Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 22, 1871

Overview

The travelers leave Leipzig to avoid a Meistersinger performance and arrive in Dresden, where Pusinelli has arranged good lodgings. The city charms Cosima through Richard's memories, including the house where he composed Tannhäuser. Visits to Luise and the Pusinellis combine family mourning from the war with a lively domestic atmosphere.

Content

Saturday, April 22:

Morning with the family, at one o’clock on to Dresden, to escape the Leipzig Meistersinger, set down for today.

At the railroad station Councilor Pusinelli, who has found us splendid lodgings in the Tower, Hotel Weber. Charming impression of Dresden; saw the house in which R. composed Tannhäuser.

Then to his sister Luise; friendly but melancholy reception, for she has lost a grandson and son-in-law in the war. Spent the evening with the Pusinellis, homely family atmosphere: “Seid umschlungen, Millionen,” for the children are innumerable.