| Content | Bohuslav Martinů sends Karel Novák his current address in New York.BM is working on the CLAVIERNE CONCERT [No. 3], but the work is slow and BM is finishing the compositions. Nevertheless, BM would like the CONCERT to be finished by March so that Ruda [Firkušný] can rehearse it [for the probably planned performance at the 1948 Prague Spring Festival]. BM would like to return to Czechoslovakia and stay until the festival [Prague Spring], but there is a problem to get tickets for the boat and BM is afraid of the plane, lest the flight at altitude damage his hearing. BM's health is better, but sometimes depression returns. BM comments on the political developments in Europe, the uncertainty has been going on for a long time and things are getting more complicated. SYMPHONY No. 5 was a great success, played by [Ernest] Ansermet and the NBC radio orchestra, BM has the material with him, it is in demand. BM praises the release of the cl. lift of JULIETTE, hopes to see a performance with [Václav] Talich. BM praises his pupil Jan Novak, recommends KN to take him on. When BM is in Prague, he will take JN to his class. So they can count on a CLASSICAL CONCERT, Melantrich could do the material, but for a year or two R. Firkušný will have exclusivity except in Prague. BM complains that no one writes to him from home, but in any case he will return home unless the world situation prevents him. |