151 - EMMANUEL (Anne-Marie), wife of composer and musicologist Maurice Emmanuel (1862–1938).

EMMANUEL (Anne-Marie), wife of composer and musicologist Maurice Emmanuel (1862–1938). Autograph letter signed “A.-M. Emmanuel” to René Dumesnil (1879–1967), a French physician, music critic, and musicologist. Roscoff, September 7, 1958. 1 page, in-8 format, with handwritten address on the reverse and original postmark preserved. A touching letter of congratulations in which Anne-Marie Emmanuel thanks her correspondent and mentions the painful circumstances preventing her from attending a ceremony. “Not being among the first to express my joy in congratulating you on the honor bestowed upon you—this truly dismays me!” She continues: “Circumstances are to blame, much to my regret.” Anne-Marie Emmanuel extends her best wishes to René Dumesnil and also mentions her wife’s health as well as her anticipated return to Paris. This letter bears witness to the relationships between the family of composer Maurice Emmanuel and prominent figures in French music criticism in the mid-20th century. Letter on paper with a serrated border, bearing a handwritten address on the reverse to René Dumesnil, 16 Avenue de La Bourdonnais, Paris VII. Postmark and stamp dated September 8, 1958.