134 - 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 card signed “Th. Dubois” to a friend [Maurice Emmanuel, according to the old record]. Paris, March 31, 1911. 2 pages, oblong in-12 format, on a card bearing his address: 201 Boulevard Pereire. An interesting postcard in which Théodore Dubois warmly congratulates his correspondent on a well-received speech and mentions the minister’s support. “I wanted to congratulate you wholeheartedly on what you said and did. It was perfect! You truly brought out the man; you truly brought out the artist!” The composer then emphasizes the need to advocate for an artist’s presence in the music world: “The minister—and it is regrettable that some have failed to understand that their presence is indispensable! ” He concludes with a touch of irony regarding repertoire choices: “Why can’t we always rehearse at least twice, especially for difficult, modern works that no one knows? Mozart and Beethoven, perhaps, could get by without it, but the rest of us! ” This correspondence reflects Théodore Dubois’s concerns regarding the conditions for performing modern musical works, particularly the need for sufficient rehearsal time. It also reveals his support for contemporary composers facing the constraints of musical institutions. A few old letters.