Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 16, 1881

Overview

After a restful night, Richard reads an admirably perceptive review of Die Walküre and delivers corrected proofs to Wolzogen, dropping in on Cosima and Lusch in the studio in high spirits. The evening brings genuine pleasure in the work, though there is a lingering, self-conscious worry that the informal circumstances could not have given Count Gobineau a fair sense of Götterdämmerung.

Content

Monday, May 16:

R. had a good night after getting up once. In the morning he reads to me a report on Die Walküre which shows much understanding.

At midday R. takes Wolzogen the corrected proof of his “Introduction” and surprises us, Lusch and me, in Joukowsky’s studio, wearing cap and jacket, the weather being very warm.

In the evening pleasure in the work and an embarrassed feeling that the Count cannot be getting a proper impression of it from such a performance.