138 - DUBOIS (Théodore) (1837–1924), French composer, organist, and educator; winner of the Prix de Rome in 1861; director of the Paris Conservatory from 1896 to 1905.

DUBOIS (Théodore) (1837–1924), French composer, organist, and educator; winner of the Prix de Rome in 1861; director of the Paris Conservatory from 1896 to 1905. Autograph letter signed “Th. Dubois” to a friend. Paris, October 19, 1883. 2 pages, in-8 format, on mourning paper with a wide black border. An interesting letter regarding a music competition, in which Théodore Dubois expresses regret over the decision made by his correspondent and encourages him to continue his efforts. “The reasons you cite are too serious for me not to understand the decision you have made. I do, however, regret no longer having you in my class, and I believe this year could have been very favorable for you in terms of the competition. ” The composer goes on to emphasize the high regard he still holds for his correspondent: “Thanking you for your kind words, and hoping that you will come to see me sometime, please know that I hold you in the highest regard. ” He concludes by extending his regards to his correspondent’s parents and assuring them of his most devoted regards. A beautiful letter that attests to the relationship between Théodore Dubois and his students, as well as the importance of competitions in French music education at the end of the 19th century. Then a professor at the Paris Conservatory, Dubois encourages a student here whose departure he regrets, suggesting that the student might have won an award at the next competition. The letter is written on his mourning stationery with a wide black border and shows some signs of age-related creasing.