Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of March 9, 1870

Overview

Wagner begins the morning with an intense declaration that his life is bound to Cosima’s state of mind. His delight in Fidi contrasts with physical unease and the lingering irritation caused by Wesendonck’s letter. Cosima’s visit to Countess Bassenheim and news of enthusiastic Viennese reactions to Die Meistersinger bring outside encouragement, as does Eckert’s report of Frau von Schleinitz’s care for the Berlin rehearsals.

Content

Wednesday, March 9:

“I not only love you, but live you,” R. tells me this morning. “When you are in the least upset or worried, I am as lame as a bird with a broken wing.” Great joy in Fidi, who is only too innocent and too good! At midday R. is very unwell, yesterday’s letter is still annoying him. He stays at home, I go to Countess Bassenheim’s with Loulou (lesson), there I learn that her relatives in Vienna have written to her enthusiastically about Die Meistersinger. Letter from Eckert—the minister’s wife, Frau von Schleinitz, is keeping a dedicated eye on the rehearsals of Die Meistersinger.