Camille SAINT-SAËNS judges the artists of the beginning of the century with severity.

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835.1921)

Signed autograph letter.

Two pages in-4° on Hôtel de l'Oasis letterhead.

Algiers, December 28, 1920.

“The only one who has great talent is Indy, but he has no nature and his archclericalism is ridiculous. »

Saint-Saëns judges the artists of the beginning of the century harshly, condemning almost all of his colleagues.

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“Ah! how right you are, my dear friend, to say that courage is rare among artists! I remember someone who, after a pitiful act, said to me: “I hoped the others would have the courage not to do it!” » and one of our colleagues telling me “I think like you, but I don't dare vote like you!” »

In music, it’s like in painting; and I don't lack the courage to talk about it, but I'm helpless: it's my editor who publishes all the horrors! Without this, rest assured that I would not bother. But in music it is more difficult than in painting, because too many readers cannot understand. However, I have just written an article for the annals (which will appear God knows when) entitled “literary and artistic disorder” where I was categorical .

Who is the painter who will take the place of the delicious Merton? If you have the tips, let me know. As for our reader, his future seems very bleak to me. Greed has won over everyone. Bruneau [Alfred Bruneau] makes terrible music ; Pierné [the organist Gabriel Pierné] once excelled, now protects the worst cacophonous ones and imposes them on the public, those who could have been good languish in inaction , the others obstructing.

I only see Henri Février floating, but how thin and insubstantial he is! The only one with great talent is Indy, but he has no nature and his archclericalism is ridiculous. Did he not write in his enormous and monstrous Christophe [The Legend of Saint Christopher] : “True Science is to believe without seeing! » There is an enormous effort in this St. Christopher but it reminds us of Sisyphus! The Pyramids are not worth the Parthenon. All my best wishes with my warm and tender friendships, with admiration for the great artist and penetrating thinker. C. Saint-Saëns »