Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

We went to the “one-arm” for lunch; then after a walk around we came home –; Evening – all Tschaikovsky [sic] program, Toscanini conducting. (The 6th Symphony, the Nut-cracker Suite, the Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture) – Toscanini brought out more clearly than any time I ever heard this symphony, its stark tragedy – it seems a terrible self-revelation for a man to make. I compared it in my mind to what I had always thought of as the most tragic piece in the realm of music i.e. the “He was despised & neglected” and “Behold and see its” from the Messiah. The Tschaikovsky [sic] tragedy is more ghastly because it is the cry of a soul in despair – filled with bitter remorse, and intent hope of salvation.; ; ; ; ; Apr. 7 – (Sunday) – ; A bright pleasant day.; P.M. All Stravinsky program, conducted by the composer, my beloved Petronchka– It is curious how Stravinsky can duets his own work with such complete lush of spirit & enthusiasm. ; I forgot to mention on Friday’s entry, going to hear the concert given by the University of Michigan Little Symphony at the Grover Cleveland High School. Bartholomew’s & Berlins between them had gotten us all tickets, but since Sally was still sick, B stopped home with her, while the rest of us went. It was a very nice concert, quite unlike any I