Laparra, Raoul. (1876–1943) [Baudelaire, Charles. (1821–1867)]

Causerie - Autograph Musical Manuscript

Autograph musical score in the hand of the French composer and critic, an unpublished setting of Baudelaire's poem "Causerie" for voice and piano. Dated at the foot of the final page: September 18, 1921. 4 pp. on loose sheets of manuscript paper, with further drafts of other works struck-through on the verso of all four sheets. Written in pencil, with minimal stems and simple sketched notation. The fragments on the verso of the pages include part of a setting of Paul Fort's poem "Le Diable dans la nuit," struck through but still legible; this song was published in Chants de la mer et des villages pour voix graves et moyennes (Paris: Heugel, 1926). We have found no record of "Causerie" ever being published, although several other Baudelaire settings by Laparra are listed on the Baudelaire Song Project website. Irregular toning with some soiling to the last page; overall very good. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.8 x 28 cm).

Born in Bordeaux, Laparra studied at the Conservatoire de Paris with André Gedalge, Jules Massenet, Gabriel Fauré and Albert Lavignac. In 1903 he won the Premier Grand Prix de Rome with his cantata Ulysse. Laparra worked as a music critic for the magazines Ménestrel and Matin and taught at the Conservatoire de Paris. Among his students were Claude Champagne and Cemal Reşit Rey. His compositions are often influenced by Spanish and Basque folk music. (15788)


Manuscript Music
Classical Music