261 - LOCKSPEISER (Edward). (1905–1973). British musicologist, music critic, and biographer, specializing in French music, particularly that of Claude Debussy.

LOCKSPEISER (Edward). (1905–1973). British musicologist, music critic, and biographer, specializing in French music, particularly that of Claude Debussy. Autograph letter signed “Edw. Lockspeiser” to an unidentified correspondent, concerning an unpublished letter from Claude Debussy to Pierre Lalo and its publication. London, June 20, 1956. 1 page, folio size, in black ink. Sender’s address at the top: 32 Rodney Court, London W.9. An interesting letter concerning Claude Debussy’s correspondence, Pierre Lalo, and the preparation of a book dedicated to the composer. Edward Lockspeiser thanks his correspondent for providing him with a letter from Debussy to Pierre Lalo, the original of which Bernard Gavoty had kindly sent him in 1949. “I have just returned, without any omissions, the copy of a very interesting letter from Debussy to Pierre Lalo that Bernard Gavoty very kindly brought to me in 1949, informing me that you possessed the original. ” He then requests permission to quote this letter in the notes of a book he is preparing on Debussy for André Cœuroy Publishers, noting that this document would be an important contribution to his work. He also discusses the relationship between Debussy and Pierre Lalo, as well as the publication of their correspondence, before seeking his correspondent’s consent to reproduce the document. An interesting account of the musicological research devoted to Claude Debussy in the mid-20th century, involving several prominent figures in French music criticism, including Bernard Gavoty and Pierre Lalo. The document shows creases from storage and some wrinkles, with no apparent missing sections.