Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 17, 1881

Overview

In an inspired early morning moment Wagner announces to Cosima his intention to compose symphonies setting the Christian religious festivals to music, a declaration that fills her with joy. The day turns concerning, however, as he falls ill again, retreats to bed with a quickened pulse, and must be tended by the doctor while Cosima writes nearby. A telegram arrives about the unveiling of a Wagner bust in Leipzig, offering a small note of public recognition against the backdrop of private frailty.

Content

Sunday, April 17:

R. did not have a very good night, but he recovers sufficiently to come to my portière after we have separated, and to say to me, “I shall set the Christian religious holidays to music - those will be my symphonies.”

Happy about this, I stroll with Dr. Schemann up to the theater and the Bürgerreuth on a splendid Easter morning. But on my return I find R. indisposed; he comes to lunch but soon gets up and goes off to bed. The doctor finds his pulse fast and prescribes something soothing for him. He reads in bed; I write to Lulu in the next room. In the evening, however, he gets up, only to return with me to bed at about 9 o’clock. (Telegram about the unveiling of the bust in Leipzig.)