Saint-Saëns, Camille. (1835-1921)
Important Autograph Letter about Franck and "False Genius"
A fascinating and important autograph letter from the French composer, organist, pianist, and conductor to an unidentified friend, revealing his opinions on the music of César Franck and on the nature of true and false genius. Writing on February 6, 1911 from Algiers, where five of his operas had been staged that winter, Saint-Saëns begins his letter by mentioning his educational background: "Did I tell you that I was never in the piano class at the Conservatory, where my teacher [Camille-Marie] Stamaty was not a professor?" After recommending piano etudes by Josefy and Phillipp, he goes on to dissuade his correspondent from learning pieces by Franck (who had died in 1890): "Seeing as the music of Franck is causing you so much trouble to learn, then don't learn it - who's forcing you? In general, I find Franck's music as boring as it is worthy... An artist whose work never laughs is not a genius." Franck, according to Saint-Saëns, is one of "a clan of false geniuses who are poisoning our era." This group, in which Saint-Saëns includes artists Pierre Puvis de Chavannes and Auguste Rodin, do not "dare to descend from their pedestals." A rather damning condemnation of a composer for whom he had once advocated, the letter also shows Saint-Saëns' sense of humor, as he finishes: "Now, if I am talking nonsense, keep it to yourself. For I don't know that Michelangelo ever showed much gaiety; but who would dream of calling him boring?"On the letterhead of the Excelsior Hotel, Algiers, dated February 6, 1911. 2 pp. Creases, one small tear on the horizontal crease, some wear to the edges, and light toning; overall in very good condition. 8 x 10.5 inches (21 x 27 cm). Full translation as follows:
"My dear friend, It seems to me that I forgot to talk to you about the piano. Did I tell you that I was never in the piano class at the Conservatory, where my teacher Stamaty was not a professor? I only ever won the organ prize. -- Regarding the way to acquire a brilliant technique, I recommend Josefy's exercises, published by Schirmer in New York; there are also those by Philipp which are excellent (Paris-Durand.) But all these exercises are intended for those who already have talent. For others, there are the old Czerny exercises which are always good.
Seeing as the music of Franck is causing you such trouble to learn, then don't learn it - who's forcing you? In general, I find Franck's music as boring as it is worthy; it's like those honest people whose company would put you off from honesty. I was for it when people were unjustly against it, when people were disdaining it, but now that everyone wants to make it a work of genius, I don't [like?] it any more. An artist whose work never laughs is not a genius. César, along with Puvis de Chavannes and Rodin, is one of the clan of false geniuses who are poisoning our era. They are not Homers, Virgils, Beethovens, Mozarts; even Bach knew how to suit the occasion. The true geniuses know that even if they fail, they [will rise again???;] the false do not dare to descend from their pedestals.
Now, if I am talking nonsense, keep it to yourself. For I don't know that Michelangelo ever showed much gaiety; but who would dream of calling him boring?Yours, C. St-S" (13395)
Autograph Letter Classical Music