Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 1, 1870

Overview

Cosima returns Nietzsche’s books and resumes lessons with the children, noting Boni’s progress in French. A trip to town with Wagner and the children cannot lift Wagner’s depressed mood, as the Walkuere performance continues to feel like a curse. Political turmoil in Bavaria and the struggle around Hohenlohe broaden the day’s anxiety, while Cosima turns to Janus on the papacy and Vatican Council.

Content

Tuesday, February 1:

Sent Prof. N. his books back (Gervinus and Hartmann). Lessons with the children, Boni is making progress in French. After lunch to town with R. and the children. R.’s depressed mood. Die Walküre hangs over our heads like a curse.

Besides that, things in Bavaria are looking bad: the Catholics, who have the majority in the Lower Chamber, are trying to unseat Prince Hohenlohe; the King is retaining his minister, refusing to accept the Address, and forbidding his family the court. Who can have advised him? Is it perhaps a trap? I read Janus’s book about the popes and the Vatican Council.