Intimate Letters: Leos Janacek to Kamila Stosslova - Hardcover

Janacek, Leos

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0571144667 ISBN 13: 9780571144662

Publisher: Faber & Faber, 1994

Synopsis

In 1927 the Czech composer Leos Janacek met Kamila Stosslova on holiday at Luhacovice, a spa resort in Moravia. He was 63 and locked in a loveless marriage; she was 26. After the holiday Janacek began writing to Kamila and the correspondence continued until his death. This volume collects a selection of their letters, supported by a diary of meetings between the two and a decoding of the erotic references in the letters. It aims to throw light on the nature of Janacek's creative genius, as well as to chronicle their relationship.

About this title

Review

"'There is no more intimate and honest self-portrait of any composer.' The Times; 'Tyrrell is a splendid guide. Every intimate reference is unravelled and explained. The letters are linked by a narrative which amounts to a substantial biographical effort in itself. This correspondence makes compelling reading and lets the light into the secret love behind Janacek's late creative surge.' Opera Now; 'A beautiful and important book, which will be of interest to anyone who enjoys a good love story.' Humphrey Burton, Sunday Express"

About the Author

John Tyrrell is Professor of Music at Cardiff University. His books include Czech Opera, Janácek's Operas and editions of the memoirs of Janácek's widow and Janácek's correspondence with Kamila Stösslová . He is co-author of the standard catalogue of Janácek's works and, with Sir Charles Mackerras, he edited Janácek's opera Jenufa. In 2002 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Masaryk University of Brno for his work on Janácek and Czech music.

Edition details

• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0571144667
• ISBN 13: 9780571144662
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400
• Editor: Tyrrell John