Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 19, 1873

Overview

The morning opens with a festive serenade and rehearsals, as Wagner works with a municipal orchestra rather than a court ensemble. He is struck by how vulgar public spirit has become, and the comment underscores his preference for aristocratic patronage and artistic refinement. Later the family receives visits and an invitation from a cultural association, then spends the evening with relatives. The day ends in cheerful spirits, with Wagner looking well.

Content

Sunday, January 19:

Military band serenade: Overture to Tdmi, Tannhäuser, Act II, Trenyi recitative. Rehearsal from 9 till 12, nice welcome, R. in some difficulty since we are dealing with a municipal orchestra - there is no Court here to insure even a modicum of refinement! “The public spirit has become so vulgar,” R. remarks, “that we must be glad we still have Courts.” Kaisermarsch, Lohengrin, and Tristan Prelude are rehearsed. R. is not too severely taxed by it, thank goodness; he goes to bed, I write to the children.

At 9 o’clock a deputation arrives from the Association of Arts and Sciences and invites us to a banquet. In the evening our nieces Johanna Jachmann and Marie (Jacoby) and a Dr. Uhde with wife. R. and I in cheerful spirits after they have gone; he is looking well.