Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 16, 1876

Overview

I labored over lessons, while R. received reassuring news that Tristan could not be given before March 15, which he accepted. He showed me an “American” album leaf and the women’s chorus for Parzival, then the children celebrated Eva early and I wrote a birthday note to Marie Hohenlohe before we ended with Don Quixote and the lions episode.

Content

Wednesday, February 16:

I take a lot of trouble with my lessons — with profit, I wonder? . . . Herr von Hülsen writes very nicely, saying Tristan cannot be given until March 15, on account of the difficulty of the work. R. agrees with this. After lunch he shows me his latest album leaf, “an attempt to be American,” and says it is the chorus the women will sing to Parzival: “Kommt, schöner Knabe!” . . . He is thinking a lot about Parzival and is grieved that so many things intervene. Among other things, a letter from Herr Simson, who wants all possible dates, etc., etc.

The children celebrate Eva’s birthday in advance, I write to Marie Hohenlohe for her birthday (18th). In the evening Don Quixote, the fine episode with the lions.