Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 12, 1881

Overview

Refreshed after a good night, Wagner immerses himself happily in domestic and intellectual life, sitting for a portrait with Joukowsky while Gobineau reads aloud from his Amadis. The evening deepens into a rich exchange as Wagner plays the Parsifal Prelude and then spars affectionately with Gobineau over the etymology and meaning of the word "Gothic."

Content

Thursday, May 12:

R. slept very well and is very cheerful. Great delight in the children. To work at once, that is to say, a sitting with Joukowsky, the Count reading aloud his Amadis, and endless discussions with the Count about everything. The weather is raw - R. thinks of his score.

In the evening R. reads to the Count the pages in his book (Volume 4, Ch. 3) which he so loves, and afterward he plays the Prelude to Parsifal.

After which a discussion ensues between R. and Gobineau about the word 'Gothic'; Count Gobineau does not share R.'s view of this expression, but explains it as coming from the Renaissance.