Grand Hotel, Prades. - Has just received her note and thanks her for informing her of the gravity of the state of their dear friend[Donald Tovey, see 2/2]; hopes he will overcome this new crisis. Will write to him as if he knows nothing of the situation.
Prades. - He understands the joy she takes in her nephew's company: Joachim is 'un garcon et un artiste de premiere ordre', and strongly resembles his father. His feeling for the [Prades] Festival, and his collaboration, are very important to Casals. Is happy about the arrangement for Robert Trevelyan's library [at Birkbeck College, London], it is just the right tribute to his memory. His compatriot Corredor is preparing a book of conversations with him: Röntgen, Tovey and Moór will figure as both great musicians and friends. Thinks Corredor will strike the right note. He is in the middle of preparations for the festival; many of the musicians have already arrives. Knows she would enjoy the music and the atmosphere.
Prades. - Has heard from Joachim [Röntgen] that Engelbert has arrived and intends to remain in Europe for good. Hopes that he has seen that America has many resources for art, and a people who are 'young, sympathetic, eager to learn'; all the same, for a European artist the time comes when the call of Europe is irresistible. He hopes very much to see Engelbert again. The next [Prades] Festival will be, like that of 1952, devoted to chamber music. Organisation is under way; 'things purely of the spirit seem very strange to the customs and the spirit of our times', but it is important to 'feed the flame'.
3 Hobart Place, London S.W.1. - Is sorry to have to write instead of speaking; first of all says she was talking [in 8/110] of Robert Trevelyan's poem ["The Bride of Dionysus"] as a libretto: has often 'enjoyed many beautiful scenes and jewelled lines in it' as Bessie knows. Offers examples which she say prove the Trevelyans have been 'a menace and a danger' [to Donald Tovey], such as Robert Trevelyan's announcement, in a train carriage of guests returning from Ridgehurst, that Donald could not get on with his work as he had 'such a wretched home', which caused a fellow guest [Percy Such] to warn straight to Northlands and 'warn' Sophie Weisse; says she ignored the warning, saying 'they know nothing about the past, and they are stupid', and forgetting 'how dangerous stupidity is'. Trusted them to look after Donald while she 'toiled for him at home', but questions whether he was 'safe' with them: says that no one doubts it was their 'meddling and that of another so called friend [Hugh Godley]' which led to the quarrel with Casals; asks whether [Bessie's brother-in-law Jules Engelbert] Röntgen is really Donald's friend. Accuses them of 'constant undermining' of her relationship with Donald, and asks whether he has profited by treating her as he has; they should not have let him criticise her to them, nor 'dare' criticise her to him. As proof of this, claims that a friend of hers when putting Donald's library and papers in order for her last year, brought her 'two scraps of letters', she thinks unsigned but from Bessie, criticising Miss Weisse and expressing sympathy for Donald on his 'position at Northlands'; claims that even now Bessie knows nothing of Donald; says that Mrs [Blanche Warre] Cornish thought the letters were 'low'. The Trevelyans both 'stupid and selfish'; claims that a friend who lives nearby recently said 'they always sow disunion in families and between friends'. There is much more to said when they speak face to face, including some excuses for the Trevelyans 'though they do not understand them'. Expects and wishes the Trevelyans to show this letter to anyone they like, and has kept a copy; the sooner she sees them the better.
Has 'real hopes' for the production of Donald's opera; is lunching at Covent Garden on Thursday to discuss detains with [Sir Thomas] Beecham. Donald is in some ways much healthier; Bessie must feed him 'well and suitably' when he visits, as she expects he will soon.
Prades. - Was very happy to see Engelbert [Röntgen] again after so many years: he is just the same as always. Hopes that Lugano will be a good place for Engelbert and his wife; the surroundings are very beautiful, and there is decent music there, which he could influence, perhaps he could direct an orchestra. Has been busy with the organisation of the 1955 [Prades] Festival; the programme is not totally fixed yet but he thinks half will be Bach, with the cantatas played by the Bach Group of New York, the violin sonatas by Menuhin, the cello suites by himself and the concertos for piano by Serkin, Horszowski and Istomin. Thinks of dedicating the other half of the festival to chamber music by Schubert and Brahms. All this promised joy, though, is obscured by the sad things in life, particularly the grave state of health of Madame Capdevila.
Prades. - Thanks her for her letter of condolence [on the death of Francesca Capdevila]: he has lost a most noble and faithful companion. The book of conversations [with Josep Corredor, see 2/10] is a great success in the German and French editions; the English translation, by André Mangeot, is ready and will be brought out soon by Hutchinson and Co. Thanks her for her interest, and hopes the book will deserve it.
18 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh. - Apologises for not replying sooner to Bessie's 'kind note': is in 'agonies of packing up all vestiges' of her life here, and 'cowed and horrified at the spectacle of Europe in flames of war'. Remembers what happened to her in 1914, spending six weeks in Berlin as a prisoner of war before being allowed to leave for Holland, in a troop train on the way to the siege of Paris carrying 'die dicke Bertha' [one of the 'Big Bertha' cannons'], with 'thirty trucks of concrete for the emplacement'; the troops suddenly had to turn round when Russia over-ran East Prussia. Cannot get thoughts of this, and the Russian war now, out of her mind. Would be comforted if Bessie could send her any pictures [of Donald Tovey?] and perhaps the copy of the "New Statesman" she mentioned. Has heard nothing from Mollie Grierson and is anxious: 'Professor Richmond seemed bent on putting her out of the university altogether!'. Cannot dislike Professor Newman, but thinks he seems likely to be 'a small round peg in a large square space'; list of his prizes printed by the "Scotsman" means little as she fears 'they manufacture mediocrities'. Wishes Casals could write to them. When Joachim and Hausmann volunteered to play three Trio concerts in Berlin with Donald, she thanked Joachim and said she was glad he could say she had made Donald a good musician; he replied that Donald was not just a good musician, but 'was music' (quote given in German).
Postmarked Staines; addressed to Trevelyan at the Shiffolds and forwarded to 8 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW. - Has been 'rather stuck' in both his work and his travels; waited in vain for better news of the Irish strike and ended up having 'three very jolly days' in Paris with [Pablo] Casals. One of Casals' friends,'a dear little old German Jew who tries to disentangle his travels for him', thinks that Ariadne [in "The Bride of Dionysus"] is 'the most ideal creature' ever to appear in opera, and has fallen in love with her. Has finished scoring the second act and is 'struggling with Phaedra'. Has to go slowly, as is finding himself easily tired; luckily he has a lot of practising to do which is 'a great relief to one's head'. Has reduced the fight with the Minotaur by twenty bars. Calls scoring 'a messy business', and blames the 'mid-nineteenth century academicians' for not learning from composers they disliked so that Tovey has to read 'all the Beastlioz & Fiszt' they ignored. Cannot get what he wants from contemporaries, as they 'don't write practically' like Berlioz and Liszt.
Prades. - Is glad that she has Corredor's book; the English edition [translated by Mangeot] will come out soon. He thinks he remembers that Moór spoke to him of his meeting with her husband; yes, Moór wrote operas which were put on in Germany and he thinks also in England.
Thinks he has correctly understood Tovey's letter, although it was in English, and gives it its true value. Tovey says nothing new to him, and he himself has nothing to add, so they will leave things as they are. Now needs peace: complete tranquillity and perhaps with time forgetfulness. If any kind feeling remains from their sadly spoiled friendship, Tovey will understand how necessary this tranquillity is for him; the Chelsea Concerts are therefore impossible.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Wishes she could visit and talk to Miss Weisse at once; is sending back all the enclosures as soon as she can; very sorry for all Miss Weisse's 'pain and anxiety' over the last few months. No use to go into details, and she does not wish 'to be a judge' between Miss Weisse and Donald [Tovey: see 8/75]; just wishes she could 'smooth away any difficulties there are'. Begs her not to be too anxious about Donald: seems quite natural that he would not want 'to give the least impression of being daunted or depressed' and he seemed 'perfectly sane & balanced in all his views' when she talked to him. Does not quite understand when Miss Weisse says in her letter that [Julius Engelbert] Röntgen may 'be doing a grave injustice to his friendship with [Pablo] Casals' if he only trusts Donald's account of what happened; asks if this means she thinks Casals' account, 'after having his mind poisoned by his wife [Guilhermina Suggia]]' could be at all trustworthy. Obvious that Suggia poisoned Casals' mind against Donald 'in order to clear herself', as she 'wrote one thing before the reconciliation & just the opposite after it'; hopes there is no doubt in Miss Weisse's mind about that - is sure there was none when they talked together first about the matter - and if so Röntgen will be able to 'judge quite well and generously about it'. Is sure it will 'all come right... when the angry passions have been calmed down'. Thinks she has read everyone's correspondence, starting with no prejudice against Suggia as she did not know her; thinks Casals' letter 'a "sad" but also really a very hard obstinate cruel note', when if Donald's was the same as the one he showed her the draft of, it was 'wise & generous, after all that had occurred'. Asks Miss Weisse to let her think it all over. Knows Donald 'will not dwell on it', and will be the first to try and help her forget it all. Asks whether she thinks Donald would like to spend Christmas at the Shiffolds; he might be encouraged to start work again by having to play through the score [of "The Bride of Dionysus"] to the Trevelyans.
c/o Casals, San Salvador, Prov. de Tarragona. - Is just copying the recapitulation of the Nereid theme which leads to the cave scene [in "The Bride of Dionysus"]. Minos was 'very troublesome', and Tovey had to rewrite the music to a speech in Act I before he could work on his farewell speech, but after than all went well. Now much happier with the Labyrinth scene, which was 'the worst part of the opera'. 'This place & house & people are most Dionysiac' [is staying with Pablo Casals and Guilhermina Suggia]; they drove to Poblet, shown on the postcard, the day before yesterday.
Jokingly claims the postcard shows 'the Shrine of St Jobiska'. Will send the 'old bundle' [of the score of "The Bride of Dionysus"] as far as the start of the symphonic interlude. Now starting the cave-scene; would increasingly like to 'set the Hecate passage after all', which 'musically as well as ethically' helps to prepare for [Phaedra's] big scene later. His hosts [Pablo Casals and Guilhermina Suggia] have just tried the first movement of a duet for two cellos which he is also working on.
Prades. - Thanks her for sending Johannes' letter, from which he is happy to see that that there is still recognition in the Netherlands of the stature of their dear friend Julius Röntgen. After this celebration [of the centenary of his birth] the performance of his works must continue: it is time that true music takes back its place. Asks her to pass on the sentiments of this letter to the Röntgen family.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Apologises for not thanking Bessie sooner for her invitation to come and work on Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus"] at 'the House of the Peeled Birches' [the Shiffolds?] but concerts and travels have prevented him. Bessie's sister [Bramine Röntgen?]'s letter is 'beautiful' and though it may not succeed in 'making silk purses out of sow's ears' it has, more importantly, made him feel at ease 'that the thing that had to be said, & could not be said by [him], has been most accurately and clearly said for [him]'. No longer very keen on his 'theories on G.C. [Guilhermina Casals]'s behalf': her letter to him is 'full of lies that can only have been inspired by him [Pablo Casals]', but he has just received from Casals a letter 'full of lies that can only have been inspired by her'. Is scathing about both of them. It 'sickens' Tovey to think of Casals' friendship: he is 'immensely susceptible to friendship', and responds to 'such frank and simple admiration as Casals showed' by becoming 'absolutely uncritical' and returning it 'with the most intimate confidence'. Not the first time he has wasted 'affection on a cad', but the first and he hopes last time he has done so on a 'scoundrel'; now knows 'what touching qualities of simplicity and self-deception they can have'.
Wien. - Miss Weisse 'probably infuriated' by a clause added by Tovey saying that this was his last word on the subject [the quarrel with Casals]. His letter was 'considerably longer' than the one Bessie saw, out of a wish for clearness, and to choose words meaning the same in French as in English where possible. Each point he made, including the last, agreed between Tovey and [Willi?] Strecker. Henry Weisse saw the letter as it went to Casals, and thought it excellent. The letter was 'greatly improved both in friendliness and accuracy' by the changes. But thinks Casals got the letter on false pretences, saying to Strecker that he would 'consider the Chelsea question' if Tovey made a friendly move, but explained he could not retract his slander as that would mean 'choosing between [Tovey] and his wife'; thinks Casals wanted 'some indiscretion' in Tovey's reply which he could twist to justify his accusations. There could then have been 'peace of a kind' between them: Strecker perhaps does not know Tovey well enough to see that he 'wouldn't touch it with a pair of tongs', and Miss Weisse would accept it as 'she more than half believes in G.C. [Guilhermina Casals]'. Explains why he could not have seen Casals in Liverpool. Will write 'pretty vigorously' to Strecker: is not angry with him, and grateful for all of his help, but is not sure if he is 'quite sound' in his view of Tovey's time in Spain. Has written to [George] Enesco asking him to choose a cellist to replace Casals, sending it to Miss Weisse to fill in the dates and address. Asks to be remembered to Sir George and Lady Trevelyan, and to Julian. [Julius] Röntgen returned to Amsterdam the day before yesterday; he has to write to Casals to thank him for playing in his concerto (a great success). Tovey's 'extra print... sets him free to say anything he likes' and it is 'not his business to keep P. and G. together'. Was delightful being with Röntgen in Vienna. Will stay over Sunday as [Franz] Schalk is going to 'undergo an operation of Ariadne' ["The Bride of Dionysus"]. A postscript recommends that Bessie ask Miss Weisse to show her Tovey's letter to Casals.
Prades. - It is very good of her to send all the news of the Röntgen family; he is particularly glad to hear about Joachim and his quartet. Asks her to pass on his love to Joachim and his wife if she writes. Next week, he is leaving to spend the winter in Puerto Rico, which has a lovely climate and where there are many members of his family. His brother Enrique is trying to arrange next year's Festival; unfortunately there are many difficulties.
Durrants Hotel, George Street, W.1. [this address probably in Elizabeth Trevelyan's hand]. - Is very sorry to leave London without having been able to 'join with' Mrs Trevelyan, at least by telephone, and without knowing how she is. Has had news of her from Peter Rybar, but would have liked to see her and spend time with her. Saw [Pablo] Casals at Prades in September; he was doing well, but 'lives in lamentable conditions' and as the 'situation in Spain does not change, it is very sad'. Hopes very much to return to London next year and 'have the joy' of seeing her again.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Bessie for the letter and photographs, which have just reached him after going astray in Aachen. Miss Weisse has tried twice to get a 'recantation' from G.S. [Guilhermina Suggia] and given up; thought she 'quite understood' until she showed Tovey Suggia's letter, in which Suggia quoted 'some highly emotional remarks' of Tovey's without mentioning that they came from a letter to Casals when Tovey left Spain, which Suggia could not have known of until after her reconciliation with Casals. Thinks this changed Miss Weisse's view of the business greatly, and amused her. Suggia does not lie 'if she can possibly help it... [s]he merely selects her truths'. [Murray Coutts ?] Trotter's insistence that Tovey should not admit to acting at any point 'with other than Ideal Wisdom' is justified. Regretted last autumn the 'drastic note' to Casals which Trotter and [Hugh] Godley compelled him to write, but now sees it was necessary; even hopes Casals may someday see so too. Thinks Miss Weisse is right that Suggia is 'in many ways fully as much sinned against as sinning'; Casals should not 'have taken her back while vilifying her to all Paris'. Hopes she will 'make a great career as a musician' and that Casals will soon recover from his attempt 'to educate a person who is twenty times cleverer than himself'. Is also sorry for 'that poor little Common House-fly' Horzowski, who is 'rather a genius as a player'. Sends love to Mrs Röntgen, and says Bessie must bring her to Northlands: they have the 9th Symphony for two pianos [Beethoven arr. Liszt?]. A postscript on the back of the envelope says that the cello solo sonata is out and [Willi?] Strecker 'is going to use it as a life-buoy'.
Prades. - Thanks for her letter on his arrival in Prades after his trip to Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico, which has been wonderful and moving. He does indeed plan a Festival in Puerto Rico for April 1957, which will be in honour of his mother. Indeed, his whole stay there was homage to his mother, since there were many acts dedicated to her such as the placing of a plaque by the government of Puerto Rico at the house where she was born. Is glad the Röntgens' stay with her was good; hopes that Johannes has played his own compositions to her, as he has a great talent.
Vevey. - Very touched by Mrs Trevelyan's letter, which she received while still in London, and thanks her. Is very sorry that she did not see her this time, but since she had no news 'did not dare to write sooner'. Had three concerts and a recording in twelve days, so the time passed very quickly. One of the BBC concerts could have interested Mrs Trevelyan; it was rebroadcast but is sure she will not have been able to listen to it. Peter Rybar said he had suggested the Busoni sonata to the BBC while he was in London, but had had no response; she did not know this so when Szigeti suggested she should play it with him she had no reason to refuse. Much enjoyed the evening, and it went well. Does not know when she will return to London, but will write to Mrs Trevelyan beforehand. Does not think that Casals needs food, as his 'friend' [Francesca Vidal de Capdevila] arranges supplies well, and people send parcels from America; however if Mrs Trevelyan writes, she will certainly give him great pleasure; the 'prospect of winter in that little room in Prades is... distressing' and the situation in Spain 'terribly depressing'. Sends best wishes and hopes very much to see Mrs Trevelyan in England before long.
The Shiffolds. - He and Bessie are sorry to hear she has a cold, and hope by now it is gone. The weather is 'very cold and nasty here today', but everyone is well except May [Enticknap]; she however is recovering, and he does not think she had measles badly. Went to London on Tuesday to dine with his 'friend [George] Hardy the Actuary, who has been working out the Invalidity Insurance scheme for the Government'; wanted him to meet [Ralph] Hawtrey so they arranged a dinner, with [Francis?] Hirst also present. They had a 'lot of political discussion': according to Hirst, if Phil Price had been back, he would have had a good chance of being chosen as [liberal] candidate for the Forest of Dean.
Is very sorry that Aunt Meg is not recovering more quickly. Supposes his father has finished his [jigsaw] puzzle by now. Says they should 'keep the Medici book [Lives of the early Medici as told in their correspondence, by Janet Ross?] as long as Papa wants it'. Saw Charles and George 'at breakfast' yesterday; both seemed well, and 'Charles quite cheerful'. Hilton Young has got the 'city Editorship' of the Morning Post, so will 'give up the Economist: his new job is 'well paid, £800 a year, and he will be able to say what he likes, though of course politics won't come in much anyhow'. People such as Hirst and George 'seem to think it is a good thing', since Young will be 'much more able to afford the expense of standing [for Parliament] a few years hence'; Robert hopes they will not have another election for 'four years or so'.
A Spanish musician they do not yet know is staying at the Shiffolds this weekend: [Benvingut] Socias, a friend of Röntgen and Casals; he does not speak English, so Robert will 'get some practice speaking French'.
Prades. - Has been very busy, but now thanks her for her letters; is pleased to hear about her nephews [the Röntgens], and also that she appreciated the ideas in Corredor's book. He criticises the important cuts and errors in the English edition, and supposes the translator, his friend Mangeot, was influenced too much by the publisher. Is currently very busy preparing for another voyage to Puerto Rico, where another Festival will take place next April. Is sorry to hear about Engelbert, who seemed very robust last time he saw him, and sends his love to him and his brothers.
Casa Boccaccio. - Thanks his mother for her letter. Has also just had a postcard from Bessie in London saying she has found Julian 'very happy, though a bit livery after the journey'. He seems to have enjoyed his stay at Wallington very much; Robert is 'so glad he seems to have given you and Papa so much pleasure'. Wants to see him 'very much', but thinks he would be 'unwise' to return before the end of the month as the weather is 'splendid' again and he should be able to do more work. The Abercrombies went home on Wednesday; [Will Arnold] Forster is here now and has been 'rather seedy' but is better now. He is a 'very pleasant companion'.
Is sorry George is 'so depressed', and sympathises with him about Italy [the Italo-Turkish war], but 'really one cannot bear the burdens of the world beyond a point, even the burdens of the sins of one's favourite country'. They had a 'delightful tour round Arezzo, Assisi, Perugia, Siena and San Geminianio [sic: Gimignano]'. The 'colours now are at their best, as the oaks are beginning to turn'. Is very sorry that his parents had some trees blown down in the latest storm.
Sends love to his father, is 'very glad he is going to bring out his Vol I this winter'. He wants to publish his own book in the Spring, but wants to include Ariadne [The Bride of Dionysus] and will 'have to consult Donald [Tovey]'. Is glad she enjoyed Tovey's 'Casals concert': Casals is a 'wonderful player, and Donald always plays his best with him'. Now must go out 'onto the hills to work'.
San Juan, Puerto Rico. - Thanks her for writing to him on his birthday; he has received messages from all over the world, which proves he has 'not done too many bad things in [his] life'. Puerto Rico is an ideal country. Will be back in Europe in May, and very busy; in October or November he will return for the winter. The Festival will be the most important 'musical manifestation' ever in Puerto Rico: there is great enthusiasm for it. Hopes everything will go well; he has to conduct and play in all twelve concerts. Sends his love to all the Röntgens.
Grand Hotel, Prades. - Requests news about Donald [Tovey]; has written to him at 39 Royal Terrace, as he was not meant to know that Tovey was elsewhere, as if he knew nothing of his state.
Cutting of article, headed 'Casals to Direct Bach Festival At Pyrenees Village in June [1950]', clipped to envelope with Elizabeth's address and annotated 'Casals' plans'; Cutting of article from "The Island Times", Puerto Rico, 16 Mar 1956 headed 'Casals will direct yearly music festival here', with annotation in pen, 'This will interest your friend', and cutting of article headed 'Dos Catalanes se Reúnen', with Casals identified in the photograph; these two clipped together with an envelope postmarked Stroud; Cutting of article from "The TImes", 12 Oct 1956, headed 'Casals Fêted In Paris', clipped to an envelope postmarked Perpigan; Cutting of article headed 'Stuck To His 'Cello" [1956], clipped to envelope labelled 'Casals - Cutting from "Tit-bits"'; ; Two copies of article from "[The Daily Telegraph] and Morning Post" headed 'Pablo Casals Marries His Pupil', 1957; Cutting of newspaper photograph headed 'Pablo Casals And His Bride In France'; Cutting of newspaper photograph headed 'Pablo and his bride in Honeymoon House' [1957].
39, Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, 7. - Donald very glad to have news of Mr [Willi?] Strecker, though she fears they will not be able to meet. He had a card this morning from [Pablo] Casals which said he was going to play Donald's concerto in London on 14 November, with Boult conducting; supposes that it will be broadcast at least, if not recorded. Hopes Trevelyan will stay with them when he comes to Edinburgh in February, and if he comes north in November. Donald is keeping fairly well but doing 'a great deal' which always makes her 'rather anxious'.