51 - CHARPENTIER (Gustave) (1860–1956). French composer. Winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1887. Composer of the opera *Louise*.

CHARPENTIER (Gustave) (1860–1956). French composer. Winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1887. Composer of the opera *Louise*. Autograph letter signed “G. Charpentier” to a colleague, regarding the sending of musical fragments from *Les Chevaux de bois*. No place, no date (late 19th or early 20th century). 1 page, in-12 format, in black ink, on slightly tinted paper. An interesting autograph letter from the composer Gustave Charpentier, discussing one of his vocal works, *Les Chevaux de bois*, composed to a poem by Paul Verlaine. Addressing a colleague in a familiar tone, the composer announces that he is sending several excerpts from his work: “My dear colleague, If I were to send you a few fragments here and there—2, 3, or 4 measures of the piano part from my *Les Chevaux de bois* (dedicated to Willy)—would that serve your purpose? I am sending them to you…” He concludes with a friendly closing: “Yours sincerely, G. Charpentier.” This correspondence is of particular interest to the history of French music at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It directly references *Les Chevaux de bois*, a melody for voice and piano inspired by Paul Verlaine’s famous poem, taken from the collection *Romances sans paroles*. The reference to Willy—the pseudonym of Henry Gauthier-Villars (1859–1931), a writer, journalist, and music critic—is also noteworthy. An influential figure in Parisian literary and musical life, Willy maintained relationships with many composers of his time. Gustave Charpentier, a student of Jules Massenet and winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1887, remains one of the leading figures of French opera. His masterpiece *Louise*, premiered in 1900 at the Opéra-Comique, was a tremendous success. His vocal works, particularly his art songs set to texts by contemporary poets, reflect his devotion to literature and the artistic sensibility of the Belle Époque. This document is of interest for its explicit reference to a musical composition by Charpentier and its dedication to Willy. In good overall condition. An old horizontal crease, some slight signs of handling, and minor signs of age. The handwriting is well-preserved, with a bold and distinctive signature.