Letter 63 and Letter 2212: Difference between pages

Tchaikovsky Research
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{{letterhead  
{{letterhead  
|Date=10/22 September 1862
|Date=29 January/10 February 1883
|To=[[Aleksandra Davydova]]  
|To=[[Anna Merkling]]  
|Place=[[Saint Petersburg]]  
|Place=[[Paris]]  
|Language=Russian  
|Language=Russian  
|Autograph=[[Saint Petersburg]] (Russia): {{RUS-SPsc}} (ф. 834, ед. хр. 16, л. 11–12)
|Autograph={{locunknown}}  
|Publication={{bib|1900/35|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 1}} (1900), p. 149–150 (abridged)<br/>{{bib|1940/210|П. И. Чайковский. Письма к родным ; том 1}} (1940), p. 59–61 <br/>{{bib|1955/37|П. И. Чайковский. Письма к близким}} (1955), p. 12–14 (abridged)<br/>{{bib|1959/50|П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений ; том V}} (1959), p. 73–75 <br/>{{bib|1981/81|Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Letters to his family. An autobiography}} (1981), p. 11–12 (English translation; abridged) }}
|Publication={{bib|1951/49|П. И. Чайковский. С. И. Танеев. Письма}} (1951), p. 216<br/>{{bib|1970/86|П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений ; том XII}} (1970), p. 45–46
|Notes=Manuscript copy in [[Klin]] (Russia): {{RUS-KLč}} (signature omitted)  
}}


==Text and Translation==
==Text and Translation==
Based on a handwritten copy in the {{RUS-KLč}} at [[Klin]], which may contain differences in formatting and content from Tchaikovsky's original letter.
{{Lettertext
{{Lettertext
|Language=Russian
|Language=Russian
|Translator=Luis Sundkvist
|Translator=Luis Sundkvist
|Original text={{right|''С[анкт]-Петербург''<br/>10 сентября}}
|Original text={{right|Париж<br/>29-го января 1883 г[ода]}}
Милая Саша! Наконец-то во мне пробудилась заснувшая совесть, и я собрался поговорить с тобой. Теперь киевские Давыдовы уже разъехались, и тебе, вероятно, письма из Петербурга очень нужны для развлечения. Во-первых, скажу тебе, что всё лето я немилосердно проскучал; служил усердно, по праздникам ездил на дачу — и это было моё единственное утешение; ты, я думаю, не забыла мою faible к даче Голова; этот faible нисколько не уменьшился, и теперь я, кажется, остался один её приверженцем. Подробности переезда тёти Лизы ты, вероятно, знаешь из писем Мали; мы теперь живём с Папашей одни и, представь себе, что сверх ожидания нисколько не скучаем. Во-первых, обедаю я всякий день дома; часто приходит расстраивать наш tête-à-tête некоторый известный тебе господин, по имени Герард, но так как и я и Папаша его любим, как брата, то, конечно, это доставляет нам большое удовольствие. Вечером довольно часто бываем в театре (в русском) или играем в карты. Денег у Папаши на хозяйство выходит больше, чем вдвое меньше, — и это ему приятно; заказываю обед я, — и вообще служу посредником между Эмилией Константиновной и Папашей, к[ото]рого она почему-то ужасно боится. Праздников в последнее время было очень много, так что Анатолий, Модест и Алёша очень часто были дома; раз мы все вместе ездили в балет (брали с собой Малю), а вчера они с Алёшей ездили смотреть «Nos intimes». Сей последний так сделался хорош в лицейском мундире, что редкая женщина пройдёт мимо него, не влюбившись; он приезжает обыкновенно вместе с Толей и Модей, а спит подле меня; мы друг другу говорим стихи и вечно смеёмся. Толя часто вспоминает про Каменку и рассказывает много про всех Вас; в Таню, по его рассказам, все влюбились; я украл у Алёши твою карточку, где ты с Таней, и очень часто ею любуюсь. Папаша, получив от тебя известие об отнятии твоей дочери от груди, был очень тронут. В последние дни у него было большое горе; дело Ячменевой в Гражданской палате решено в пользу Беклешева, хотя это решение далеко не окончательное и в Сенате оно, конечно, будет отменено, но он был страшно расстроен; до сих пор он не допускал мысли, чтобы присутственное место могло смотреть на это дело не его глазами. Я однако ж его успокоил, а третьего дни вечером он получил письмо от Дервиза (старшего), который наблюдает за ходом дела; и письмо это его совершенно утешило.
Голубушка Аня! Прости, что не сразу ответил, да и сегодня, кажется, целого письма не допишу и, вообще, заранее прошу прощения, если не буду тебе часто писать. Я и вообще-то ленив на письма, а тут ещё работа и тревоги о Тане, которая с нами. Единственное время — вечер, но вечером для меня необходимо полное бездействие, и я или в театре, или ищу развлечения посредством прогулки по Парижу. В Италию не придётся ехать: нужно оставаться при Тане в Париже. Она была у Шарко, и он поручил её надзору своего помощника. Обещают вылечить её, но это будет трудно, т. е. ей трудно будет переносить это лечение. Завтра она поступает [в] ''maison de santé''. И жалко, и страшно. Ну, авось, Бог даст, — всё кончится благополучно. Модя живёт так же, как я, т. е. всё свободное время употребляет на занятие, но у него гораздо его меньше (т. е. времени), ибо собственно он-то и состоит при Тане и принял все заботы о ней на себя. Не удивляйся, что он уехал, не простившись с тобой; ему в самом деле не до того было. Большое счастье, что мы в Париже. Никакими красотами Италии и итальянской природы я бы теперь не мог восхищатся, — для этого нужно, чтобы на душе был мир. Нужны развлечения, а их в Париже бездна. Но статуэтку я всё-таки тебе привезу, ибо в Париже можно достать прелестные. Счастье также, что у меня работа теперь не требует вдохновения, а лишь усердного сидения за письменным столом (''я не сочиняю, а оркеструю'' уже сочинённое). Театры здесь прелесть. Таня несколько раз была, и они очень развлекли её. Насчёт билета Модя просит передать, что, вообразив тебя уже обладательницей билета, он распорядился своим иначе и не может отдать; просит прощения


Я поступил в вновь открывшуюся Консерваторию, и курс в ней начинается на-днях. В прошлом году, как тебе известно, я очень много занимался теориею музыки и теперь решительно убедился, что рано или поздно, но я променяю службу на музыку. Не подумай, что я воображаю сделаться великим артистом, — я просто хочу только делать то, [к] чему меня влечёт призвание; буду ли я знаменитый композитор или бедный учитель, — но совесть моя будет спокойна, и я не буду иметь тяжкого права роптать на судьбу и на людей. Службу, конечно, я окончательно не брошу до тех пор, пока не буду окончательно уверен в том, что я артист, а не чиновник.  
Целую, обнимаю. Адрес всё тот же.  


Про то, что Аня Егорова выходит замуж, ты верно уже знаешь. Я познакомился с её весьма симпатичным женихом; она от счастья помолодела и похорошела. Софи, говорят, лучше. Андрюша всё сидит, жаль его бедного, и жаль всего более оттого, что он не может утешиться тем, что пострадал за убеждение. Я знаю, что он просто хотел порисоваться, он может быть и сам не отдаёт себе в этом отчёта, но это так. Преступление его, по моему мнению, разделяется на два момента: первый, когда он служит панихиду по Петре, Иване, Акакии, всё равно по ком, — тут он поступает хорошо; второй момент, когда он объявляет попу, что Пётр, Иван и Акакий были расстреляны за революционные мнения, — тут он думает, что хорош, но в сущности неимоверно пошл. Фаня, вероятно, переедет жить к нам.  
|Translated text={{right|[[Paris]]<br/>29th January 1883}}
Golubushka [[Anya]]! Forgive me for not having replied at once. But today, too, I don't think I will be able to finish the whole letter. Indeed, I ask your forgiveness in advance in the case that I should not write to you frequently. I am generally quite lazy when it comes to writing letters, but now in addition there's the work I have to do, as well as my concern for [[Tanya]], who is with us <ref name="note1"/>. The only spare time I have is in the evenings, but in the evenings it is essential for me to indulge in complete idleness, and I am either at the theatre or I seek some diversion by strolling through [[Paris]]. I won't get to go to Italy: I have to stay in [[Paris]] to be at [[Tanya]]'s side. She has been to see Charcot, and he entrusted her to the supervision of his assistant <ref name="note2"/>. They have promised to cure her, but it will be difficult — that is, it will be difficult for her to go through with this treatment. Tomorrow she will check into a ''maison de santé'' <ref name="note3"/>. I feel both sorry and frightened for her. Well, perhaps, God willing, everything will turn out all right. [[Modya]] is leading the same kind of life as I am — that is, he devotes all his spare time to his work, only he has far less of it (of time, that is), because, properly speaking, it is he who is here to accompany [[Tanya]] and who has taken upon himself all responsibility for her <ref name="note4"/>. Don't be surprised that he left without saying farewell to you — he really just wasn't in the mood for that. It is very fortunate that we are in [[Paris]]. I would not be able to delight now in any of the beauties of Italy and Italian nature: for that I would need peace of mind. [Now] I need diversions, and there are masses of those in [[Paris]]. However, I shall definitely bring you a statuette <ref name="note5"/>, because there are some delightful ones to be had in [[Paris]]. It is also fortunate that my work now does not require inspiration, but, rather, just diligent sitting at my writing-desk (''I am not composing, but orchestrating'' what I have already composed) <ref name="note6"/>. The theatres here are marvellous. [[Tanya]] has been several times, and they have amused her very much. With regard to that ticket, [[Modya]] asks me to tell you that, because he thought you already owned a ticket, he has disposed of his otherwise and cannot give it to you: he begs your pardon <ref name="note7"/>.  


Встал я сегодня необыкновенно рано; меня разбудили Толя и Модя, уезжавшие в Училище. Здесь кстати могу заметить, что привязанность моя к этим человечикам, в особенности (это по секрету) к первому, с каждым днём делается больше и больше. Я внутренно ужасно горжусь и дорожу этим лучшим чувством моего сердца. В грустные минуты жизни мне только стоит вспомнить о них, — и жизнь делается для меня дорога. Я по возможности стараюсь для них заменить своею любовью ласки и заботы матери, к[ото]рых они, к счастию, не могут знать и помнить, и, кажется, мне это удаётся.
I kiss and embrace you. My address is still the same.  
 
}}
Вчера получил длинное письмо от Коли; на-днях напишу ему такое же. Поцелуй от меня по тысячи раз г-на Aгронома и сельского хозяина Льва Давыдова и прекрасную дочь его Леди Татьяну. Целую тебя.
 
Твой брат,
{{right|П. Чайковский}}
 
|Translated text={{right|''[[Saint Petersburg]]''<br/>10 September}}
Dear [[Sasha]]! At last my slumbering conscience has awakened and I am ready to have a talk with you. The [[Kiev]] Davydovs have now departed, and you are probably in great need of letters from [[Petersburg]] to provide some diversion. First of all, I must tell you that it has been mercilessly boring for me during the whole summer. I worked assiduously, and my sole consolation was going to the dacha on high days and holidays <ref name="note1"/>. I suppose you haven't forgotten my weakness for Golov's dacha: this weakness has not diminished in the least, and now it seems that I am the only remaining enthusiast of this dacha <ref name="note2"/>. You probably know about the details of [[Aunt Liza]]'s move from [[Malya]]'s letters. We are now living with [[Papasha]] on our own, and, just imagine, contrary to what one might expect, we are not in the least bored <ref name="note3"/>. In the first place, I dine at home every day: there often comes to disturb our tête-à-tête a certain gentleman you know of who goes by the name of Gerard <ref name="note4"/>, but since both I and [[Papasha]] love him like a brother, this of course affords us great pleasure. In the evenings we go very often to the theatre (the Russian one) or play cards. [[Papasha]] is spending more than twice as less on household expenses, and this is pleasant for him. It is I who order our dinners, and in general I am serving as the intermediary between Emiliya Konstantinovna <ref name="note5"/> and [[Papasha]], of whom she is terribly afraid for some reason. There have been many public holidays recently, so [[Anatoly]], [[Modest]], and Alyosha <ref name="note6"/> have been at home very often. Once we all went to the ballet together (we took [[Malya]] with us), and yesterday they went with Alyosha to see "Nos intimes" <ref name="note7"/>. The latter has become so handsome in his lyceum uniform that few are the women who pass by him without falling in love. He normally comes here together with [[Tolya]] and [[Modya]], and sleeps next to me. We recite verses to one another and are constantly laughing. [[Tolya]] often thinks of [[Kamenka]] and speaks about you all a great deal. Judging from his stories, it seems that everyone has fallen in love with [[Tanya]]. I have stolen from Alyosha the photograph on which you are pictured with [[Tanya]], and I admire it very often. [[Papasha]] was very moved when he received the news from you that your daughter has been weaned. Over the last few days he has been labouring under a great misfortune: the Yachmeneva case was settled in Bekleshev's favour at the Civil Court, and even though this decision is by no means final and will of course be reversed in the Senate, still he was frightfully upset <ref name="note8"/>. For until now it had been inconceivable for him that a magistracy could take a view of this case which was not the same as his. However, I managed to calm him down, and the day before yesterday he received a letter in the evening from Derviz (the elder) <ref name="note9"/>, who is keeping an eye on how the case is going, and that letter consoled him altogether.
 
I have enrolled in the freshly inaugurated Conservatory, and my course of study there commences in a few days' time. Last year, as you know, I studied music theory a lot and now I have become fully convinced that sooner or later I will exchange my civil service work for music. Don't get the idea that I am imagining that I will become a great artist — I simply want to do just that to which I am drawn by my vocation. Regardless of whether I become a famous composer or a poor teacher, my conscience will then be calm, and I won't have the disagreeable right to grumble at Fate and at other people. Of course, I shall not abandon my employment completely until I am once and for all certain that I am an artist and not a bureaucrat.


You are probably already aware that Anya Yegorova is getting married. I have become acquainted with her very nice fiancé. Her happiness has made her look younger and prettier. Sophie <ref name="note10"/> is said to be feeling better. [[Andrey Tchaikovsky|Andryusha]] is still under arrest. I feel sorry for the poor fellow, and I do so above all because he cannot draw consolation from having suffered for his convictions. I know that he just wanted to show off a bit — perhaps he himself doesn't realize this, but that's the way it is. His crime, in my opinion, comprises two aspects: the first being his conducting a requiem service for Pyotr, Ivan, Akaky, no matter for whom — there he was doing a good action. The second aspect is when he told the priest that Pyotr, Ivan, and Akaky had been executed for revolutionary views — there he fancied himself to be acting correctly, but essentially he was being incredibly abject <ref name="note11"/>. Fanya <ref name="note12"/> will probably come to live with us.
Today I got up uncommonly early: I was woken up by [[Tolya]] and [[Modya]] as they were leaving for the School. Here it is fitting for me to observe that my attachment to these little fellows, especially (this is in confidence) to the first, is becoming greater and greater with every day that passes. Inwardly I am awfully proud of, and set great store by, this best feeling of my heart. In the sad moments of life I only have to think of them and life again becomes dear to me. I try as best as I can to replace, with my love, a mother's caresses and loving care which, fortunately, they can neither know nor remember, and I think I am succeeding in this.
Yesterday I received a long letter from [[Kolya]]. One of these days, I shall write him one too. Kiss for me a thousand times the Agronomist and Squire Mr [[Lev Davydov]] and his fair daughter, Lady [[Tatyana Davydova|Tatyana]]. I kiss you.
Your brother,
{{right|P. Tchaikovsky }}
}}
==Notes and References==
==Notes and References==
<references>
<references>
<ref name="note1">As [[Modest Tchaikovsky]] explains in his biography of the composer, his brother had been working very assiduously that summer because a vacancy for a senior post had arisen in his department at the Ministry of Justice and he felt that he had every right to aspire to it. Instead of going to the dacha almost every day during the summer months, as he had done in the previous three years, he had duly spent as many hours as possible at the office in order to impress his superiors and he had even taken files home with him to work on them during the night. The appointment, however, went to somebody else, which greatly upset Tchaikovsky, and, according to [[Modest]], this contributed to a slackening in his zeal for his bureaucratic work and strengthened his resolve to concentrate on music — see {{bib|1997/94|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 1}} (1997), p. 136.</ref>
<ref name="note1">See [[Letter 2207]] to [[Anna Merkling]], 24 January/5 February 1883, in which Tchaikovsky explained that his brother [[Modest]] had brought their niece [[Tatyana Davydova]] ("Tanya") to [[Paris]], where she was to consult the famous neurologist Charcot regarding treatment for her morphine addiction.</ref>
<ref name="note2">In the summer months [[Ilya Tchaikovsky]] would rent from a certain Golov a dacha on the road leading from [[Saint Petersburg]] to [[Peterhof]]. The doors of this dacha were always open to the poorer students from the Technological Institute (of which [[Ilya]] was director) who couldn't afford to go home during the summer holidays. For [[Modest Tchaikovsky]]'s description (in his "Autobiography") of the joyful atmosphere at Golov's dacha — see {{bib|2009/16|Пётр Чайковский. Биография ; vol. 1}} (2009), p. 142-144.</ref>
<ref name="note2">Charcot's assistant was a certain Doctor Ferrer, who would subsequently fall in love with [[Tatyana Davydova|Tatyana]] and even ask for her hand in marriage, though nothing ultimately came of this. See {{bib|2009/17|Пётр Чайковский. Биография ; том 2}} (2009), p. 209.</ref>
<ref name="note3">[[Yelizaveta Schobert]] and her children, who had been living with the Tchaikovskys in [[Saint Petersburg]] for some years, had moved to a new flat. One of the reasons for their move was the appearance of [[Yelizaveta Tchaikovskaya|Yelizaveta Mikhaylovna Lipport]] in [[Ilya Tchaikovsky]]'s household. It was not until 1865 that [[Ilya]] actually married her (as his third wife), and his own children were initially not well-disposed towards her — note by Vladimir Zhdanov in {{bib|1940/210|П. И. Чайковский. Письма к родным ; том 1}} (1940), p. 663.</ref>
<ref name="note3">A private hospital.</ref>
<ref name="note4">Vladimir Nikolayevich Gerard (1839-1903), a former classmate and friend of Tchaikovsky's from the School of Jurisprudence. He would become a prominent lawyer and public figure, and at Tchaikovsky's funeral on 28 October/9 November 1893 he delivered a very moving farewell speech. When working on his biography of the composer [[Modest]] asked Gerard to write down his reminiscences of Tchaikovsky at the School of Jurisprudence, where they had been particularly close in the senior form.</ref>
<ref name="note4">[[Tatyana Davydova]] came to [[Paris]] not just to receive treatment for her morphine addiction, but also because she was pregnant with an illegitimate child. The only members of her family to whom she confided her predicament were her uncles [[Modest]] and the composer. They both helped to look after [[Tatyana Davydova|Tatyana]] during her confinement, and, when, on 26 April/8 May 1883, she gave birth to a boy, christened [[Georges-Léon]], Tchaikovsky arranged for the child to be taken care of by a French family for the time being.</ref>
<ref name="note5">Evidently the Tchaikovskys' housekeeper at the time. Her surname has not come down to us.</ref>
<ref name="note5">See [[Letter 2153]] to [[Anna Merkling]], 2/14 November 1882, and the preceding letters to her, in which Tchaikovsky jestingly chastises himself for having failed to keep his promise to bring her a replica of a classical statue from [[Rome]].</ref>
<ref name="note6">Aleksey Vasilyevich Davydov (1846-1909), the younger brother of [[Lev Davydov]].</ref>
<ref name="note6">During his long stay in [[Paris]], which lasted until early/mid May 1883 Tchaikovsky managed to complete the orchestration of his latest opera, ''[[Mazepa]]''.</ref>
<ref name="note7">A comedy by the French dramatist Victorien Sardou (1831-1908).</ref>
<ref name="note7">This probably refers to a season ticket for the Russian Musical Society's symphony concerts in [[Saint Petersburg]]. [[Anna Merkling]] liked to go to concerts very much, but she was not well-off and she had evidently hoped that her cousin [[Modest]], who she knew would be going abroad for a long time, might be able to lend her his ticket.</ref>
<ref name="note8">In 1858, [[Ilya Tchaikovsky]] had entrusted all his savings to a certain Mrs Yachmeneva asking her to invest his money as she saw fit. Mrs Yachmeneva's investment did not work out and [[Ilya]] lost almost all of his money. A certain Mrs Beklesheva had stood surety for the former, and there ensued a law-suit between the two ladies on whose outcome depended whether or not [[Ilya]] could recover some of his money — see {{bib|1997/94|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 1}} (1997), p. 100-101, 143.</ref>
<ref name="note9">Pavel Grigoryevich fon Derviz (1826-1881), concessionaire and railway entrepreneur.</ref>
<ref name="note10">Sofya Petrovna Tchaikovskaya (1833-1888), a cousin of the composer's, the daughter of [[Ilya Tchaikovsky]]'s elder brother, [[Pyotr Petrovich Tchaikovsky|Pyotr]].</ref>
<ref name="note11">The composer's cousin [[Andrey Tchaikovsky|Andrey Petrovich Tchaikovsky]] (1841-1920) was an army officer, and it seems that some of the soldiers he commanded had come under the influence of the revolutionary agitation sweeping through Russia in the summer of 1862 (with fly-sheets calling for terrorist acts against the government). These men were court-martialled and executed, but [[Andrey Tchaikovsky|Andrey]] had nevertheless ordered a requiem service to be conducted for them.</ref>
<ref name="note12">Mitrofan Petrovich Tchaikovsky (1840-1903), a cousin of the composer's. Like his brother [[Andrey Tchaikovsky|Andrey]], he also followed a military career.</ref>
</references>
</references>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Letter 0063}}

Latest revision as of 17:30, 23 September 2023

Date 29 January/10 February 1883
Addressed to Anna Merkling
Where written Paris
Language Russian
Autograph Location unknown
Publication П. И. Чайковский. С. И. Танеев. Письма (1951), p. 216
П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений, том XII (1970), p. 45–46
Notes Manuscript copy in Klin (Russia): Tchaikovsky State Memorial Musical Museum-Reserve (signature omitted)

Text and Translation

Based on a handwritten copy in the Tchaikovsky State Memorial Musical Museum-Reserve at Klin, which may contain differences in formatting and content from Tchaikovsky's original letter.

Russian text
(original) 		English translation
By Luis Sundkvist
Париж
29-го января 1883 г[ода]

Голубушка Аня! Прости, что не сразу ответил, да и сегодня, кажется, целого письма не допишу и, вообще, заранее прошу прощения, если не буду тебе часто писать. Я и вообще-то ленив на письма, а тут ещё работа и тревоги о Тане, которая с нами. Единственное время — вечер, но вечером для меня необходимо полное бездействие, и я или в театре, или ищу развлечения посредством прогулки по Парижу. В Италию не придётся ехать: нужно оставаться при Тане в Париже. Она была у Шарко, и он поручил её надзору своего помощника. Обещают вылечить её, но это будет трудно, т. е. ей трудно будет переносить это лечение. Завтра она поступает [в] maison de santé. И жалко, и страшно. Ну, авось, Бог даст, — всё кончится благополучно. Модя живёт так же, как я, т. е. всё свободное время употребляет на занятие, но у него гораздо его меньше (т. е. времени), ибо собственно он-то и состоит при Тане и принял все заботы о ней на себя. Не удивляйся, что он уехал, не простившись с тобой; ему в самом деле не до того было. Большое счастье, что мы в Париже. Никакими красотами Италии и итальянской природы я бы теперь не мог восхищатся, — для этого нужно, чтобы на душе был мир. Нужны развлечения, а их в Париже бездна. Но статуэтку я всё-таки тебе привезу, ибо в Париже можно достать прелестные. Счастье также, что у меня работа теперь не требует вдохновения, а лишь усердного сидения за письменным столом (я не сочиняю, а оркеструю уже сочинённое). Театры здесь прелесть. Таня несколько раз была, и они очень развлекли её. Насчёт билета Модя просит передать, что, вообразив тебя уже обладательницей билета, он распорядился своим иначе и не может отдать; просит прощения

Целую, обнимаю. Адрес всё тот же.

Paris
29th January 1883

Golubushka Anya! Forgive me for not having replied at once. But today, too, I don't think I will be able to finish the whole letter. Indeed, I ask your forgiveness in advance in the case that I should not write to you frequently. I am generally quite lazy when it comes to writing letters, but now in addition there's the work I have to do, as well as my concern for Tanya, who is with us [1]. The only spare time I have is in the evenings, but in the evenings it is essential for me to indulge in complete idleness, and I am either at the theatre or I seek some diversion by strolling through Paris. I won't get to go to Italy: I have to stay in Paris to be at Tanya's side. She has been to see Charcot, and he entrusted her to the supervision of his assistant [2]. They have promised to cure her, but it will be difficult — that is, it will be difficult for her to go through with this treatment. Tomorrow she will check into a maison de santé [3]. I feel both sorry and frightened for her. Well, perhaps, God willing, everything will turn out all right. Modya is leading the same kind of life as I am — that is, he devotes all his spare time to his work, only he has far less of it (of time, that is), because, properly speaking, it is he who is here to accompany Tanya and who has taken upon himself all responsibility for her [4]. Don't be surprised that he left without saying farewell to you — he really just wasn't in the mood for that. It is very fortunate that we are in Paris. I would not be able to delight now in any of the beauties of Italy and Italian nature: for that I would need peace of mind. [Now] I need diversions, and there are masses of those in Paris. However, I shall definitely bring you a statuette [5], because there are some delightful ones to be had in Paris. It is also fortunate that my work now does not require inspiration, but, rather, just diligent sitting at my writing-desk (I am not composing, but orchestrating what I have already composed) [6]. The theatres here are marvellous. Tanya has been several times, and they have amused her very much. With regard to that ticket, Modya asks me to tell you that, because he thought you already owned a ticket, he has disposed of his otherwise and cannot give it to you: he begs your pardon [7].

I kiss and embrace you. My address is still the same.

Notes and References

  1. ↑ See Letter 2207 to Anna Merkling, 24 January/5 February 1883, in which Tchaikovsky explained that his brother Modest had brought their niece Tatyana Davydova ("Tanya") to Paris, where she was to consult the famous neurologist Charcot regarding treatment for her morphine addiction.
  2. ↑ Charcot's assistant was a certain Doctor Ferrer, who would subsequently fall in love with Tatyana and even ask for her hand in marriage, though nothing ultimately came of this. See Пётр Чайковский. Биография, том II (2009), p. 209.
  3. ↑ A private hospital.
  4. ↑ Tatyana Davydova came to Paris not just to receive treatment for her morphine addiction, but also because she was pregnant with an illegitimate child. The only members of her family to whom she confided her predicament were her uncles Modest and the composer. They both helped to look after Tatyana during her confinement, and, when, on 26 April/8 May 1883, she gave birth to a boy, christened Georges-Léon, Tchaikovsky arranged for the child to be taken care of by a French family for the time being.
  5. ↑ See Letter 2153 to Anna Merkling, 2/14 November 1882, and the preceding letters to her, in which Tchaikovsky jestingly chastises himself for having failed to keep his promise to bring her a replica of a classical statue from Rome.
  6. ↑ During his long stay in Paris, which lasted until early/mid May 1883 Tchaikovsky managed to complete the orchestration of his latest opera, Mazepa.
  7. ↑ This probably refers to a season ticket for the Russian Musical Society's symphony concerts in Saint Petersburg. Anna Merkling liked to go to concerts very much, but she was not well-off and she had evidently hoped that her cousin Modest, who she knew would be going abroad for a long time, might be able to lend her his ticket.
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