Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 1, 1876

Overview

Loldi’s illness deepens the strain at home, and Wagner has to keep chasing reluctant managers and singers to secure the cast. The practical frustrations are mixed with artistic discussion, especially about the Nibelung hoard and her wish for greater visual simplicity on stage. She is clearly trying to hold the production together while protecting its sense of style.

Content

Monday, May 1:

Loldi unwell again, and on top of that domestic difficulties. R. is obliged to write to the manager in Kassel, Herr von Gilsa - he, too, is suddenly unwilling to grant Frl. Haupt (Freia) leave of absence. Since Herr Jauner remains silent, R. cables to Richter. Frl. Scheffsky, who was supposed to arrive today, puts it off on account of catarrh!

Sieglinde?? Spoke a lot with Prof. Doepler about the Nibelung hoard, also about reducing ornamentation as much as possible. I beg, for example, that Brünnhilde not be given a wedding dress, and Wotan no braided cloak in the great scene with Brünnhilde.