Category: 1876

Preparations for the journey; departure at one o’clock. The children in tears over the dogs! At eight o’clock in Munich, at the Vier Jahreszeiten [1]; a rude waiter, rain. My neckerchief catches fire, and my hair begins to burn; Schnappauf the barber [2], who is accompanying us, extinguishes it. [1]…

Our copy [1] at luncheon, last meal; very melancholy! Much ill is spoken of Herr Brandt, his rudeness, which his accomplishments do not justify, his ill feeling towards R., and so forth. R. suffers greatly and defends his fellow-worker in every way he can; yet it is difficult to defend him entirely. This makes R….

Business matters and preparations for the journey; R. wishes to depart for Italy, bag and baggage. Much correspondence. R. and I resolve that, from next autumn onwards, we shall devote all our resources (material as well as moral) solely to the education of the children: to build a schoolhouse, appoint…

Last farewells; the children’s table for the first time, I am very weary and afterwards lie down to rest. A beautiful autumn day. The days following the final cycle were dreadful, whereas the weather had greatly favoured the performances. Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]

Only R. Liechtenstein, Malwida, and Gersdorff remain; luncheon and the evening spent with them. In the morning R. has a conference with the Board of Directors. The business affairs appear not to stand so badly as had been expected, and one can, with confidence, count on a repetition of performances next…

Farewell to Father! Then a very cheerful and cozy last evening, without music, however; the King inquires whether a fourth series would be possible! … Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]

Telegram Sent: Bayreuth, September 2, 1876, 5:50 p.m.Received: Berg Palace, September 2, 1876, 6:00 p.m. To HisMajesty King Ludwig II of Bavaria Berg Palace. My most heartfelt thanks for the beautiful, meaningful gift [1], Wahnfried’s newest noble adornment! With most faithful devotion, Richard Wagner [1] Four days later (September 6, 1876),…

Farewells. Dinner with the Schleinitzes, Malwida, and other friends! In the evening, in the most intimate circle, Father plays No. 106[1] for us (the Adagio and first movement) in so wonderful a manner. [1] Beethoven's “Hammerklavier” Sonata in B-flat major. Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins |…

Many farewells; nevertheless, our evening reception is exceedingly crowded. Many Englishmen, among them a reverend gentleman who, though very Jesuitical in manner, nevertheless declares himself enchanted. Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]