Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of September 16, 1875

Overview

They leave early for Aussig, where she is unexpectedly approached by Emilie Sierzputowska, the woman who had closed Marie Muchanoff’s eyes, and the encounter makes a deep impression. A walk to Schreckenstein and a visit to the room where R. drafted the Tannhäuser synopsis give the morning a solemn charge, and in Prague that evening she hears moving recollections of Marie that stay with her through the night.

Content

Thursday, September 16:

Off early to Aussig. At the station I am approached by Emilie Sierzputowska, who had closed Marie Muchanoff’s eyes. Profound impression!

Walk to Schreckenstein, saw the room in which R. wrote the synopsis of Tannhäuser, lovely morning.

At 2 o’clock left for Prague; arrival there at 8. I receive the friend of my friend; she tells me how Marie had loved me, a very moving conversation, my impressions of which remain throughout the night: “No one has ever seen greatness who did not see Marie die.”