Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 10, 1872

Overview

She began the day with a headache and letters from the children, then went with Lenbach to the Belvedere to see splendid Titian paintings. At rehearsal R. was dissatisfied, complaining that the orchestra had declined over the years and criticizing its lazy applause, while also noting the strange spectacle of admirers crowding around him. Among those present were Frl. Gallmeyer, several nobles, and Dr. Standhartner, who brought word that Prague was considering a Wagner Society with Czech and Bohemian representation, a proposal that seemed to R. to confirm the unifying power of Wagnerian art.

Content

Friday, May 10:

Headache. Letter from the children. In the Belvedere with Lenbach; splendid Titians. At 9 o’clock rehearsal, R. dissatisfied; the orchestra has got 10 percent worse in 10 years.

Letter from A. Frommann. R. says the orchestral players clapped too much, out of idleness, to produce an easy-going atmosphere. R. is also indignant over the absurd situation in which ovations put him.

A very curious thing: Frl. Gallmeyer, the soubrette, was at the rehearsal, in a corner, with tears in her eyes. Princess Liechtenstein, Countess Rossi, daughter of Henriette Sontag, Count and Countess D. at the rehearsal.

The trombones produce no tone, for there are no natural trumpets left in the orchestra. Dr. Standhartner reports that people wish to form a Wagner Society in Prague and are inquiring through a member whether Wagner would agree to Czechs and Bohemians being represented in it in equal numbers. Wagnerian art is the only kind which unites hostile elements.

In the evening Dr. Kafka and some friends.