Autograph letter from the composer to his colleague and the orchestrator of many of his works, André Caplet, organizing a performance in summer 1917 and mentioning cellist Maurice Maréchal and violinist Gaston Poulet. Dated May 27, 1917. Translated from the French, in part: "We forgot about Pentecost! So: the Durand house [publishing house]; the engraver; the violinist; are leaving to breathe different dust. If your friend Maréchal were in Paris, he could replace Poulet? -- What do you say? In any case, come with a few manuscripts." 1 p., addressed on the verso in Debussy's hand. Perforated edges and one folding crease; otherwise in very fine condition. 4.5 x 6 inches (11.3 x 15.4 cm).

The Violin Sonata in G minor, L 140, for violin and piano was composed by Claude Debussy in 1917 and was the composer's last major composition and the third work in what had originally been conceived as a cycle of six sonatas for various instruments (the first two being the cello sonata, L 135, and the sonata for flute, viola and harp, L 137). The premiere had taken place place just 3 weeks prior to the present letter, on 5 May 1917, the violin part played by Gaston Poulet, with Debussy himself at the piano. It was to be the composer's last public performance.  In the present letter, he seems to lament the impossibility of pulling together the publication of the work, suggesting even that the cellist Maurice Maréchal might assist, presumably with the annotations of the string part.