Bartók Béla, ifj.: Chronicles of Béla Bartók's Life (Budapest, 2021)

World War II. Second and Third American Tour (1939–1945)

WORLD WAR II.

SECOND AND THIRD AMERICAN TO U

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arrange his discharge with a pension (which would also have been due only after having turned 60) and a way to get the pension delivered and his royalties received. At the same time of having all these tasks, he has to organise the American journey.

5 August - He writes Ralph Hawkes in New York that its impossible to travel through the Soviet Union, it is not safe; perhaps he might go with a Greek ship at around 6 October. He also mentions that he has difficulties playing the piano, his right shoulder is aching. (This might have already been a harbinger of leukaemia.)

The ache is intensifying so much that Bartok has to take a daily rheumatism treatment at the Gellért

baths.

12 August - He asks his son Béla

to

visit him, he has very important matters to discuss. He entrusts his son with the management of his affairs during his absence.

15 August - He describes two travel variations to Ralph Hawkes: 1. through Greece, 2. through Switzerland and Lisbon. (The latter came true.)

19 August - He calls Jenő

Deutsch

for the 21st.

21 August

- He pays Lajos Bilkei Pap 135 pengős

for

the medical bill of the rheumatism treatments.

22 August

- Beside birthday greetings he invites his son Béla

and

his wife for the 24th.

23 August

- He writes Andor Schulhof,

Ralph

Hawkes and Hans Walter Heinsheimer about his travel plans. He mentions that doctors expect his shoulder to be better by the end of September.

24 August

- He discusses in detail what’s to be done with Béla

Bartok

Jnr and his wife.

26 August

- They are considering the possibility of renting a four-room flat for the Béla

Bartok

Jnrs and using two of the rooms for storing the Bartoks’ furniture. (This fell through.)

30 August

- Writing an express card, he calls Jenő

Deutsch

for the afternoon of the 31st.

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