DUKAS (Paul). - Lot 101

DUKAS (Paul). Born in Paris. 1865–1935. French composer. Best known for his symphonic poem “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Autograph letter signed “Paul Dukas” to Auguste Mangeot, director of the École Normale de Musique. Paris, October 2, 1928. 1 page, in-8 format. Envelope included. Paul Dukas found the card from his correspondent upon his return from Royan, where he had been staying with his … little patient, who is feeling better but is naturally still feeling the effects of that six-week bout of coughing and is in great need of returning to a calmer life! Cortot’s request is quite interesting, he notes. But with the work for Rouché—which I would already have great difficulty continuing given my current financial circumstances (…)—I believe it would be unwise (…) to accept this new undertaking. (...) I must admit, by the way, that I’m not familiar with the Divertissement à la Hongroise!! It’s shameful. But that’s just how it is… Jacques Rouché (1862–1957) was a patron of the arts who became a key figure in the French cultural scene. In 1913, he was appointed director of the Paris Opera, a position he held for 30 years.