French composer (1818-1893) best remembered for his composition of 'Ave Maria.' ALS in French, signed “Ch. Gounod,” one page, 4.25 x 5.25, January 25, 1903. Handwritten letter to a friend, in part (translated): "I no longer remember which day you are returning home for the fantaisie avec choers. Would you be so kind as to refresh my memory? If by chance this would be this Saturday I will not be free: I have, at my house, a meeting with the Emile Augier committee in which I have much confidence…Tomorrow, Thursday, I have the Rossini competition at the conservatory, and Mme. Barthet at 5:30 at my house. Ah!!!!!!! The days in Paris!!!" Double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 12.5 x 8.75. In fine condition.
The "fantaisie avec choers" [coral fantasy] to which he refers may be Beethoven's Op. 80, 'Choral Fantasy,' composed for piano, chorus, and orchestra, and noted as a precursor to his later Ninth Symphony. He also makes reference to dramatist Emile Augier, who contributed the libretto for Gounod's first opera, Sapho (1851), as well as a Rossini competition. A remarkable letter rife with musical associations.
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