| Content | Bohuslav Martinů writes to Jan Novák that the performance of the KOSHIL [WEDDING KOSHIL] is OK. Sometimes the theatre does not coincide with our ideas, but that will be sorted out. BM is delighted with JN's [and Eliska Nováková's] successes, thanks for the reviews and for the news about his request [for Russian liturgical music for the opera GREEK PASSION]. BM sent sources to [Karel] Šebánek, who will be able to get something through the ministry, so JN should not worry anymore, such things are hard to find in Brno. BM would like to know something authentic. The [John] Chrysostom is a harmonization of [Peter I] Tchaikovsky, but the text is old. BM will return it to JN when he doesn't need it. GILGAMES is great, but requires heavy stage technique; BM would wait for it. JN should write a quartet - it's hard, but it will bring a person together. As for the "Groomsmen", BM knows them, but for some reason has put them on hold. We have [Carlo] Goldoni's translation out now. It's hard with theatre now - as the words are there, sometimes it doesn't fit what's required. There aren't many cheerful librettos to be found here, and they always have to be adapted for the theatre. With a nude it's possible, but a full-length libretto is rare. [Václav Kliment] Klicpera still has The Three-Cornered Hat. BM will think what he can find. JN should follow in his footsteps and look at Goldoni. It would be best to find a friend who has an "idea", the old stuff is old and hard to work with after all. The world is changing a bit too subito. The idea of bringing up death is good, but the original texts don't exist and it's dangerous to get close to [the style of] [Igor] Stravinsky's Wedding. In time it will sort itself out in the head and one day one will find it. A CONCERT FOR TWO CLASSES is achievable, but the problem will be with the material. BM will be able to take care of it when he returns to New York. JN shouldn't worry about the liturgy. |