CHAMPEIN (Stanislas) (1753-1830) - Lot 312

CHAMPEIN (Stanislas) (1753-1830) Composer, conductor, music journalist, director of La Mélomanie and candidate for the music section of the Institut de France. L.A.S. "Champein", Paris, 1817, 4 pages in-4, addressed to Monsieur de Pixérécourt, homme de lettres. Autograph address preserved on verso. Very important letter of candidacy to the Institut, in which Champein solicits Pixérécourt's support for his election to the music section of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The author announces at the outset: "I present myself again as a candidate for the Académie des Beaux-Arts de l'Institut." The vacancy was left by the death of Méhul, one of the most famous French composers of the time: "...for the place that Méhul's death leaves vacant in the music section." Champein then developed a veritable plea in favor of his candidacy. While acknowledging that he had a few supporters, he asserted that he sought above all the esteem and favorable opinion of his correspondent: "I would indeed have a few titles that could militate in my favor; but, Sir, it is your favorable opinion that I am seeking here to merit." To demonstrate his merits, he attaches a long biographical and bibliographical note detailing his career. In it, he recalls in particular: * his journal La Mélomanie, published for nearly forty years ; * the enduring success of several dramatic works; * various lyrical and religious scores; * a grand motet performed at Versailles in the presence of the King; * a solemn mass performed in Paris for the feast of Sainte-Cécile; * more than thirty works performed on various French stages. The letter thus constitutes a veritable profession of artistic faith, particularly revealing of the mechanisms of co-optation within the Institut under the Restoration. The address is : "Monsieur de Pixérécourt, homme de lettres". a major figure in French popular theater, whose influence in artistic circles could effectively influence an academic election. A first-rate document for the history of the Académie des Beaux-Arts and musical life under the Restoration. Condition: some foxing, minor marginal wear and traces of folding; well preserved; autograph address retained.