Bayreuth.

In the afternoon Herbeck brings a heap of papers to justify himself in the Meistersinger affair; I prefer not to look at them, telling him that among friends no papers are necessary. At 7 o’clock Rienzi, execrably played to a brilliant audience.