Bauner Michael Dvořák Antonín

Brooklyn. July 29th 1984.

Dr. Antonín Dvořák

My illustrious Teacher.

Instead of writing to you from the country, as I at first anticipated, I am writing to you from Brooklyn. It is very warm here, though it was sometimes very warm in the Conservatory in mid-winter, but that was study, and the present heat arises from summer. Circumstances have prevented me from going to the Adirondack Mountains, and I am spending the summer with my parents. I correspond with my friends who are in the mountains and employ my time in an easy manner, that is I go bathing about twice a week, and I go to New York quite often to visit some people that I have not the time to see during the winter. Last week, I played for a blind man, an old friend of mine, and it made him feel very happy. I am really anxious to see you again, my good and strict teacher, I read in the papers that your American Symphony had a great success in England. Whenever I feel sad or unhappy I write counterpoint and it helps me very much. I often think how kind you were to accept me as a pupil. My progress in music allows me to see more of the inner essence of music, and my lack of real musical knowledge, and inability to express my thoughts in a worthy manner is becoming more and more apparent. I read lately that Gladstone, speaking about human progress, said that constant progress was at the same time constant humiliation. You have opened my eyes to a higher conception of Art, you have showed me the Path, the Way, and the Truth in Music, and I write you this, my dear Master, in order that you may know that I think of you, and that my gratitude to you is unceasing.

I send you my tribute over the ocean, my homage, and my love. If you have a few minutes time to spare, I would be very happy to hear from you, but I will (anyway) write to you again before very long.

Wishing you and Mrs. Dvořák a very happy stay, and looking forward to meeting you again, with the greatest of happiness.

I am, Dr. Antonín Dvořák,

Your obedient and ever grateful pupil

Michael Banner

Please address United States of America 239 Rockarry Avenue. Brooklyn. NY.