Dukas, Paul.

with two written to Fauré, some cross-written, some with drawings; and two cards of Paul Poujaud, and letters by Benjamin Godard, Jules Massenet (3), Pauline Viardot (2); Lalo (2) and Saint-Saëns; over 200 pages, various sizes, Paris, Royan, Lugano, Brussels and elsewhere, [c.1906-1933]



 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a characteristically witty series, especially in the collection of postcards, where the composer often sends a humorous line or remark, sometimes relating to the image printed on the reverse, enclosing frivolous and irreverent poems, discussing his works, including Ariane et Barbe-Bleu, the symphony, La Péri amongst others; his friendship with Albéniz, (deploring his loss), Fauré, Paul Claudel, Alfred Cortot, Widor, Saint-Saëns, Jacques Durand, Florent Schmitt,  Poujaud, and his family, including announcing  his decision to marry Suzanne Pereyra, the death of his brother, the anniversary of his father's death and other family events, the musical life of Paris and his work as a critic

...J'attends impatiémment Pénélope...J'ai passé des heures exquises avec Pénélope...cette belle et délicieuse musique... J'ai donné à Henriette Albeniz le dernier portrait...Je suis persuadé que lorsque vous connaîtrez Mademoiselle Suzanne Pereyra vous me comprendrez sans que j'aie besoin de me perdre en considerations préalables sur son charme, son intelligence et sa culture...

A revealing correspondence : Dukas was a notably private person. Biographical details are surprisingly sparse. His works were few and he famously burnt most of his unpublished works, including a second symphony, before his death. He also allowed no photograph of himself to be published in his lifetime. This collection of letters to Marguerite Hasselmans is therefore notably important, containing, as it does, intimate insights into his private and professional life. As the companion of Fauré and a musician herself, she was a uniquely-placed correspondent. Fauré was very highly regarded amongst the younger school of French composers. Dukas admired him immensely. In writing to Hasselmans, Dukas was also communicating with his mentor. The series begins quite formally, progressing from "chère Madame" to "chère amie", but always maintaining the "vous" form. After Fauré's death the letters become longer and more frequent and more revealing. They are all unpublished.