Description

Description: In this January 30, 1916 autograph letter signed, Camille Saint-Saëns says that if they cannot have new posters, an advertisement must be made to showcase the upcoming performance of his 1911 work, la Gloire. The message, written in French, describes what the ad should say: music by Saint-Saëns, poetry by Augé de Lassus, singing by Laffitte, Delmas and the choir with the assistance of the music of the Republican Guard (the French State band).

Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921), the French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist, held only one teaching post. This was for several years in the 1860’s at the Ecole de Musique Classique et Religieuse in Paris.

Lucien Augé de Lessus (1846-1914) was a French playwright, poet, and archaeologist. Several of his comic operas, including Phryné (1893), l’Ancêtre (1906), la Gloire (1909), were set to music by Saint-Saëns.

Jean-Francois Delmas (1861-1933) was a French bass-baritone known for the power and evenness of his voice. He created numerous roles in French operas, including Athanaël in Thaïs.

Leon Laffitte (1875-1938) was a French operatic tenor who made his debut at the Paris Grand Opera in 1898 as David in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Numberg. He performed internationally for over two decades.

Written on three pages of a folded sheet of “Rue de Courcelles” imprinted stationery that measures 7 1/2″ x 5 3/4″. Pencil note at bottom of second page indicates this letter was sent to Leo Devaux[?] the Régisseur général of the opera. Item #A01732

Condition: Mailing fold line, mounting remnants at upper right margin of first page, a couple of minor stains. Generally good condition with a large, clear signature.