Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 9, 1876

Overview

A troubled dream about spoiling a score reflects Wagner’s strained state of mind, and the day begins with children, ice, and anxious news about Unger and political maneuvering. Though the situation seems desperate, there is at least a promise to resume the biography, even if obstacles loom everywhere.

Content

Sunday, January 9:

R. dreamed of an ink blot which he made on a page of the score, to his great annoyance; then it turned out that the score was not one of his. Morning prayers with the children, then to the ice with them.

R. has good news of Herr Unger; God grant that no disappointments will arise here! Mimi Schl. writes advising a petition from the management committee to the Reichstag; Bucher believes the mood to be favorable. In such a difficult situation, anyway, it is impossible to do more damage, since nothing helps.

R. is in despondent mood. I try to persuade him to start again on the biography tomorrow, and he promises. God forbid any obstacles!