The Siegried Idyll, which Wagner composed utilising themes from the third act of his Siegfried opera, was first performed at Christmas 1870 on Cosima’s birthday. Wagner presents the vigorous melodies of fulfilled happiness from the opera, placing those depicting all conquering heroism on the back burner.

According to Wagner’s biographers, this more relaxed and balanced tone faithfully reflects the happiness of the composer’s private life: his works were being performed more frequently, and the Munich premiere of Meistersingers (1868) brought him his long awaited major breakthrough. In 1869, Cosima gave birth to Wagner’s first son (Siegfried Richard), and he was close to completing the Ring Cycle. By 1870, there were no longer any obstacles preventing him marrying Cosima Liszt. This composition was first performed in the early morning on the steps of the Tribschen Villa, in front of Cosima’s door, Wagner having adjusted the score to chamber music proportions.

The Siegfried Idyll is actually a late manifestation of the 18th century serenade music. Its musical material commences with the enchanting melody accompanying Brünnhilde’s awakening. Subsequently we hear Siegfried’s horn motif and in the culmination of the composition, forest bird song.