27 - 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. His notable compositions include *Le Rêve*, *L'Attaque du moulin*, *Messidor*, and *L'Ouragan*.

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. His notable compositions include *Le Rêve*, *L'Attaque du moulin*, *Messidor*, and *L'Ouragan*. Autograph letter signed “Alfred Bruneau” to “Dear Friend.” Paris, 122 rue La Boétie, Monday morning, undated. 2 pages in-8, on a folded sheet. A lovely thank-you letter following a concert, mentioning Camille Chevillard and the performance of his works. Bruneau expresses his regret at not having been able to attend his correspondent’s concert, about which his wife and daughter reported only the best reviews: “I was unable to go yesterday to hear myself play and applaud you. I truly regretted it. I had to spend the day at Chevillard’s. But my wife and daughter brought me the best news from the Théâtre-Régina and returned delighted with the entire concert.” He then warmly thanks his correspondent for his performance and the care taken in executing his works: “I would like, first thing this morning, to thank you for the pleasure you have given me by including my humble symphony in your fine programs, and to ask you to convey my heartfelt gratitude to your [...] and enthusiastic orchestras, which welcomed me so warmly and performed my work so beautifully. ” This letter attests to the relationships Alfred Bruneau maintained with performers and the Parisian music scene, as well as the attention he paid to the performance of his compositions.