ABSTRACT
Having lived through the horrors of one world war, the Medtners were naturally appalled by the outbreak of another, grieving deeply as citizens of the world at the general human tragedy it represented. For them personally it brought particular difficulties. Though the expected aerial bombardment of London did not take place for some months, under the effect of the nightly blackout musical life in the capital, and so along with it opportunities for concert engagements, soon greatly diminished, as did the demand for piano lessons. With no income any longer from Zimmermann, the composer and his wife suddenly once more found it impossible to pay their way. Surviving only through the generosity of their friends, they were isolated and vulnerable:
Our acquaintances have for the most part left or taken refuge in their caves; everywhere there is darkness and quiet. I cannot rouse myself to work, and were it not for my dear Anyuta my own light would have gone out completely. I have not a single pupil. Concerts have all been cancelled. 1
