132 - DUBOIS (Théodore) (1837–1924), French composer, organist, and educator; director of the Paris Conservatory from 1896 to 1905.

DUBOIS (Théodore) (1837–1924), French composer, organist, and educator; director of the Paris Conservatory from 1896 to 1905. Autograph letter signed “Th. Dubois” to Antonin Lugnier, secretary general of the Caveau. Paris, April 17, 1916. 2 pages, in-8. Envelope preserved. An interesting letter in which Théodore Dubois discusses his compositional work and the difficulties he faced in publishing his works during World War I. He thanks his correspondent for sending a volume and loose sheets, some of which he believes could be set to music: “I have received the volume you were kind enough to send me, along with your letter and the loose sheets. Thank you for them. I have already looked through the ones you mentioned, several of which certainly seem to me to be suitable for setting to music.” The composer explains, however, that he is currently working on his own ideas and that the circumstances of the war are hindering their publication: “Unfortunately, I am not working much at the moment, and my ideas are not really geared toward works of this nature. Furthermore, publishers will not publish anything until the end of the war. ” He concludes by promising to revisit these compositions when circumstances are more favorable. This letter provides an interesting insight into musical life and the difficulties facing the French music publishing industry during the Great War. Envelope with handwritten address to Antonin Lugnier, secretary general of Le Caveau, 7 Faubourg Montmartre, Paris; postmark and stamp dated April 17, 1916.