Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 27, 1881

Overview

Richard reflected on a future for the Bayreuther Blaetter as a nucleus for criticism and renewal after the collapse of existing institutions, revealing how apocalyptic and reforming his political imagination had become. Everyday requests and election speeches then drew from him a mix of skepticism and guarded approval, especially toward plainspoken public rhetoric that still had to bow to power. Music finally restored equilibrium, as he played from Oberon and Euryanthe and delighted in their beauty and delicacy.

Content

Thursday, October 27:

R. had a good night, except that in the morning Dr. Leube's medicine had somewhat too strong an effect. Yesterday he discussed the future of the B. Blätter with Wolz. and hoped that a community would be formed which, by criticizing existing institutions - the universities, for example - would prepare for the times following a complete breakdown.

A request to me from Frau von Marenholtz to promote the centennial celebrations for Fröbel makes him ask with a slight shrug of the shoulders whether people really thought they could avert the evil by educating the children. A letter from Lusch provides us with another insight into the female character (P[rincess] C[arolyne]).

R. writes all kinds of business letters, and I read to him Pastor Stoecker's election speech in Dresden. It pleases us with its straightforwardness and truthfulness, but we regret the necessity to go along with the Reich Chancellor, hence this subdued acknowledgment of the military, etc.

Then R. plays a lot of things from Oberon and again from Euryanthe, and we delight in their beauty and delicacy.