_To Anatol Tchaikovsky._ (_About the end of October._) “I am getting along all right. On Saturday our first concert takes place, to which I look forward, for, generally speaking, the people here prefer carnal to spiritual entertainments, and eat and drink an incredible amount. The concert will supply me with a little musical food, of which I am badly in need, for I live like a bear in his cave, upon my own substance, that is to say, upon my compositions, which are always running in my head. Try as I may, it is impossible to lead a quiet life in Moscow, where one must over-eat and drink. This is the fifth day in succession that I have come home late with an overloaded stomach. But you must not imagine I am idle: from breakfast till the midday meal I work without a break.” _To Modeste Tchaikovsky._ “_November_ 25_th_ (_December_ 7_th_). “Our mutual friend Klimenko is in Moscow, and visits us almost daily. “The Opera is progressing fairly well. The whole of the third act is finished, and the dances from it--which I orchestrated at Hapsal--will be given at the next concert.” Ivan Alexandrovich Klimenko, whose name will often occur in the course of this book, had previously made Laroche’s acquaintance at one of Serov’s “Tuesday evenings.” An architect by profession, Kashkin describes him as a very gifted amateur. He was devotedly attached to Tchaikovsky, and one of the first to prophesy his significance for Russian music. At the second symphony concert, which took place early in December, “The Dances of the Serving Maids,” from _The Voyevode_, were given. They had an undeniable success, and were twice repeated in Moscow during the season. On December 12th (24th) Tchaikovsky wrote to his brother Anatol as follows:-- “You ask if I am coming to Petersburg. Wisdom compels me to say no. In the first place I have not money for the journey, and secondly, Berlioz is coming here at Christmas, and will give two concerts--one popular, and another in the place of our fourth symphony evening. I shall put off my visit until the Carnival or Lent....” Berlioz went to Moscow about the end of December, 1867, direct from St. Petersburg, where he had been invited by the directors of the Musical Society--chiefly at the instigation of Dargomijsky and Balakirev--to conduct a series of six concerts.