23 - BRUNEAU (Alfred) (1857–1934). French composer and conductor. A friend and collaborator of Émile Zola, he was one of the leading figures of musical naturalism. He composed numerous operas, including *Le Rêve*, *L'Attaque du moulin*, and *Messidor*.

BRUNEAU (Alfred) (1857–1934). French composer and conductor. A friend and collaborator of Émile Zola, he was one of the leading figures of musical naturalism. He composed numerous operas, including *Le Rêve*, *L'Attaque du moulin*, and *Messidor*. Autograph letter signed “Alfred Bruneau” to Mr. Pierre Leroi. Paris, March 9, 1927. 1 page, in-12 format, with address on the reverse and postage stamp. Letter regarding the organization of a banquet in honor of conductor René-Emmanuel Baton. Bruneau gladly agrees to serve on the organizing committee for the banquet in honor of René-Emmanuel Baton, a conductor who made a significant contribution to the prominence of French music. “I am very pleased to accept, as you have kindly asked, to serve on the organizing committee for the René-Baton banquet.” He expresses his satisfaction at being able to pay tribute to his colleague: “I am very happy to thus offer my eminent friend yet another expression of affectionate admiration.” An interesting testament to the friendship and mutual esteem between two prominent figures in French musical life at the beginning of the 20th century. Autograph letter signed in black ink, on graph paper with serrated edges. Address on the reverse, with a stamp and postmark from Paris dated March 10, 1927. Slight irregularity along the right edge; old creases.