17 - BOURGAULT-DUCOUDRAY (Louis-Albert) (1840–1910). Composer, conductor, musicologist, and professor at the Paris Conservatory. Winner of the Prix de Rome in 1862.

BOURGAULT-DUCOUDRAY (Louis-Albert) (1840–1910). Composer, conductor, musicologist, and professor at the Paris Conservatory. Winner of the Prix de Rome in 1862. Autograph letter signed “Bourgault-Ducoudray,” addressed to “My dear compatriot.” Vernouillet (Seine-et-Oise), June 24, 1899. 3 pages, in-8 format, in violet ink on laid paper. A very interesting letter devoted to the conception of a ballet and choreographic aesthetics, in which the composer sets forth his reflections on the role of dance, the beauty of movement, and the conditions for performance at the Opera. Bourgault-Ducoudray first thanks his correspondent for sending a manuscript that he intends to read carefully: “I will read your manuscript with great pleasure; if you wish to send it to me, please send it by registered mail to Vernouillet, Seine-et-Oise.” He then develops a particularly interesting reflection on the art of choreography, expressing a desire to renew the conception of traditional ballet: “I believe in a return to expressive choreography, based not on the display of sterile virtuosity, but on mimicry, on highlighting the beauty of movement, poses, and attitudes—in short, on the expression of ‘Beauty’ through the means specific to dance. ” The composer envisages, in particular, the creation of a three-act ballet, while emphasizing the constraints imposed by opera houses: “To be staged at the Opera [and I don’t see what other theater one could turn to], the choreographed scene would need to last no more than 20 or 25 minutes. ” He invites his correspondent to consider a work that aligns with this artistic vision and looks forward to discussing it during their next meeting. This correspondence provides a particularly interesting insight into Bourgault-Ducoudray’s aesthetic views; he advocates for expressive dance, prioritizing the meaning of movement and visual beauty over technical virtuosity alone. Louis-Albert Bourgault-Ducoudray, born in Nantes, won the first Grand Prix de Rome in 1862. As a professor of music history at the Paris Conservatory from 1878 to 1908, he played an important role in the rediscovery and dissemination of European folk music traditions, particularly those of Greece and Brittany.  Condition: Showing signs of use. Significant scattered foxing throughout the document, old creases, and minor signs of handling. Handwriting and signature are clearly legible.