Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 5, 1872

Overview

After a bad night, they briefly revisit the Gurzenich Hall and another church before departing Cologne for Deutz and then Düsseldorf. A planned look at Solomon turns into an unwanted reception and banquet because Diener has announced Wagner's arrival. Wagner is worn down by the social obligations and by the dull performance, in which Diener again disappoints. They catch the night train and arrive in Hanover in the early hours.

Content

Thursday, December 5:

In spite of a very bad night R. goes out with me to visit the beautiful Gürzenich Hall and even Saint Mary in the Capitol.

At 4 o’clock we leave for Deutz, and from there to Düsseldorf, where we are told that Handel’s Solomon is being performed with visiting artists. Unfortunately Diener, who is appearing in it, had talked about R.’s arrival, and so there is a reception, invitation to a banquet, etc., which drives R. to despair.

We listen to the first part of the stiff and boring oratorio and then hurry away, Diener again singing “from his stomach to his palate.” Night train, arriving at two o’clock in Hanover. Rheinischer Hof.