Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 6, 1875

Overview

The midday concert makes a fine impression, and Hagen’s Watch is repeated, though R. remains exhausted. After a visit to the picture and flower exhibition, the evening turns intellectually alive with Semper, who speaks passionately with R. about polychromy, his wish to leave Vienna, and the larger problem of Germany not making room for genius.

Content

Thursday, May 6:

Concert at 12 o’clock, fine impression; “Hagen’s Watch” repeated. But R. is tired.

I then visit the picture and flower exhibition with Prince Liechtenstein and Standhartner.

In the evening, Semper, very interesting: he literally comes to life in conversation with R., the tricks of polychromy, his wish to leave Vienna: “What is it to me whether the Emperor builds himself a palace?”

The Germans homeless, no place for genius in Germany.