| Content | Today they received a letter from Bohuslav Martinů [Mar 1945-11-02], where he writes that he also wrote to Karel Šebánek. Nevertheless, he asks [the family in Polička] to translate part of the letter sent to KS in case the letter to KS is delayed. The following is a copy of BM's letter:
"The project with the villa would be wonderful, he still wanted to ask KS to look for something for them in that neighborhood. He is very concerned that they have a villa and not have to live in an "appartement". How are they looking at this in Polička? If there was trouble, he'd be willing to negotiate. He asks them to help if they can. He has also written to KS to support this as much as possible, it would be a great advantage and it is important for BM to have a base in Prague. With many of the things KS writes about BM wants to wait until he is home to sort it out in person. He has to go via Paris because he has to get all his manuscripts that are left there, he doesn't even know where exactly.
He received a telegram from Paris saying that the 2nd SYMFONIE was a great success and that there will be a festival of BM's compositions on the radio. If it works out with the villa, they are to write at once so that he knows where to send the boxes. He's also waiting for an official call so the local authorities can sort it out regarding travel and moving. As for contracts and offers, that can't be dealt with in letters, it has to wait until he's home. Regarding the compositions, KS also writes that he will not send anything because the shipments are uncertain, they have already received some and will arrange the rest when he is there."
Letter from František Martinů: He learned from his wife that KS has not yet processed the application for an apartment from Polička. He went to inquire and was told that the directorate of the orphanage, which owns the villa, had already sent a reply to "Mánes". The answer was negative, as he had expected. In addition, the current resident is Dr. Kotrlý. The villa will soon be sold because the orphanage needs money. It is possible that repairs will be needed, but FM wonders about that because the German who occupied the villa has put everything in the best possible order. Dr. Kotrly is thinking of buying it. There is a two-storey villa near Gröbovka, but there is a youth association there now and it would probably be very large, so maybe the rent would not be affordable for BM. KS is probably going to have a lot of work to do with it because no one else is going to move it to what BM envisions, and time is running out. As for the boxes BM wanted to send, at worst FM can take them to his apartment, but there's not much room anyway. He reiterates that there is no time to waste if BM wants to be in France for Christmas. Hopefully the invitation will be processed by then (BM writes from the Conservatoire, FM thought he would be invited by the Ministry). KS is to write if he would like them to supply him with anything, he says the price has fallen again in Prague, but in Polička it is not noticeable at all. |