Monsieur Croche Antidilettante

Paris: Dorbon. 1921. First Edition. The first and only authorized, if only posthumously published collection of the French composer's reviews.  In French.  Small folio.  Original wrappers.  145 pp.  Signature and date in French, "Lila Nyffenegger 1er janvier 1924."  10.25 x 7.75 inches (26 x 19.5 inches).  Upper right corner slightly bumped; spine minimally frayed; else in fine condition.

Debussy decided to publish a collection of his substantial work as a music critic before 1914. Due to the First World War, the publication was delayed again and again, and in the end Debussy did not live to see the book in print.  However, he lived long enough to correct the first proofs (see note on p. 7).  "Monsieur Croche" is a fictitious character introduced by Debussy as a conversation partner in his reviews.  Monsieur Croche identifies himself as "antidilettante" —hence, the title.  Lila Nyffenegger was a Swiss woman in Lausanne who had taken care of refugees from Belgium during the First World War. Nothing else is known about her. (22321)

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Book

Classical Music

France

$150.00

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