CHOPIN

Good Friday [April 21st 1848]

I crossed the water [English Channel] without much seasickness. But not by the Courier, and not with my new travelling acquaintances, for they had to search, by boat, for the vessel on the sea. So I preferred the ordinary way of travelling, and yesterday arrived here at six [pm], as I had been obliged to rest for a few hours at Folkestone. I had a sleep, and now am writing to you.

The good Erskines [the 'very religious' Scottish Protestant Mrs Katherine and her sister Jane Wilhelmina Stirling, a pupil] have thought of everything, even of chocolate, not only of a lodging - which last, however, I shall change, as since yesterday there is a better one oin their very street for four guineas a week. I am at 10 Bentinck Street, Cavendish Square, but in a few days I shall move to their address: 44 Welbeck Street. They asked me a lot after you. You would not believe how kind they are; I have only just noticed that the paper on which I am writing has my monogram, and I have met with many such little delicate attentions. Today, as it is Good Friday and one can't do anything here, I am going to the intimates of the ex-king [Louis Philippe], who lives outside the town. How did you get home? Did you witness any fighing on the way [a reference to the aftermath of the February Revolution - chronicled so graphically by Berlioz in his Memoirs]? Did you have any success yesterday with the army? Please write, and may God bless you.

Your old CH

- from the translation by the novelist Ethel Lilian Voynich, New York June 1931

THE LEGENDARY RECORDINGS
The Philharmonia Orchestra
ABBEY ROAD STUDIO 1
LONDON