Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 20, 1872

Overview

The first rehearsal was deeply moving, with R. greeting the musicians solemnly and the day feeling like a gathering of many German regions around art. The writers note both the excitement and the need for much more work, especially since the performers still lacked a full sense of interpretation. By evening, after more rehearsal and many visits from friends including Malwida Meysenbug, R. was tired but elated by the success.

Content

Monday, May 20:

First rehearsal, fine and touching welcome to the musicians from R., all in solemn mood, the only ones out of place the critics Gumprecht and Engel, who, in spite of R.'s veto, have taken up certificates of patronage in order to be here.

Much to be learned; the musicians as yet have no idea of the interpretation. Another rehearsal in the afternoon, this time with the singers. Frl. Lehmann very good.

Malwida Meysenbug also here, to our great delight. Several from Florence. In the evening I with Marie Schleinitz, Baron Loën from Weimar, Ernst Dohm, Prof. Rohde, Nietzsche, Gersdorff, etc.

R. to bed immediately after the rehearsal; tired, but very exhilarated by his success. All the tribes of Germany are represented, and none has any other interest beyond his pleasure in art.