Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 22, 1881

Overview

Wagner recounts an absurd dream in which a Bruckner-faced pope visits him, brought by Liszt, and the two exchange a hand-kiss before the pontiff departs with a bottle of cognac — a scene of surreal domestic comedy. The day is otherwise occupied with business matters surrounding the Voltz-Batz affair, a walk through the palace gardens, and Wagner beginning his written introduction to Gobineau's work. The evening with Wolzogen turns to extended and earnest conversation on the subject of race.

Content

Friday, April 22:

R. dreams that a pope looking like the composer Bruckner visits him, brought along by my father, somewhat like the Emperor of Brazil. When R. goes to kiss his hand, His Holiness kisses his and then takes with him a bottle of cognac.

Lunch with friend Feustel, who in the Voltz-Batz affair is extraordinarily... R. has begun his introduction to Count Gobineau’s work. We go for a walk in the palace gardens, stiff brooms. Departure of our neighbors the Staffs. Conversation about them. In the evening friend Wolzogen, much conversation on the subject of race.