193 - GOUNOD (Charles) (1818–1893). French composer, author of *Faust* and *Romeo and Juliet*.

GOUNOD (Charles) (1818–1893). French composer, author of *Faust* and *Romeo and Juliet*. Autograph telegram signed “Ch. Gounod,” addressed to Caroline de Serres. Paris, April 26, 1892. 1 page, in-12 format, on a blue telegraph form, with address and a 50-centime stamp on the reverse. A touching account of the composer’s final years, when his health forced him to cancel a musical performance. Gounod explains to his correspondent that he had to call his doctor first thing in the morning due to feeling unwell. The doctor has forbidden him from any exertion or going out until further notice. “I had to call the doctor first thing this morning because I was feeling so unwell. He has strictly forbidden me from any exertion and even from going out until further notice.” He regrets having to miss the performance of his Suite concertante, which he had been looking forward to, and expresses his affectionate regards to his correspondent. “So here I am, forced to miss the performance of my Suite Concertante [...] I am feeling quite run down, though that does not prevent me from embracing you with all my heart and thanking you [...] through my Jeanne. ” An interesting document linking Gounod’s musical concerns to his declining health, written about a year before his death in October 1893. The mention of his daughter Jeanne, who wrote the letter on his behalf, lends a particularly personal dimension to this correspondence. Telegram written in the hand of Jeanne de Lassus, the composer’s daughter, on behalf of her ailing father, and signed “Ch. Gounod.” Old creases; slight wear along the edges.