Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Very kind of Bessie to write to her about Donald [Tovey]'s quartet; did not hear anything else about except for 'a very nice note from [Karl?] Klingler'. Donald 'has practically vanished into space since Friday before last', sending only a 'beguilingly optimistic telegram about the superiority of German copyists' so she knows nothing about the chamber concerts except for what she heard him telling Mr [Edward] Speyer (believes he is playing in Cologne tonight) nor if the symphony is finished. Must accept this, since it is the way 'poor old Donald's friends' have convinced him things should be, but if she had 'programmes and notices etc... Willy Strecker could have made a little réclame [publicity] with them in England'. Originally enclosing something she found when 'turning out a drawer' recently which made her smile, remembering a conversation with Bessie; [Leonard?] Borwick has increasingly 'become a "pianist"' which she has always warned her pupils such as Donald, Mary Beasley, and Kate [Friskin?] 'is a disgrace for a talented creature to be'. Never occurs to her to compare Borwick to Donald as a player; has compared Kate with him, 'latterly greatly to her advantage'; he was better when he 'tried to keep in Joachim's wake'. Asks Bessie to send back a particular 'astonishing notice from the Times'; Donald's Chopin was 'most rich and lovely' that evening; they called him 'Rodin' long time afterwards when 'his appearance was even less polished than usual'. Encourages Bessie to visit and bring the umbrella back.
Hôtel Bellevue. Bad Nauheim, Hesse. - Asks Bessie to let her know that Donald [Tovey] has arrived at the Shiffolds and how he is; has had 'a sentence or two from him most days' but supposes she will always feel 'a long torment' at being a long distance from him. Has had a tonic for his 'gouty eczema' sent for him; he has promised to 'let a good doctor take him in hand again' when she gets back. Is worried he may be feeling 'hustled over his Symphony' since he is always 'incurably optimistic' about how long things will take him; he expected to have it done by now and to 'completely finish Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus"] by the end of next month'; but she is 'quite happy with his output this year'. Wishes he took a 'real jovial holiday' sometimes, but perhaps his concert tour of Germany will provide that. Was very disappointed about Augustin; had discussed it with [George?] Henschel and was planning to commission Augustin to arrange a concert tour for Donald this winter, but Donald insisted 'it was all being arranged' and 'lo there is nothing!'. It matters less, though, as Willy Strecker's father is coming on Sunday and she thinks they will organise something for 1914-1915 at least. Asks Bessie to tell her what Donald says about the Borsdorf concert plan, which 'sounded very promising and jolly'; she is prepared to back it financially and hopes others will too; it is what should have been done with the Chelsea concerts. Also asks if Donald can be kept from 'sweet things and fruit in any form, cooked or raw'. Hopes Bessie is less tired than when she saw her last; complains about the weather.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - The music [see 8/85] was played at short notice on Friday 'as Strecker père went off to Germany yesterday' and was lovely; is increasingly convinced that Donald [Tovey]'s best chance of becoming well-known is through the Streckers; is always 'joyfully surprised' by 'their real "Bildung [culture]"' and 'weighty commonsense and understanding of Donald' both as genius and man. The Rummels [Walter Morse Rummel and Thérèse Chaigneau] here in the morning, very nice and both 'very excellent musicians'. Since this is Ascot week, they are 'imprisoned here' with nothing going on but work. Donald went to the New Forest on Saturday and will return on Wednesday; he is also soon going to the Speyers twice. Encourages Bessie to come over any day next week; asks when the Röntgens are coming and would like to see them.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Is very sorry and so will D. [Donald Tovey] be; he plays Chopin beautifully. Suggests Bessie comes when she is inviting [Louis] Fleury and a string quartet to play Donald's quartet in D and flute variations, probably on the 18th; hopes she will be able to stay the night, and bring Julian and his nurse. Donald did also 'mutter something vague about the Röntgens'; hopes they will see them. Donald is away; she is starting to think of summer plans. Will have to spend at least a short spell at Nauheim, then see what she can do for her brother [Henry] his wife and Archie. Donald will be in Scotland most of August; she wonders whether Bessie could host him for about a fortnight at the end of August as she is still anxious about him and happiest when he is with friends she can trust to look after him, but does not know his plans. The playing of the string quartets and flue variations is to let the 'Streckers - Père et Fils [Ludwig and Willy?] hear them'; thinks they cannot fail to be impressed, which is very important. Will write to Mrs Röntgen.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Donald [Tovey] has returned, and she feels 'white faced and strained looking and estranged as he is' that he is glad to be home; however he is certainly an invalid, and must 'as Willy Strecker' urges be treated like one. Entreats Bessie not to let him refer to 'the horrible things of this last autumn' again; he will come to see 'he was blinded by arrogance and the feeling as he said himself... that he was teaching Casals that he, Donald, was the 'top dog'' so fell 'victim to Guilhermina's urgent need to wrench her husband's love back'. She will not refer to all this, or to Hugh Godley's conduct, again. Donald's reactions 'are not "passionate misunderstandings" - it is what is his heirloom'; only this 'explanation and excuse' makes it still possible for this to be his home; he will be 'ill like this again'. He is currently 'writing reams of letters', many she thinks to 'little [Adolf] Busch', which makes her nervous; but his interests in the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] have been roused again and she longs for it to be finished. Donald thinks his concerts will be his last in London, and she fears he may be right; he talks of going to Bessie around the 30th, but she herself 'longs' to see her and Julian before that.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Just returned from seeing Mr [Willi] Strecker in London, a visit she found difficult due to her recent heart trouble; they tried to see what could be done to 'save something from the wreck of the Chelsea Concerts' but this is not much. Her 'poor Donald [Tovey]' is undoubtably ill'; begs Bessie not to speak or write to him about the Casals [Pablo and Guilhermina Suggia] and not to discuss her or repeat anything she has said if possible. Asks her to send back the note about 'what took place in Mr [Hugh] Godley's office on the 1st of November'. Godley's 'conduct towards Donald this year... is inexplicable'; can only imagine it is somehow 'connected with Adila v[on] Arányi'; 'he has done his best to ruin Donald', working skilfully to 'detach him from Casals'; now he has 'shown his hand' and declared he will have nothing to do with the Chelsea Concerts. There is 'also Mr [Murray Coutts?] Trotter's sentimental stupidity'. Donald should not have seen a word of Guilhermina's 'ridiculous romances', nor been told 'he would have to bring a lawsuit against Pablo lest P. should think him weak'; is very sad Professor Röntgen showed Donald her 'piteously anxious telegram to Vienna'. Asks if everyone is 'against her' in her 'efforts to guard' Donald, and whether they know 'what the dangers are'; fears she will have to write to the Toveys' 'little solicitor', who appeals to her to help him 'prevent Duncan [Tovey] from robbing Donald' to asks if she can prevent 'Duncan from having the custody of his brother if he should become worse'. Donald keeps writing letters 'full of the foulest language about the Casals' and towards her; he has also written such a letter to Mr Strecker, saying her telegram to Röntgen showed she did not believe in 'his freedom from crime'. Has only written the letter to Donald of which Bessie has seen a copy [8/78] and another saying she 'can receive no more such letters' and will never mention the Casals again. Willy Strecker only mentioned his letter to prove Donald is ill. Donald says he will not return unless she joins 'in abusing Casals and praising [Donald's] every act - and Hugh Godley's'. Wonders Casals did not 'shoot him there and then' if Donald behaved even a fraction as badly in Spain. Hopes to get him well again, but only if the few friends she can trust, amongst whom she numbers Bessie, will help her.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - In answer to Tovey's letters, states 'categorically' that she has never thought, nor 'led any other creature to think' she thought, nor feared anyone ever thought, that Tovey had said or done anything that anyone 'from Guilhermina Casals outwards could interpret' as being wrong 'from any man to any woman, let alone any woman who was the wife of his friend [Pablo Casals]'. Even the first 'angry frightened lines' she sent Donald, which he regards as 'so foul an insult', show this, and she would have written the same if the three of them had been men, as she does feel his 'host and friend had reason to feel himself neglected and ridiculous'. Is not afraid of 'gossip or even slander' either for him or for herself. Mr Strecker showed her Donald's letter to Casals written at Liverpool, from which she expected the reply, though not its 'gentle and dignified' tone. They will 'not allude to the matter' when they meet. Does not understand about [Adolf] Busch or what she has done, but since Donald says he has not told him about Casals, hopes there is no harm done. Tells him to come home or not as is best for him.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Bessie for all her 'kind words'; thinks she had better read the enclosure, which is 'practically' what she has written to Donald [Tovey] then burn it. Donald must be 'very hardworking and very humble and courteous' if she is to continue 'making a home for him'. This business [the quarrel with Pablo Casals] shows him to have been 'a self righteous arrogant goose' and 'that young woman' [Guilhermina Suggia] has 'sized him up'. Donald writes 'gaily' that she should write and ask Enesco to find another cellist. Wishes 'he had run away with Guilhermina - she might have prevented such follies and made him work'. Intends to ignore the existence of the concerts, though has already given fifty pounds towards them. Is sorry for Willy Strecker. Thinks Donald's letter to Casals 'odious'; told her brother he should never have let Donald send it; he agrees and was amazed at 'the moderation and dignity of Casals' reply'. Donald should have left the 'London gossip' alone, which would have denied Guilhermina the opportunity of 'poring out all her amusing venom'. Casals denied to her that he had accused Donald of anything other of being 'too assiduous in his attentions'; she is very sorry for him. Wrote and telegraphed Donald warning against his friendship with Guilhermina and urging him to come home to see his sick father. Told Henry [her brother] that he was 'the fourth Oxford man to have been a fool about this business'. Is very worried about Donald as these 'bouts of loss of self control' are becoming more frequent and more violent; the 'Speyer business' was bad enough. He needs to work hard, and 'earn his Vienna ticket now by two articles in the Times'. Thanks Bessie about Christmas; Donald says he ought to go and see his aunt in Wales. In a postscript written after she has read Bessie's letter again tells her not to say 'how well in health and sane' Donald is since the 'only excuse for his behaviour is that he is ill, which makes him 'just like his father'. Has just received 'another horrible letter from Donald', enclosing Hugh Godley's letter. Godley 'wished Donald to break with Casals' and wishes him to break with her. Is telling everyone who asks that Donald's health alarms her. Her brother agrees it was very wrong of him to go to Vendrell after 'the Vienna episode', which she herself had not known of.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Originally enclosing [?] letters which are 'reassuring though very maddening'. One of 'the "poky prigs" is Sir Walter Parratt' who passed the offer to go to Vienna on to Donald [Tovey]'. Assures Bessie that, if she think's [Pablo] Casals' leter was cold then Donald's was 'icy in its egotism and priggishness and tactlessness'. If Casals does not give concerts in London on 'those very dates' [previously agreed for performances with Donald] it will be 'a miracle of generosity'; she agrees with Willy Strecker that Casals is the 'most aggrieved party', which she could prove from Donald's own letter to her; it is 'disgraceful that he should use such foul language of them [Casals and Suggia] now'. Knows what trouble Casals took to interest [Franz] Schalk in Donald. Wants Donald to be a good man, which does not simply consist in obeying the seventh commandment [do not commit adultery]; lists the virtues which he can lack: 'Industry, humility, loyalty, candour...' Pities Casals. Her brother [Henry] told her 'some of the lies Guilhermina [Suggia] had concocted about Donald'; cannot help admiring 'that young woman's invention'. In October, Donald 'nearly threw a dinner plate' at her and 'dashed out of the house' when she said something in Suggia's conduct when they were in Paris needed explaining. Is sorry and very disappointed about the concerts, as is Mr Strecker; does not know what is to be done. As Fanny Davies and 'every sensible person' said, the 'only answer to the esclandre [scandal]' was to keep to the Chelsea Concerts programme, and it is Donald alone who made that impossible. He will have to lose money and reputation this year. Is relieved he seems better; fancy him having 'two terrific quarrels in one year', she herself has never had one on her own account.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Is in great distress; sends Bessie 'these miserable things' firstly because she fears that Donald [Tovey], under cover of 'high spirits... is suffering from a depression which amounts to madness' and may end most terribly, and secondly as she is increasingly convinced [Julius Engelbert] Röntgen 'may be doing a grave injustice to his friendship with [Pablo] Casals' by only believing Donald's account [of the quarrel over Guilhermina Suggia]. Originally enclosing letters to her from Donald written at Vienna and Hewell which do not relate to anything she has said or done since there was no discussion of the matter on the day he left, and a telegram which is 'his only comment... on Casals' sad little note send him by Mr Strecker'. Has not yet written, only sent books and money as requested. Encloses the letter she plans to send [see 8/78 ?], not so Bessie can 'be a judge' between them, but so she can know her mind in case she can help care for Donald. Has had letters and speech like this from Donald before, and '[m]orally speaking' he should have left her after the first occasion, when he was at Oxford. But since she knows 'the tragedy of the circumstances of his origin' she has been willing [to forgive] 'unto seventy times seven' in order 'to save him'. Wishes his friends would help. Asks Bessie if she can send a word to Professor Röntgen, which might help, or perhaps not. Would listen 'to any advice or suggestion'.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Is very unhappy, as Donald [Tovey] did not keep his promise to send Willy Strecker his letter to [Pablo] Casals [about the quarrel over Guilhermina Suggia] before posting it; when he found that Casals was also in Liverpool he wrote him 'sheets and sheets of the most vain priggish arrogant stuff', in reply to which Casals wrote 'the sad little dignified note' she encloses a copy of [see 8/142]. Donald should have seen Casals, or at least have let him know they were in the same town. Donald sent Willy Strecker a rough copy of his letter after he had sent the original to Casals, and Strecker has sent it to her. The concerts will be ruined and she feels she can not show her face in London again. Knows Donald did not give 'so much as a breath of offence to Casals as a husband', but does not doubt 'he was very disloyal to him and made him very unhappy as a host and friend'. Is anxious in case Donald's 'too violent friendship with young [Adolf] Busch' ends sadly as well. All too like his father. Donald seemed very depressed so she has telegraphed to Professor Röntgen; his reply perhaps originally included. In a postscript, asks Bessie to send Willy Strecker's note on to Röntgen, and the copy of Casals' letter back to her.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Is 'devoured by anxiety about Donald [Tovey]': saw him off at Charing Cross 'looking as he did during those dangerous months of depression in the beginning of 1906'. Had a long talk with Willy Strecker after Donald left this morning: Hugh Godley has done a great deal of mischief, and still wants Donald to 'bring an action' [against Pablo Casals]. Thought Strecker 'most wise', and regrets Donald did not send him his letter to Casals before dispatching it. Fears from Donald's own account that the letter he sent to Casals in Liverpool was 'very argumentative Toveyish "I have the last word"' in style. Has got him a room in the same hotel as [Julius Engelbert] Röntgen in Vienna; asks Bessie if she could write to Röntgen and tell him how anxious Miss Weisse is so that he might send her some news of Donald. Is also dreadfully sorry for Pablo. Hopes Bessie found Julian well; thanks her for coming on Tuesday.
Northlands, Englefield Green. - Donald [Tovey] has gone to visit the Speyers, tired and 'in a rather anxious state of irritation with the Classical Concert Societry again'; Willy Speyer [perhaps an error for Strecker?] spent the afternoon with them and thinks he is coming to the Trevelyans on the 3rd. Donald is giving the first lecture in a series on German music at Oxford on August 4th; very disappointed not to be going to hear him as planned; asks Bessie to get Donald to read it out as it must not exceed fifty-five minutes and to check about providing a piano. Hopes it will be as good as he can make it, as his 'chances of a future Professorship depend on such things'.
24 Norfolk Crescent, Hyde Park, W. - Saw Donald [Tovey]'s publisher Willy Strecker today, and they agreed his Cello Sonata and Elegiac Variations are to be published before the [Pablo] Casals concerts; Donald must at once send them to him; asks Bessie to make sure they are 'safely packed and... registered', since Dr Strecker told her a piece of Donald's due to be published in October has not yet come out as some corrected proofs were 'lost in the post'. Is very busy 'being concert agent', and asks if she can send some circulars to be distributed. Goes to the Countess of Lathom at Sandgate from Sunday till Tuesday, then probably to Worplesdon. Hopes Julian is getting stronger.
Bryn Eisteddfod, Clynnog Fawr, Near Carnavon. - Asks if Trevelyan is likely to be at the Shiffolds by Saturday; if so, he will come on Sunday. Has to go on via Ridgehurst on the 4th then up north for a fortnight, but it would be good for both him and the opera if he could also come to stay towards the end of September. Hopes [Richard Douglas] Denman will be able to help him convince [Sir John] Simon that it would be desirable to release [Willi] Strecker [from internment].
8 Wearbay Road, Folkestone. - Has been meaning to ask whether Trevelyan and Tovey would prefer ["The Bride of Dionysus"] not to be mentioned while they were still working on it, including the possibility of it being performed in Germany. Has so far only told a few friends, but is often asked what she is doing and why she is not in London doing her usual work; since she has been 'hors de combat' for over a year, would not like to give the impression of bad health. When she is not giving lessons, she spends a great part of the day on her translation, in which she is more and more interested; the choruses give particular trouble. Would like to hear what Mr [Willi?] Strecker thought of her translation. Asks if Trevelyan was in Oxford for the Bach festival, which must have been delightful.
Elton Hall, Peterborough. - Is attracted by Trevelyan's Rothbury plan and will join in if he can, but there are factors which may prevent him. Miss Weisse went to Germany the Sunday before the British declaration of war; the Noordewiers [Aaltje and Michiel], who have just returned to Holland, heard from her a week ago and she is safe in Hanover. She can get money from the Streckers at Mainz there, and he has 'no special cause for anxiety' at the moment. His brother [Duncan] is in the London Scottish Regiment and has just left on active service, so his family at Worplesdon may want help. He also left all his opera score at the Shiffolds. Whatever his own prospects, and whatever becomes of Fritz Busch, he has to try to work as if nothing has changed. It is 'awful' working on his symphony, 'every note of which is Fritz's private property' but if Fritz comes through the war he could not face him unless the work were perfect. He and Trevelyan must also carry on with the opera: 'German translation & all'. Must not let himself merely subside into his Edinburgh professorship, but must also make 'a striking and solid success' of his first term's work there. Will have a few 'rather vulgar sham-organization-&-efficiency bullies' to cope with, and needs to win the support of people of 'real culture' through efficiency. His timetable is in print in the University calendar; has decided to get a secretary for office-work, and asks if Trevelyan knows of a candidate, though he must be 'an Edinburgh sort of librarian's bottle-washer' and it wouldn't be a good move for Rupert Leigh [Rupert Lee?].
Thinks it best to complete his time at Elton Hall: 'Victor [Hely-Hutchinson]'s talent is a thing of immense importance' and he must be saved 'from the appalling bad musical taste of his people'; they are not 'bad and vulgar' but 'good and kind, in spite of many British limitations that are beyond caricature' and their 'impenetrable satisfaction with the precise stage of culture they happen to have drifted into', which makes things difficult, but he thinks he will succeed. Hal Goodhart-Rendel is an example of 'what bad feeding can do for the finest material in the world': both he and Victor had 'more talent, better health & stronger brains' than Tovey had. His sister [Natalie] must had had a quite useful talent and her violin-playing could have been useful to Victor, but 'it is now so unspeakably bad' and she plays 'such vile stuff' to the delight of her relations that it is bad for Victor to play with her. So Tovey feels he should stay until the other tutor comes on the 20th.
Would be an 'honour & delight' to meet Trevelyan's parents again, and sees it would be good for Trevelyan to be north; however, it may be better for Tovey to be near Northlands, Worplesdon and the Shiffolds. Leaves the decision to Trevelyan.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Trevelyan for his note: there is 'no loss of friendship' though she thinks him 'very often injudicious in quite forgetting how very little [he knows] of Donald and of his surroundings and requirements'; has much affection for both Trevelyans and is grateful for the 'rest' their society gives Donald. Regrets that Trevelyan interfered with Donald's publishers [the Streckers: see 8/25] at 'so important a moment' and Percy Such was 'justly alarmed and indignant'. Thinks it a shame Donald wastes time on teaching and social functions, and also that the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] is a 'serious deflection of his proper work'; is sure though that all will be well, and is appreciates the 'loving care' the Trevelyans take of Donald. Is sure their dates will suit Donald. He will be 'quite independent' of her [in Germany], though she hopes they will meet at Munich; wishes he could travel back with her. It is 'delightful abt Schott' [apparently wanting to take three of Donald's pieces].
Hotel Victoria, Schlangenbad. - Very 'sweet' of Mrs Trevelyan to write; very glad to hear she had a good weekend at Ridgehurst and wishes she could have been there as well. There must have been a 'delightful lot of music'. Good that Mr [Willi?] Strecker 'settled on some of Donald [Tovey]'s works at once'; hopes it will be an 'inducement' to Donald to go on. Supposes they all went to Northlands [home of Sophie Weiss] on the 17th; thought a great deal about them. Will be a 'joy' to the Trevelyans to have Donald staying next month; wonders how the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] will get on. Asks if Mr Trevelyan is working on anything new. Her cure is coming to an end, after eight weeks; has done her much good and she has 'even started singing again'. Her youngest brother joined her three weeks ago, and they have enjoyed the 'exquisite woods all round' despite the rain and cold. They are leaving next Monday for the Black Forest; she will spend a fortnight there then 'fly home - oh with what joy!'. Does not mean to sound ungrateful, and has had rest and a 'devoted doctor' here. Will be good to see Mrs Trevelyan again; has thought of her often.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Hopes Donald [Tovey] has let Bessie know that he proposes to be at Worplesdon from Saturday to Monday, to see his father and bring him on to the Trevelyans. Asks Bessie if she can see to a few things: Donald is not quite well, as 'his wretched eczema plainly shows', so she is sending his tonic and hair wash to be put in his bedroom; had got it under control but one result of 'the inexpressibly silly meddling early in the year' was that it was neglected; they both find it very depressing. Assures Bessie that it is not infectious, but hereditary [perhaps psoriasis rather than eczema?]. Will send one trunk packed for Germany, the other to come back to Northlands. Donald must leave for Mayence [Mainz] on 31 August at the latest, for his visit to the Streckers, although unfortunately 'the old publisher [Geheimrat Ludwig Strecker Sr] and his wife' will be absent. Bobbie [Trevelyan's] 'absurd intrusion into Mr Strecker's carriage' [see 8/25] gave the impression that Donald was 'an idle, capricious, rich amateur' who takes every excuse not to work, instead of a 'serious musician with his living to get'. Insists that the limitations imposed by his teaching and concerts encourage Donald to work, and do not hinder him. Urgent that he practises the piano regularly again in the autumn, as 'important people' tell her they have noticed a difference in his playing; he is however not well enough for her to worry him at the moment. Hopes to meet him in Munich with Percy Such for the Brahms fest. Will send Bessie her summer address when she knows it. Is sure being with Bessie will benefit Donald.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - So 'delightful that Schotts have bought three more of Donald [Tovey]'s things today'; hopes that his visit to the Streckers will be successful. Asks when would be most convenient for Donald to visit the Trevelyans. Does not know why Bobbie [Robert Trevelyan] told 'a perfect stranger like Dr Strecker' that Donald could only work at the Trevelyans; Percy Such was very indignant so she said it was 'Bobbie's notion of a joke'. Hopes Strecker will not think Donald a lunatic; Mr Such said he had explained it was 'an invention of Bobbie's to secure Donald's company' which she thinks is true, but 'he oughtn't to be greedy'. Lady [Evelyn?] de Vesci has asked her and Donald to join her in the Tyrol, which she would love, but she does not want to hamper Donald. Enjoyed Bessie's last visit very much, and wishes she could do something for her.
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'.
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'.
23 St John's Wood Park, N.W. - Had read most of "The Bride [of Dionysus]" in manuscript, but the book looks beautiful 'in its artistic getup' and he much enjoyed reading it through. He and his father also heard part of Donald [Tovey]'s music recently; both were 'struck by the beauty of the work in its completed form'. Hopes the book has the success it deserves.
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.
Danestream House, Milford-on-Sea, Hants. - Has written to Herbert [the pharmacist?] to send another full set of medicines [for Donald Tovey] from the most recent prescriptions. A postcard from Bessie to the Noordewiers 'would be a great comfort to Miss Weisse'. Fears the news that Mr [Fritz] Busch is to go to the front will be a great shock to Tovey; feels very sorry about it. Mr [Willi] Strecker 'seems quite safe with his entire family in England', having not gone to Germany after all. Gives the Noordewiers' address.
23 St John's Wood Park, N.W. - His application has been refused, and he will be interned in a few days; his wife and children will stay here as they are 'perfectly safe & well looked after'; expects they will get permission to stay though they have heard nothing yet. Has advised his solicitor to do nothing for the moment and 'accept the inevitable'; if Trevelyan could find out whether a petition to Sir John Simon in a month or two might be worthwhile, he should let his secretary Frank Standfield know. By 'papers & excitement may have calmed down', especially if England has had some 'big success' in the war, such as the fall of the Dardanelles, and the department may be less overworked. Knows he could get 'many artists, composers & friends besides 200 employees to sign a petition', and has 'worked a great deal in the interest of music in this country', with 'many poor artists' dependant on him. Standfield and his solicitor are well informed on all these points, but anything that can be done must be done quietly and kept out of the papers, as his 'competitors would counteract it if possible'. Donald [Tovey] might also help to get some signatures or introductions if needed, but for the moment thinks it 'wisest to keep quiet'. Thanks Trevelyan warmly for all the support and help he has given in the past. Adds a postscript that he has not yet written to Tovey but will do so if he has time; asks Trevelyan to pass on his regards if he is interned before he has chance
Prisoners of War, Alexandra Palace [postmark]. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending him the Annual of [New] Poetry"; especially enjoyed Trevelyan's 'Indian play' ["The Pearl Tree"] which he thinks is 'greatly improved', with the new ending being 'much more effective'. Has read little of the other poetry yet as it is hard to find quiet to concentrate on 'anything more serious than a newspaper' in the camp; the 'constant company of dozens or hundred of other people is somewhat trying at times'. Otherwise he is keeping well, and keeping his mind occupied with plenty of work. Glad to learn of Donald [Tovey]'s "health and happiness"; had heard nothing from or about him for a long time so was wondering how he was; hopes Tovey will begin to compose again, though would 'quite understand if the present times are not favourable for artistic inspirations of a peaceful nature'. His own wife nad children are currently in the country; saw them last week and 'found them well & happy'. Has 'organised a camp orchestra of over 50 members, which is constantly improving' and has 'given very creditable performances of Beethoven' and other classical works.