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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 May 2024
When I was elected permanent secretary of the Académie des Beaux-Arts on July 18, 1914, I received the following message from Claude Debussy, whom I had known since 1884 at the Concordia Society, when the young composer, who had just won the Grand Prix de Rome with his Enfant prodigue, came as an accompanist warmly recommended to me by Ambroise Thomas: “It was upon returning from London that I learned of your appointment; although expected, it is still very fortunate for the entire music world. Please count me among those whom the news particularly delights, and believe in my affectionate devotion.” I replied to Debussy, “Very touched by your precious fellowship, I would be flattered to act as your sponsor to the Academy and to have you as my successor—with the dispensing of my eulogy; you will be welcomed with open arms. Come and see me tomorrow, if possible.”
Unfortunately, the war had come, interrupting any election to the Institute. It was not until 1918 that the Institute was able to resume its normal life, and on March 17, 1918, Debussy replied to my renewed requests: “My dear Permanent Secretary, since you are willing to help me pass through the doors of the Institute, I will be very happy to enter my name, even now, for the chair that you used to occupy there. In renewing to you, dear maître and friend, the expression of all my gratitude, deem me faithfully yours. Claude Debussy.” Eight days later, alas, Debussy passed away from the illness that was afflicting him. Debussy's two letters of candidacy can be found with those of Mme Debussy in our archives. The first is dated the day after I was elected as permanent secretary, when I left my chair free. The second one is from the end of the war. Debussy's death thus prevented him from taking his place among us.
Two years later, in the same way, Auguste Rodin in his turn passed away and never took his place among us, having obtained twenty-seven votes in a single round. Three days after this memorable election, alas, he died.
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