Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 5, 1877

Overview

While caring for the children, Wagner continued work on Klingsor and was irritated by a dictionary that seemed to confirm his low opinion of human malice. He also had a troubling dream about a performance before deceased acquaintances, and the day ended with another request from Essex to delay payment, which was granted despite the ongoing strain.

Content

Thursday, April 5:

Work with the children. R. busy with Klingsor. R. has now seen Tappert's Dictionary, but it makes him deplore the malice of humanity. He dreams of a performance of the Ring before a number of people now dead, Tausig, Gasperini, his sister Luise, but all horribly unrecognizable. In the afternoon we are surprised by a visit from Herr Essex, who requests another postponement of the guaranteed payment. We consent, since personally Herr Essex makes a good impression and Wilhelmj pleads in his behalf.