Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 22, 1873

Overview

The day begins with social calls and a visit from Fritz Brockhaus, followed by a telegram to Fidi that improves Wagner's spirits. In the evening, the theater is brightly lit and the city is enthusiastic, but the performance of Die Meistersinger is poor and the gala dinner afterward feels awkwardly managed. Wagner and his companion are tired and somewhat vexed by the event's missteps. The day mixes public display with disappointment in execution.

Content

Wednesday, January 22:

Returned many calls; while we were out yesterday, a section of Hamburg society called here. Fritz Brockhaus, who has come over from Kiel, accompanies me. Returning home at 4 o’clock I find R. in good spirits; he has sent a telegram to Fidi.

At 7 o’clock to the theater, the house with gala lighting, flourishes on arrival and departure, cheering in the street - but unfortunately a very bad performance of Die Meistersinger, and after it a gala dinner given by the performers, who had not been admitted to the patricians’ first banquet! Great weariness and some vexation over the awkwardness of the arrangements. Home around 2 o’clock.