Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 13, 1876

Overview

Without rehearsal, the pair still went to the theater so R. could discuss the last scene with Brandt and inspect the Doepler figurines. The diarist was distressed by their archaeological over-elaboration, finding them false to the tragic and mythical spirit and wishing for something simpler and more primitive. The evening included discussion of Glasenapp’s new biography of R., and the piano rehearsals concluded with the dismissal of Herr Rubinstein.

Content

Thursday, July 13:

No rehearsal; we drive up to the theater, however, since R. wants to discuss the last scene, the appearance of Wotan, with Brandt and to see the Doepler figurines. I am much grieved by them, revealing as they do an archaeologist’s fantasy, to the detriment of the tragic and mythical elements. I should like everything to be much simpler, more primitive. As it is, it is all mere pretence.

Some friends in the evening. Discussion of the new biography of R. by Glasenapp, in which several things are inexact, but astonishing research. The piano rehearsals ended with the wholesale dismissal of Herr Rubinstein, who here once more displayed all the dismal characteristics of his race.