Dear Nathaniel,

The letter which I just e-mailed to Anna Ludwig Wilson
tells the story. I've spent two anxious days worrying
about the problems which I was creating by inviting friends
of Margrit's whom I barely know, to travel to so isolated
a community as Konnarock where they might be at a loss
for what to do with themselves.

The changed plans don't mean that we can't plan a concert.
There would certainly be a few local people who would
come to listen, if only from curiosity. The changed plans
relieve us of the obligation to entertain visitors who
might be restless and dissatisfied having come long
distances to so isolated a location "where there is
nothing to do." 

I hope that you're not disappointed and that you haven't
spent too much effort on my ill-advised project. My
best wishes fors surviving the ordeals that academia
invents to commemorate the end of its year.

Jochen

===========================================
Dear Anna,

Klemens and I have been giving considerable
thought to our proposal that we have a Memorial
Concert for Margrit in Konnarock in July, and
we conclude that our intention is not feasible,
for three reasons.

The people in Konnarock look for more liturgy,
more formality in religious observance than we
are able to provide. We cannot expect them to
be familiar with music as religious experience.
A purely musical memorial service is likely
to mystify and to disappoint them. We miss 
your father who was able to catalyse communal
experience for the most diverse individuals.

Many potential members of the congregation-
audience would be perplexed by the musical tradition
that is congenial to our family. The suggestion by
one of Margrit's friends that we look for musicians
who would perform "blue-grass" and "rap music" to
celebrate Margrit's memory suggests that a common
esthetic ground, if it exists at all, may be
impossible to find.

Finally, the very profusion of Margrit's friends
is likely to cause insoluble logistical problems.
It would be rude and hurtful not to invite them
all; many of them are nomadic, and some might be
expected to travel long distances to attend a 
memorial concert. How would we get them all from
the airport to Konnarock? Where would we feed,
where would we lodge especially those who have
no automobiles?

All these considerations have led us to scale back
our ambitions. The grandchildren all still plan to
come to Konnarock for a few days this summer, to
bring their instruments and to play music for
themselves and for the family that has such vivid
memories of Margrit.

I hope that some time while Klemens, Laura and the
children are in Konnarock, you and your husband will
have occasion to stop by and see us. I further hope
that the half-baked plan with which I importuned you
has not caused you undue trouble or inconvenience.

Our best wishes to you and your family.

Jochen