Chapter 15 12(1)

June 27, 1961 (translated from English) Dearest Mira: I would feel uneasy if I wrote a long letter in Chinese to Cong instead of writing you a few lines in English.Writing to you two is not only my responsibility, but also an irresistible emotion. I want to express my affection and love for you. In the past ten months, how can we think of Cong and not think of you at the same time?In our minds, the two of you have unknowingly merged into one. But in order to prevent Cong from forgetting Chinese, I have to write more letters to him in Chinese, so you see, every time I write to you, I have to write two letters.

Mom and I are very happy to see Cong mature in real life, which is of course a good effect of your union.Since you got married, I think Cong has become more confident.His mood is calmer, and his sentimentality and surlyness are correspondingly less. Even so, his willpower is still weak, except in art, and you seem to be not very strong in this respect.It's best to keep this in mind at all times, and try to develop self-discipline and tolerance for both of you.Maintain an organized routine at home, keep everything in order, you are young, these things are difficult, put them into practice and stick to them, but it is always good to develop good habits and strengthen your willpower, and it will pay off in the long run.

Once a person (especially in the West) has no religious beliefs, moral norms automatically become the only standard in life.Most Europeans are surprised to see that the Chinese have no religion (from a Christian point of view), and have been able to maintain an orderly, peaceful and civilized society for generations. The secret is that in this world, except for the Chinese, No other nation has been brought up so soundly moral.You may have seen this in Cong's way of being, our morality is not so "rigid" as in the west, but a very broad view, a belief that life should be honest and not deceitful, material or spiritual , without consideration of reward, like a Christian looking for a heaven.We firmly believe that people should do good for the sake of goodness, honor, and justice, not for fear of eternal punishment, nor for eternal blessings.In this sense, the Chinese are a truly optimistic nation in the civilized world.In China, a person who has been truly well-educated and influenced by our best traditions and culture will naturally not pursue fame and fortune, not seek vanity, and be content with a dignified and noble, but materially poor life.Do you think this attitude is ideal and wonderful?

Dear child, have you ever thought about the famous quote from Montesquieu that I quoted in my E-No. 17 letter: "Treating people is like a tree, if it is not cultivated well, it will be difficult to thrive"?If you want to heed Montesquieu's advice and become a "luxuriant" plant, then this is the time to start self-cultivation.At first, maybe during the days when Cong is busy performing, you can have time to read some serious books. I recommend you to read these two books this summer: Danner's "Philosophy of Art" and Etiemble's "New Journey to the West

(I have two copies of this book, sent by the author, and I will send you one immediately).Reading the first book will give you an idea of ​​art and general cultural history, and the second book will advance your understanding of modern China. If you can find a copy of Russell's in a second-hand bookstore, please read it carefully. Although this book was written thirty years ago, there are many wise and philosophical words in the book. These words will never be out of date, so For today's readers, it is still beneficial.I hope you can also read "Jean-Christophe".It is very difficult for a young housewife like you to continue to improve and persist in self-education throughout your life. I can imagine how busy you are, but it is worth striving for.Mom is almost forty-nine and still "struggling" with learning something new every day (learning English).Did I ever tell you that Mrs. Bronstein is as busy as the average middle-class housewife, but she still keeps practicing every day (only an hour to an hour and a half a day, but it takes time to get results), and she can Play and broadcast on the radio.Such courage and will are truly admirable, almost heroic!

① Etienne Boule, a contemporary French sinologist. July 7, 1961 (translated from English) Dearest Mira: Thank you for sending me Magidoff's book about your father, which completely fascinated me and made me leave what I was doing despite the heat of the Shanghai weather (indoor 32”), read it for three consecutive afternoons. I have rarely read such a wonderful and informative book in the past five or six years. You said in your letter of May 10 that this book is not very well written. , But it may make us feel very novel. Of course, I am not qualified to comment on whether the countless details and episodes in the biography are true to the facts, but I am not as qualified as your father or family members, but I can be sure of one thing: this book is very important to me. It is not only novel, but also deeply inspiring to artists, all parents who value children's education, and educated readers in general. As a literary worker, I have been influenced by Chinese philosophy, and I have passed through the process of educating children. I have made countless trials and mistakes, and I have a special love for all things that are true, good, and beautiful. When I read Magidoff [Majidoff], I feel very excited. After reading it, I reflect on various experiences in my life, including my thoughts on life , morality, aesthetics, education, etc. I am more or less like Satoshi in education, and I have inherited advantages and disadvantages from my parents, although the degree is very different. For example, the way I educate my children is very strict and very strict. Rigid, even authoritarian, I have always been afraid of spoiling the children, especially Cong. I never allowed him to choose playing the piano as his life career until he was sixteen years old and I no longer doubted his inclination and talent. Until the age of eighteen, I often reminded his teachers not to praise him too much. Like my mother, I have been instilling in Cong the idea of ​​being indifferent to fame, wealth and power, and not admiring all vanity.

In the process of education, I used the methods of the previous generation and many other methods, and made countless mistakes, which I often regretted. Fortunately, both children broke away from the norms and guidance of the family early.Cong must have told you that when he was fifteen, he spent two years alone in Kunming. However, he did not learn more sophisticated ways of dealing with the world. This is partly due to the incomplete education he received at home in his early years; On the one hand, I blame it on my own shortcomings, on the other hand, because he has a mother-like personality and is a bit too easy-going, it is difficult to develop the habit of self-discipline and the courage to challenge the world.

In terms of art, your father's honor, his uniqueness and precociousness, he has experienced countless crises in his life, but in the eyes of outsiders, he has been smooth sailing, set an example everywhere, and performed the most touching and vivid drama, which is thought-provoking in terms of psychology and aesthetics , allowing us to peek into the mind of a celebrity and great musician. This book also gives young people the most valuable lesson (whether in terms of understanding music or developing performance and skills), especially Cong.Even you, dear Mira, you should read this book again, I am sure it will give you a better understanding of your father (by the way, no one can boast of knowing their own relatives thoroughly, although the two How close is his relationship with him): know his character, his noble morals, and his brilliant artistic achievements.Also, by reading this book carefully, you can learn a lot about life: your father's heroism and generosity during World War II, his belief in himself in Israel after Berlin (in a Jewish refugee camp) You can see that although he has an easy-going temper and a kind disposition, he has a firm principle in his bones.A person with a strong character.These admirable qualities must serve as role models that you both cannot forget when you have to face the really serious trials of life. I told Cong in my Chinese letter that I hope to have time to write an article for this wonderful book. A long review, or more precisely, a long review of your father's extraordinary life.What I'm talking about now is just a rough outline (and it's casual talk), and I will talk about my impressions and thoughts after reading this book. To make you fully understand my excitement, a few words are not enough .

On the evening of July 7, 1961 Dear child, "Music in Modern Civilization" and the biography of your father-in-law were received on the same day.After reading the biography for three consecutive afternoons, I have so many thoughts and emotional fluctuations, which are almost unique experiences in the past ten years.Writing biographies of contemporary people has a great advantage. There are many witnesses and material evidence, and it is easy to collect materials from all directions, cite each other, and check them.Of course, there are also disadvantages: the distance between the author and the subject is too close, it is not easy to see the objective facts and the true face; most of the people and things involved in the parties are still at present, and the author cannot be free from concerns about the reliability of the content and the author's opinion. Inevitably a big discount.Generally speaking, Macytov's writing is wonderful; he has deep observations and real feelings about life, art, and psychological changes; the taste [interesting] is good, without excessive compliments.The author's self-cultivation and outlook on life are quite profound.

The quotations of many short stories are not just to attract readers, but to highlight the character of the characters by making insinuations. As you can probably imagine right away, this book has a special fascination for me.The part of educating children, the growth of gifted children and their depressing history, the lack of hard work and closed doors between the ages of twenty-six and thirty (not to say that they are absolutely retiring, but groping alone) make up lessons, two marriages and wars The post-war activities have aroused countless emotions in me.Regarding education, your father-in-law's experience is a mirror to both you and me.I am like his parents in many ways, whether it is advantages or disadvantages, I am not as good as his parents in many ways, and I am more enlightened than them in some ways.I'm glad I didn't lock you up at home for too long. This is also due to the times, and it is also due to the stubbornness of your personality and mine.Frictions and conflicts between parents and children, even rebellion, although it was extremely painful for both parties at the time, in the long run, it has more advantages than disadvantages for the growth of children.The pride of your grandparents-in-law is so unreasonable that it is completely incompatible with her religious beliefs—except for Islam, which I am completely at a loss for, there is no religion in the world that does not teach people humility and tolerance, and does not teach people to restrain pride and arrogance of.But her attitude towards her old friend Goldman, and her accusation of Ishti bowing to Toscanini first on stage, has developed to the point of conceit and superciliousness.She taught her children to despise money and power from an early age, not to bow to politics and capitalists, not to allow them to be complacent, lest teachers and friends spoil them, all of this is of course right.She and her husband have tried their best to educate their children, and they are so comprehensive, which is of course correct and admirable; So could the shoemaker; she hadn't defined the word "honest man."In my opinion, her so-called good person is really very narrow, limited to respectab1e [decent] and never thought of a more positive and broader world and ideal.If she has this idea in mind, she will definitely encourage her children to "cultivate themselves so that they can contribute to society and mankind."

She never respects art, and she has no devout reverence for truth, beauty, and goodness; so she sees others volunteering to help Ishti (such as Elman sponsoring him to study in Europe, Goermen sending him PrinceK senior, especially Anescu was enlightened. He did not infect his mother's narrow, closed, poor, selfish morality (that is, the so-called prudery in the West). Fortunately, the cruel war taught him more things , expanded his mind and mind, and ignited his inner enthusiasm?? Your father-in-law's achievements today, especially in terms of character and outlook on life, can be said to be in spite of his mother[Although there is a mother, it will not be affected ]. I believe that there is a degree of public appreciation for your father-in-law (still referring to people other than art), and his parents may not appreciate any greatness. But he played Bach [Bach]'s Chaconne for a girl who was dying of illness in The Hague [Xiakong] ①, as well as his speech to Jewish refugees in Berlin in 1947, and his subsequent performance in Israel, etc., I think it is your father-in-law's most remarkable move, which is in line with our ancient saying that we can't be subdued. There are too many passages in the book that are worthy of our deep thinking, opinions on music, Mozart, Bach and Bartok; Musical habits are completely similar to attitudes, and both have great value in careful understanding.His two re-siudy [re-study] last time was 1942145, you can use it as a reference. Understanding people is the most profound art, and even the greatest philosophers, poets, religionists, novelists, politicians, doctors, and lawyers can only grasp some principles, and cannot speak for some specific examples-a person --Have a thorough understanding.Human beings are full of contradictions, extremely complicated, and extremely mysterious animals. After reading the biographies, it seems that they have a good understanding of the characters, but in fact they are just some rough concepts. In particular, he is a mild-tempered person who has been used to forbearance since he was a child, so it is even more difficult to figure out his background.I think you feel the same way. Analyzing his words in your last letter, I dare not draw any conclusions.But the world is full of imperfections, and there is no perfect person or thing.Everyone said that his current wife was not ideal, but Mira's mother did not make him happy.His current wife is indeed versatile and capable, but she is also bound to suffer from the shortcomings of being versatile and capable.If you and other friends have a good opinion of your father-in-law, you can only hope that his artistic conscience will be awakened again, raised to a new and higher level, and there will be another severe self-criticism.Whether there will be such a lucky day depends on his vitality.The development of human beings is always wave-like, just like the natural world: after a low tide, there is a possibility of a high tide again.That's why the ancients said that people should be "determined by the coffin". How many sporadic stories and episodes are also very meaningful.For example, Elgar protested Newman's comments on Ishti's performance of his violin concerto: Newman thought Ishti's expression of the second movement was too sweet and luscious. The theme itself is sweet and luscious, "Don't the British have to put on a straight face? Am I a straight face?" It can be seen that the critics are too focused on the general nationality, and the writer goes beyond the inherent nationality The critic turns a blind eye and blames the performer for a performance he disapproves of.And Newmen is the world's first-class scholar and critic too!It's a pity that knowledge, feelings and soul often don't meet together, and feelings and soul often don't merge with knowledge. Otherwise, human civilization can go a long way.After listening to Ishti playing his violin concerto, Bartok said: "I thought that such an expression could only be possible after the composer died for a long time." It can be seen that it is not easy to understand the creations of contemporaries. thing. ——However, we can’t stick to the example of Elgar [Elgar] ① to Yehudi [Ishti] ②, and be suspicious of critics’ remarks.We can only rely on the spirit of self-criticism as the standard of choice, but is our spirit of self-criticism always reliable and free from mistakes (infallible)?Do we often give in easily when we should insist, and be stubborn and stubborn when we should listen to our critics?I mention this because you and I both have a shortcoming: being argumentative; when someone takes the positive side, I immediately take the negative side; and vice versa.And because you are young, this tendency is stronger than mine.I hope you slowly learn to be objective, calm, and rational, and don't argue like the ancient Greeks! ① Xia Kong, a slow three-time dance music, was popular in the seventeenth century. ① Elgar (1857-1934), British composer. ② Ishti, that is, Ishti Menuhin (Yehudi Menuhin). Atolf Pushy and Anescu1 have different views on the forte ordolce [strong or soft] of the theme of the Bach Fugue2, which reminds me that most book knowledge does not require a high degree of comprehension Assistance, it is easy to become dogmatic and academic. On the other hand, the story of Ysaye [Ysaye]③ wanting Ishtira arpeggio [Pi Yin] fully shows the "big eyes" of a truly objective and calm great artist. Shortcomings of the "giant eyes".When young people want to find teachers and ask questions, they really need to look at many aspects.Your father-in-law admits that it would be beneficial to have Adolph Busch, even though he prefers Anescu in temperament and in his heart.Your father-in-law has repeatedly regretted not heeding Yisay's hints sooner.Therefore, I advise you to take some time to think about it quietly. Have you ever heard a word from your teachers, friends or critics and ignored it in the past few years.Think early and make up lessons as soon as possible!Your grandparents-in-law said: "My mother often said that only fools turn around when they hit a wall; wise people learn to be good when they see others suffer." I completely agree with this statement. You should remember that after you first went to Beijing in 1953 I said the same thing in my letter above. I remember what I said: "Listen to what your family tells you, so that you don't have to be criticized only by others when you are outside." The Hungarian old lady you mentioned, who taught Anni Fischer [Annie, Fisher], must come to ask for advice, even once or twice.If you are smart enough, you can realize many truths with just a few words from others.But from ancient times to the present, no one is so smart that he doesn't need to listen to anyone's opinion. A wise man has a lot of worries, and there is bound to be a mistake.Maybe you should visit that old man before you visit America!Dear child, listen to your father and arrange time to try it, okay?One—and one more sentence: before you go, you must listen to the "bad words" with your heart to get something. You have to visit the big and small Yisay around you at any time! The more words are spoken, the farther they are-perhaps the closer they are.If the books you read cannot be applied to yourself, why read? Your father-in-law clearly has a strong influence on the upbringing he received as a child.He has repeatedly stated that the less arrangements are made for children's futures, the better.In fact, this statement is only partly correct, and it also depends on how this kind of laissez-faire is implemented. Given the time and energy, such a book could allow me to write a critique of tens of thousands of words.But to be honest, Yixuti and I have become in-laws, and Mrs. Diana is so sharp and so witty [so smart and witty], I also have scruples in writing, so I have to talk to you. One last question to you: Have you read this book?If you haven't read it, you can read it when you have time, and take a red pen to mark (underline) the wonderful passages.I will have to read it a second or third time when I have time in the future.Mira is young and inexperienced, and I don't think she gets anything out of this book. ??My mother gave her something, but she didn't say a word, which is too impolite.In particular, we don't have anything really good for her (environmental restrictions), but "the courtesy is light and the heart is heavy", and we always hope that the recipient will accept our affection.If it is not for poor health, just being busy cannot be an excuse for not saying anything.This is a matter of decency and etiquette.I think she didn't get along well with her stepmother in the past; maybe half of it was because she was too young to do anything. - You have to bring this matter up to her very gently, and don't reveal that I blamed her in the letter, just because you realize that this is not good, it is not kind [thoughtful] enough, and it is not in line with the way of being a human being. ① Anescu (Georges Enesco, 1881-1955), Romanian violinist and composer. ② Fugue, a polyphonic piece of music. ③ Ysaye (1858-1931), Belgian violinist, conductor and composer. ④ Atauf Pushy (J891-1952), German violinist and composer. You have to explain that this is just an example, and being a human being is for the whole society, not just for family members.But those who are not polite to close relatives are also likely to offend ordinary relatives and friends. ——For all the above, you need to grasp the opportunity, and when she is in a happy mood, she will be tactful and meticulous, and talk calmly, as if giving advice to a bosom friend. If it is for us to make your young couple unhappy, I am extremely unwilling.You have to make her feel that everything is for her own good, to help her learn, to live the life; not to blame her for her parents.Children, I wish you success in this delicate task!It is also a learning and a test for you.Faithful words are harsh, but the other party can only accept them if they are presented with a very gentle attitude. The morning of July 8, 1961 In the agricultural society in the past, people's lives were relatively idle, and there was no tense atmosphere around them.Times are changing, especially in the Western world. The whole day, month, and year are like a kaleidoscope, and the competition for survival is fierce. I think you can fully appreciate it.It is best to have a plan for doing things, at least one quarter in advance, and the established procedures should not be disrupted temporarily unless it is absolutely necessary.You are a virtuoso who often presents, unlike professors, academics, etc.: Life is much more hectic and less controllable.But the more busy you are, the more you need to have a comprehensive plan. I always feel that you are very passive and often be carried away [lose self-control], being carried away by the environment and accidents of all sizes. In the long run, this is not a good way.In the past, I have repeatedly asked about your financial situation, mainly to understand your material foundation, and to speculate how long it will take to reduce performances and strengthen studies—not just music studies.I know very well that material life is not guaranteed in Western society, and any lofty ideals are out of the question.But the so-called material security first depends on your living standard, and secondly depends on whether you can arrange your income and expenditure, maintain a balance, and save regularly and regularly.The standard of living itself can go up or down, and there are too many levels of good or bad, high or low grades; what kind of standard you are going to take as the standard, you need to think clearly, make it thorough, and then implement it with a strong will.Only in this way can one talk about the way of financial management such as arranging income and expenditure.Children, just looking down on money doesn’t solve the problem; on the contrary, just because they look down on money, they don’t control it and don’t know how to deal with it. In the end, they will suffer from money and become material slaves.A bachelor can still use Yan Hui's hard work to make an emergency, but if you have a family, you can't. If you hope that Mira will also be willing to live in plain clothes, the requirements are too strict, and it is unrealistic.In order to avoid falling into this step, you should set a medium standard of living as soon as possible so that Mira can agree, practice, and help you make plans and implement them.The more you despise matter, the more you need to control matter.You have to maintain the dignity of your art and the independence of your personality, and controlling material has become the most urgent and important prerequisite.Boy, if you believe my thesis, act early. Once the economy has a plan, a plan for music activities can be made according to the current actual situation.For example, the next quarter is your busiest, but also the quarter with the most income: that income should be budgeted in advance; Don't spend the money in hand, but use it as the basis for reducing performances in the future-to put it plainly, it is the fund.You often say that the music world is a vast ocean, but music is just one branch of art and one branch of knowledge.It's useless to look at the ocean and sigh, and you still need to make a plan if you want to delve into it—this is closely related to the number of performances you perform and the foundation of your material life.When you get married, your family burden will become heavier soon; I have established my foothold, but the most important thing is to prevent future family burdens and unstable material foundations from unwittingly serving performances and music to your family.Throughout the ages—especially in modern times, how many artists, including those in various middle-aged departments, have gone downhill in the future. Is it really what they want?Most of them were dragged into the water for the family, and the process of being dragged into the water was completely unconscious.My child, for your future, I have to give a long and lengthy warning.Now is the time to design the next stage of your life. You should cheer up, face the present, look to the future, and think about the long-term. Besides, I believe that within three to five years, there will be someone who you feel must retire for a year or two. The time of the year.All truly accomplished performers cannot escape this hurdle. You have to prepare early. In the past three months, you have sent a long letter every month, making us seem to be chatting with you face to face: This is the greatest comfort you can give me and your mother.Parents are getting old, and they can't help but feel lonely every day.Only the return of the wanderer thousands of miles away has given us some brilliance and vitality in our lives.I hope that in addition to art, future letters will also talk about practical issues.Of course you understand that I, as a father, just want to do everything I can to help you improve and enhance your happiness. Surely you don't think I'm cumbersome, do you? August 1, 1961 Dear child, I am very happy to receive Mira's 16-day long letter on the 24th.Not seeing her handwriting for several months is really worrying. Somehow, we really love her like her own daughter; we have never met, but we are as kind as someone we have known for a long time.Reading her letter, the expression and smile are vivid on the paper.The tone is so innocent and simple, and the taste [taste] is very good, I really like it.A successful marriage is not only a great happiness for the parties involved, but also the warm light and infinite poetry have been shining and penetrating into the families of both parties.Min read Mira's letter and admired her character very much. One thing in Mira's report made us particularly happy: You actually went to the Hungarian lady! (The name Mira is not clearly written, please let me know!) For many months (it has been more than a year in Mr. Jie’s mind), we hope you will do this. Once it is realized, we must be grateful for your musical future . One—I am writing this, and I have received your postcard again; Nawei originally hoped to receive your long letter around the 4th of this month, but it has to be postponed for another ten days.I hope you can talk in detail about the process of improving your skills and the actual situation. Let me tell Mr. Li to slowly help the music youths in China. It must be something you are very willing to do. From the 12th to the 26th of this month, September Before the 22nd of April, you have free time. Apart from going out for a rest (I think you will definitely go out?), try to visit that old lady again and ask her for advice.Especially the Viennese school (Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert), the so-called repose [harmonious and tranquil] flavor must be fully appreciated. Many comments have repeatedly mentioned your lack of this aspect. ——As for the pursuit of details too much, which hinders the simplicity of the music and the general outline of the music, critics have said many times.According to my guess, you are likely to make these mistakes.Often you will pursue one purpose, forget about others, and get into the dead end without knowing it (look deeply and be vigilant in the future).But I firmly believe that once you wake up and believe in the wise guidance, you will turn your back on the shore and correct it very quickly. Just don’t overcorrect and just wait for the other extreme to swing past. At your age and experience, it's important to take in other people's opinions anytime, anywhere.It is even more necessary to consult seniors frequently.You are very sensitive, and you will definitely quickly understand the characteristics and expertise of that senior, and try to learn from it--you will never change the teacher easily until you have learned it all. The repose [harmonious tranquility] of the Viennese School mentioned above is supposed to be a state of leisure and tranquility full of open-mindedness, a bit like Tao Jingjie, Du Fu (a part of the pastoral scene), Su Dongpo, Xin Jiaxuan (also pastoral with pastoral words).But I still can't figure out the so-called repose [harmony and tranquility] of the real Viennese school. I don't know what is your experience? Famous tragedies in modern times can be divided into two groups: one group is devoted and forgetful, and the audience seems to see the real characters singing and crying in front of them; Swept away, Sarah Bernhardt [Sarah, Bernhardt] ① is the representative of this school (Paris has her memorial theater).One school depicts the characters lifelike, and also has the passion of ups and downs. At the same time, there is an appropriate rhythm everywhere, and it never falls into the state of madness. ① Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), French actress. Psychologists say that such actors seem to have a dual personality: they are both actors and audience members.The actor makes him one with the characters in the play, and the audience makes him not overdo all his acting skills (that is, the old saying that a capable man can do it).Because he stands outside the circle and observes himself coldly anytime and anywhere, he can still control himself even at the peak of a violent climax.In terms of art, I think the second type of actor should be more advanced.In addition to resonating with the characters in the play and personally experiencing strong emotions, the audience also feels the greatness of rational restraint and the greatness of people not being completely dominated by their own lust.This greatness is also a kind of beauty.The beauty of emotion is close to the beauty of flames, the beauty of waves, the beauty of stormy weather, or the beauty of warm wind and sun, the singing of birds and the fragrance of flowers; the beauty of reason is close to the sparkle of diamonds, the sparkle of stars, the beauty of fine carving, perfection Unblemished beauty is also the beauty of wisdom!The balance between emotion and rationality is the most beautiful, because it is the best philosophy of life and the art of life. I remember talking to you about this kind of thing many years ago.Now, after going on stage for thousands of times, you probably have a better understanding that the above analysis can be applied to music, right?Last winter your father-in-law wrote to say that you play two Mozart concertos and can put strong emotions into a classical form. He meant the balance between emotion and rationality.But you are still young, you have made too many announcements, you are often weak in physical strength, or your skills are not relaxed enough, so you will inevitably be nervous on the spot, or you can't help yourself, becarried away [difficult to restrain yourself].And the cultivation of your whole character has not reached this point.But sooner or later you will succeed in this area, especially after the skills have been greatly improved. The domestic situation has gradually changed in the past eight months. Recently, Premier Zhou gave an eight-hour report on the ten major issues of literary and artistic work, and the content was very exciting.However, it has not been announced yet, and only a very high-ranking few people in Beijing have heard it. We only know a little bit, and dare not convey it easily.The general tendency is from tension to relaxation, from aggressive to gradual.Perhaps a clearer outline will emerge in a few days. August 19, 1961 In recent years, I often think of how insignificant human beings are in the vast world and the nebula world, so I feel even more ridiculous that it is ridiculous for people to claim to be the spirit of all things.But all external things continue to have a strong effect on me, causing strong reactions and fluctuations. I can't worry about the time and the country; in another period, I feel that I can leave in a blink of an eye.Ambivalences of this sort have almost always taken possession of me: Subjectively, there is no meaning of being out of the world, in fact, there is often a sense of emptiness and disillusionment.Individuals have keen and strong feelings about everything, and often laugh at themselves as foolish.I don't know if this is the common depression of modern Chinese intellectuals, or because of my special temperament.Even when I think of you, I feel some comfort, but I immediately think of the possibility of leaving you at any time. I will never see your future, your development, and your situation ten or twenty years later will always be a mystery to me. , just like everything in the world, everything in life, will become a mystery when I leave the world - if a person is eliminated, the vast universe will continue, what is an individual! The night of August 31, 1961 Dear child, I am very happy to receive the 18th letter on August 24th.Your recent learning experience has aroused my many thoughts.Teacher Jie's words are really wise and famous, and I deeply sympathize.Those who can learn can make inferences from one instance, and after a little guidance, they can make a leap forward.Those who don’t know how to learn needless to say, know ten things by hearing one thing, even knowing one thing by hearing one thing is not easy, and they even have to get caught up, go astray, and then complain that the teacher’s guidance is wrong.The so-called ability to learn requires many conditions. In addition to high comprehension, sufficient life experience is also required. ??Modern youths are too simple-minded. It is good to say that they are pure, but they have no choice but to meet reality. Purity cannot be used as a weapon in struggle. Naive and naive and take unnecessary detours.Cynical, cynical attitude is of course rejected by us, but not knowing what cynical is also reflects that the world is too shallow, and the eyes can only look in one direction.Premier Zhou recently criticized our education, so that young people only see ideal characters that do not exist in the real world, and they will definitely feel disappointed and depressed when they come to society in the future.A person with a narrow mind and vision, even if the elders tell him many customs and customs of the old society, he will almost turn away in shock.They don't understand that human beings have developed historically, and after thousands of years of evolution, there are today's so-called civilized people, people under the so-called socialist system, and everything is inevitable.If this kind of person studies literature and art and needs to experience more complex emotions, the real life in which light and darkness are intertwined, and good and evil are juxtaposed, it will be difficult and difficult.It is not easy for them to integrate everything from theory to practice, from abstraction to concreteness.但若不能在理论→实践，实践→理论，具体→抽象，抽象→具体中不断来回，任何学问都难以入门。 以上是综合的感想。现在谈谈你最近学习所引起的特殊问题。 据来信，似乎你说的re1ax［放松］不是五六年以前谈的纯粹技巧上的relax［放松］，而主要是精神、感情、情绪、思想上的一种安洋、闲适、淡泊、超逸的意境，即使牵涉到技术，也是表现上述意境的一种相应的手法，音色与tempo rubato［弹性速度］等等。假如我这样体会你的意思并不错，那我就觉得你过去并非完全不能表达relax ［闲适］的境界，只是你没有认识到某些作品某些作家确有那种relax［闲适］的精神。一年多以来，英国批评家有些说你的贝多芬（当然指后期的朔拿大）缺少那种vien-nese repose［维也纳式闲适］，恐怕即是指某种特殊的安闲、恬淡、宁静之境，贝多芬在早年中年剧烈挣扎与苦斗之后，到晚年达到的一个peaceful mind［精神上清明恬静之境］，也就是一种特殊的serenity［安详］（是一种re-signation［隐忍恬淡，心平气和］产生的serenity［安详］）。但精神上的清明恬静之境也因人而异，贝多芬的清明恬静既不同于莫扎特的，也不同于舒伯特的。稍一混淆，在水平较高的批评家、音乐家以及听众耳中就会感到气息不对，风格不合，口吻不真。我是用这种看法来说明你为何在弹斯卡拉蒂和莫扎特时能完全relax［放松］，而遇到贝多芬与舒伯特就成问题。另外两点，你自己已分析得很清楚：一是看到大多的drama［跌宕起伏，戏剧成份］，把主观的情感加诸原作；二是你的个性与气质使你不容易relax［放松］，除非遇到斯卡拉蒂与莫扎特，只有轻灵、松动、活泼、幽默、妩媚、温婉而没法找出一点儿借口可以装进你自己的drama［激越情感］。因为莫扎特的drama［感情气质］不是十九世纪的drama［气质］，不是英雄式的斗争，波涛汹涌的感情激动，如醉若狂的fanaticism ［狂热激情］； 你身上所有的近代人的drarna［激越，激烈］气息绝对应用不到莫扎特作品中去；反之，那种十八世纪式的flirting［风情］和诙谐、俏皮、讥讽等等，你倒也很能体会；所以能把莫扎特表达得恰如其分。还有一个原因，凡作品整体都是relax［安详，淡泊］的，在你不难掌握；其中有激烈的波动又有苍茫惆怅的那种relax［闲逸］的作品，如萧邦，因为与你气味相投，故成绩也较有把握。但若既有激情又有隐忍恬淡如贝多芬晚年之作，你即不免抓握不准。 你目前的发展阶段，已经到了理性的控制力相当强，手指神经很驯服的能听从头脑的指挥，故一朝悟出了关键所在的作品精神，领垂到某个作家的relax［闲逸恬静〕该是何种境界何种情调时，即不难在短时期内改变面目，而技巧也跟着适应要求，像你所说“有些东西一下子显得容易了”。旧习未除，亦非短期所能根绝，你也分析得很彻底：悟是一回事，养成新习惯来体现你的“悟”是另一回事。 最后你提到你与我气质相同的问题，确是非常中肯。你我秉性都过敏，容易紧张。而且凡是热情的人多半流于执著，有fanatic〔狂热〕倾向。你的观察与分析一点不错。我也常说应该学学周伯伯那种潇洒，超脱，随意游戏的艺术风格，冲淡一下大多的主观与肯定，所谓posi-tivism〔自信独断〕。无奈向往是一事，能否做到是另一事。有时个性竟是顽强到底，什么都扭它不过。幸而你还年轻，不像我业已定型；也许随着阅历与修养，加上你在音乐中的熏陶，早晚能获致一个既有热情又能冷静，能入能出的境界。总之，今年你请教Kabos〔卡波斯〕①太太后，所有的进步是我与杰老师久已期待的；我早料到你并不需要到四十左右才悟到某些淡泊、朴素、闲适之美――像去年四月《泰晤土报》评论你两次萧邦音乐会所说的。附带又想起批评界常说你追求细节太过，我相信事实确是如此，你专追一门的劲也是fanatic〔狂热〕得厉害，比我还要执著。或许近二个月以来，在这方面你也有所改变了吧？ 注意局部而忽视整体，雕琢细节而动摇大的轮廓固谈不上艺术；即使不妨碍完整，雕琢也要无斧凿痕，明明是人工，听来却宛如天成，才算得艺术之上乘。这些常识你早已知道，问题在于某一时期目光大集中在某一方面，以致耳不聪，目不明，或如孟子所说“明察秋毫而不见舆薪”。一旦醒悟，回头一看，自己就会大吃一惊，正如五五年时你何等欣赏弥盖朗琪利，最近却弄不明白当年为何如此着迷。 一九六一年九月一日早在一九五七年李克忒在沪演出时，我即觉得他的舒伯特没有grace〔优雅〕。以他的身世而论很可能于不知不觉中走上神秘主义的路。生活在另外一个世界中，那世界只有他一个人能进去，其中的感觉、刺激、形象、色彩、音响都另有一套，非我们所能梦见。神秘主义者往往只有纯洁、朴素、真诚，但缺少一般的温馨妩媚。便是文艺复兴初期的意大利与法兰德斯宗教画上的grace〔优雅〕也带一种圣洁的他世界的情调，与十九世纪初期维也纳派的风流蕴藉，熨贴细腻，同时也带一些淡淡的感伤的柔情毫无共通之处。而斯拉夫族，尤其俄罗斯民族的神秘主义又与西欧的罗马正教一派的神秘主义不同。 听众对李克忒演奏的反应如此悬殊也是理所当然的。二十世纪六十年代的人还有几个能容忍音乐上的神秘主义呢？至于捧他上天的批评只好目之为梦呓，不值一晒。 从通信所得的印象，你岳父说话不多而含蓄甚深，涵养功夫极好，但一言半语中流露出他对人生与艺术确有深刻的体会。以他成年前所受的教育和那么严格的纪律而论，能长成为今日这样一个独立自由的人，在艺术上保持鲜明的个性，己是大不容易的了；可见他秉性还是很强，不过藏在内里，一时看不出罢了。他自己在书中说：“我外表是哈泼齐巴，内心是雅尔太。”①但他坚强的个性不曾发展到他母亲的路上，没有那种过分的民族自傲，也算大幸。 尽管那本传记经过狄安娜夫人校阅，但其中并无对狄安娜特别恭维的落，对诺拉②亦无贬词--这些我读的时候都很注意。上流社会的妇女总免不了当面一套，背后一套：为了在西方社会中应付，也有不得已的苦衷。主要仍须从大事情大原则上察看一个人的品质。希望你竭力客观，头脑冷静，前妻的子女对后母必有成见，我们局外人只能以亲眼目睹的事实来判断，而且还须分析透彻。年轻人对成年人的看法往往不大公平，何况对待后母！故凡以过去的事力论证的批评最好先打个问号，采取保留态度，勿急于下断语。 ① 卡波斯（1893-1973），匈牙利出生的英国钢琴家和钢琴教育家。 ① 哈泼齐巴（一九八二年病故）和雅尔太是曼纽因的大妹妹和小妹妹。 家务事曲折最多，单凭一面之词难以窥见真相。 一九六一年九月二日中午 感慨在英文中如何说，必姨来信说明如下： “有时就是（deepiy）affecied，（deeply）moved〔（深受）影响，（深受）感动〕；有时是（Heis） aHectedwithpainh1reco11ections〔（他）因痛苦的往事而有所感触〕themusic〔音于〕（或诗或文）calls forth painful meniories〔引人追思、缅怀痛苦的往事〕或stirs up painful（or mournhul， melancholy）memories〔激起对痛苦（忧伤，伤感）往事的追思〕。如嫌painful〔痛苦〕太重，就说那音乐startsatf8in0fme1anCh01yth0UghtS，（ sorrofull， mourn-ful，sad）thoughtS〔引起连串忧思（优伤，哀伤，悲哀）的追思〕。对人生的慨叹有时不用memory， recollection〔回忆〕，追思〕，就用reflection〔反应，反映〕，形容词还是那几个，eg HiS 1etter ish116 sad reflectiOns on life〔他的来信充满对人生的慨叹〕。” 据我的看法，“感慨”、“慨叹”纯是描写中国人特殊的一种心理状态，与西洋人的recollection〔追恩〕固大大不同，即与refleciion 〔反应，反映〕亦有出入，故难在外文中找到恰当的equivalent 〔对等字眼〕。英文的recollcction〔追思〕太肯定，太“有所指”；reflection〔反应，反映〕又嫌太笼统，此字本义是反应、反映。我们的感慨只是一种怅惘、苍茫的情绪，说sad〔悲伤〕也下一定sad〔悲伤〕，或者未免过分一些；毋宁是带一种哲学意味的mood〔情绪〕，就是说感慨本质上是一种情绪，但有思想的成分。 从去年冬天起，党中央颁布了关于农业工作十二条，今年春季又扩充为六十条，纠正过去人民公社中的歪风（所谓乱刮共产风），定出许多新的措施，提高农民的积极性，增加物质报酬，刺激生产。大半年以来农村情况大有改变，农民工作都有了劲，不再拖拉，磨洋工。据说六十条是中央派了四十人的调查团，分别深入各地，住在农民家中实地调查研究以后得出的结论。 可见党对人民生活的关心，及时大力扭转偏差，在天灾频仍的关头提出“大办农业，大种粮食”的口号。我个人感觉：人事方面，社会主义制度下最重要的关键仍然要消灭官僚主义；农业增产要达到理想指标必须机耕与化肥两大问题基本解决以后才有可能。并且吾国人民的饮食习惯倘不逐渐改变，不用油脂和蛋白、肉类，来代替大量的淀粉，光靠各类增产还是有困难。吾国人口多，生育率高，消耗淀粉（米、麦、高粱及一切杂粮）的总量大得惊人，以绝大部分的可耕地种谷类所能供应人的热力（即加洛里），远不如少量面积种油脂作物所能供应人的热量为多。在经济核算上，在国民健康观点上，油脂的价值远过于谷类。我们工农阶级的食物，油脂与淀粉质消耗的比例，正好和西欧工农在这两类上的比例相反。 ② 诺拉是曼纽因的前妻。 结果我们的胃撑得很大，到相当年纪又容易下垂，所得营养却少得可怜。――但要改变大家几千年来多吃谷类的习惯大不容易，至少也要一二代才能解决。同时增加油脂作物和畜牧生产也是件大事。以上仅仅是我个人的感想，社会上尚未听见有人提出。 教育与文艺方面，半年来有不少党中央的报告，和前几年的看法做法也大存不同。对知识分子思想水平的要求有所调整，对红专问题的标准简化为： 只要有国际主义爱国主义精神，接受马列主义，就算红。当然红与专都无止境，以之为终身努力的目标是应该的，但对目前知识分子不能要求过高，期望太急。文艺创作的题材亦可不限于工农兵，只消工农兵喜爱，能为工农兵看了以后消除疲劳也就是为工农兵服务。政治固然是判断作品的第一标准，但并非“唯一的”标准。以后要注意艺术性。学校教育不能再片面强调政治，不能停了课“搞运动”。周扬部长与陈副总理都提到工厂不搞生产如何成为工厂，学校不搞学习如何成为学校；今后培养青年一定要注重业务，要“专”，决不允许红而不专。诸如此类的指示有许许多多，大致都根据以上说的几个方针。问题在于如何执行，如何贯彻。基层干部的水平不可能一转眼就提高，也就不可能一下子正确领会党中央的政策与精神。大家“拨一拨、动一动” 的惰性已相当深，要能主动掌握，彻底推行中央决定，必须经过长时期的教育与自我教育。”国家这样大，人这么多，摊子摆得这么多、这么大，哪里一下就能扭转错误！现在只是调整方向方针，还未到全面实现的阶段。不过有此转变已经是可喜之至了。 以往四年简直不和你谈到这些，原因你自会猜到。我的感想与意见写起来也许会积成一厚本：我吃亏的就是平日想的大多，无论日常生活，大事小事，街头巷尾所见所闻，都引起我许多感想；更吃亏的是看问题水平提得太高（我一向说不是我水平高，而是一般的水平太低），发见症结为时太早： 许多现在大家承认为正确的意见，我在四五年、六七年以前就有了；而在那时的形势下，在大家眼中我是思想落后，所以有那些看法。 九月是你比较空闲的一月，我屡次要你去博物馆看画，无论如何在这个月中去一二回！先定好目标看哪一时期的哪一派，集中看，切勿分散精力。 早期与中期文艺复兴（意大利派）也许对你理解斯卡拉蒂更有帮助。造型艺术与大自然最能培养一个人身心的relax〔舒泰〕！ 你的中文信并未退步，辞汇也仍丰富，只是作主词的“我”字用得太多，不必要的虚字也用多了些。因你时间有限，我不苛求；仅仅指出你的毛病，让你知道而已。 一九六一年九月十四日晨你工作那么紧张，不知还有时间和弥拉谈天吗？我无论如何忙，要是一天之内不与你妈谈上一刻钟十分钟，就像漏了什么功课似的。时事感想，人生或大或小的事务的感想，文学艺术的观感，读书的心得，翻译方面的问题，你们的来信，你的行踪??上下古今，无所不谈，拉拉扯扯，不一定有系统，可是一边谈一边自己的思想也会整理出一个头绪来，变得明确；而妈妈今日所达到的文化、艺术与人生哲学的水平，不能不说一部分是这种长年的闲谈熏陶出来的。去秋你信中说到培养弥拉，不知事实上如何作？也许你父母数十年的经历和生活方式还有值得你参考的地方。以上所提的日常闲聊便是熏陶人最好的一种方法。或是饭前饭后或是下午喝茶（想你们也有英国人喝tea的习惯吧？）的时候，随便交换交换意见，无形中彼此都得到不少好处：启发，批评，不知不党的提高自己，提高对方，总不能因为忙，各人独自生活在一个小圈子里。少女少妇更忌精神上的孤独。共同的理想，热情，需要长期不断的灌溉栽培，不是光靠兴奋时说几句空话所能支持的。而一本正经的说大道理，远不如日常生活中琐琐碎碎的一言半语来得有效，――只要一言半语中处处贯彻你的做人之道和处世的原则。孩子，别因为埋头于业务而忘记了你自己定下的目标，别为了音乐的艺术而抛荒生活的艺术。弥拉年轻，根基来固，你得耐性细致，孜孜不倦的关怀她，在人生琐事方面，读书修养方面，感情方面，处处观察，分析，思索，以诚挚深厚的爱作原动力，以冷静的理智作行动的指针，加以教导，加以诱引，和她一同进步！倘或做这些工作的时候有什么困难，千万告诉我们，可帮你出主意解决。你在音乐艺术中固然只许成功，不许失败；在人生艺术中，婚姻艺术中也只许成功，不许失败！这是你爸爸妈妈最关心的，也是你一生幸福所系。而且你很明白，像你这种性格的人，人生没法与艺术分离，所以要对你的艺术有所贡献，家庭生活与夫妇生活更需要安排得美满。――语重心长，但愿你深深体会我们爱你和爱你的艺术的热诚，从而在行动上彻底实践！