SAINT-SAËNS, CAMILLE. Two Autograph Letters Signed, "C. Saint-Saëns," the second with an Autograph Musical Quotation, to "My dear friend" or "Dear Sir," in French. The first, praising the way he conducted his own symphony, and complaining of other conductors including the incompleteness of [François] Habeneck and the over-reputed [Narcisse?] Girard. The second, declining to write an article, remarking that he has no genius--rather the skill to reinforce the inventions of others, and adding that some inventions were his own and naming the works in which they appear, discussing his violin concerto in A major. The quotation, 3 bars from his violin concerto in A major, notated on a hand-drawn stave. Together 7 pages, 8vo, first with mourning border, second pale blue paper; first with complete separations at folds repaired with cello tape, faint scattered soiling. Saint-Germain[-en-Laye?], 25 June 1889; Np, 7 October 1908 25 June 1889: "There's only one voice where it concerns your magisterial way of conducting my symphony, bringing it such magnificent animation; everyone spoke to me about it Sunday evening . . . ."
7 October 1908: ". . . 'This glow that flashes all of a sudden,' M. Poincaré speaks of it and shows that it is the result of previous . . . work. . . .
". . . I belong to the 2nd category, that of artists who serve to fortify the inventions of others. . . ."