Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 28, 1873

Overview

The day opened with her father speaking encouragingly about Hans, his prospects in England, and money he had set aside for the children. In the afternoon they performed the third act of Siegfried with Klindworth accompanying, and R.'s singing made a strong impression. Her father predicted that even excellent musicians might not fully grasp the richness of these works for many years. The day also included reading polemical pamphlets and visiting the theater building.

Content

Monday, July 28:

My father talks to me about Hans, says that he is well, that he has brilliant prospects in England, that he has already put aside 30,000 thalers for the children.

In the afternoon, music: the third act of Siegfried. Herr Klindworth accompanies it with his difficult piano arrangement. R. sings with indescribably moving effect. My father remarked that in 25 years even the best of musicians will scarcely appreciate all the riches in these things.

We are sent a pamphlet by a Turkish colonel about the Jews, and a book by Prof. Overbeck about the non-Christian nature of modern theology; the latter seems excellent.

Visit to the theater building. In the evening went through my father’s Heilige Elisabeth.