Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 1, 1881

Overview

Conductor Levi writes asking to be released from his duties, and Wagner responds urging him to take courage, while Cosima hosts lunch with Richter and Marianne Brandt. A letter arrives saying Hans von Bülow wishes to meet Cosima, which upsets Wagner though she resolves to comply for the sake of her children. The evening is spent working through Kundry's second act with Brandt, leaving Wagner dispirited by the gap between his artistic vision and available performers.

Content

Friday, July 1:

R. had quite a good night, and he takes his morning breakfast with me in my room. Around lunchtime he brings me a letter from our poor conductor, who asks to be released from his obligations. R. writes to him, asking him to take courage and not to make things so difficult for him. Lunch with the Richters and M. Brandt.

Letter from Lusch, saying that Hans wants to see me! R. is upset about it; I feel that for my children it will be better if I comply. We drive together to the Eremitage, where the children are already with the Richters. R. says he regrets having brought about Daniela's reunion with her father.

In the evening Kundry's second act gone through with Marianne Brandt. R. is despondent about the discrepancy between the tasks he sets and the people who carry them out.