Showing 27 results

Chantry Dene, Guildford. - Wishes he could get to the concert: he is an admirer of 'orange jelly' [Jelly Arányi], whom he heard at Haslemere a while ago, but he has promised to take over MacColl's lectures at the Slade this term and travelling to see Helen at Crowborough takes up much time. Asks Trevelyan to apologise to Miss Weisse. Goes Paris after his lecture on Friday to meet Burroughs and see things for the [Metropolitan] Museum. Helen seems to be doing well, but is anxious to return home. His show [at the Carfax Gallery] a qualified success, with rather poor notices of his new style but a good review from Claude Phillips. Hopes Bessie is better for their time in Holland [after the death of the Trevelyans' son Paul].

Julian's letter from Rome arrived this morning; hopes this will catch him at Poggio and that he found [Umberto] Morra at Cortona. Sends love to all at Poggio [the Waterfields], also to the B.B.s [Berensons] and Nicky [Mariano]. Going to Edinburgh from 9-13 November as he has a lot to do there with Donad [Tovey, re the new production of their opera "The Bride of Dionysus"]. He and Elizabeth are going to a concert at Haslemere involving Jelly [d'Aranyi] and Adila [Fachiri], and are bringing back Jelly for the night; if Julian wants to come to that concert, he should let Elizabeth know, but expects he will not want to return to England so soon. The 'elections are very queer. Labour has made a fool of itself'; hopes it will 'learn its lesson'. Everything depends on MacD[onald], whom C.A. [Clifford Allen] has been 'actively supporting throughout', Bob thinks rightly, though it is difficult. Charles has lost his seat, 'of course'. Will be very interesting to hear Julian's 'adventures'. Has to go to London to have a tooth out now.

10 Netherton Grove, S.W.10. - Thanks Bob for sending her his 'lovely book' [the collected "From the Shiffolds" or "Windfalls"?]. They [she and her sister Adila?] are going to Forte dei Marmi on Thursday for four weeks; has not been to Italy since 1939 and is much looking forward to it. Spent this and last weekend with Titi [her sister Hortense]: 'such a relief to see her out of those nightmare Homes!'. 'Au revoir next automne [sic]'. Adds a postscript saying that Titi told her about Bob reading 'long Latin poems and English by the hour' and saying 'modestly' on stopping '"the trouble is, I am so stupid [underlined]"'. Bob can 'judge Titi's mental state' by her telling Jelly this story 'as a good joke'.

Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Will be delightful to have Bessie to stay tomorrow; tells her to come as early as she can, as [Adolf] Busch is here, and the Arányis and Percy Such are coming early tomorrow afternoon. Donald [Tovey] will give her news of Holland;he fled there on Saturday to tell 'his strange tale of the Casals to the dear and kind Röntgens' and came back yesterday 'much comforted'.

Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire.—After a stay at Penrhôs she came to Alderley, where the Arányis made a disagreeably long visit. She has been to Liverpool to buy some penguins, but got a fox instead. Refers to a letter from Bluey, and asks how Montagu’s journey is going. Outlines her plans for the winter.

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Transcript

Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire
October 10th 1912

I have forgotten your address and mislaid your letter so I shall send this to the India Office from whence in due course it will be forwarded to you at Bombay or somewhere, I hope. If you were in Scotland I should find it quite easy to write but the fact that you wont get this for so long and will be in such different surroundings from me when you do, makes me feel that I ought to have a very high standard as to what is worth writing about and what isnt. All the same I shant apply that standard, because if I did I should stop now, for nothing has happened to, or near me, since you left. I had 5 swan song days at Penrhos, most lovely and a very bad preparation for an Alderley winter, tho’ as a matter of fact it is very delicious here and as far as weather goes perfect. Up to to-day the personel† of the house has left a great deal to be desired. In a moment of unthinking kindliness I wrote and asked the Aranyis to come for a day or two, meaning them to stay from Sat to Mon. They arrived, more exuberant than ever and I only got rid of them to day (Sat to Thursday) by telling them that I was going away myself. They were really terrific. I could stand the eldest’s grossness and vulgar indiscretion, and the youngests somewhat cloying flattery and affection but when these two lots of failings were combined in the form of the middle one, together with the largest share of congenital idiocy that has ever been bestowed on one human being, then civility and ones duty to one’s guests came very near to giving way. However they have served a purpose, I should never have been so happy at being alone if I hadnt had the horror of their visit. Father and I are the only two inmates of this house and he goes tomorrow leaving me completely alone for 4 days. In theory I love it and am over the moon at the thought of all I shall do, but I expect I shall welcome the return of other human beings very gladly.

I have been seized with the desire to own two penguins! And consequently went off to Liverpool yesterday in order to buy a couple. Unfortunately there were none at the moment. I was sadly disappointed and consoled myself, after resisting the claims of a huge square brown owl with amber coloured eyes the size of a 5/ bit, with a young fox. He is moderately nice only, but still very shy. I hope to get my Penguins before very long.

Bluey wrote to me cursing you for having left England without telling him what he was to say to your questions in the House. The viper really loves answering them. he is coming here shortly.

I do wonder how your journey is getting on and if you are having great fun. Have you met the magnetic lady yet? How many of the books have you read.

I ought to have got a list like you for myself to beguile the long hours here, for we are going to be practically alone till the middle of November and I shall have even more time than you will. I am going to the Opera tonight in Manchester. Doesnt that shock you most awfully? I know what your opinion about music and its effect on one’s character is! I do wish I had seen some people so as to have something more thrilling to write about than I have. I go to London in November for a month and then back here till the middle of February. No Sicily I am afraid.

Yrs
Venetia

On re-reading this I find it even duller than I had expected but it must go all the same. Is Mr Peel engaged to someone now {1}?

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{1} Or possibly ‘new’.

La Graulet, Bergerac, Dordogne. - Got Trevelyan's letter in the country; will be there for a few more days, so cannot therefore go to the concert by Madame [Adila] Fachiri and her sister [Jelly d'Aranyi] this evening. Hopes however to see Trevelyan before long, as he has to go to London at the end of the month for the inauguration of the plague on the house where Verlaine lived [in Howland Street], and will be there for three or four days.

Brack's Doelen Hotel, Amsterdam. - The Trevelyans must come to Englefield Green when [Julius Engelbert and Abrahamina] Röntgen are in England; they arrive on 7 May, asks if Bessie could look in a Bradshaw [railway guide] to see how they could best travel from London. Hopes that they will all be able to entertain each other, as she will be 'absolutely distracted' by work and they have been incredibly kind and hospitable to her; hopes the Casals [Pablo and Guilhermina Suggia] will be staying too as he is playing on the 10th and 11th. Some of them can stay at the Wheatsheaf at Virginia Water, and they can use the concert room as a sitting room. Wishes the 'new Toveum' was built. Is sorry that she 'wailed' at Bessie about Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus", see 8/53] but it is 'almost tragically disquieting'; thinks the 'fearful pull in another direction' [Tovey's feelings for Mary Kelly?] which is 'helping to lame the poor fellow', though he has just written some beautiful songs. Will have no peace until the opera is totally finished, and at least Tovey's symphony written, but does not know when that will be, while Donald lets his career slip away. He should have gone on writing for the "Times" and done some teaching. Is however no longer anxious about his playing. The Arányis will probably also be at Northlands, so there will be a real 'Musikfest'. Regrets that she has not been to the Hague: as it is she has done more than suits her, but Bessie's kind Schwager [brother-in-law: Julius Röntgen] played her the Beethoven G major concerto with Donald 'as orchestra'. Donald is staying to hear Rontgen's new symphony and is staying with them; she is kindly asked to meals, and was taken yesterday to Volendam, which was not what she planned when she came out with her 'faithful "Annie"' [her maid]. Is finding Amsterdam very picturesque and interesting, though it seems 'surprisingly new'. Hopes her 'much admired Julian' is well.

Saw Jellé [Jelly d'Aranyi] yesterday, who hopes that if Julian comes to her concert with Myra Hess in Cambridge, he will visit her afterwards. Thinks Julian should go and see [Frederick] Porter as soon as he can in London; suggests writing to see when would be best; Porter will be in Chiswick for most of the summer but is going to France to paint for two or three weeks at the end of June; he seemed to think Julian might like to go with him. Julian could probably also arrange to travel with [Robin] Darwin, but It might be a shame to miss the 'chance of getting the most out of Porter' since 'everyone seems to think very well' of him as a teacher. Will not come to Cambridge on Saturday, but hopes all will go well.

St Cloud. - Trevelyan is very kind to send a ticket for the 'Salle des Agriculteurs' in Paris: he and his sister will be very happy to go and cheer Trevelyan's friends, of great artistic renown, [Adila Fachiri and Jelly d'Arányi], though Madame Greslé is still in the south of France. Will write after the concert to let him know how it went. His sister is going to sing in Valenciennes and Denain this week. Adds a postscript to say that the postcard shows the house of friends, where he has come on holiday.

18 Elm Park Gardens, S.W. - Apologises for not answering Mrs Trevelyan's 'sweet' letter and invitation, but they were very busy with Adila's wedding. Mrs Trevelyan is 'so, so nice': Jelly was 'so sad and wretched' before the wedding that Titi [her sister Hortense] arranged to stay with her for a week and join Ralph [Hawtrey] later; it was a 'great comfort' and now she is happy, 'very happy indeed for darling Adila'. Must stay in town for the moment, but if Mrs Trevelyan would still like them to come later, they will be very happy to do so. At the moment, they are very busy, including looking for a place to live; and she must be in town when Adila returns. Invites Mrs Trevelyan to visit if she is in town. Is 'practising quite madly' which is 'such a comfort'. Asks how Julian is; sends love to him; hopes he can 'still get into his Chinese costume'.

The Tors Hotel, Lynmouth, S.O., N. Devon. - Jelly writes that some white china, without a card, has arrived. Adila thinks it must be the Trevelyans's [wedding] present, and 'longs to see' it as Jelly says it is 'quite beautiful'. She and her husband are 'too happy for words': Alic is 'quite perfect'. They will stay here another week, then go to London for an 'indefinite time'; Mrs Trevelyan must come and see her if she is in town, and she and Alic would love to visit later. Sends regards to Mr Trevelyan, and to 'little Julien [sic]'.

The Green Bushes, Three Bridges, Sussex. - Was very good of Mrs Trevelyan to send the 'beautiful violin covers' and order the [Pietro?] Locatelli for them [her and her sister Jelly]. Was in London yesterday, or she would have written at once. Still has a headachie, and can only practice four hours a day; wears a glove on her left hand which seems to do her fingers good. Mrs Trevelyan should remember to hold her own bow 'especially with [her] 2nd finger': Joachim's method. They leave Three Bridges in about three weeks for two nights in London before going straight to Aachen. Asks if she has finished the Mark Twain book; comments how 'amusing' it is.

Eight days ago he and his sister went to the 'marvellous concert' Trevelyan had so kindly directed them towards: thanks him again for giving them such pleasure, of such high quality. If he had known Trevelyan's friends the performers [Adila Fachiri and Jelly d'Arányi] before the concert, he would have appreciated their 'rare qualities' even more. The elder [Adila] has a very human style of playing; one senses she is an 'ardent, passionate woman, a "panther"'. Her sister [Jelly] is a young girl with a 'seraphic' style of playing; 'an angel of the order of "Powers"'. Madame Fachiri performed the Bach "Chaconne" with a 'prodigious' sustainment and balance, while Mademoiselle d'Arányi played Mozart's serenade very well. Loved their performance of the Bach sonata together, while an adagio brought him to tears. The second part of the concert allowed the artists to 'showcase all their delightful sounds', but the music descended from the 'elevated spheres' of Mozart and Bach. He and his sister went to the foyer afterwards to greet the performers, who welcomed them enthusiastically:Trevelyan's name was a 'precious key' which opened wide the door. Went the next day to Princess Bibesco's to pay his respects to Jelly and her mother. Their kind welcome touched him greatly, and he had the 'boldness' to ask if he could escort them to the theatre one evening; therefore had the great pleasure of taking them to the Nouveautés to see "Chouchou poids plume"; unfortunately Marguerite was unable to come. Promised them that he would come to England at last next year in June and July; hopes that the pound [exchange rate] will allow the journey then, as today the difficulties are 'insurmountable'. It is four o'clock, so Trevelyan's friends will be arriving now at London; they were dreading the journey so he hopes the crossing was not too hard. Asks Trevelyan to pass on his admiration and friendship when he sees them next. Will have the pleasure of spending the evening with Fr[ancis] Birrell next Monday; Birrell came to see him the other day when they arranged the evening, and Gicquel found him in good form if a little skinny; he is always full of spirit and charming.

Villa Colette, Route de Ria, Prades. - Very good to hear from her; he often thinks of her, and regrets not seeing her any more; time passes so quickly. Glad to hear the Trevelyans are both still active; he too keeps going, 'mon barometre est mon violoncelle', though he is not free from cares. Thanks her for the good news about the Röntgen family (her sister Abrahamina was the second wife of Julius Röntgen]. She should not worry that he is in material need: he leads a very simple life, and that is enough. Has had a letter from Adrienne Fachiri, to which he has not replied; asks Elizabeth to pass on his gratitude and best wishes to her for Adrienne's mother and aunt, who are so dear to him.

Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Knows what Bessie means about interruptions to work, but asks Bessie to get Bob 'to sacrifice a little this once' and come to Northlands on Sunday. Is worried about the Arányis: fears it will be Friday before Donald [Tovey] gets back from London and the girls must work with him. All four coming today; will try and keep them as long as she can; has 'rather an important engagement' for them in July. Bessie can be quiet as she likes at Northlands, and Bob and Donald can perhaps work [at the opera] between music making with the girls; unsure which day they are to play with Sir Walter [Parratt]. Wishes the pain in her leg and side would ease.

St. Cloud. - Had been sorry about Trevelyan's speedy departure, because it prevented her seeing him again [beforehand]; was glad to get his message on Saturday morning. Thanks him for coming to the office: always gives her great pleasure to shake his hand, and she is pleased to count herself among those whom he does not forget. Her family were glad he remembered them.

Félix Gicquel's message is written on the front of the postcard, above and below the illustration: he will go eagerly to hear the Hungarian violinist [Jelly d'Arányi or her sister Adila?]. Hopes Trevelyan found his wife and son well. Will be very pleased to see [Francis] Birrell again, as long as Birrell's pipe does not keep him in 'some bad place' at the time he had arranged with Félix.

2 Garrick's Villa, Hampton-on-Thames. - There is a movement to do something for Jelli d'Aranyi, who is never employed, supposedly due to a quarrel with Myra Hess. Asks for the names of people he should contact, as he knows 'very little about the musical world'; the plan is to persuade Sir Henry Wood or someone who organises concerts to use her talents. Pencil annotation: 'I forgot to enclose this. B. [Bessie Trevelyan?]'.

Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Donald [Tovey] has just come back from a day with Sir Walter Parratt; she will telegraph in the morning. Sir Walter would like Adila and Jelly [d'Arányi] to play in St George's [Chapel, Windsor] at the weekend, so they would like to keep them to stay at Northlands as long into next week as possible, for 'a quiet time and some chamber music'. Encourages the Trevelyans to come and stay as well, and to bring any other guest they might have; old Gräfin Zichy may be staying.

1 rue Budé, IVième, Isle Saint-Louis. - Is 'ashamed' not to have answered Trevelyan's 'two kind letters' for so long a time, and 'very grateful' to him for taking so much trouble; Trevelyan's second letter reached Du Bos on the 'very day Pearsall Logan Smith [sic: Logan Pearsall Smith] was here'. Still hoped then that he might be able to carry out 'so very pleasant a plan' [see perhaps 4/195, a postcard from E. M. Luce suggesting that Du Bos could stay in her room in London while she is away in June] but regrets that he will be 'tied down to [his] work all through summer' and cannot hope to get away. Will keep Trevelyan's 'invaluable indications' and hopes he will be able to use them one day. Much regrets that Trevelyan will not, as he offered, be able to introduce him to Desmond MacCarthy: admired MacCarthy's 'article of Souvenirs on Henry James' very much; if MacCarthy ever comes to Paris, asks Trevelyan to give him his address. Was unable to go to Jelly d'Arányi's concert due to 'pressure of work'; heard through some of his friends at "La Revue Musicale" that the Bela Bartok concert was very successful, and hopes she will come to visit Paris for a longer time one day, and will 'then report herself to the Ile Saint-Louis'.

Asks if Trevelyan's article on Shelley's "Epypsychidion" has appeared in the "New Statesman": is 'very impatient' to read it. Their conversations 'two years ago and the other day' on the 'tempo' of both Keats and Shelley were 'very interesting and fruitful': is increasingly interested in that subject and feels 'starved' of it when Trevelyan is out of Paris. Is sending a 'little notice' of his "Collection d'Auteurs Etrangers" [series published under his supervision]: now seems decided they will also publish either "Heloise and Abelard" or "The Brook Kerith" by George Moore. Has seen the Countess de Rohan-Chabot; is revising B.B.s translation [into French: of one of Berenson's books on Italian art] with her and has just written to him about it. Heard an interesting lecture by Valéry at Adrienne Monnier's recently on the 'ideas of Edgar Poe'; wishes Trevelyan could have been there. [John Middleton] Murry was there and 'enjoyed it greatly'; he is 'kindly' trying to get Du Bos 'regular employement [sic]' at the "Times". Sure if Trevelyan hears of anything permanent at the "New Statesman" or elsewhere he will remember Du Bos. His wife sends 'many messages' [of regard]. Adds postscript saying they lunched with [Edmond] Jaloux recently, who asked lots of questions about Trevelyan.

19 Kensington Park Road, W.11. - Yes, she is trying to keep to Trevelyan's divisions of the lines [in his play "The Bride of Dionysus"] as much as possible, except when it would sound completely senseless in German: she wants it to make it 'as good poetry & good German' as she can and her first version, 'before its wings got clipped everywhere', is best in that respect. Asks if she should send [Max?] Reinhardt Trevelyan's work, telling him of her translation and asking if it could possibly be performed at his theatre; supposes Tovey would have no objection. Thanks Trevelyan for sending Tovey's letter, which she returns; his 'anxious and passionate hopefulness' [about his wife] is pitiful; hopes 'he may do her good, but it sounds a difficult case', and the worry cannot be good for his work. Enjoyed the Schubert and Debussy concerts, and is looking forward to the d'Aranyis. Wonders if Trevelyan has read Hayden Brown's book [Haydn Brown, "Advanced Suggestion: Neuroinduction" ?] and what he thought of it.

K[ing's] C[ollege] C[ambridge]. - Thought Jelly [d'Arányi] played beautifully, though her tone is very small in a large hall and she looks 'oddly childish and even awkward'. May is unhappy and unwell, and misses Janet very much; his sisters are looking for lodgings. Enjoyed his time with the Trevelyans: glad Julian is 'happy and busy and friendly'. His lecture at St Mary's Hospital only had an audience of five.