Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 11, 1874

Overview

The day is largely devoted to steady study and language work, giving the household a calm, productive rhythm. A mistaken identity at the door turns into amusement when Betz and Brandt arrive, and the evening ends on a warm note with a scene from `Die Walküre`.

Content

Saturday, July 11:

A prolonged and good spell of work with Lusch, on literature, English, and French. In the afternoon the arrival of Herr Betz, who came together with Herr Brandt. Since “an engineer” had been announced, I took, as a result of my weak eyes, Herr Betz to be this man, and when R. entered and embraced his singer, my misunderstanding gave rise to much merriment. Pleasant evening: R. recites a scene from Die Walküre (Wotan and Fricka).