Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 5, 1875

Overview

While she made calls and heard a troubling account of how Semper had been treated in Vienna, R. was deeply moved by Handel’s "Ode for Saint Cecilia’s Day," especially Frau Wilt’s singing. The evening’s third performance of "Tannhäuser" left him weary, but it moved her again all the same. The contrast between misery in public life and the force of the music runs through the whole day.

Content

Sunday, December 5:

I pay some calls, among others to Prof. Sickel, Semper’s son-in-law, who tells me the lamentable story of the way Semper has been treated in Vienna. In the meantime R. heard Handel’s “Ode for Saint Cecilia’s Day” and is much enchanted by Frau Wilt’s performance, and also affected to the highest degree by various strokes of genius in the composition itself.

In the evening the 3rd performance of Tannhäuser. R. is very tired throughout, but I am again very moved by it.