Luhačovice

LÁZEŇSKÉ NÁMĚSTÍ

Janáček probably first visited Luhačovice in 1886, but he did not become a regular guest until 1903. With only a few exceptions he spent part of the summer holidays here every year until his death in 1928. The Luhačovice Slavonic Spas, designed by the architect Dušan Jurkovič, was a meeting place for important Czech figures. Here, for example, Janáček hobnobbed with Marie Calma Veselá, František Veselý, Alphonse Mucha, Otakar Ostrčil and others. He also met here Kamila Urválková, who inspired the composer to write the opera Fate, with the first act set in the Luhačovice spas. However, his most important meeting was in 1917, when Janáček met his love and muse Kamila Stösslová. Although Janáček usually spent his time in the spas relaxing, he composed the Glagolitic Mass in the local Augustinian House in 1926.

Dear Zdenka!

I've walked through the forests, searched for the elusive sun, drunk a bucket of water, lain in the black mud, sweated myself till I'm weak; eaten it all - the money's all spent. Time to go home! I arrive on Sunday afternoon (I leave here at 11am).

So let the caretaker come over. They promise the track will be open from Tuesday. Definitely by Sunday.  The Friday mail that is for the Organ School, hold on to it in Brno. I'll tell the station post office about it. 

Still nothing about the conservatory - some news that is!

With regards,

Leoš

Luhačovice, 21 July 1919