Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of March 27, 1871

Overview

Cosima writes about Berlin lodgings and increases the children's savings, continuing her practical care for the future. Count Bassenheim's visit burdens the afternoon, while Richard admits that conversation and vitality depend almost entirely on Cosima's presence. Her mother hears Richter play Wagner excerpts and seems overcome by a new artistic world.

Content

Monday, March 27:

Letter to Hedwig Neumann in Berlin regarding finding an apartment; also to Kathchen. Sent the 1,000 francs to the savings bank; I now have 8,141 francs laid aside for the children.

Visit from Count Bassenheim, who inflicts a dismal afternoon on me, since I did not know how to get rid of him and R. does not like being alone with my mother; he says he can talk only to and with me, it depends on me whether he flies or creeps.

My mother gets Richter to play many things from R.’s works and seems overwhelmed by this glimpse into a, for her, totally new world. Everyone early to bed.