49 - CHARPENTIER (Gustave) (1860–1956). French composer, a student of Massenet, winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1887, composer of the opera *Louise*, which premiered in 1900.

CHARPENTIER (Gustave) (1860–1956). French composer, a student of Massenet, winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1887, composer of the opera *Louise*, which premiered in 1900. Autograph letter signed “G. Charpentier,” addressed to a correspondent. Tourcoing, 13 rue de la Malcense, undated. 2 pages, in-8 format, on graph paper. An interesting letter concerning a proposed artistic collaboration combining music, poetry, and illustration, specifically centered on Mauricelet’s *Fantaisies*. Charpentier explains that he will not be able to return to Paris for about fifteen days and suggests working out the plan for the work by correspondence: “I don’t think I’ll be returning to Paris for about fifteen days—perhaps we can decide on the outline of your works by correspondence.” He envisions a composition featuring choral parts and instrumental passages: “I envisioned fragments of woodwind choruses interspersed here and there at the whim of the figures—and without a set order—with the first few measures serving as a prologue and the rest following each letter—to make a selection, I would need to hear your opinion. ” He also asks his correspondent to send him the manuscripts as well as the dimensions of the drawings, the sheets, and the prose so that he can continue the work upon his return. A valuable insight into Gustave Charpentier’s research on a work combining music and the visual arts, revealing his attention to the arrangement of musical fragments and their interplay with the illustrations. A few creases and slight signs of handling. In good overall condition.