Bartók Béla, ifj.: Chronicles of Béla Bartók's Life (Budapest, 2021)
World War II. Second and Third American Tour (1939–1945)
1 943 CHRONICLES OF BÉLA BARTOK'S LIFE 26 days, he feels practically normal, so he is engaged virtually all day in working on Concerto, of which 4 movements are ready, the fifth is the most difficult but he wants to complete it still in Saranac Lake. He writes about his family doctor Rappaports advice as follows: I would have to lead such a relaxed life for about half a year more even if the abnormal tenths disappeared ... He says I should settle in to a similar “nursing home” in N.Y....” 28 September - He writes is Boosey & Hawkes happily: “This is the first day since 9 April 1942 that I have no fever”. 3 October - He writes Mrs Sinclair at the New York Public Library regarding the Romanian and Turkish folk song publication. Due to problems arising in dealings with ASCAP, Bartok declines further support from the organisation. (ASCAP - the unselfishness of which is legendary - deduced the costs of free medical treatment from royalties after Bartoks death.) In a letter he writes his son Péter about the presentation of the Violin Concerto with orchestra accompaniment: “... the Philharmonics will perform the Violin Concerto,... I have never yet heard the piece with orchestra, that’s the only reason why it’s important....” 5 October - He writes his son Péter with humorous dating “ Szar Annak Lék, Oct. 5, 1943” [Translator’s note: pronounced almost exactly like Saranac Lake, meaning “Crap for That Leak”] : “... Things unfortunately took such a turn that the “nursing home” plan fell through. For that reason I would continue living in a hotel till we come up with something smarter....” 7 October - He writes his son Péter: “ ... I got news from Ascap,... that they had booked a suite of rooms’ for us for 12 October at Hotel Woodrow, 35 West 64 Str. ... while I have said goodbye to Ascap due to a letter. But now I don’t want to force it, and will enter - this hotel”. 8 October - He completes Concerto in Saranac Lake. 9 October - He writes Israel Rappaport, too: “... I renounce support from 484
