All Newest Opera Autographs

American soprano (b. 1942), signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Photo by Beth Bergmann, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small crease on right side, otherwise in very good condition.  

French mezzo-soprano (b.1963), signed photograph, shown as herself. Size is 4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.  

Czech soprano (b. 1961), signed publicity photograph, shown as herself. Size is 4 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.  

German mezzo-soprano (b.1939), signed photograph, shown possibly in role. Stamped on verso by Defa photo studio. Size is 4 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition.

Spanish mezzo-soprano, signed photograph, shown in role in Handel's Tamerlano, dated in 1997. Size is 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. 

Spanish mezzo-soprano, signed photograph, shown as herself or in role, dated in 1997. Size is 4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

Soprano (1924-2003), most likely of Armenian origin but variously reported as of Turkish, Syrian, or Lebanese descent. Signed photograph, shown in role (possibly Massenet's Manon), inscribed and dated in 1957. Stamped on verso by photographer Sedge Le Blang, Metropolitan Opera, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small creases on top left and right, otherwise in excellent condition. 

American soprano of Swedish-Hungarian descent (1918-2006) and German soprano (b.1940), both celebrated in Wagnerian and Straussian repertoire. Double signed photograph, shown in roles in Richard Strauss's Elektra. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

American soprano, signed publicity photograph, shown as herself. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1895-1966), signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed with short sentiment. Blind stamped on front by photographer T. Santacroce, Milan. Size is  4.5 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

German tenor (1908-1954), signed photograph, shown as himself. Photo size is 4 x 5.75 inches, mounted on soft cardboard, total item size is 5 x 8.75 inches, in excellent condition.  

German tenor (1911-1955), signed photograph, shown as Walter von Stolzing in Wagner's Die Meistersinger, inscribed. Photo by Kurt Julius, Hannover. Photo size is 4 x 5.75 inches mounted on soft cardboard, total item is 5.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.   

German tenor (1911-1955), signed photograph, shown as Radames in Verdi's Aida, inscribed. Photo by Kurt Julius, Hannover. Photo size is 4 x 5.75 inches mounted on soft cardboard, total item is 5.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.   

Mexican mezzo-soprano (1927-2002), signed photograph, shown in role. Stamped on verso by photographer Luxardo. Size is 7 x 9.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Hungarian tenor (1907-1989), signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed, dated in New York in 1949. Printed signature on front of photographer Louis Melancon, Metropolitan Opera, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, in very good condition. 

American baritone (1907-?), signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed, and dated in 1941. Printed signature on front of photographer Loveland. Size is 8 x 10 inches, several tears and cracks on edges, and mounting traces on verso, discount reflected in price. 

American baritone (1907-?), signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed, and dated in 1941. Printed signature on front of photographer Loveland. Size is 8 x 10 inches, several tears and cracks on edges, and mounting traces on verso, discount reflected in price. 

American tenor, signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed. Clear and bold writing and signature. Printed signature on front of photographer James Abresch, New York. Size is 8 x 10.25 inches, creases on bottom left and right, otherwise in excellent condition.

German tenor (1906-1971), signed photograph, shown as Walter von Stolzing in Wagner's Die Meistersinger, inscribed. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition

Italian-born American Baritone, NBC Radio Singer for 30 years, also in actor in the Early Talking Movies (1901-1971), before he was a singer, he well known in New York musical circles as the assistant to Gulio Gatti-Casazza, impresario of the Metropolitan Opera House. Appeared in several important sound films with Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett. under the stage name "Raymond Maurel" Signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed and dated in 1932. Blind stamped on front and stamped on verso by photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small tear on top and bottom left and mounting tape traces on verso, otherwise in good condition. 

Polish bass (1863-1929), composer, and music critic; creator of the role of Alvise in the third version of Ponchielli's "La Gioconda". Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Lisbon, March 17, 1920, to an impresario: “…Ieri ho ricevuto la tua cara lettera con inclusi i contratti, per quale ti ringrazio…”. Size is 5.4 x 8.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), overall age toning, creases and folds, in very good condition.

French singer (1836-1913), also known as Emma Valladon, whose songs were very popular in her time, admired by many important figures and financially successful. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, December 8, 1868, where she addresses the President of the Société des auteurs et compositeurs dramatiques (SACD), Henri de Saint-Georges (1799-1875): “…Désirant si c’est possible faire partie de la société des auteurs compositeurs et éditeurs de musique, je viens sous le patronage de Mrs. Bedieu et Alexis Bouvier [1836-1892, dramatist] vous en faire la demande, dans le cas ou la chose offrirait quelques difficultés je vous prierai de vouloir bien toucher en mon nom les droits pour la musique et l’édition (…) d’une chanson intitulé cuisinière et nourrice, que j’interprète chaque soir à l’Ambigu depuis le 28 novembre dernier…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.2 inches, two written pages, in one sheet (front and back), folds, overall age toning, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a lithograph portrait from a photograph by Étienne Carjat plus a typed article from the “Comédie Illustrée” for the death of the singer in 1913.  

German tenor (1823-1893). Autograph letter signed by him, dated November 16, 1864, to a lady, saying he cannot accept any further engages as he has been hired for 5 years in Vienna and for 4 years in London. Size is 6 x 9.2 inches, 1 written page, overall rust tone, folds, in very good condition.

Russian-Italian soprano (1807-1864), voice teacher, daughter of the celebrated voice teacher Filippo Dall'Oca. Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. Berlin le 23 Octobre 1842. To the Court theatre manager Karl Theodor von Küstner, asking for: “…deux billets de parquet et quatre billets au second rang des loges (…) Dans ce moment je viens de recevoir mon rôle dans Belisaire, et le plus-tôt possible je tacherai de le donner…”. 1 p. In-4. B. Fano li 22 Febbrajo 1850. To the impresario Alessandro Lanari: “…in questo momento ho riceguto la vostra lettera, e ne feci parte alla mia figlia la quale per verità rimase assai mortificata nel vedere che il Sig. Marzi dopo tante dimostrazioni, e conoscendo i suoi mezzi, le abbia potuto fare questa meschina offerta, e sopra più anche obbligandola di fare le opere buffe, le quali sono affatto fuori del suo genere, e ch’essa non azzarderebbe di cantarle altro che avendo di già piaciuto in una città dopo una o due opere del suo genere…”.  2 pp. In-8. In the premiere (03/10/1837) of the opera Il Giuramento by Saverio Mercadante she sang the role of Elaisa. In the same year she sang other roles at the Vienna Court Opera, including the title role in Gemma di Vergy by Gaetano Donizetti in the first performance on May 28, 1838. In 1841 she made another guest appearance at the Vienna Court Opera, this time in the role of Teodora in Mercadante's opera Il bravo, at La Scala she had created the role very successfully in the premiere on March 9, 1839.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

German tenor (1854-1931) and pedagogist. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated 23 August 1891, where he addresses Mrs. Amy Twiss-Suermondt, concerning an invitation he had to refuse and his upcoming engagements. Open size is 10.7 x 1 inches, six written pages, folds, in overall very good condition. Its original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.  

Italian bass (1837-1911), who created the role of Ramfis in Verdi's Aida premiere in Cairo. Set of two autograph letters in Italian signed by him, as follows: A. Trieste 8 Dicembre 1869. To the impresario Canedi: “…giungerò in Milano alle ore 4 circa del giorno dieci, porto con me del buon tabacco turco e delle corone ricevute da questo pubblico che con grandissimo entusiasmo ogni sera mi a coperto di ovazioni…”. 1 p. In-8. B. Pietroburgo 25 Gennajio 1879. To “Sig.r Giulio Ricordi”: “…a tutto oggi si sono date venti opere, con pubblico sempre numeroso, però con un incasso inferiore dell’anno scorso, gli artisti più o meno piacciono tutti, le stelle fanno muovere di più la claque, ma la cassetta dell’impresa resta stazionaria. La Signora [Carolina] De Cepeda a mezza stagione sciolse il suo contratto, dicono per angherie ricevute da questa direzione. La Haris non la fanno più cantare, la Stella Albani che si pappola cinquemila franchi per recita, a successi di artista comune. La Signora [Carolina] Salla piace molto, ma la sua voce non si presta a cantare il grande repertorio come lei vuole…”. 3 pp. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French bass (1791-1871), particularly associated with Rossini roles. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated May 10th, 1837. Size is 5 x 7.75 inches, 1 written page, folds and creases, otherwise in excellent condition.

Austrian soprano (1880-?). Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by her, dated October 31, 1919, where she addresses a gentleman, concerning upcoming engagements: ”…Hoffe dass Sie mein Telegram erhalten haben u. teile ich Ihnen mit das Barcelona abgelehnt hat, da die Truppe in die Provinz geht. Es ist daher dringend nötig dass ich sofort mit Ihnen den Contract mache, um unsere Compania an machen. Reina Victoria teatro will mich engagieren, aber ich habe abgesagt und jetzt will ich gliech unser Geschäft in die Hand nehmen u. das Personal engagieren, so dass wir im Januar beginen können mit Czardas Fürstin, im Madrid!…”.  Open size is 11.6 x 7.7 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, printed letterhead, in very good condition.

German soprano (1948-1917), a pupil of Pauline Viardot-Garcia, and wife to photographer Erwin. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by her, dated Stuttgart, November 20, 1887, to a gentleman, concerning some musical evenings. Size is 4.7 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages, embossed monogram, folds, overall age toning, in very good condition.

American-German soprano (1866-1947), a pupil of Julius Stockhausen in Frankfurt. Autograph letter signed by her, dated 23. 10. 97, to Mr. Nimtz, concerning an engagement in Speyer and a recent performance that did not captivate the enthusiasm of the audience, except for her grace and loveliness. Sie is 5.9 x 8.9 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, printed letterhead, in very good condition.

Dutch bass-baritone (1857-1922), and voice teacher, who sang during the last appearance of Mahler in Berlin, in February 1907. Autograph note signed and dated by him in Schwalbach, July 29, 1903. Size is 4.6 x 7 inches, 1 page, central fold, in very good condition.  

German tenor (1787-1833), violinist, composer, and friend of C.M. von Weber. Very important collection of three rare autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1809, to his father-in-law the tenor Angelo Fantozzi, the year of his marriage to the celebrated soprano Josephine Marchetti Fantozzi (1786-d.). We report some extracts as samples: “...Ma femme m’a déjà assure plusieurs fois, que vous vous aviez proposé vous même, de vous donner la peine, si nous prendrons une fois l’idée de venir en Italie, de nous chercher un Théâtre pour une saison...”; “....La seule nouvelle que je peux vous donner et laquelle– quand’elle est vrai – sera une bonheur pour toute l’humanité, est: que la paix est fait, et qu’on attend l’empereur de France à chaque moment ici...”. Weber composed the scene and aria from Demetrio for tenor and male choir "Qual altro attendi" for him in November 1811.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian soprano (1819-?), who created the role of Abigaïlle in Verdi’s Nabucco in the London première in 1846, she was much appreciated by the composer. Collection of three early and rare autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her as follows: A. Not dated. To the impresario Antonio Alaimo: “…Prima di tutto siate certo del mio segreto e poi vi dirò com’io sia dispiacente di non avere oggi neppure un 20 f. a mia disposizione. Dico oggi perché dimani potrei avere denaro da Milano…”. 1 p. In-4. With diffused spots and loss of paper at margins. B. 29 September [1846]. To the music publisher Ricordi: “…Avend’io deciso di cantare per la mia serata a Palermo la cavatina del Nabucco la prego gentilissimo signore di mandarmela tosto. La detta cavatina dev’essere trasportata un semitono più bassa tanto l’andante che l’allegro restando però il recitativo nel tono originale…”. 2 pp. In-8. C. July 9, 1858. To the impresario Antonio Alaimo: “…Non posso ottenere la carta di soggiorno in Toscana se non porto il documento di un’affare teatrale con uno di questi impresari. Sicché vi prego fatemi una lettera (…) Conviene ch’io indica inoltre come io abbia diritto ad uno schiarimento sulle voci che corrono del scioglimento appalto Canetti, e ciò per non pregiudicare i miei interessi…”. 1 p. ½. In-4.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

British soprano (1837-1914), reputed lover of composer Charles Gounod. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated September 4, 1883, on cardboard. Weldon addresses the music critic Filippo Filippi (1830-1887): “…Ho saputo che un certo avvocato Travers Twiss [English jurist, 1809-1897] va a Milano per un festa o ceremonia a che deve leggere un folio sopra “The Congo River”. (…) Nei giornali inglesi del 7 Marzo 1872 troverete tutta la storia…”.  Size is 8.3 x 5.2 inches, 1 written page, printed letterhead, dotted rust stains, in very good condition.  

French baritone and tenor (1758-1831). Rare and important autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 20, 1830, where he addresses Louis-Denis Grégoire, secretary to the composer Jean-François Lesueur: “…je m’empresse de répondre à votre lettre du 18 ct. par laquelle vous vous m’annoncez que vous et mon ami Lesueur avez fait toutes les démarches nécessaires pour me faire obtenir une pensione de retraite pour mes services à la chapelle (…) je vais m’empresser de vous envoyer la petition courte et précise que vous me demandez. L’idée que vous me donnez, de m’adresser directement au Roi est excellente…”. Lays was recruited by the Paris Opéra in 1779. He soon became a leading member of the company, despite quarrels with the management. Lays enthusiastically welcomed the French Revolution and became involved in politics with the encouragement of his friend Bertrand Barère. Barère's downfall led to Lays being imprisoned briefly, but he soon won back the public and secured the patronage of Napoleon, at whose coronation and second wedding he sang. This association with the Emperor caused him trouble when the Bourbon monarchy was restored and Lays's final years were darkened by disputes over his pension, mounting debts, the death of his only son and his wife's illness. After a career spanning more than four decades, he died in poverty.  Open size is 10 x 8.1 inches, three written page in one folded sheet, folds, creaes, some rust stains, punched hole, in overall very good condition.

Spanish tenor (1863-1933), whose career focused mostly on the dramatic and Wagnerian repertory.  Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. Napoli 6.2. 903. To the impresario Fano, concerning a subscription to his magazine. 4 pp. In-8. B. 20 Luglio 1907. To the impresario Fano, having to refuse an engagement for further business. 1 p. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian-born French soprano (1860-1936). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date, as follows: A. To the violinist Albert Vizentini (1841-1906): “…je viens me rappeler à votre bon souvenir pour vous prier de vous intéresser a mon amie M.lle Lamberti. Je sais qu’un conseil de vous est tout à fait précieux pour une article…”. 3 pp. In-8. B. To a friend: “…comme vous seriez gentil de faire un petit echo voici le Figaro qui parle de mes representation de Tristan à St. Petersbourg…”. 4 pp. In-8 With letterhead.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Austrian-Swedish soprano (1868-1952). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Lisbon, January 8, 1902, to the impresario Fano: “…je vous ai envoyé les journaux sur Lohengrin et mon père vous enverra ceux sur Fedora qui sont également magnifiques (…) Mon succès ici est immense au sensible et il n’ya a même pas de discussion quant à qui est la seule comme disent ici…”. Open size is 10.7 x 8.6 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, printed letterhead, some rust stains, in very good condition.

Croatian soprano (1841-1913), who debuted at the age of 17 at Teatro Carcano. Rare autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Torino, January 12, 1870, to Mr. Tannini: “…Col massimo piacere le annuncio il gran successo ch’ebbe il Faust al Teatro Regio, tutti gli artisti sono applauditi e piacciono, io spezialmente all’Aria dei Giojelli e alla bella frase (Ti voglio amar idolatrar) col fine del terzo Atto siamo chiamati all’… del proscenio…”.  Size is 4.2 x 5.5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), monogram at the top, overall dust stains, in very good condition.

Romanian mezzo-soprano (1857-1926), who debuted at La Scala in 1880. Collection of four autograph letters in Italian and French (untranslated) signed by her, dated between 1879 and 1906. In the letters, Teodorini addresses theater directors and impresarios, concerning upcoming engagements, performances, fees, and private matters. We report two extracts as a sample: “…Il 26 corr[ente] sarà a Milano dunque trovo inutile lo spedire i contratti (…) quale sarebbe l’opera destinata pel mio debutto? Mia madre aveva detto il Ruy-Blas…”. ; “… Je m’adresse à l’ami d’antan qui m’a vue fillette et que je voudrais tant avoir près de moi demain soir. Car c’est une rude bataille que je dois livrer et si j’ai le bonheur d’en sortir voir que en j… victoire ne me rendre plus fière et heureuse – Être consacrée par le public qui m’a crée c’est un rêve d’or…”.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian soprano (1885-1967) and voice teacher. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated March 20, 1914, to the impresario Fano: “…il signor Russell a Londra l’anno scorso mi promise di combinare con me per l’anno prossimo per Boston. Io desidero voi mi trattiate questo affare e vi prego telegrafare subito…”. In Boston her roles included Desdemona and Helen of Troy, with the Giacomo Puccini heroines at the centre of her repertory.  Open size is 10.6 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, printed letterhead, storage holes, in overall very good condition.

German baritone (1831-1893) who sang the role of Alberich in the first performance of Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen at Bayreuth in 1876, and Klingsor in the premiere of Parsifal in 1882. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, no date, where he addresses the music publisher Härtel, concerning some music scores by Rubinstein, Schubert, and Graedener he needs for upcoming concerts. Size is 5.8 x 8.8 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, folds, embossed letterhead, in overall very good condition.

Italian soprano (1840-?). Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. Lugo 18 Settembre 1862. To the secretary of the music publisher Ricordi, Eugenio Tornaghi (1835-1915): “…sarei a pregare la somma di lei bontà e gentilezza di rispondermi subito con un dispaccio telegrafico dandomi il permesso di eseguire il pezzo del Boléro nell’opera I Vespri Siciliani di cui tengo la partitura (…) Abbiamo già fatto 10 recite di Luisa Miller la quale venne accolta con un vero entusiasmo ed io, anche su queste ho avuta la solita fortuna d’ottenere un successo felicissimo ed ogni sera nell’aria del 2° atto vengo regalata da un grandissimo bouquet…”. 3 pp. In-8. B. Milano, 7 Luglio 1864. To the impresario Pietro Tanini, speaking of her and her sister’s successes and upcoming concerts: “…Come avrà sentito, anche a Valenza ebbi molta fortuna, e per informarla meglio de’ miei successi, le accludo anche qualche brano che trovai su varij giornali. Mia sorella ha cantato colà, per la prima volta, per una combinazione che quell’Impresa ne avea di bisogno; e per facer un piacere assunse la parte d’Agnese nella Beatrice Tenda; indi cantò in un’opera nuova con me, e per ultimo abbiamo fatto la Norma…”. 2 pp. ½. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1878-1952), a pupil of Jacques Isnardon at the Paris Conservatory, and debuted at the Opéra-Comique in Gounod’s Mireille in 1904. Long and fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in London, November 14, 1911, to a gentleman: “…Mes engagements à la Monnaie m’ont empêchée de me rendre à Milan en avril comme j’en avais l’intention; d’autre part, en mai, je ‘ai pu quitter Paris à cause des pourparlers que j’avais avec Mr. Dipper pour Chicago et avec Mr. Hammerstein pour Londres. L’ouverture du nouvel opéra a eu lieu hier avec Quo Vadis, qui a obtenu un vif succès et où je chantais Eunice. Je chante Adalgisa de la Norma vendredi et je jouerai ensuite: Faust, Roméo, Manon, Louise, Traviata, Thaïs, Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Aphrodite…”.  Open size is 8.8 x 6 inches, 7 written pages in two folded sheets, folds, light creases, in overall excellent condition.

American-born singer (1848-?). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Rome, November 7, 1882, to the music publisher Giovanni Ricordi:  “…Vous avez appris Monsieur la clôture de l’Argentina. Cette honnête Impresa a fermé le théâtre sans s… de mettre une centaine de personnes dans la rue. Je ne veux pas parler de moi qui m’a fait venir de Munich, et rester un mois à Rome sans recevoir un sou! Maintenant pour aider de moins les choeurs et l’orchestre, un Monsieur de Rome ouvrira le théâtre pour quelques représentations de Saffo…”.  Open size is 10.7 x 8.1 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, in very good condition.

American soprano of Swedish-Hungarian descent (1918-2006), who was a leading interpreter of the Heroic soprano roles of Wagner and Strauss in the 1940s and 1950s and later became a celebrated interpreter of character mezzo parts. Signed photograph, shown as The Nurse in Richard Strauss's Die Frau ohne Schatten, with Ingrid Bjoner as the Empress. Stamped on verso by Sabine Toepffer photo studio, Munich. Size is 7 x 9.25 inches, very slight creases on edges, otherwise in very good condition.

Celebrated Romanian soprano (1860-1939), and creator of the title roles in Puccini's "Tosca", Mascagni's "Iris", and Catalani's "La Wally". Signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed with sentiment. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 4.75 x 6.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.

Austrian soprano (1872-1947), remarkable in her interpretations in Wagner roles, protected by Gustav Mahler, who took her to the Vienna State Opera where she established and became a super star singer. Signed cabinet photograph, shown as Brunnhilde in Wagner's Die Walkure. Photo by D. Szekely, Vienna. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.