Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of November 21, 1870

Overview

War news turns unsettled, with Garibaldi's capture of Prussians set against signs that opinion in Paris may be softening and a decisive battle may be near. Cosima resumes piano practice after many months because Wagner wants Beethoven violin sonatas, while Richter works on Die Kapitulation. Concern for Grane, badly handled by the groom, brings domestic unease into the larger atmosphere of military suspense.

Content

Monday, November 21:

Garibaldi has captured 800 Prussians! Yet the mood in Paris is changing noticeably, the same people ([Edmond] About, etc.) who were once the most insolent are now advising greater compliance. Tresckow and the Duke of Schwerin have thrown back the Loire army, a battle is expected, and this, it is to be hoped, will be definitive.

For the first time in many months I again practice the piano, since R. desires to hear some sonatas with violin (Beethoven). Richter is composing Die Kapitulation. Concern about Grane, whom our ill-natured groom looks after badly and who has already taken fright a few times.