Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 22, 1873

Overview

On October 22, the diarist notes her father's birthday and recalls that Wagner overwhelmed her with affection after the guests departed, leading them both to laughter. Despite heavy rain, the visitors are taken to the theater and are visibly impressed, while the meal yields lively discussion of Hamburg's past and present. The evening remains sociable and enjoyable, extending the pleasant tone of the day.

Content

Wednesday, October 22:

My father’s birthday. Yesterday, after our guests left, R. utterly overwhelmed me with endearments, and in the end we had to laugh. Did Tristan and Isolde also laugh so much? “Of course, otherwise they wouldn’t have been so sad during the day.”

Heavy rain, but despite it we took our guests to see the theater; the Senator was seriously impressed. During our meal together, we heard many interesting things about Hamburg past and present. The evening was also spent with our guests, and very pleasantly, too.