Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 26, 1869

Overview

Rheingold costumes arrive and are judged silly and empty, while Esser is grateful for Richard's friendly letter. Richard tells Cosima he wants only to preserve his present happiness without change, as Lulu and Boni dictate letters to Hans and rain keeps the day subdued. Eva's illness, a walk to meet Richard, and Serov's comic jealous letter about Judith and the French provide the evening's mixture of worry and amusement.

Content

Monday, July 26:

Costumes for Das Rheingold arrived, very silly and unimaginative. Letter from the duped conductor Esser, very happy that R. wrote him a friendly letter.

R. tells me it has occurred to him that he has now reached that state of happiness in which all he wants is to conserve it; he demands nothing more, no changes, just for it to endure.

Lulu and Boni write to their father, dictating to me first. Rain. After lunch R. writes telling Munich the design of the costumes is as good as nonexistent. In the garden a little. Eva unwell.

In the evening with the elder three to meet R. He has received a comical letter from Serov, whose wife seems to have taken umbrage at Judith; to state it briefly, he goes on at length about the French being unfitted to listen to R.’s works, whereas his wife, ah yes, his wife! Much amusement over this.