Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 18, 1872

Overview

On a fine day she and R. go shopping, then prepare for an evening that will gather about twenty Bayreuth gentlemen around her father. The guests are delighted as Liszt plays for them, and R. responds with a toast honoring his spirit and Christian goodness. The evening includes little pleasure from Frau Kastner's singing, but the gathering still feels socially successful and full of stature.

Content

Friday, October 18:

Fine day. I go with R. to buy things; at one o’clock back for the clerk. My father prepares a program for the evening, when we shall have about twenty gentlemen from Bayreuth with us. Herr and Frau Kastner, the man proving to be a capable and modest copyist, are to appear with him.

In the afternoon I make my little preparations, and in the evening my father really does play for the people and captivates them all. R. proposes a toast: “Noble spirit and good Christian, long live Franz Liszt!” Frau Kastner’s singing provides little pleasure. Among the guests the district president, Baron Lerchenfeld.