Item 158 - Letter from Donald Tovey to Elizabeth Trevelyan

1 item.

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.

Pencil annotations suggesting precise date.