Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 19, 1871

Overview

An anniversary linking Tannhäuser and Cosima's engagement to Hans prompts her decision to approach him directly about the children's conversion. Wagner works again and wishes he could make Cosima's life easier through wealth. Letters bring advice to delay building until spring, possible news of the missing Tristan score, and continued silence from Eduard, leaving Bayreuth, family, and manuscript matters unresolved.

Content

Thursday, October 19:

Fifteen years ago the Tannhaeuser Overture and my engagement to Hans. Today resolved to approach him directly regarding the conversion of the children.

R. better, gets down to his work. This morning he said to me, “On your account I should like to be very rich; we have everything else, our happiness, but you should have things a little easier!”

In the afternoon visit from Countess Bassenheim. R. walks into town and brings back letters: the architect Neumann thinks one should not start a building in the winter, but should wait till March; his wife will try to get Kathchen to come here; Marie M. writes to me from Heidelberg that Tausig probably gave the Tristan score to Countess Doenhoff. Inquiry to Elisabeth Krockow in this connection; still no answer from Cousin Eduard! In the evening Carlyle.