Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A New Beginning
My last post did not give a lot of information of what I was doing, so here we go again!
Soon after Pucinella, I moved to France. In Paris, I met the beautiful Vera. I loved Katerina, but my loved for Vera consumed me. Vera was also married, but left the man to be with me. My poor wife knew of this affair but knew she could not do anything.
However, France was probably one of the unhappiest places I have lived in. My wife had of tuberculosis which infected my dear Ludmila. She died, and then my Katerina died. Lastly, my own mother died in a hospital. After Katerina’s death, I tried to spend time with my family and Vera.
When World War II began, Vera and I moved to the United States. This is off topic, but the Great War is now called World War I because now we have World War II. Will this fighting never end?
I feel bad for cheating on my dead wife, but what was I to do? I was trapped by love. This reminds me of the time I had with Coco Chanel. I have never told anyone about this, so read well.
A while back before I moved to France, I was introduced to Coco by Sergei. She had offered to let me and my family stay with her. I had accepted. Our relationship was passionate, artistic, and inspiring. She created Chanel No. 5, and my compositions were more free and fresh. When she told me that she loved my ballet, The Rite of Spring, from the first time she saw it, I thought, who else could be as perfect for me than her?
I am not sure what broke our incredible relationship, but if it did not, I am positive I would not have fallen in love with Vera. But, because we somehow separated, I now love Vera.
I hope to become a naturalized citizen here like I was in France. California interests me greatly, especially Los Angeles. There are new things to see and learn. There is so much culture, I just have to move there soon.
Because I am in America, where one can began anew, this is my last post. I know I am going to be a great success here as I have been in Europe, and you will hear of me more often. I am going to be known for generations to come! Goodbye, farewell, and maybe we will see each other one day.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Stability
The other day I spoke with Mussolini. He spoke with me for forty-five minutes. I felt very honored. We spoke of music, art, and politics. It seemed like we could talk for hours on end. I enjoyed myself so much that I told him I felt fascist.
His country also welcomes me and my music. Any country that does that is ought to be an amazing country. The people appreciate modern music, and it made me feel comfortable.
This reminds me of how opposite the Bolsheviks are. They are truly hateful. They caused so much trouble in my homeland and are still making a mess of things. I remember a time when they tried to change the writing system. Of course the conservatives, including myself, ignore this and write in the old style.
In Germany, my music is forbidden. Other modern art and music are forbidden. The Nazis tried to get rid of modern art and foreign performers. There was a time when I was eating out with a friend, Eric Schaal, and Nazis came in and shouted anti-Semetic remarks at us because Eric is a Jew. And, can you believe it? They thought I was a Jew too. Nazi Germany is a strange place… How could they not like my music? It is amazing! And, why are they so racist?
Trouble is brewing… I hope it will settle down soon.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
After the Great War
My family and I have been living in Switzerland since 1910. I had returned to Russia to research for my ballet, Les Noces (The Wedding) in 1914. When I came back, the war started, and I could not return back to my homeland.
With my friend, Charles Ramuz, we made a small traveling theater. I composed The Soldier’s Tale, which fit in with the situation the continent was in.
A couple of years later, the Russian Revolution started! Imagine my surprise! The war and revolution was too much to bear for me. It was awful… the killings… the conditions of the people… ugh…
Around the same time, I met Pablo Picasso in Italy. He is a fantastic artist! Genius next to me! He drew a picture of me, which was very well done. Let me tell you a funny story about this sketch. I had put it in my luggage that I was bringing back to Switzerland with me. A customs officer found the picture while inspecting my suitcase, and guess what he had thought it was. He thought it was a spy plan. A spy plan! Really? That idiot! I had to call in my friends at the British Embassy to identify me and get my portrait back.
Anyway, it is now 1920, and I am working on a new ballet, Pulcinella. The war has impacted me so much that the music of this ballet is in the style of the 18th century. I am just trying to forget it ever happened. The music is different from my usual works, but it is still beautiful. Pablo Picasso is also working on this ballet by creating the sets and costumes. I know he will do well.
I have to continue working. I will write when I can.
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