The Leonard Bernstein Letters

by Leonard Bernstein

  My love, my little maid of Orleans, my swan, I miss you. My dearest love to the littles.

  L

  O, that inn! I had always thought the idea that Japanese made men happy was a commercial notion from Brando movies: but it's true!

  464. Felicia Bernstein to Leonard Bernstein

  1 May [1961]

  Ha-ha Rennuhtt (or is it Chi-Chi),

  Hip! Hip! Your letter arrived and not so chop-chop either – but then who can figure it out? I feel I cannot waste a minute if this is to reach you at all.

  It was so wonderful to hear from you – sort of unbelievable since I confess that I still have the childish notion that the Orient is never-never land – it's hard to picture you all there. I mean like Helen Coates painted on a kaki-mono or Jack Fishburg84 meditating at a Buddhist Temple, or you for that matter being fed by some dainty geisha – anyway Tokyo sounds disastrous and shatters all my childhood dreams.

  New York, however, is exactly the same as you left it – the same set, the same cast of characters. There is nothing new on any front. Alexander is in bed with a cough (not serious). Henry is fine and looks beautiful. He was not allowed by the doctor to go to the country since he's still convalescing – so I took BB & Ellen instead. I've been with the “liver pip” for about a week so I was afraid to go by myself. It was to die there – no dogwood yet, but forsythia, daffodils, jonquils, pinks, blues – dreamy! I can't bear that you're missing it – still, I guess you're getting spring in spades there! But somehow it's not the same when it doesn't belong to you.

  I'm off to Rochester in a few days – I've worked hard and feel secure – I wonder if they are?

  Don't buy me a “simple” pearl – I've decided I don't want rings any more!

  Kiss you long with all my love,

  F

  465. Nadia Boulanger to Leonard Bernstein

  Écoles d'Art Américaines, Fontainebleau, France

  5 May 1961

  Dear Lenny,

  Just receive[d] the score of West Side Story “at the request of the composer”. Well – it sounds rather miraculous as I had just ordered it! Too beautiful – not to be true!

  Merci – I am enchanted by its dazzling nature – perhaps facility is a danger, but it is enough to be aware of that and follow it.

  Until soon. I often think of you, of the problems and temptations that your gifts give you – divergent and convergent.

  With my greatest affection to all of you.

  NB85

  466. Felicia Bernstein to Leonard Bernstein

  8 May [1961]

  My darling,

  Your wonderful beautiful letter from Nagoya followed me to Rochester – it arrived just in time for the concert and inspired me to new heights – in other words it went tickety-boo to the races! Hollenbach86 turned out to be a jolly good conductor, the chorus was wonderful and your old Maid of Orleans did you proud. And here I am back at the store covered with laurels, my ego in top form for at least six months!

  We are all counting the days to your arrival – such an enormity of events have taken place since you left that I feel it should all somehow quiet down once you are home safe and sound – so did it!

  Love to all – kisses to you from the littles – I love you,

  F

  467. Leonard Bernstein: Stephen Sondheim Acrostic

  5 July 1961

  S tephen Sondheim is a maker and solver of puzzles:

  T he mind's jig-saw, creativity's crossword, and

  E specially the heart's cryptologies.

  P uzzler-poet of word and note, now puzzled, now puzzling,

  H e may on occasion inch apart

  E nough to reveal the delicate cracks between;

  N ext moment the pieces are magnetized, spring together with a

  J olt of rightness: himself a puzzle, self devised, self-soluble.

  S tephen Sondheim loves Christmas: not

  O nly for the riddle of giving the precisely definitive gift;

  N ot, surely, for the getting of it; but for the warm

  D ecembral restatement of remembrance.

  H e is compulsively loyal,

  E ven to friends disloyal to each other. Finally,

  I f you like his words, wait til you hear his

  M usic, qua solutum acrosticon est.

  Leonard Bernstein

  July 5, 196187

  468. Leonard Bernstein to Arthur Laurents

  31 October 1961

  Dear Arthur,

  I've been meaning to tell you, ever since I saw the W[est] S[ide] S[tory] film,88 that I had never realized until that moment how much I admired and, yes, even revered your work on the show, and how much we all owe to you. It becomes all too painfully obvious as one sees the line-by-shot destruction of the book by the H'wood exegists (there's no such word!), and the clearest of all is the line, however fine, between whatever art is, and non-art. I just wanted to say a personal Thank you.

  Lenny

  469. Francis Poulenc to Leonard Bernstein

  Le Beau Rivage, Lausanne–Ouchy, Switzerland

  1 November 1961

  Dear Bernstein,

  Great news!! The Répons des Ténèbres are finished. I hope that you will like them. It's very simple (because of the children) but also, I believe, very moving, with nothing decorative like the Gloria and completely internal. It's penitence, but “poverty is not a vice” as Markevitch put it in his Rebus. For a long time I've wanted to tell you that I went twice in five days to see West Side Story in Paris. I was fascinated, that's the exact word, by everything that you have expressed and suggested. For someone who loves the interval of a sixth

  you'll know how much I liked the big love duet. Bravo!

  The boys have told me that they played the Double Concerto, and recorded it, with you. What a joy! I cannot wait to hear it.

  Thank you for remaining a faithful friend.

  I embrace you, dear Bernstein

  Fr. Poulenc89

  470. Leonard Bernstein to Igor Stravinsky90

  5 January 1962

  Dear Maître,

  It is our pleasure to hope to make a double celebration of your coming birthday. First we want to devote a special Pension Fund program to your works; this would occur on the 21st of March and be a gala celebration. Then, on the following Saturday, the 24th, we are planning to play another program of your music for a Young People's Concert, and this one would be nationally televised a month or so later.

  Remembering your charming cooperation with us on a previous television program, and recalling your kind telegram last season after our Oedipus Rex program, I am encouraged to ask you again if you would not join us on this television show as well. Perhaps you could say a word of greeting to the young people (who, as you have said, understand your music better than anyone!) – and then, if you wish, conduct the orchestra in some final work, like part of Petrouchka, or whatever you would like.

  I don't have to tell you what an honor it would be for us all to have you present (at both occasions, preferably, since they are so close together), besides helping us, reciprocally, to honor you in the way we would like to. To say nothing of my personal delight.

  Yours always,

  LB91

  471. Igor Stravinsky to Leonard Bernstein

  1260 North Wetherly Drive, Hollywood, CA

  11 January 1962

  My dear Leonard,

  I was delighted to receive your letter of January 4. I was also pleased to hear of your plans to perform my music during the spring season.

  Alas, I cannot appear on television myself before I complete Noah92 (when will that be?): on this point my television contract is very strict. And, two times also, I can't be in New York in March. The best I can do is send you my fondest greetings and to hope that all goes well. Perhaps, too, you would be kind enough to greet the children from me.93

  Cordially,

  Igor Stravinsky

  P.S. Franz Waxman has urged me to try to persuade you to conduct a co
ncert of my music in his (mid-June) Los Angeles Music Festival. I would be very happy if you would accept, of course, though I know you must be busy at that time (as I am; I can't participate myself).

  472. Nadia Boulanger to Leonard Bernstein

  1 Sutton Place South, New York, NY

  20 February 1962

  Dear Lenny,

  What can I say to you? Words seem feeble […] and I don't know how to tell you how grateful I am, but that must not prevent me from trying. Your spontaneity, your affection touch me deeply – and after this very moving week, for so many reasons, passed so quickly, alas.94 I drown – yes, I drown in the memory of ma Petite,95 hoping for you to receive a little of all that you give – and a little of the indefinable joy which gives peace to the heart, to life and to the spirit. And at the moment when this mystery is about to bring a new life into your existence I pray to God for [her] and for both of you.96

  Read what isn't written, and feel all that goes to you, from the bottom of my heart.

  Nadia97

  473. Fritz Reiner to Leonard Bernstein

  Rambleside, Weston, CT

  5 March 1962

  Dear Lenny,

  Carlotta & I are very happy over the safe arrival of Nina Maria and hope that we shall have the opportunity of seeing her – as well as the rest of the family.

  I felt most unhappy at missing my concerts with the Philharmonic but was forced to give in to the doctor.

  We are being very quiet and getting a good rest before leaving for Chicago on the 16th. Will be back for the rites of spring in Connecticut and hope that your plans are going to include Redding plus a visit to Rambleside.

  Affectionate greetings to all and a welcoming kiss to the new Princesa.98

  Faithfully,

  Fritz

  474. Rudolf Bing99 to Leonard Bernstein

  Hotel Sacher, Vienna, Austria

  18 June 1962

  Dear Lennie,

  Apparently we cannot come to an agreement with your lawyer's requests which I consider totally unreasonable.

  I have fulfilled my promise – I have a signed agreement with Zeffirelli! It is unfair and unreasonable to expect me to release you if Zeffirelli dies or breaches his contract (both of which I hope and trust are only remote possibilities). In such case I gladly agree to consult with you on a substitute but the decision must remain the Management's – unless you agree to run the Met! Really I feel this has now gone on long enough – even beyond contract there should remain an ounce of mutual trust and confidence – so please sign now and I won't worry. I have no intention of killing Zeffirelli and substituting Karajan as Director! You got all you want – so now please give me what I want: Bernstein!

  Thanks and regards,

  Rudolf Bing

  No further “clause” is needed – attach this note to the contract! Bing100

  475. Louise Talma101 to Leonard Bernstein

  MacDowell Colony, Peterborough, NH

  4 July 1962

  Dear Lenny,

  We miss you just terribly. There's been no real gaiety since you left. We've had a couple of games of anagrams, but without you there's no excitement. You're one of the blessed ones who make everything they encounter come alive. It's a rare and precious gift, and I wish you a long enjoyment of it.

  A letter from Thornton [Wilder] contains a message for you: “Tell Lennie I know all about the Kaddish because it's in Finnegan's Wake, and give him my uproarious regards.” He also says: “It sounds as tho' you were a congenial crowd – the ‘Round’ gives earnest of that. Anyway, with you and Lenny there the tone is set is How to be civilized though an artist.” I quote the sentence exactly, punctuation, or rather the lack of it, capitalization and all.

  Have a wonderful and refreshing time in Spain.

  Love from all of us,

  Louise

  476. Leonard Bernstein to Adolph Green and Phyllis Newman

  Barcelona [written on the headed paper of the ocean liner Leonardo da Vinci of the Italia Line]

  3 August 1962

  Darling Greens,

  Does this notepaper look familiar? Do you suddenly feel queasy at the sight of it? Does it bring back gorgeous salons filled with square brown chairs, Doman & Pythias, Fancy Hat balls, ping-pong, the Lido Bar? Ah, the beautiful past we have shared!

  And then, & then, you did Capri, which I trust was heavenly. And I did the highlife of all time – two weeks of Princesses & Maharanees & phony Barons, parties without end, villas to make you gasp. I was the kid of the moment: it was all insane, ignoble, absurd, & vastly entertaining. But I wouldn't want to live there.

  I drove here yesterday, through Provence. God, what charm and beauty! Felicia has been in Paris for a week buying out Chanel: she & Mike join me here any minute now, & then we tootle off as tourists in this wild heat. I'm tired but strangely exhilarated by this feeling of holiday, and I'll be home the 15th to rest and to hug you both. A big kiss to Adam and God bless your new home.

  Un abrazo fuerte,

  Lenny

  477. Karl Böhm102 to Leonard Bernstein

  Hotel Alden, New York, NY

  30 November 1962

  My dear friend Bernstein,

  At the conclusion of my guest appearances at the Philharmonic Hall with your magnificent orchestra,103 I am sending you my heartfelt thanks for your wonderful cooperation and for making it possible for me to be the first “foreign” conductor to appear at the new hall with the New York Philharmonic.

  Everything was just perfect, and the members of your orchestra are musicians of the highest caliber. I felt at home with them right from the start of the first rehearsal, and I am very grateful to every one of them for their assistance, help and attitude.

  My thanks also go to you personally for your sentiments, and I shall never forget the way in which you behaved when I was very sick in Vienna, after a dangerous eye operation. Then I experienced that you are a real and great human being.

  With best wishes to you, Mrs. Bernstein and your children from Mrs. Böhm and

  Yours very sincerely,

  Karl Böhm

  478. Morton Feldman104 to Leonard Bernstein

  337 Lexington Avenue, New York

  7 January 1963

  Dear Lenny,

  The score you have of Structures underwent surgery last summer. C. F. Peters will send you the new version later in the week.

  At the Stockhausens New Year's Eve. After drinking in the new year he announced “and now we will have some music.” Most of the guests' eyes lit up. They thought they were going to twist. He then went to the phono[graph] and played two hours of Stockhausen, Foss and Feldman.

  Fondest regards from your non analytic

  Morton

  479. Leonard Bernstein to David Diamond

  10 January 1963

  Dear D,

  This isn't exactly the moment for catching up on ages, literally, of Riverflow, but I have to write you today to say that Lina A[barbanell] died on Monday (or rather Sunday, I think, the 6th). We were all shocked: she had gone into hospital for removal of a tumor, and couldn't take it. Poor great gallant lady. 84 years old! Of course Marc is all but destroyed, and I think he'd deeply appreciate some word from you.105

  A is born, B dies, C is in agony, D has some joy, E is humdrum, & we are all of them. I have not yet finished my 3rd Symphony (Kaddish) which will be something when and if it gets written. I had hoped by now to have it complete. Alas. Once I have finished it, I can rest in peace: it is my Kaddish for everybody. Last week had joy in it: Mahler #5. Glorious. This week, R[oberto] Gerhard's #1. Next week, East Lynne. Ça continue. Newspaper strike. Jamie has chicken pox. Alexander is a sensitive dream; Nina is funny & bright. Felicia is brave and a little tired. I am exhausted, and off to bed.

  Love to you all, and a very happy '63.

  L

  480. Leonard Bernstein to Olivier Messiaen

  New York, NY

  18 March 1963

  Cher Maître,

&nb
sp; It is curious to be writing to you after some thirteen years – the year of the first performance of Turangalîla. But I think of you very often, and I keep up to date with your music. Last season we had the great joy of presenting the Trois Petites Liturgies of which we have made a record for Columbia to be released next year. I hope that you will be pleased with it.

  Today I am writing to you on the subject of your impressive work Chronochromie.106 Despite my best intentions, it will not be possible to give this enormous work with the rehearsals that are allowed in a typical week of the season; but I believe that it would be possible to perform just the final part on its own, separately (i.e. the Épôde and Coda). Would that be blasphemous and meddlesome? It seems to me that this part, on its own, would be very effective in a concert, and very moving. If you have objections to this, do not hesitate to let me know. My address: 895 Park Avenue, New York, 21.

  With my warmest good wishes,

  Leonard Bernstein107

  481. Olivier Messiaen to Leonard Bernstein

  230 rue Marcadet, Paris, France

  26 March 1963

  Cher Ami,

  I was extremely touched by your letter, and thank you with all my heart for it. I, too, think of you often, and – if you remember – I have applauded you several times after your marvelous concerts in Paris.

  Thank you a thousand times for the Trois Petites Liturgies on record for Columbia. Who are the solo Ondiste and pianist? And who is conducting? Is it you? (During my trip to Japan, Seiji Ozawa also spoke to me of a performance of the Trois Petites Liturgies. Was that the same or another one?)