Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of August 30, 1873

Overview

R. spent the day balancing work, correspondence, and a visit to the theater, where he found some progress at last. He delayed Herr Loser again and corrected the circular, then joked that he might as well beg personally for support instead of conducting concerts. In the evening they read Coriolanus, which felt overpowering and newly immediate, though Herwegh’s translation seemed forced to R. A letter from the diarist’s father suggested encouraging signs from the Grand Duke regarding Bayreuth, prompting R. to sketch a satirical little program.

Content

Saturday, August 30:

To the garden with the children. R. works, then writes to Herr Loser, putting him off, and corrects the circular. After lunch he goes to the theater, where he finds some progress has been made.

Meeting us in the garden, he says that, when he sees it, he has the idea of no longer conducting concerts with “Magic Fire Music” and the Ride of the Valkyries, but of begging personally, going out collecting, and advertising his presence for that purpose in the various towns!

In the evening, read Coriolanus, overpowering and as if encountered for the first time! Herwegh’s translation very forced and unpleasant; R. had thought him capable of more of a sense of form.

Letter from my father: the Grand Duke seems to be taking courage with regard to Bayreuth. My father also says that the th^-t 9^^ tions, whereupon R. works out the following program: Part I: Rebuff at Oldenburg; II: Scherzo, Travels in the East; III: Meeting at Lake Constance; IV: Joy of the Saxon People! . . .