Bartók Béla, ifj.: Chronicles of Béla Bartók's Life (Budapest, 2021)
Economic Crisis (1932–1933)
ECONOMIC CRISIS (1 932-1 933) 1932 claims concerning the returned flat. 22 June - The deadline fixed in the contract with Matica Slovenská expires, Bartok dissolves the contract at once. Due to the bad economic situation, the Bartoks don’t intend to travel this summer, so they invite over Bartoks mother and Irma Voit who spend some 4-5 weeks at their home. 1 July - Bartok accompanies his mother to the Czecho-Slovakian consulate where she has to report regularly. - He writes Universal Edition regarding the Mandarin Suite. 7 July - In Sándor Albrecht ’ s absence he requests the assistance of István László Németh with the Matica case. 16 July - He notifies his brother-in-law Emil Tóth that he is preparing to visit them with his son Péter on the 25th in Szöllős Puszta. - He also writes ITHMA and Universal Edition. 21 July - Departing from his usual practice, he takes part in the organising of a Liszt festive committee where he is greeted with respect. He is greeted by retired Minister of Finance Lóránt Hegedűs: “ I am very glad that I can express my appreciation in person”. The Matica doesn’t react to Bartok’s notice. 22 July - For this reason Bartok repeats the previous month’s notice in a firmly phrased letter in German; he sends the copy to Milos Ruppeldt in Pozsony and requests his mediation. - In the evening he plays the piano at his mother and aunt’s. 23 July - Letter to Universal Edition, and one to Constantin Briloiu about his remarks concerning the translation of the kolindas. 25 July - He travels to Szöllős Puszta for a few days with his son Péter, while his mother and aunt return to their own home. 30 July - Bartok visits them and tells them that in his absence the peach crop was stolen from Csalán Road. (There were only a few trees in the garden, but Bartok has been constantly watching over their fate.) 2 August - His beginning feverish angina passes within two days, and he 343
