Autograph Letter - Paul Dukas

 DUKAS, Paul (1865-1935). Autograph letter signed (‘Paul Dukas’) to an unidentified correspondent (‘mon cher et glorieux voisin’), '10 de l’Assomption’ [Paris], n.d. [c.1908]. 

In French. Two pages (181 x 137mm), including a three-bar musical quotation, bifolium, with printed heading of 41, rue Washington cancelled, (losses at top right margin and bottom, pencil ruling on recto where framed, adhesive remains on verso). 

'The triumph of God over beast!': a mock-heroic eulogy to a neighbor who has killed a troublesome cat or dog. 'What canticle of thanks could harmoniously enough celebrate' this magnificent deed? Dukas had not doubted that the unspecified 'digitigrade' had troubled his neighbour's days and nights, as it had poisoned his own, and he was beginning to despair of its ever leaving off: Dukas adds a frivolous suggestion for further action -- 'All that remains is for you to obtain the massacre of a few children who take over the village at around 4 o'clock...' -- before closing with a jaunty three-bar fanfare.

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