The committees swallowed the bait, and the symphony, which would probably not had a hearing if my name had been signed, was praised to the skies.
I can still see myself at a rehearsal listening to a conversation between Berlioz and Gounod.

Both of them were greatly interested in me, so that they spoke freely and discussed the excellences and faults of this anonymous symphony.

They took the work seriously and it can be imagined how I drank in their words.

When the veil of mystery was lifted, the interest of the two great musicians changed to friendship.

I received a letter from Gounod, which I have kept carefully, and as it does credit to the author, I take the liberty of reproducing it here: My dear Camille: I was officially informed yesterday that you are the author of the symphony which they played on Sunday.