Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 7, 1883

Overview

The morning brings a discussion of Gambetta and Wagner's satirical play Die Kapitulation, with Wagner lamenting that even Nietzsche failed to understand it due to a lack of imagination. After collecting royalties at the bank, Wagner spends a subdued afternoon but rallies in the evening, making witty remarks at dinner before reading Twelfth Night aloud in his characteristic style. The day reflects his oscillating moods, moving from reflection and taciturnity to irrepressible wit and literary pleasure.

Content

Sunday, January 7:

In the morning we come — I cannot remember how — to the subject of Gambetta; we recall Die Kapitulation and the fact that Nietzsche, for instance, had no understanding of it at all. R. says it is a complete lack of imagination which hinders understanding. Lusch comes to breakfast and tells us about the soirée.

Around lunchtime I go with R. to Reithmeyer's bank, where R. happily collects some money from his Königsberg royalties. Our friend Marie eats with us; R. is more taciturn than otherwise and in the afternoon in an ill-humour. But by the evening he is cheerful again, bubbling over with wit; when someone mentions the Jews, he says, "Oh, yes, our German culture would be completely icebound if it were not for this Schmierocco!" And many similar things. Since my father goes out, we decide on a reading, and R. reads Twelfth Night to us in his splendid manner.