SCHMITT FLORENT (1870-1958)

L.A.S. "Florent Schmitt", Levallois, [to Georges JEAN-AUBRY]; 4 pages in-8. Answers to biographical questions. "It seems to me quite useless to teach the crowds the exact date of my birth. Women will give me the age they want. Men don't care. I would also be grateful if you would not mention the Rome Prize. It is not a title of glory. If you want to, you can imply that I got it by saying that I spent several years in Italy and Germany, without insisting otherwise. It is really only some of those who have tried to get it without succeeding who take joy in being awarded the pompous and ridiculous title - for it means nothing at all - of Grand-Prix of the Institute. The only advantage that it confers is the sum of thirty thousand francs that represent the 8 years of pension. If you absolutely want to speak about official rewards, say that I obtained in 1900 a prize of 30.000 francs "...