Lot 20
Debussy, Claude. Autograph letter signed ("Claude Debussy"), 2 pages, 5 7/8 x 5 in. ((c. 150 x 129mm) (Paris), Oct. 12, 1906. Toning to second page, creasing to top right corner, last line of text slightly affected by horizontal fold. To the singer Georgette Leblanc, reiterating what he had already written her about the casting of the role of Mélisande in his opera "Pélléas et Mélisande."
The directors of the (Théâtre de) la Monnaie had only asked his advice once things had been decided. He had the right to expect that she had been cast a long time ago. Now it seems that it is Mademoiselle (Mary) Garden. So say the newspapers but Miss Garden denies it. Debussy asks how he can figure out the truth in this contradictory story. He only asks to be on good terms with her husband, whose complete collaboration this time would be so valuable to him ("Je ne demande qu'à être d'accord avec votre mari, dont la collaboration, entière cette fois ci, me serait si précieuse…." Since Maeterlinck is much more powerful than Debussy in Brussels (Maeterlinck was Belgian), Debussy leaves it to Maeterlinck to achieve the result that they all wish for.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
Sotheby's London, Dec. 8, 2000, lot 52.
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| Realized $4,200 |
