Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 11, 1872

Overview

The final rehearsal focused heavily on the Eroica, and R. insisted on calm by forbidding ovations. The household welcomed Count and Countess Krockow, and at lunch R. spoke movingly about their relationship and the hardships that led to it, calling her his royal wife. Later they drove first to see a splendid Rembrandt at Count Lanckoronski's and then to the Prater, before an evening visit from Count Donhoff, his wife, Lenbach, and other Wagnerians.

Content

Saturday, May 11:

Final rehearsal; much time spent on the Eroica. R. has forbidden ovations, peace and quiet. Arrival of Count and Countess Krockow. R. not dissatisfied. Intimate lunch at home.

R. talks of our relationship, tells how it all came about, what we went through, calls me his royal wife; great emotion.

Went for a drive; first to Count Lanckoronski’s to see a splendid Rembrandt, then to the Prater. Lovely evening sunshine. In the evening Count Dönhoff with his charming wife, Lenbach, and some Wagnerians. Also Countess Rossi.