Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 29, 1876

Overview

R. spent the day at the theater, where Doepler behaved like an overgrown schoolboy, and the evening brought the first costume performance of Rheingold. The singers were strong, especially Vogl as Loge, yet the mood afterward was bleak because Herr Brandt had made an error and R. took it deeply to heart. Even the King’s question about the scenery could not ease the worry hanging over the night.

Content

Saturday, July 29:

R. goes to the theater; rehearsal with Prof. Doepler, who behaves like a “schoolboy.” French dinner, Schures, Monod, etc.

In the evening, first Rheingold rehearsal in costume. R. very sad afterward, because Herr Brandt himself is in error. The singers very good, particularly Herr Vogl as Loge. After the rehearsal R. and I at home by ourselves, R. deeply worried. The King inquires whether R. is satisfied with the scenery!