Letter to Władysław Tatarkiewicz written 19.10.1960

Rkp 1529
73

Prof. Roman Ingarden
Cracow, Biskupia 14.

Cracow, 19/10/1960

Dear Władysław,

                       I’m returning Ms Łobaczewska’s article in the attachment. This is a different edition to the one I received, since Łobaczewska, following two conversations with me, seems to have changed a number of things. However, I don’t have time to read this paper a second time, although I’ve looked it over a bit. It seems interesting and important to me, if a bit specialised for Aesthetics; but I think it’s impossible to limit this text to quite general matters while omitting a more detailed analysis, which requires some preparation in the relevant area of the theory of art. Moreover, not everything in Ms Łobaczewska’s paper seems right to me, but this is a question of authorial freedom. What I dislike most is the matter of today’s language, such as ‘specifics’, ‘narrowings’, etc., the use of which Ms Łobaczewska hasn’t given up. Secondly, it doesn’t seem felicitous (or right) to me to use psychological language (e.g. spatial imagination) where one should be writing about the elements and moments of the musical work itself; matters pertaining to the perception of the work should be treated individually. Ms Łobaczewska has given this up to some extent, but not everywhere. In any case, the work, in my opinion, beyond all doubt, could be printed.

            As for my lecture in Athens, in the face of your certain protest I’ve given up the idea of sending the more extensive edition to Aesthetics, and now I’m doing a literal translation of what was delivered to the Congress and what was in the typescript handed to its members. In two-three days I’ll send a copy. I’ll print the correct edition somewhere else. I believe that the editorial staff of Aesthetics should obtain the consent of the Congress Committee in Athens for the publication of literal translations (especially prior to the publication of the originals in Athens).

            Nota bene, keep the details about the creation of a new edition of the article by Ms Łobaczewska to yourself, as she asked that they should be kept between us. To you, though, I had to write how things stood.

            Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay any longer in Warsaw or to come down to see the two of you, because I still had my sister-in-law’s name day, which I couldn’t get out of.

                                             I attach cordial greetings and best regards to your wife

                                                                                                          /signature/ Your Roman