Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 15, 1869

Overview

Cosima takes a bath, teaches Lusch piano, and finds Richard kind and loving as he joins in. Birthday errands, a letter from Frau Wille about Tannhäuser, Marie Muchanoff's clumsy concern, the arrival of a Paris bronze, and Lusch's letter to Hans fill the day. Richard's composition remains Cosima's only joy, while grief for Hans persists beneath everything.

Content

Saturday, May 15:

Took a bath, then gave Lusch a piano lesson. R. joins in and is kind and loving in everything. He has a nice letter from Frau Wille in Hamburg, where she saw Tannhäuser.

To town with Boni to try on the herald costume. On my return home, listen to R. A clumsy letter to me from Marie Muchanoff: “On m’a inquiétée sur votre compte, Dieu veille sur vous.” My only joy is R.’s composition.

Took Lusch to her piano lesson. Home at five, met R.; delight in the May pride. Arrival of the Paris bronze for his birthday. Lusch writes to her father. He is the only living being about whom I grieve.