| Content | Evžen Zámečník writes to Jan Novák that his letter encouraged him to continue composing. He recalls their meeting over wine in Munich, after which he could not sleep at all. He thanks JN for sending him the sheet music, it is a great school for him, especially in terms of looking at piano stylization. EZ also writes about the international competition in four-hand playing or two pianos [International Schubert Competition for Piano Duos], founded in Jesenik by the Lejskos [Vlastmil and Vera Lejskos]. EZ would be interested in the sonata for solo violin that JN composed, EZ likes his violin parts. He didn't know that JN had also learned violin, he only thought of him as a pianist. He goes on to write that he had recordings of some of JN's compositions copied and is happy for that. He sends JN his new record that has just been released and is curious to hear his opinion. He also encloses a student composition he wrote while studying with Jan Kapr and is also curious about JN's opinion. He also informs JN of where his recent works have been performed. He recalls that JN once came to a premiere a week early and did not hear the work. He would therefore like to send him the recording along with another one that is being made now. EZ writes that they played Bohuslav Martinů's SYMPHONY No. 1 last week and that it is divine music, especially highlighting the third movement of the work. He is also touched by BM's SMITH SEXTET, which is being played by the Bohuslav Martinů Chamber Orchestra, and he also likes GREEK PASSIONS very much. EZ mentions the death of Jan Werich and his funeral tomorrow. Several people in the Philharmonic have also died, EZ lists them. Ctirad Kohoutek has moved to Prague and is director of the Czech Philharmonic, Jiri Pauer is director of the National Theatre. EZ also writes about having been to the Warsaw Autumn Festival and reviews the works listed. Of the Czech composers, Kabeláč was performed and was a huge success. EZ met Kopelent, Klusák and other Czech musicians and students at the festival. At the end, EZ writes that he is aware that JN is very busy and does not have time to write letters, but he would like a brief report on whether he has received the record and letters.
There is also a note on the side of the letter saying that he will be in Vienna with the Bohuslav Martinů Chamber Orchestra on 19-21 January 1981, so whether JN will happen to be travelling there. |