Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 9, 1873

Overview

The day is unsettled by dreams and fatigue, but mostly passed in the company of the children. A journal notice about an essay competition on The Ring of the Nibelung pleases the narrator for its seriousness and prestige, suggesting Wagner’s growing cultural force. Small domestic scenes, like Fidi’s question and a conversation with the mayor, give the day a modest, grounded rhythm.

Content

Sunday, February 9:

Restless night; I dream of murder at the hands of Dr. J. Lang!

Again spent all day with the children, just writing a few letters (to Marie Schl. and our Hamburg friends). Kahnt’s journal announces a competition for the best essay on Der Ring des Nibelungen; the judges will be Karl Simrock in Bonn, the Germanist Dr. Moritz Heyne, and friend Nietzsche, and the prize is a certificate of patronage. The idea and the way in which it is being presented are both excellent.

R. goes to Angermann’s (beer) with Fidi; as they sit down, Fidi asks, “But where will Rus sit?” R. is very tired, has to drag himself the short distance laboriously. In the evening the good mayor, to whom we give an account of our journey.