Bartók Béla, ifj.: Chronicles of Béla Bartók's Life (Budapest, 2021)
Economic Crisis (1932–1933)
1932 CHRONICLES OF BÉLA BARTOK'S LIFE can visit his mother and aunt again already on 4 August. The economic crisis also came strongly upon Bartoks family, and increased Bartoks worries. His wife’s younger brother Jenő Pásztory received his mechanical engineering degree around this time, but he couldn’t get a job. Bartok calls on Director of the National Federation of Industries Miksa Fenyő, while on 5 August he writes Lajos Hatvany asking for support to no avail. - On this day he also writes Jenő Takács who has moved to Manila in the meantime. 10 August - In his letter he agrees to the delay requested by Matica Slovenská. 13 August - He leaves again for Szöllős Puszta. 16 August - From there he brings back his son Péter to Budapest. 17 August - He visits his mother and aunt. 18 August - He gives Sándor Albrecht an account of fresh developments in the Matica case and of the new end of August deadline, but adds: “I have no trust in them whatsoever”. 19 August - At Radio Budapest Suite No. 1 is conducted by Ernő Dohnányi. 22 August - During his usual visit with his mother, he sends his sister a message that they shouldn’t sell their cow because of the economic crisis, he would rather give them a loan. 26 August - The Bartoks are visited by his mother. 31 August - Bartok fell ill with a heavy, long lasting flu. 1 October - The first day when he can leave his sickbed. 4 October - He is completely feverless for the first time. During his illness he works mainly on the systematisation of the whole Romanian folk song collection material, for the completion of which his estimation is 1 year and a half. Upon getting well he begins to take care of the Matica case at once. 6 October - He informs Sándor Albrecht. 7 October - In a letter he asks Ivan Ballo to obtain the proof-impressions. 9 October - At Radio Budapest Otto Berg conducts Two Portraits. 344
