Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 24, 1870

Overview

Spring rain and concern over Die Walkuere weigh on Wagner, whose conciliatory letter to Duefflipp alarms Cosima by some of its expressions. She masters her reaction in order not to disturb him, turning sorrow into a discipline of service. A happy children’s lunch, religious images, Red Riding Hood, and Henry IV Part II sit beneath the persistent pressure of unresolved affairs.

Content

Sunday, April 24:

Overcast weather, spring rain; R. in dull spirits because of it. He writes to Düfflipp to tell him that he feels no bitterness, and his only wish is that the King might get some enjoyment from Die Walküre. I am very much alarmed by some of the expressions in this letter, and that in turn worries R. I quickly get a grip on myself — I must remember that for me every sorrow is a blessing and my task is above all not to upset R. Then a happy lunch with the children. But concern hangs heavily over us. Showed the children Raphael and Doré’s Bible. Gave Lusch Tieck’s “Red Riding Hood” to read. In the evening, Henry IV Part II.