Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of August 29, 1869

Overview

Richard is ill with grief over Rheingold as telegrams multiply: the King sends only thanks, Richter refuses to conduct, and Loen seeks permission for Lassen to take over. Richard supports Richter, demands corrections through Dufflipp, and rejects Loen's proposal, only to learn Richter has been suspended. Nietzsche's presence is pleasant, but the day is gloomy and Cosima grieves that she has had little time for the children.

Content

Sunday, August 29:

R. ill with grief about Das Rheingold. The telegrams continue: (1) The King sends thanks for his birthday gift, otherwise nothing! (2) Richter announces his decision not to conduct. (3) Loën, the Weimar theater director, now in Munich, asks whether his conductor Lassen may take over; Perfall is demanding it.

R. telegraphs a bravo to Richter, to Düfflipp a demand to put right all the deficiencies, to Loën saying no. In the evening news from Richter: he has really been suspended!

In between all this Prof. Nietzsche, always pleasant. Gloomy day; what will come of this affair? The King’s behavior puzzling. Very little with the children today and yesterday, which grieves me.