BONQUET (Annie). - Lot 284

BONQUET (Annie). BONQUET, Annie (XIXᵉ siècle). Autograph letter signed to a certain "Monsieur Vincent" concerning the musical analysis of a poem for string quartet and piano. Two in-4 autograph pages written in black ink on laid paper, entirely in the hand of composer Annie Bonquet, accompanied by several musical examples noted in pen. The letter is addressed to a correspondent named "Monsieur Vincent", and sets out with precision the analytical plan of a musical work conceived "as a synthesis of different quartet movements in a single work". The author successively details the various parts of the composition: exposition, counter-exposition, development, recapitulation and finale, describing modulations, thematic recalls and orchestration effects. Several fragments of musical notation are integrated into the text to illustrate the themes evoked. In particular, the composer writes "After a development leading to a C in the strings, here is the recall of theme A in the dominant..." and again: "Gradually everything comes to life; the elements and their themes cross and clash..." The document reveals a deep reflection on the formal and dramatic construction of the work, as well as a perfect mastery of the musical writing processes of the Romantic tradition. The set is of keen interest for the history of French musical composition in the XIXᵉ century, in particular for the study of analytical and pedagogical methods related to chamber music. The letter ends with a warm greeting followed by the autograph signature: "Annie Bonquet". Attached is an old identification note stating: "Ségur (Paul-Philippe, comte de), lieutenant-général, pair de France, membre de l'Institut", probably related to the origin or provenance of the document. Rare and elegant autograph musical manuscript, enriched with several staves notated in pen, testimony to the analytical work of a 19thᵉ century musician.