After the Great War

It has been a while. I have been through much these past few years... The Great War has ended about two years ago, and the Russian Revolution is still on. Oh, what dreary times I am living in...

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 18^th 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.