Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of September 23, 1869

Overview

News that Semper's Dresden theater has burned makes Cosima think of his unlucky genius, while telegrams confirm Rheingold has been performed in Munich. Richard says the event leaves him inwardly unscathed unless disharmony with Cosima shakes him, but her melancholy is intensified by unpacking Munich belongings. Claire's report that Cosima's mother is again insane and a friendly Judith letter close the sorrowful day.

Content

Thursday, September 23:

Semper’s theater in Dresden completely burned down. This made me think of Semper’s unlucky star. His great genius virtually unemployed, his works destroyed!

Following this news we receive two telegrams reporting the performance of Das Rheingold in Munich. So there it is: it is always the wicked who triumph.

My only consolation is R.’s words: “I have the feeling that none of it really affects me, inside I remain unscathed; only when I am not in complete harmony with you does the ground tremble beneath me.”

My melancholy impressions are increased by the unpacking of my Munich things. I shall remain sad to the end!

In the evening a letter from Claire: Maman has again become insane! Friendly letter from Judith.