Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 4, 1872

Overview

The day began with a trip into town after R. had already been at work, followed by lunch with the Feustels and disquieting news about Ottilie’s son-in-law, who seemed to be reduced to looking for work with the railroad. Herr von Gersdorff arrived in the afternoon, and conversation turned excitedly to Tristan, which had made a powerful impression on everyone. Later, Marie Muchanoff came, and what should have been a happy reunion was dulled by talk of gossip and slights in the outside world. The evening ended quietly with the four of them talking alone about many things.

Content

Thursday, July 4:

Into town early, but after R. had done some work. Lunch with the Feustels; bad news of Ottilie’s son-in-law, von Berckefeld, who appears to have been reduced to seeking a job with the railroad!

At three o’clock, arrival of Herr von Gersdorff. Much about Tristan; tremendous impression on everybody. A Herr Hillebrand is reported to have said, “It is like the Eleusinian mysteries.”

At 9:15, our friend Marie Muchanoff; R. buys sausages, and I accompany our friend to the Fantaisie. The great joy of seeing her is soon clouded over by reports of this world. She relates, among other things, that Frau von Meyendorff complained of the poor reception she was accorded here! Yes, Herr von G. had heard about that in Tegernsee, etc.

The four of us alone in the evening, talking about all kinds of things.