Bartók Béla, ifj.: Chronicles of Béla Bartók's Life (Budapest, 2021)
Economic Crisis (1932–1933)
1933 CHRONICLES OF BÉLA BARTOK'S LIFE 30 November - He has dinner at his mother and aunts, then gives a lecture at the Radio entitled Our Folk Music and Folk Music of the Neighbouring Peoples. At the end of November he meets painter István Szőnyi who wants to paint his portrait. (The plan didn’t come true.) Yet more wrangling is brought about in the Matica case by Ivan Balló not acknowledging the breakup. 4 December - Bartok writes shocked about this to the Matica, waiting for their further notice. After a hiatus of more than 6 years he gets invited to Transylvania once again. He would be hosted by his former pupil Mrs Keppich b. Irma Molnár in Kolozsvár. 12 December - He writes his programme to Mrs Keppich. 14 December - In Nagyvárad piano recital at the Journalists’ Club. Programme: Bach’s English Suite in G minor, Marcello’s Sonata in B flat major, Kodály ’s Epitaph, Allegro giocoso from Op. 3, Debussy’s Pour le piano, Beethoven’s Sonata in E flat major Op. 31, Bartok’s Evening in Transylvania, Bear Dance, Rondo No. 1, Allegro barbaro, Rumanian Folk Dances. 15 December - He leaves for Kolozsvár where at the Hungarian Theatre he plays the same programme as on the previous day. 21 December - Back in Budapest he writes Universal Edition. 23 December - He thanks the Ákos Keppiches for their hospitality in Kolozsvár and “in the language of flowers” for the sent fee. 28 December - He goes to the dentist, and visits his mother and aunt. 31 December - He spends New Year’s Eve in family circle at home in high spirits till 1 a.m. 358
