Chapter 2, 11 May 1939

Title

Chapter 2, 11 May 1939

Subject

Igor Stravinsky

Creator

Nadia Boulanger

Date

11 May 1939

Source

Paul Sacher Stiftung

Type

Letter

Extracted Text

Boulanger to Igor Stravinsky
Gerry’s Landing
Cambridge, Mass
Mr. Igor Stravinsky
Sancellemoz
Haute Savoie
France XIV
May 11, 1939
Dear, Dear Friend,
I cannot tell you the feeling here now that it is known that you’re coming. For me, it is a thing of
momentous importance, because I know what you will do for them, and more important, because
I know you will have peace in which to work—this is in the foundation’s program. This is why, I
tell you, I had such a desire to see you be next year’s “Norton’s Lecturer.”
I live in such a rush that I don’t even dare to speak to you. This is not good, but I am always
thinking of you.
The business with Chicago still isn’t sorted out after everything seemed arranged. But I’m going
to Washington next week before leaving for the West to have, finally, a definitive resolution. The
forced departure of Mrs. Carpenter seems to have called everything into question, it is really
disappointing.
Know at least that I will do everything so that things turn out for the best. Sorry!
Fondly, I am your
Nadia B
Boulanger à Stravinsky
Gerry’s Landing
Cambridge, Mass
Monsieur Igor Stravinsky
Sancellemoz
Hte Savoie
France XIV
11 mai 1939
Cher, Cher Ami,
Je ne peux vous dire le sentiment ressenti ici en apprenant votre venue. Pour moi, c’est quelque
chose d’une importance capitale, car je sais ce que vous ferez pour eux, et surtout la paix que
vous aurez pour travailler, ce qui entre dans le programme de la fondation. C’est vous dire
pourquoi j’avais un tel désir de vous voir être le « Norton’s Lecturer » de l’année prochaine.
Je vis dans une telle hâte, que je n’ose même pas vous parler. Ce n’est pas bien, aussi, mais je
pense à vous, sans cesse.
Les histoires Chicago ne sont pas encore en ordre après que tout semblait arrangé. Mais je vais à
Washington la semaine prochaine avant de partir pour l’Ouest, afin d’avoir enfin une solution
définitive. Le départ forcé de Mrs. Carpenter semble avoir remis tout en question, c’est vraiment
décevant.
Sachez du moins que je ferai tout pour que les choses s’arrangent au mieux de vos interets [sic].
Pardon! [pour une bavure]
Je vous embrasse et suis votre,
Nadia B

Files

Citation

Nadia Boulanger, “Chapter 2, 11 May 1939,” Digital Exhibits, accessed April 20, 2024, https://digex.lib.uoguelph.ca/items/show/2288.

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