CASADESUS (Robert) (1899–1972). Renowned French pianist and - Lot 41

CASADESUS (Robert) (1899–1972). Renowned French pianist and composer, one of the leading figures of the 20th-century French school of piano. Autograph postcard signed “R. Casadesus,” addressed to Pierre Leroi, music critic at *Le Courrier Musical*. Paris, December 24, 1922. 1 page, small 8vo, in black ink, on a postcard with a stamp and postmark. A remarkable musical letter in which Robert Casadesus, then only 23 years old, provides a detailed analysis of his Sonata, composed during the winter of 1921 and dedicated to Maurice Emmanuel. The young composer provides music critic Pierre Leroi with a thorough analytical presentation of his work, in which he describes each of the four movements in turn, along with their character and thematic developments. “Here are some brief notes on my Sonata. It was composed during the winter of 1921 and is dedicated to Maurice Emmanuel. ” He specifies that the first movement has a “frank and decisive” pace, interspersed with “gentle and melancholic” episodes that interrupt its cheerfulness. The second movement, more introspective, is described as imbued with a “serious and concentrated” feeling, gradually evolving into an “anxious and fantastical” interlude. After several passionate phrases, the musical discourse returns to its initial character—calm and resigned—before ending on a distant chord. The third movement is described as “a simple, fleeting, and distant scherzo.” Finally, the fourth movement begins with great agitation before transforming into a “frank and folksy” cheerfulness, in an episode titled “Alla Pastorale.” Casadesus concludes by giving his correspondent complete freedom to draw on these notes in his article. This document is particularly interesting for the history of French music, offering a firsthand account from the composer regarding the conception, structure, and expression of one of his early works. A student of Louis Diémer at the Paris Conservatory, Robert Casadesus won first prize in piano in 1913. A virtuoso pianist and prolific composer, he enjoyed a brilliant international career, particularly prized for his interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, Ravel, and French music. His meeting with Maurice Ravel in 1922 had a profound impact on his artistic journey. He maintained a close relationship with the composer and contributed significantly to the dissemination of his work. This letter, written during his early years as a composer, is of definite musicological interest: it serves as a firsthand source on his compositional approach and the expressive intentions he wished to convey to critics. A fine piece of musical correspondence, with particularly substantial content, dating from the early years of Robert Casadesus’s career. The letter-card is entirely in the composer’s own hand, written in dense, even handwriting. The address is handwritten on the reverse, with a postage stamp and a Paris postmark. It retains its original central fold, with slight signs of handling and ink marks on the reverse. In good overall condition.

Estimation:€150

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