Passionate about Wagner

The lovers in question are Charles Ephrussi and Louise Cahen d'Anvers, both members of wealthy, 19th c. Jewish banking families.

It is certain that the lovers shared a real interest in music, art and poetry -- and in musicians, artists and poets. Louise's brother-in-law, Albert, was a composer, and Charles and Louise went with him to the Opéra in Paris, and to the more radical premieres in Brussels to hear Massenet. They were both passionate about Wagner, a kind of passion that is hard to dissemble, but good to share. Wagner's operas, I imagine, also gave the couple plenty of time to themselves in one of those deep, plush boxes at the Opéra. They were present at a small and select dinner party (sans the husband) followed by a recital of poetry by Anatole France, hosted by Proust.

                                                                     Edmund de Waal, The Hare with Amber Eyes