Autograph letter signed in full to Belgian King Albert I
[ca. 1918].
1 page. Quarto (27 x 21 cm). In French (with translation).
Chaminade praises King Albert I of Belgium, offering tributes from poets and musicians of France.
The letter is undated, but Chaminade references Albert's return to the throne, indicating that it was most likely penned at the end of World War I.
Slightly worn; creased at folds; small tear to blank upper margin repaired with archival tape to verso; remnants of former mount to upper corners of verso.
Unpublished and apparently undocumented.
Albert I was King of Belgium from 1909 to 1934. In addition to his hero status achieved by leading the country through war, he was admired for his support of the arts and sciences, both within Belgium and in neighboring France. In 1920, he founded a Royal Academy dedicated to French language and literature. His wife, Queen Elisabeth, was very active in artistic circles, and helped to create an army orchestra during the war to raise morale among troops in the occupied territory.
It is not known whether the "Hymn and Fanfare" that Chaminade mentions in her letter refers to an actual composition or simply a poetic generalization. The only possible work that might be identified with this is the Hymne for soloists, orchestra, and chorus, included by Citron as WU16, an unpublished work from the 1920s. No other connection or correspondence between Chaminade and King Albert is documented.
Item #33433
Price: $275.00 other currencies