XVII

FERRUCCIO BUSONI

AN ARTIST AT HOME

As a man’s surroundings and environment are often reflections of his character, it is always a matter of deep interest to get in touch with the surroundings of the creative or executive musician.  To meet him away from the glare of the footlights, in the privacy and seclusion of the home, gives one a far more intimate knowledge of the artist as a man.  Knowing how difficult it often is to obtain such an opportunity, I can be the more thankful that this privilege has been granted me many times, even with those artists who hold themselves most aloof.  I was told Busoni was exceedingly difficult to approach, and the only way I could see him was to call at his house quite unannounced, when I might have the good fortune to find him at home and willing to see me.  Not wishing to take him by storm in this way, I quietly waited, until I received the following note:  “While I am not fond of interviews, if you will come to tea on Thursday afternoon, you will be welcome.”

Busoni is located in a stately Wohnung overlooking the handsome Victoria Luise Platz, in the newer western section of Berlin.  Mme. Busoni met us as we arrived, and conducted us to the master, who rose from a cozy nook in a corner of the library to greet us.  Tea was soon brought in and our little party, which included a couple of other guests, was soon chatting gaily in a mixture of French, German and English.

During the sprightly chat I could not help glancing from time to time around the great library in which we sat, noting its artistic furnishings, and the rows upon rows of volumes in their costly bindings, which lined the walls.  One appreciates what Dr. Johnson meant when he said that whenever he saw shelves filled with books he always wanted to get near enough to them to read their titles, as the choice of books indicates character.

Presently Busoni turned to me:  “I am composing a rhapsodie on American Indian themes.”

“And where did you capture the themes?” he was asked.

[Illustration:  Ferruccio Busoni]

“From a very charming lady, a countrywoman of yours, Miss Natalie Curtis.  She has taken great interest in the idea and has been most helpful to me.”

“One of the German music papers announced that you are about to leave Berlin, and have accepted an offer elsewhere—­was it in Spain?”

“I intend leaving Berlin for a time,” he admitted, “and will go to Bologna—­perhaps you thought that was in Spain,” with a sly side glance and a humorous twinkle in his eyes.  “My offer from Bologna appears most flattering.  I am appointed head of the great conservatory, but I am not obliged to live in the city, nor even to give lessons.  I shall, however, go there for a time, and shall probably teach.  I am to conduct six large orchestral concerts during the season, but aside from this I can be absent as much as I wish.  We shall probably close up our house here and go to Italy in the autumn.  Living is very cheap in Bologna; one can rent a real palace for about $250 a year.”