After entering the civil service, he resigned in 1879 to devote himself to music. He wrote melodies, works for piano, orchestra and opera. He turned to popular French and Spanish sources and to rhythmic research. His style is full of exuberant joviality and ardent vitality.Autograph letter signed "Emmanuel Chabrier" to an artist, Paris, Friday morning, n.d. 1/2 p. by -8°. Beautiful piece. He thanks his correspondent for his memory; he gave him extreme pleasure: " ... C'est moi qui, au contraire, ai vivement regretté, i autre soir, de n'avoir ou vous resserrer la main et vous faire mille compliments”.