169 - FOURNET (Jean) (1913–2008), French conductor, specialist in the French symphonic and operatic repertoire.

FOURNET (Jean) (1913–2008), French conductor, specialist in the French symphonic and operatic repertoire. Autograph letter signed “Jean Fournet” to a friend. Paris, July 18, 1948. 2 pages, small in-4 format. An interesting letter in which the conductor discusses his musical activities, his travels, and the prospects for his international career. “I have the fondest memories of you, and Léon Moreau has spoken to me about you several times since then. ” Jean Fournet reflects on his numerous engagements and travels: “I had found something to do in Haute-Savoie, but some changes in my schedule over the past few months have forced me to stay in Paris. ” He then discusses his musical projects abroad: “I will once again be dividing my time between Paris (opéra-comique—my first concerts at Lamoureux), Angers, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, etc...” He concludes by expressing his hope to reconnect with his correspondent soon. This letter attests to Jean Fournet’s intense activity in the immediate postwar period and his burgeoning international reputation. A conductor prized for his interpretations of the French repertoire, he went on to enjoy a particularly brilliant career in the Netherlands and Japan. The letter shows some old creases and slight signs of wear.