Disruption and isolation marred the final years of Boulanger and Stravinsky's dialogue. Old age made it difficult for them either to write to others or to read letters they received, drawing into question the fidelity of texts they dictated. During this time, Boulanger remained an avid collector of Stravinsky's compositions, though for the most part his affectionate messages no longer adorned them. And Boulanger continued to attend performances of his works, but nothing comparing to the detailed parsing of the Parisian premiere of The Rake's Progress appears in these letters. Instead, Boulanger becomes rather taciturn regarding Stravinsky's music, remarking often that in each piece there resided “a great lesson” or that each work “spoke better for itself.” Ultimately, her words reveal a dedication to her imagined concept of Stravinsky and an abiding devotion to their friendship that extended until Stravinsky's final years.

In his letters, Stravinsky becomes increasingly abrasive and at times defensive. Gone is the playful, kind man of the 1940s. In its place is an officious professional, occupied predominantly by tours and commissions. There are brief moments where one senses the Stravinsky of the past, such as in his telegram to Boulanger that Jean Cocteau had died (October 11, 1963). But otherwise Stravinsky's letters become a laundry list of places he has committed to visiting and concerts he has agreed to perform, even more so than before. Questions of who is behind the words found in these letters echo throughout this chapter.

Certain moments stand out as remarkable in this section. Among them is the discussion of Pierre Boulez from April to May 1967, as well as Stravinsky's palpable rage following the bungled Parisian premiere of Threni on November 14, 1958—and Boulanger's anticipation of his wrath. Similarly, Boulanger's despair at the passing of Prince Pierre of Monaco (November 14, 1964) and her disappointment at Stravinsky's refusal to accept a commission for the concert in celebration of Winaretta Singer, the Princesse de Polignac (November 7–24, 1964) are poignant moments in this last portion of the letters. Also present is the theme of coming together, and there are numerous references on both parts to in-person visits.