39 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, 7. - Would be 'great fun' to have [Peter] Rybar in Edinburgh next winter 'if it could be managed financially'; thinks he 'would get what he needs'. Tovey could not be responsible for violin technique, but thinks that 'timely occasional visits to [Carl] Flesch', who played in Edinburgh yesterday 'most gloriously', ought to be enough. Tired out by the effort of writing another letter to the "Times" about Eugenie Schumann's protest (about the appearance of her father's last concerto), though at least there is now no 'spookwhenyou'rspookentology' [a reference to the involvement of a séance in the discovery of the concerto] to deal with. In a postscript, Tovey notes that his students are 'now numerous & really musical', and that things are in general better than in Johannes [Röntgen]'s time; thinks Rybar would benefit from the students as well as help them.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Sorry to have kept [Peter] Rybar's "Prelude and Fugue" for so long, which shows a 'great natural talent for counterpoint in a classical language'. Wishes he could give 'more definite advice': Rybar shows no sign of a liking for modern music, but would need 'a lot of the dullest grammatical training before his work could become masterly', which at his age he would find 'disgusting', yet Tovey doubts whether he could 'assimilate a training in a modern style'. If at the age of twenty-four his 'mind is as 18th-century as this composition', it is too broad 'for the narrow modern disciplines that are the only alternatives to anarchy'. Thinks he himself could keep him interested if he could teach him at Edinburgh. [Paul] Hindemith has the 'most disciplined mind in all modern music', and Rybar should definitely study with him 'if politics permitted', though Tovey does not know what the result would be; Rybar seems to have an 'excellent violinist's ear, but a mere pianoforte-keyboard ear for fine detail in polyphony'.
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.
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.
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.