Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 30, 1881

Overview

Lusch arrives in the morning and shares vivid accounts of her emotional reunion with her father, who she says spoke of Cosima the whole time, leaving Wagner somewhat subdued. The day is filled with social calls — singers, Lilli Lehmann, a lunch at the Schleinitzes' — where Lusch receives high praise from their hosts. The evening ends on an uneasy note as Wagner speaks his honest thoughts about Lusch's father in front of the already overwrought young woman, causing Cosima quiet distress.

Content

Saturday, April 30:

A good night. At 10 o’clock Lusch! Many reports of the emotional reunion with her father, that he spoke constantly of me; R. somewhat dejected. Feustel’s initial mediation very clumsily done. Visits to Mimi, then to the singers, L[illi] Lehmann, meal at the Schleinitzes’, who cannot praise Lusch too highly. The Count very original, friendly, and interesting.

In the evening Lusch with us again. The poor child wildly excited; R., in his truthfulness, speaks his thoughts concerning her father. It pains me, for she is in such a state of turbulence, both physically and morally!