ABSTRACT
Guilhermina Suggia's years with Pablo Casals, from roughly 1907 through 1913, constitute one of the most intriguing and elusive periods of her life. To get a picture of the dynamic between Suggia and Casals, it is important to begin with an understanding of Suggia's circumstances at the outset of their partnership. In early 1908, Suggia and Casals were in St Petersburg, where they performed the Moor Double Concerto. In January 1909, Suggia wrote to Antonio Lamas with news of the engagement of Virginia to the oldest son of the Dutch painter Albert Neuhuys. Although Casals acknowledged Suggia's need for independence when he accepted her wish to forgo real marriage and family life, at bottom he was a man who liked to be in control. Suggia publicly acknowledged Casals's supremacy as a musician on many occasions, but she never shared more personal thoughts or reminiscences.
