Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

French soprano (1862-1940), autograph note signed on an embossed card, 1 page written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 3.5 x 4.25 inches, in 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.

Belgian tenor (1877-1935), signed text quote on an 6 x 9.25 inch album page, dated in 1896. Unusual vintage item in very good condition.

Romanian soprano (1894-1985), Richard Strauss's favorite soprano, also married to the famous Austrian conductor Clemens Krauss. Signed card, dated in 1954. Contains both type written text and handwritten inscription and signature. Signed as "Viorica Ursuleac Krauss". Size is 4 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

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.

French soprano (1878-1952), recorded for Pathé, Odeon, etc. Signed album page inscribed to her great French colleague, soprano Lily Pons, written in Paris, dated in 1929. 2 pages on both sides of a 4.75 x 7.75 album page, written in French mostly untranslated, except for a small portion which translates roughly to "To Lily Pons, the ideal Cherubino, sprightly and delicious...A big kiss from her Susanna". Slight rust on the page, not affecting the text, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Belgian dramatic tenor (1861-1923), who was closely identified with the Wagnerian repertoire. Signed album page inscribed and dated in 1911. Size is 8 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1885-1945), autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written on both sides of a 8 x 10.5 inch sheet. Written in French, sold untranslated, in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1825-1882). Autograph letter signed, 2 pages of a folded 4-page document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned playbill for a recital concert in 1872 accompanied by her husband, pianist Eduardo Vera. Size is 7.75 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Belgian soprano (1873-1934). Album page signed by her with a short sentiment in French, dated in Cleveland, February 12, 1897. Size is 6 x 7.7 inches, small loss of paper over the lower-right corner, otherwise in excellent condition.

German soprano (1802-1877), born Katharina Sigl, with the last name Vespermann reflecting her marriage to the baritone Wilhelm Vespermann in 1827.  Autograph note signed written in Paris in 1831, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

English contralto and actress (1797-1856), also known as Liza Matthews. Clip from the bottom of a letter with her signature. Size is 4.4 x 1.5 inches, in very good condition.

Canadian tenor superstar (1926-2015), one of the leading singers from the 1950s-1980s, celebrated for his intense interpretations and dramatic ability in Italian, French, English, and German opera. 5-bar autograph music quote from the last act duet from Verdi's "Don Carlo" signed by him on a music sheet. Size is 8.9 x 8 inches, in excellent 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.

Set of twenty double-sided album pages signed by leading operatic performers mostly from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, including such legendary artists as Antonio Scotti, Pol Plancon, Andreas Dippel, Emma Eames, Leo Slezak, Milka Ternina, andLilian Nordica. Each page is 6.25 x 7.75 inches, several have different signatures on front and verso, a few include musical quotes. In excellent condition, not sold separately. 

French soprano (1879-1939).  Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated, dated in 1901. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 5.75 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

German tenor (1845-1900), autograph note signed. Written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 4.4 x 5.7 inches, mounting traces on verso but otherwise in very good condition.

American contralto (1873-1951) (born Adrienne Eisbein), and Austrian bass Felix Von Kraus) (1870-1937), who were married in 1899. Large double signed album page, dated in Munich in 1909. Bold handwriting and signatures. Size is 8 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Latvian concert tenor, celebrated Lieder singer and famous singing teacher (1854-1931).  Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 4.75 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

British soprano (1925-1974) whose career focused mostly on oratorio. Autograph letter signed by her on verso, to a fan.  Size is 6.25 x 8 inches, 1 sheet (2 pages), central fold, in excellent condition.

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.

German tenor (1823-1893). Autograph note signed, dated in 1859. Written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, one page, in excellent condition.

German tenor (1823-1893).  Large album page signed by him, dated in Vienna, 1870, with a four-lines text quote at the top, written in German by him.  Text translation is as follows: "My life has always been dedicated to art.  All my strength I gave to its care.  The Holy Goddess gave me her favour, it has always been rewarded, it has always been achieved."  Size is 12.75 x 9.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German soprano (1828-1894), adopted by Richard Wagner's brother Albert, appeared as, Schwertleite in Die Walkure and the First Norn in Gotterdammerung in the original first full production of Der Ring des Nibelungen at the Bayreuth Festival, and also as Elisabeth in the world premiere of Tannhauser in 1845. Autograph letter signed, 1 page written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 5.5 x 8 inches, in very good condition.

American mezzo soprano and later soprano (1867-1950), autograph note signed mounted on paper, 1 page in English, written on the stationary of the Hyde Park Hotel, London. Original note size is 5 x 6.75 inches, full item is 8 x 11 inches, in excellent condition. 

American mezzo soprano and later soprano (1867-1950), large signed album page with attached photo mounted on soft cardboard, shown most likely as herself, dated in 1913. Total Size is 8 x 10.5 inches, attractive vintage item in excellent condition. 

Austrian baritone and later tenor and composer (1854-1946). Autograph musical quotes signed, from two musical pieces signed on a 3.5 x 5.5 inch postcard, containing his signature to the right of the musical quotes, as well as a photo of him on the left side of the postcard. In excellent condition. 

Scottish bass (1922-1983), especially known for his Wagnerian interpretations. 1 autograph letter signed by his wife Susan Ward written on his behalf, 2 pages, dated in London in 1965, size is 6 x  8 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: handwritten three page essay by him discussing Wagner's opera The Flying Dutchman ( a role with which he was particularly associated), also dated in 1965, 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

American-born Russian soprano and actress (1837-1922). Autograph letter in English about personal matters signed by her, dated 1886.  Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 4 written pages in a folded sheet, some dust, stains, folds, in overall very good condition.

French tenor (1876-?), signed album page, dated in Chicago in 1911 as a "souvenir of Pelleas", possibly following a performance of the title role of Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, jagged edges at bottom of page but otherwise in excellent condition. 

Belgian tenor (1834-1906), particularly known for his portrayal of Wagner and Meyerbeer heroes.  Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him: two of them dated 1859. Letters are addressed to gentlemen regarding performances and theater lodges.  We report an extract as a sample: “…je joue demain le Songe d’une nuit d’été; l’intérêt que vous me portez me fait penser qu’il vous serait agréable de me voir ce qui fait que malgré les embarras d’un mauvais rhume je mets deux places à votre disposition…”. Each one's is 1 page long, two are 5.5 x 8.3 inches, one is 5.2 x 8.2, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

American baritone (1911-1960), signed envelope, size is 3.5 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

French tenor and music educator (1806-1882).  Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, there is a tear in the middle of each page, discount reflected in price. 

English bass (1820-1867) whose career focused on oratorio and opera. Page mounted on soft cardboard signed by the bass with a long sentiment, dated March 19, 1867; and also by his wife Georgina Ansell (1826-1880). Size is 4.5 x 6.4 inches, in very good condition.  Rare!

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.

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.  

British soprano (1837-1914), famous both for her litigation campaigns against lunacy laws and for judicial and prison reform, as well as her three-year love affair with the famous French composer Charles Gounod.  Autograph letter signed, 4 pages, written in Brighton, England in 1902, written in French, sold untranslated. Apparently addressed to the French pianist and composer Francis Thome. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, small creases and folds, otherwise in good condition.  

English boy soprano, bass and composer (1780-1848), later a famous voice teacher. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, size is 7 x 8.75 inches, slight wear on edges, but in generally very good condition.

English boy soprano, bass and composer (1780-1848), later a famous voice teacher. Autograph note signed, 1 page in English, size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, small creases on edges and rust stains and missing paper on back pages without text, but in otherwise good condition.

American soprano (1886-1961). Album page signed by her with a short sentiment. Size is 5.6 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

American bass (1871-1932), particularly known for the Wagnerian repertoire. Autograph note signed, dated in 1901, size is 4.75 x 7.25 inches, very small tears on the side, otherwise in excellent condition. 

American bass (1836-1910). An album page signed by him with a short sentiment in English wishing a happy new year, dated in Minneapolis, January 1st, 1885.  Size is 6.75 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

American contralto (1880-1962). 1 autograph letter signed, 3 pages in English, on embossed stationary, dated in 1946. Size of each page is 5.5 x 7 inches, very slight paper loss on bottom right of first page, otherwise in excellent condition. Also included: signed publicity photograph advertising an opera she composed entitled "Rosalind", signature dated in 1946. Size is 4.75 x 10.25 inches, in excellent condition. Bold and clear handwriting and signature on both items, not sold separately. 

English soprano (1845-1924), autograph note signed on personal stationary, dated in 1890. 1 page, size is 4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian baritone (1859-1937), appeared as Marcello in the world premiere production of Puccini's La Boheme at the Teatro Regio, Turin in 1896. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages on both sides of a 4 x 7 document, composed in Bologna in 1881, written in Italian, sold untranslated. In excellent condition!

English tenor (1800-1849), autograph letter signed, dated in 1824. 1 page, size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian coloratura soprano (1833-1891), signed album page, dated in 1878, written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

German tenor (1914-1974), typed letter signed, dated in 1972. Written in German, sold untranslated. One large page on letterhead of Stuttgart State Opera, size is 8 x 11.5 inches, with 2 small bullet holes on left, otherwise in very good condition.