Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 21, 1873

Overview

The morning begins with severe illness, keeping the narrator in bed while preparations continue without her. A stream of visiting musicians and friends arrives, creating a crowded and ceremonial atmosphere. Rehearsal problems persist, especially in the final tableau, which must be reorganized before it works better. Wagner returns late and irritated, leaving the day marked by both social bustle and artistic dissatisfaction.

Content

Wednesday, May 21:

I am so unwell that I have to stay in bed and cannot attend the rehearsal of the tableaux vivants. Friends arrive, “the three Moors” (sent by Fritzsch from Leipzig), Cornelius, concertmaster Abel, Buonamici from Munich, also little Karl Ritter, besides the 20 people from Würzburg.

R. is invited by Feustel to a preliminary celebration, and I am able to attend the rehearsal.

Some things are unsatisfactory, the final tableau vivant in particular causes many problems, and I decide to set it up anew; it turns out a bit better. R. comes home late, annoyed with Feustel.