Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 22, 1870

Overview

A Berlin enthusiast reports that Die Meistersinger has been postponed until fall, which Wagner and Cosima interpret as a victory for hostile factions. Wagner is initially depressed but recovers enough for the family to enjoy a splendid afternoon in the garden with Fidi. Dancing lessons with the older children and Berlioz’s memoirs round out a day that moves from consternation to temporary ease.

Content

Friday, April 22:

Letter from an unknown enthusiast in Berlin (Lieutenant Schöning); he says the management in Berlin has put Die Meistersinger aside until the fall, so that passions will have time to cool. Great consternation about this—it means a few Jewboys have achieved their aim. R. is at first depressed, but he soon recovers his spirits, and we enjoy a splendid afternoon in the garden, Fidi beside us! In the evening I take the elder ones to their dancing lesson. (Read Berlioz’s memoirs.)