8 - BERLIOZ (Hector) (1803–1869). French composer. A leading figure of Romantic music, composer of *Symphonie fantastique*, *Requiem*, and *La Damnation de Faust*.

BERLIOZ (Hector) (1803–1869). French composer. A leading figure of Romantic music, composer of *Symphonie fantastique*, *Requiem*, and *La Damnation de Faust*. Autograph letter signed “H. Berlioz” to his friend Albert Duboys. No place, no date [Grenoble, August 15, 1868, according to an old annotation]. 1 page, in-8. In this letter, Berlioz, who was ill, declines an invitation to attend a musical performance, likely as part of a choral festival in Grenoble. “My dear Duboys, I am ill and cannot accept your kind invitation; the roar of this military music is making my condition worse. I do not know if Gounod and Thomas are here; please excuse me—I would very much have liked to see the Combes again. Farewell, your devoted H. Berlioz.” In a postscript, the composer adds: “Please convey my regards to Mrs. Duboys. ” This letter attests to Berlioz’s declining health in the final years of his life, as well as his sensitivity to loud musical performances. The mention of Charles Gounod and Ambroise Thomas—two leading figures in 19th-century French music—is of particular interest. Berlioz corresponded with Albert Duboys (1804–1889), his former classmate at the college in Grenoble, who was notably a magistrate and historian. The composer had returned to Grenoble for the musical festivities in August 1868, a few months before his death. An interesting letter from the final year of Berlioz’s life, discussing his health, Gounod, and Ambroise Thomas. Minor foxing and some age-related creases. In good overall condition.