150 - ELWART (Antoine) (1808–1877), composer, musicologist, and professor of harmony at the Paris Conservatory; winner of the Prix de Rome in 1834.

ELWART (Antoine) (1808–1877), composer, musicologist, and professor of harmony at the Paris Conservatory; winner of the Prix de Rome in 1834. Autograph letter signed “A. Elwart” to a colleague. No place, March 5, 1874. 2 pages, in-12 format. An interesting letter in which the composer thanks his correspondent for his encouragement and discusses the rivalries and difficulties he has encountered in the music world. “Your letter touched me deeply; please forgive me for the slight distress that the news of my departure has unintentionally caused you [...]” The composer expresses his gratitude for his correspondent’s affection and laments the difficulties faced by artists: “Let us put that out of our minds, and may artistic successes console you for the troubles of politics...” This correspondence attests to the bonds of camaraderie that Antoine Elwart maintained with the musicians of his time, as well as his sensitivity to artistic and political rivalries. Antoine Elwart was a leading figure in French music education during the 19th century. As a professor of harmony at the Paris Conservatory, he published several theoretical and historical works on music. A few old letters.