Xavier PRIVAS regrets not being able to celebrate the memory of VERLAINE.

Xavier PRIVAS (1863.1927)

Autographed letter signed to Alfred Valette.

Two octavo pages on paper at his Paris address.

Paris. May 25, 1911.

The Lyon-based songwriter has decided not to attend the inauguration of the monument dedicated to the poet in the Luxembourg Gardens to celebrate the memory of Paul Verlaine.

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“Dear Mr. Valette , my wife and I had planned to attend the day in honor of Paul Verlaine when we were asked by our fellow citizens to lend our support to a charity event. We will therefore be in Lyon on Sunday. Please believe us when we say we are very sorry that we cannot take part in the inauguration of the monument to the great poet , and accept our apologies and regrets. I am returning enclosed the reserved seat that you were kind enough to send me, so that a friend of Verlaine, more famous than myself, may enjoy it. With kind regards, Xavier Privas.”

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Born in Lyon, Xavier Privas devoted his life to his literary passion and to the profession of songwriter: he wrote the verses and music for his songs, which he accompanied himself on the piano. In 1892, he came to Paris and performed at the evenings of the magazine La Plume where, from his very first performance, he was acclaimed by a particular spectator: Paul Verlaine.

Frédéric-Auguste Cazals initiated the creation of the Verlaine Committee immediately after the poet's death in 1896. The " Monument to Paul Verlaine ," quickly envisioned by the Committee, was finally inaugurated on Sunday, May 28, 1911, in the Luxembourg Gardens. It is the work of the Swiss sculptor Auguste de Niederhausern, known as Rodo (1863-1913).