Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 20, 1872

Overview

Visitors come and go through the day, but the center remains the family meal, where her father is pleased by the children's behavior and everyone seems comfortable together. After a walk in the palace gardens, the evening turns musical, with Bach fugues, Tristan, and her father's own pieces filling the room. She feels a strong wish that he should stay permanently, though she doubts practical sense will support such hopes, and she is struck by how liberal and politically perceptive he has become despite his exhaustion.

Content

Sunday, October 20:

My father writes; visitors come: Baron Lerchenfeld, Herr Kolb, Herr Feustel. Family lunch; my father is pleased with the children, and they behave quite well. After lunch a walk with the children in the palace gardens.

In the evening music: my father plays fugues by Bach, the “A-flat Major” from Tristan, and several of his own compositions. A great, relaxed feeling that he belongs with us, that we should not let him part from us. Plans of a permanent residence here.

But alas, I hardly believe in common sense any more. My father in all matters remarkably liberal, admires Bismarck, recognizes the power of Protestant hymns, thinks the Clerical party finished; but he is tired, tired!