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'.
White House, Albany Street, W.1. (corrected to N.W.1). - Apologises for the delay in replying to Mrs Trevelyan's letter, for which she thanks her; has only just received it due to a change of address. Is happy to be back in London, despite 'numerous difficulties', and to have 'new prospects for the autumn'. Would be very happy to come and see her, as the memory of her last visit to the Trevelyans' house is so good, but is unsure whether it will be possible. Has just finished three broadcasts at the BBC, and must now work on the recording of a Beethoven concerto on 1 and 2 July with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Fears that she will have to leave for Paris on 3 July, but if that is not the case will come 'with joy' to see Mrs Trevelyan on 5 July, as suggested. Has no news of Peter Rybar, but supposes he has not yet come to London or Mrs Trevelyan would have heard. Hopes to see Joachim [Röntgen] and Anne Marie in February at the Hague, if the projected concert with his quartet comes off. Sends regards to Mr Trevelyan.
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.
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.
100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - He and Teetee have been ill for a week: apologises for not replying sooner. It is a great honour to have Trevelyan's "Oedipus Coloneus" inscribed to him and Teetee: she deserves it, having started Greek at age fifty and gone from Mark's Gospel to Acts to Book IV of the "Odyssey"; he himself has not, unless buying Dioscorides' "De Materia Medica" and Müller's "Geographi Graeci Minores" counts. When Teetee comes to visit, Trevelyan should start her on Sophocles: she may find the "Antigone" easier than the "Coloneus". John has left for a round of visits, including to the Trevelyans and Joan Allen. He seems much matured and kindlier; is beginning to think of the future and re-read Horace; may be free of the army by summer. Sorry to hear of Miss Simpkins' heart strain. Is delighted to hear the news of the Röntgens: are they warm enough for the winter? Warmth is 'Angela Lavelli's desideratum in Paris'.
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.
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.
39, Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, 7. - Thinks she is a little better than in the summer, and has let 'so many things slide' that she is not busy at all. Misses Molly [Grierson?] very much, though Miss Morah [?] is 'most helpful and obliging'; Molly has not been to see them as she is busy at home, but they went to stay with her for two nights last week; good to see her looking 'very well and very interested in all her household & parish things'. Have heard nothing from [Edward] Renton; believes he is coming up to conduct [the Reid Concert] on 26 Jan, but that is a long way away. Does not know what to suggest: perhaps Bob could ask to see what he has done; Donald is 'so vague' it is hard to get definite opinions from him, although perhaps if Bob wrote he might reply with an opinion on what is to be done. Gathers from [Victor] Hely-Hutchinson that Rontgen is unlikely to get the South African job. Donald was glad of the news about Joachim Röntgen; as ever, he likes to have news of his friends.
1, Route de Canigou, Prades. - Thanks her for her letter; he had already been happy to receive the postcard from Johannes [Röntgen?] and his wife during their stay with Elizabeth, imagining their pleasure at being together and also that music would not be neglected. Was happy to learn that Miss Sampson was there too: she is charming and an exquisite musician. At Prades they have also had lots of music, with his students, friends, and colleagues, during the spring and for a good part of the summer. This has been a marvellous cure for him, as opportunities to play chamber music are rare. Had the pleasure of meeting Joachim and his wife in Zurich, with his friends the Seilers, and they played together. Joachim is a worthy representative of the Röntgen name. Had not known that Mary Grierson was working on a biography of Donald [Tovey]; cannot think of anyone more suitable for the task. Asks when the work will be ready, and requests that she congratulates Dr Grierson from him. Sends best wishes to Elizabeth's husband.
1, Route de Canigou, Prades. - The Prades Bach Festival was very moving: the atmosphere and the perfect collaboration of all his colleagues gave him great joy. Is happy to hear about the Röntgen family.
Lanercost Priory, Brampton, Cumberland. - Thanks 'Uncle Bob' for sending his poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; likes several of them 'very much, particularly "The Prison-House" which reminded her of a poem she herself wrote recently that was liked by Frances Cornford. Feels as Bob does about the 'modern poets - sure there is a spring of pure poetry there, but not very successful at making it flow!' Wishes 'somebody would write a book explaining T. S. Eliot, like Daddy did for [George] Meredith'. She 'hardly dare[s] ask, fearing the worst', whether Aunt Bessie has head any news about her Röntgen nephews, or whether Professor [Pieter] Geyl 'survived the ordeals he underwent'. She and her husband are 'very happy here, and thoroughly enjoy country life'; the church is 'superb - the ancient 12th century Augustinian priory'; the house 'partly consists of a tower built by Edward I', who came several times. They are just twenty miles from Hallington, which has been released from use as a hospital; her mother spent a few days there before Christmas organising redecoration, but it is 'still full of hospital furniture'. Saw Aunt Annie [Philips] before October, who is 'very old now, and tired, but her interest in things is undiminished' and she 'much appreciates Aunt Bessie's letters'.
Hotel des Iles Britanniques, Aix-les-Bains. - Is sorry to be missing 'all the Röntgenialities' and sends them his love. Dionysus's exclamation [in Act III of "The Bride of Dionysus", see 7/67] disappears easily; blames his own 'characteristic Heath-Robinson contraptions' for its awkward placement. Has discovered another place for improvement: the excision of seven bars of music in the passage before the Investiture; illustrates this with musical notation. Originally enclosing a slip which Trevelyan can 'stick over the new joint'. The 'footballet' has come out slightly differently in the scoring; will send a new copy soon.
Prades. - Was moved to receive her letter containing the news of the death of her husband: speaks of his sympathy for her and the affection he felt for her husband. Would love to see her again, and regrets the circumstances which still delay a visit to England. He is organising the next Festival [in Prades]; is delighted that Joachim [Röntgen] will take part.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Originally enclosing some brown thread giving 'the length for the chain'; they could perhaps also supply a few opals if there are some missing. Is very tired after 'these anxieties and agitations' and very worried about Donald: he is showing the strain by behaving towards her as he did four years ago which makes it 'difficult to take care of him', and she has 'no dear Bob and Bessie to trust him to'. The 'affair itself threatens to end in bathos': she has had a 'rapturous' letter from 'the wife' [Guilhermina Suggia] saying how glad she is to be with her Pablo [Casals] again. Wishes Professor Röntgen could force Pablo 'to unsay all the wicked nonsense he wept out to all and sundry here'. Sends her love to all six Röntgens; they will be very grateful if Bessie's brother in law [Julius Engelbert Röntgen] can tell them what should be done. Regrets the loss of twenty-six pounds on Thursday's concert.
Prades. - Thanks her for the letter and the photographs of herself and her husband. Has not been able to attend to correspondence for a few weeks because of his 75th birthday. Her nephews gave him the most special of his presents; a photocopy of the autograph version of their father's [Julius Rontgen's] cello concerto. They are a fine family, and their parents' spirit lives on in them. Hopes she'll have chance to be with them: they are very fond of their aunt. Has started work for the 1953 [Prades] festival; as ever, he worries whether he will have the strength to carry out this great task, but trusts in God.
Prades. - The arrangement she has made for her husband's library seems a good one; he, like she, is sure that Robert Trevelyan would approve. He thinks often of Robert and of their friend Donald Tovey. Is sorry to hear of Joachim's rheumatic pains and hope they have ceased; soon he will receive an invitation for the [Prades] Festival and it would give Casales joy to work with him as in other years.