43 - CHARLES-RENÉ (Charles Olivier René Bibard, known as) (1863–1935). French pianist, composer, and teacher. Winner of the first Second Grand Prix de Rome in 1884 for *L'Enfant prodigue*, based on a libretto by Édouard Guinand.

CHARLES-RENÉ (Charles Olivier René Bibard, known as) (1863–1935). French pianist, composer, and teacher. Winner of the first Second Grand Prix de Rome in 1884 for *L'Enfant prodigue*, based on a libretto by Édouard Guinand. Autograph letter signed “Charles-René,” addressed to Madame Alix Flouest. Paris, November 15, 1895. 2 pages in-16, in black ink, on mourning paper with a wide black border. An interesting letter in which the composer writes to his friend Alix Flouest regarding the publication of a musical work based on a text by the poet Édouard Guinand, discussing the corrections to be made prior to its publication. Charles-René warmly thanks his correspondent for sending a copy of his composition: “Here is the authorization that Mr. Guinand sent me for you. ” He then recommends that she entrust the manuscript to him before sending it to the publisher: “I would strongly urge you to leave me a copy of ‘Pitié’ for a day or two before sending it to the publisher. ” The composer wishes to check for any corrections that may still be necessary, in order to avoid the difficulties of making last-minute changes to the galley proofs. He also reiterates Édouard Guinand’s request regarding the sending of copies of the work after its publication. The letter concludes with a particularly friendly closing: “Best regards to you, dear Madam, to our friend Flouest, and to your family.” Signed “Charles-René,” with a final addition: “See you Sunday! ” This correspondence is of real interest to the history of French music publishing in the late 19th century, as it directly documents the exchanges between a male composer, a female composer, and the author of the poem set to music. Alix Flouest, a French composer who is little known today, wrote, among other works, the melody *Pitié* in 1896 to a text by Édouard Guinand, as well as *La Lettre*, with lyrics by Henri Barbusse, which was presented at the 1907 Musica competition. Charles-René, a former student of the Paris Conservatory and winner of the first Second Grand Prix de Rome in 1884, maintained ongoing artistic ties with Édouard Guinand, author of the libretto for his cantata *L’Enfant prodigue*. Condition: Generally good condition. Mourning paper with a wide black border preserved; an old horizontal fold; slight signs of handling and minor wear marks at the corners. Ink is well preserved; text and signature are perfectly legible.