Here is a performance from 1963 with bass Guus Hoekman and the Utrecht Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paul Hupperts. The work is by Jan Mul (1911-1971). The Abbé d'Olivet (1682-1768) was a grammarian and latinist who wrote a "Histoire de l'Académie". In the letter which is set to music here, he addresses himself to Jean Bouhier (1673-1746), a lawyer and member of the Academy. The letter is taken from a "Recueil amusant de voyages", volume II, published in 1787. The text attracted the composer because of its typical 18th century manner of writing. The piece was commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Sciences and dedicated to Guus Hoekman in 1961.

Link to my playlist for Guus Hoekman:    • Guus Hoekman (1913-1996)