Fwd:

I can only be me.

I know and appreciate it. I think what I propose will create a new circumstance that addresses your concern. See you this week.

Leon

Sent from my iPhone

you definitely have something to say and a point of view. I feel uncomfortable tellin you what I really think. i don't like that. I myself prefer brutal honesty . thats how i learn. otherwise i like you can argue myself into believing my own bullshit. I recoginze the effort that went into yesterdays performance. and couldn't help smile when you talked about strauss disdain for views other than the ones he held

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "President"
To: "Jeffrey Epstein" jeevacation@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 8:29:37 AM
Subject: Re:

You should not worry about this aspect.Never trust anyone who is not emotionally tied to what they have spent their life working on. It is perhaps different in business, since the object is money or the winning of a competitive sport. Making music is different--it is a deep experience that exposes vulnerability in real space and time--one that involves emotional risks that most people do not take, at least for me. There are artists who have detachment, for whom making music is just a job. It is not that way for me. And I am asking for help on the brink of a great chance to make the kind of difference that would have a fighting chance to solve the problem we both see--so I am anxious. You'll see much greater equanimity if I have a fighting chance.

So the problem is mine, and, all things considered, I take criticism well, as well as anyone can for whom what he does is more than a game--and I am dependent on others even on the stage. So hand out the real opinions, even though I cannot promise you lack of comfort. And the hurt passes quickly. My second child was killed when she was 8, so you can't really hurt me, so have no fear. By being brutally honest--using your word--you invoke, in the very use of language an image of harshness and pain. So in some cases expect the worst. Do not trust anyone who takes it lightly in matters of such power. And of course I am in a position in which I need your trust and support. And I am rattled, as well albeit temporarily, because I really like and respect you.

As to Strauss, he just thought he was better than everyone else in the field of music and he needed no one. In secret however, he took every critic seriously and suffered with them, even though he never showed it publicly.

See you this week.

Leon