| Content | Bohuslav Martinů informs Carl J. Vosburgh that he cannot grant the Cleveland Orchestra the rights they have requested, but he can make the score [SYMPHONY No. 2] available to them for any scheduled performance. BM has already written to [Emaunuel] Hajny and [Erich] Leinsdorf that he has sent the score to London, promised a performance in Mexico, and it is very possible that [Sergei] Koussevitzky will also stage the work in Boston. He also wants to have the Symphony performed in New York - if they could take it on with the Cleveland Orchestra, it would be easier for BM to give them the rights; London or Mexico are not so important.
The Symphony was commissioned by friends of the BM for a possible Cleveland premiere, but this is a purely friendly and private aspect of the matter, and has nothing to do with the normal performance rights or fees for providing orchestral parts that each orchestra automatically pays for. Nor does the money BM has received from its friends cover the cost of orchestral materials. BM asks the CJV to let him know if they plan to perform Symphony No. 2 in New York as well, in which case it would be possible to receive the rights for the entire season. Finally, BM asks the CJV to deal with G. H. L. Smith that he will send the requested texts and photographs at the earliest opportunity. |
| Transcription of the letter | Augustè 21., 1943.
Dear Mr. Vosburgh,
In this moment, I can’t give you the sole performence rights, you asked me for, but I can to keep the score to your disposition for every performances, you wish. I have already writen to Mr. Hajný and Mr. Leinsdorf, that I send the score to London, and promised a performence to Mexico, after the first in Cleveland, and it is very possible Dr. Koussevitzky would have a performence à Boston, and I would surely have performence in New York. If you play the Symphony in New York, it will be much easier for me to give you the rights. I think London or Mexico doesn’t matter.
To avoid any misunderstanding, I would tell you that it is exacte, Symphony was commisioned by my friends, for possible first performence in Cleveland, but this is very friendly and private side and doesn’t concern my jusual rights for performence and the royalty for location of orchestra materiel, which every orchestra automaticaly pays for.
The money I got from my friends, doesn’t cover even the copys of orchestra-materiel, and, unfortunately I can’t give myself the pleasure to writte only music. May be, all that is not necessary to writte to you.
Will you be so kind and writte me if you have intention play my Symphony in N. York. In this case I will be able much easier to give you the rights for all season.
Very sincerely
yours
B. Martinů.
P. S. Please, tell to Mr. G. Smith, I will send the notes and photos in earliest convenience. Thanks.
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