Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 19, 1877

Overview

The household settled back into quiet routine, with work continuing in silence and the first act of Parsifal sent to a sick friend in Dresden. R.’s foot caused severe suffering, and the evening included obituaries, along with a personal reflection on how hearing the Tannhäuser Overture years earlier had shaped the course of the writer’s life.

Content

Friday, October 19:

Back to routine and working in silence. I send off the first act of Parsifal to our sick friend in Dresden. R.’s foot is causing him much suffering! A walk of any kind is a great exertion, and especially today, when the three dogs were busy chasing everything: cats, children, ducks, sheep, chickens.

In the evening we read the obituaries of Ludwig Geyer and Adolph Wagner, which Herr Glasenapp has tracked down with such touching diligence. 22 years ago I heard the Tannhäuser Overture for the first time, my very first encounter with R.’s works for orchestra. My fate sealed by it, betrothal to Hans, and all the sorrow and joy which was our lot!