DUBOIS (Théodore) (1837–1924), French composer, organist, an - Lot 130

DUBOIS (Théodore) (1837–1924), French composer, organist, and educator; director of the Paris Conservatory from 1896 to 1905. Autograph letter signed “Th. Dubois” to Maurice Emmanuel (1862–1938), French composer and musicologist. No place, February 14, 1917. 2 pages, in-16 format. An interesting letter on music in which Théodore Dubois discusses the difficulties he encountered in certain endeavors and expresses his admiration for Maurice Emmanuel’s *Chansons bourguignonnes*. “How grateful I am for your kindness! — As I can see, what I asked of you was quite a chore. These bureaucrats aren’t always pleasant, and perhaps it’s through a lower-level request that I’ll get something done. In the meantime, I’ll follow your advice and stay on my toes.” The composer goes on to warmly congratulate his correspondent on his work: “The Chansons Bourguignonnes are very interesting and colorful! And what varied and modal accompaniments!” This letter attests to the musical relationship between Théodore Dubois and his former student Maurice Emmanuel, as well as to Dubois’s interest in the latter’s harmonic and modal research. Maurice Emmanuel, a composer and musicologist, served notably as choirmaster at Sainte-Clotilde and as a professor of music history at the Paris Conservatory. He composed *Prométhée enchaîné*, a lyric tragedy inspired by Aeschylus. There is a small blue ink stain on the first page, which does not significantly interfere with reading.

Estimate:$67.21

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