Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 5, 1877

Overview

After a visit from a friend, they decide to abandon the school and shift their efforts toward a patrons' society and its publication, with the long-term aim of supporting Parsifal. She handles the arrangements so he can remain free for work, and he responds with satisfaction and a playful sense of trust.

Content

Wednesday, December 5:

R. works. Visit from our friend Pohl, to whom we announce the abandonment of the school. The main activity of our friends is now to be the organization of the Patrons' Society and, through this and on behalf of this, the publication of the periodical; the ultimate aim of the Society, the performance of Parsifal.

I settle all this with Herr v. W. and report on it to R., who is very satisfied and says he will give me a power of attorney, so I can do just as I wish! Merriment. So now, I hope, enough has been done to ensure that everything that might hinder him in his creative work has been removed from his path. R. tells me he has concocted a fine mélange for the esquires as they remove the dead swan: Amfortas's theme, Herzeleide's theme, and the swan motive from Lohengrin.