Recently Added Authentic Autographs and Memorabilia

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.

French composer (1781-1850) and music publisher. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated November 18, [1848], to the writer Albert Montémont (1788-1861): “…comme je crois que c’est vous qui êtes chargé de la distribution des billets de la séance de dimanche prochain et que les artistes exécutants sont à mes troupes pour en avoir, ayez la bonté de m’en faire parvenir une cinquantaine…”.  Open size is 10.9 x 8.6 inches, 1 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, missing corner, rust and dirt stains, 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.

English actress, singer, playwright and author (1884-1938). Daughter of the actor Herbert Behrbohm Tree, made many of her early appearances with his company at  His Majesty's Theatre, also appeared in several operas, variety shows, straight theatre and film. Signed postcard photograph, shown as herself, dated in 1906. Photo by Rapid Photo Company, London. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, some silvering, otherwise attractive vintage photo 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.

Ukrainian tenor (1872-1944), signed cabinet photo, shown as himself, inscribed and dated in 1903. Photo by A. Lorens, St. Petersburg. Size is 4.25 x 5 inches, in excellent condition. 

German tenor (1881-1944), creator of the role of Aegisthus in Elektra (opera by Richard Strauss) in the world premiere of 1909. Signed cabinet photograph, shown in role, inscribed with sentiment, dated in Vienna in 1907. Photo by Matthias Mohr photography studio, Vienna. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in very good condition

French soprano (1885-1972), signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed.  Size is 8 x 10 inches, very small creases on edges, otherwise in very good condition.

German soprano (1888-1975), one of the most important dramatic sopranos of the early twentieth century, widely recorded.  Signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 6.75 x 9.25 inches, in excellent condition.   

Italian tenor (1881-1955), acclaimed as a star singer at Teatro La Scala, well known for performing several important roles in such operas as Madama Butterfly, L'Africaine, Carmen, and Cavalleria Rusticana. Signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed and dated in 1916. Photo size is 6.25 x 8.25 inches, small crease on bottom left and slight paper loss on various corners, otherwise in very good condition.

Spanish composer and conductor (1905-1989), set of 1 signed photograph with brief musical quote and another signed caricature of him, inscribed, both items dated in Buenos Aires in 1932. Each is sized 3.25 x 5.75 inches and are in excellent condition. Not sold separately.  

Belgian composer (1825-1888), musicologist, and music critic, chapel master in Louvain. Collection of four autograph letters signed by him and dated between 1871 and 1884,  addressed to colleagues, among them the German music book antiquarian Leo Liepmannssohn (1840-1915), and related to the musical organization for the 1880 Belgian Exposition, the controversy around a performance of ancient arias, and an article on Cherubini to be published in Belgium. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German pianist (1884-1969) and pedagogue, particularly known for his interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, and Brahms. Black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated 1957. Size is 4.75 x 7 inches, in very good condition.

French-born German pianist (1895-1956), renowned for his subtle touch, pedaling, and dynamic control -particularly in the music of Debussy and Ravel. Fine black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment, dated in Genova April 27, 1954.  Size is 4.75 x 7 inches, glue traces on verso, in overall very good condition.

Italian bass (1869-1958), a leading singer for many years at the Chicago Lyric Opera. Autograph note in Italian (untranslated) signed by him on an album page, dated in Chicago, November 14, 1937, stating: “Questa illustre firma di genii rappresentano l’alta tragedia ed il secolare dramma della vita nelle loro superbe manifestazioni artistiche. Io modestamente arrivo l’ultimo col sardonico sorriso della farsa…”.  Size is 6.9 x 4.6 inches, irregularly cut over the bottom, otherwise in very good condition.

American jazz saxophonist (1927-1991). A small card signed by the musician attached to a cardboard. Total size is 5.5 x 3.25 inches, in very good condition.

Romanian theatre director (1860-1955), impresario, director of the Monte-Carlo Opera for sixty years. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated May 23, 1897, to a certain gentleman: “…ce n’est pas 500 frcs. que je vous ai déposé en garantie mais mille francs…”.  Size is 5.6 x 8.5 inches, 1 written page, central fold, overall rust tone, Grand Hotel letterhead, in overall very good condition.

Music festival in Switzerland, held annually in early July in Montreux on the lake Geneva shoreline. Lot of 9 stage and rehearsal photographic portraits of jazz musicians, including saxophonist Johnny Griffin (1928-2008), singer Cab Calloway (1907-1994), and many others. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French woman who successfully defrauded French financial markets in the 1920s and 1930s. (1890-1935)  Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her. Size is 5.1 x 7.1 inches, two written pages in one sheet (front and back), in excellent condition.

French soprano (1834-1906), daughter of Laure. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, one of them dated 1871. The letters concern publishing matters, personal issues around a Creole girl, and singing performances.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Portuguese composer (1890-1955), musicologist, and music teacher, considered one of the pre-eminent figures who took part in the development of Portuguese music. Autograph autobiographical document with a list of his compositions. Open size is 10 x 7.2 inches, 4 written pages, in very good condition.

French-Finnish soprano (1859-1911) and voice teacher, creator of the role of Musetta in Leoncavallo's "La Bohème". Rare autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated December 23, 1883, to the impresario Canedi: “…M.elle [Jeanne] Perrouze. Elle part lundi pour Rome où elle doit chanter l’opérette en français, elle a beaucoup de talent et débute mardi- Si vous pouvez faire quelque chose pour elle je vous en serai très reconnaissante. J’ai vu le théâtre Sannazaro, il m’a paru tout petit et très sourd…”. Open size is 7.4 x 8.9 inches, three written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is Frandin's visiting card signed by her with a short sentiment.

French soprano (1801-1863). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. June 10. To the composer, director of the Conservatoire Luigi Cherubini, recommending a young lady: “…Elle se nomme Alphonsine Santa Maria, elle possède une fort belle voix, et a le plus grand désir d’entrer au Conservatoire…”. 2 pp. In-8. B. To a gentleman, concerning an audition. 2 pp. ½. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1789-1870). Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated January 13, 1828, where she addresses a gentleman: “…Victime, depuis plus de deux longues années du caprice et de l’injustice d’une direction théâtrale pour la quelle je laissai (vous le savez) le sort le plus brillant dont jamais artiste ait joui à l’étranger et qui n’a voulu, jusqu’à ce jour, ni me laisser en liberté ni me payer: atteinte d’une maladie cruelle qui m’ôte les moyens d’exercer mon art et peut mettre mes jours en danger si je ne vais, promptement, respirer l’air plus doux de l’Italie; je vien implorer votre haute protection; le souvenir de la bienveillance dont vous m’honorâtes à Vienne m’enhardit à cette démarche…”. Size is 5 x 7.3 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, creases, overall age toning, in very good condition.

German musicologist  (1869-1947), known for his research on medieval and Renaissance music and early music notation. Autograph note signed by him on the French sculptor Ernest Dubois' visiting card, no date [postal markings indicate May 14, 1895].  Wolff addresses Mademoiselle Du Rozier-Magneux, regretting not being able to attend a meeting with her. Size is 5.1 x 3 inches, in overall very good condition.

French tenor (1830-1888), creator of roles in operas by Offenbach and Bazin. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated February 8, 1866, where he addressses a gentleman: “…Mon pauvre troubadour perd patience, donnez lui une bonne nouvelle vous le rendrez bien heureux…”.  Size is 4.1 x 5.2 inches, 1 written page, in overall very good condition.

French tenor and baritone (1798-1892) Set of three autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. [September 26, 1840]. To the singer Eugène Cannis: “…Je crois qu’il faut accepter Lille, nous y avons joué déjà une série de treize représentation salle comble toujours et nous n’avions pas notre répertoire actuel. Dans le cas ou Crosnier ne nous accorderait gros la fin de mois 8bre…”. 1 p. In-8.  B. [March 24, 1827]. To Louis-Marie Céleste d’Aumont (1762-1831), asking for: “…donner quatre ou cinq représentaions aux approcher de la semaine sainte et je ne puis le faire si vous ne daignez m’accorder un congé de quatre jours…”. 2 pp. In-4. C.  C. [Brussels, October 20, 1832]. To M. de Saint-Georges, concerning rights of poems: “…La somme de cent-Louis lui semble un peu serrée et cela parce-que les expression de votre lettre le mettent dans un doute qu’il faut lever. Nous ne pouvons bien apprécier cette phrase de votre lettre “nous mettrions pour condition expresse, que la musique et le poëme de Wallace deviendraient la propriété du théâtre de Bruxelles ou de M. son directeur seulement…”. 1 p. In-4. Included: printed portrait of the singer. Applied on cardboard. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Dutch composer and organist (1823-1868). Autograph letter signed by him, dated October 6, 1857, where he addresses a gentleman, sending three songs for bass voice, from his 20 compositions. He then sets his fees to the publisher.  Size is 5.7 x 8.7 inches, 1 written page, folds and creases, some rust stains, in very good condition. Translation into Italian is ALSO INCLUDED.

Spanish composer (1807-1878) and pedagogue. Autograph letter in Spanish signed by him, dated in Madrid, September 5, 1865, to the engineer Napoleone Albini, concerning methods for the study of the organ: “…Para la carrera de organista me parece que las obras mas convenientes son 1° metodo de organo por D. Pablo Hernandez. 2° Museo Orgánico. 1a y 2a parte por el que escribe estas lineas…”.  Size is 6.4 x 8.4 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), central fold, creases, ink and rust stains, in overall very good condition.

Italian soprano (1831-1910). Rare autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, April 15, 1855, where she addresses Mr. Camozzi: “…Ho già fatto la scrittura di Lon e appena terminato qui i miei impegni partirò subito. Adesso siamo a presso a far le ripetizioni del Bravo e poi sto studiando un’opera in spagnuolo dedicata all’Imperatrice che si dovrà eseguire alla Corte. Scrissi alla Previtali ma finora non ebbi risposta. Qui corre voce che il Teatro della Regina l’aprano ancora…”.  Open size is 11 x 8.2 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, light creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1844-1909). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated June 23, 1870. Size is 7 x 8.5 inches, 3 written pages, evident stains, in overall good condition.

French composer (1837-1892). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date mentioned, to a colleague: “…s’il vous manque encore de 1ers violon pour la fête de l’opéra, je vous recommanderai M. Lefaure, 1er Prix du Conservatoire, membre de la Société des concerts, et ancien 1er violon de l’Opéra…”.  Size is 5.5 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, central fold, few creaes, overall dust and rust tone, in very good condition.

Belgian baritone (1845-1891). Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. “Basel, December 2, 1888. To a gentleman: “…je chanterai donc à votre concert 1° Philippe d’Artevelde. Aug. Gevaert. La partition et parties d’orchestre je ne puis vous les envoyer, j’en ai besoin encore. Je chante cette scène aujourd’hui à Bâle et le 4e à Zurich et le 5e à Winterthur, l’accompagnement est des plus facile…”.  B. “Brussels, October 12, 1890. To a gentleman: “…Je viens d’écrire à l’instant à votre frère à Mayence, pour chanter dans un de ses concerts cet hiver, car je compte faire une tournée artistique en Allemagne, ne trouverez vous pas l’occasione de me faire chanter dans une de vos soirées également…”  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German-born British pianist (1819-1895), conductor, and founder of The Hallé Orchestra in 1858. Very fine autograph letter in English signed by him, dated August 26, 1882, where he addresses the Danish composer Johann Peter Hartmann (1805-1900), concerning upcoming musical engagements. Open size is 8.9 x 7.3 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, letterhead, in overall excelent condition.

French painter (1829-1884), winner of the Rome Prix 1859. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in New York, July 28, 1952, where he addresses pianist and composer Henri Herz (1803-1888): “…de remettre à M.me de M. de Rossi le paquet ci-jointe il contient les “tickets” pour le Steamer de Liverpool…”. He then mentions the arrival of Alboni for her famous US performances in Don Giovanni, Don Pasquale, Norma : “…L’Alboni est en descente pour le moment [Léon] Escudier aura une lettre de moi dans 2 jours…”.  Size is 8.3 x 10.2 inches, 1 written page, evident folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

Belgian violinist (1921-1986), considered by some to have been one of the few truly great violin virtuosi of the twentieth century. Regular postcard with the view of Basilica di S. Croce at Florence signed by the star violinist on its verso. Size is 4.4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

French composer (1822-1898) of light opera, notable as a friend of Jules Verne. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, May 23, 1875, to a gentleman: “…je vous envoie l’autographe que vous désirez…”. Size is 5.5 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, folds, dust stains, in overall excellent condition. Its original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.

Daughter of the star Italian soprano Angelica Catalani (1811-1849), Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date, where she addresses a gentleman: “Voici, mon cher monsieur, la fin d'une lettre de ma mère à mon père qui la suivit jusqu'à la tombe un mois plus tard!”. Angelica Catalani and her husband Paul de Valabregue both died in 1849 within a few days.  Size is 3.6 x 5.3 inches, one written page, central fold, in very good condition.

French poet (1856-1937), singer, journalist, music teacher, and musicologist. Typed letter signed by him with short autograph line at the end, dated December 1927, to the composer Adriano Lualdi [Inaldi, sic.]: “…Peut-être la publication du Répertoire Moderne de Vocalises-Etudes, commencée il y a plusieurs années sur mon initiative, est-elle tombée sous vos yeux?…”.  Size is 7.6 x 9.3 inches, 2 typed pages in one sheet (front and back), central fold and creases, irregularly cut bottom border, with letterhead, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1811-1896), mostly remembered today for his operas Mignon and Hamlet. Clip containing his signature (the bottom part of a letter, handwritten by him on front and verso). Size is 5.2 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.  

French composer (1836-1913), organist of Notre-Dame church in Bar-le-Duc. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, where he addresses a gentleman: “…je viens de composer un morceau d’orgue plus sérieux que ceux que je vous ai laissé. Je me propose de l’envoyer à Monsieur Niedermeyer pour le prier s’il le juge convenable de le publier sans maîtrise…”.  Open size is 10.8 x 8.5 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, folds and creases, overall rust stains, in very good condition.

American piano duo ( Vera 1918-?) (Michael 1915-1971), formed by former Juilliard classmates in 1943 and was well appreciated during the 1950s. Gorgeous black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by both with a short sentiment; photo by Bruno (Hollywood). Size is 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition.

French dramatist (1794-1877), theatre director, and critic. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in January 1863. Both letters are addressed to the Director of the Société de Beaux Arts Louise Martinet (1814-1895), concerning a new “…centre de publicité musicale…”. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1824-1888), and timpanist in the Paris Opera Orchestra. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated July 14, no year. One letter is addressed to the dramatist Édouard Cadol (1831-1898), concerning his health and theater rumors. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French pianist, composer, and teacher (1852-1914), the first famous pianist to make recordings. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no specific date, where he addresses a gentleman: “…Le concerto de Castellin m’a paru tellement mériter d’être remis en lumière qui je considère comme un devoir d’artiste d’intéresser à sa présentation les vrais amis de la grande musique, cert qui ne peuvent rester indifférents à une des oeuvres capitales non seulement de ce compositeur, mais encore de notre jeune école…”. Size is 4.8 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), overall rust tone, central fold, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a printed 1-page program for Pugno’s 24th of November 1903 concert along with Ines Maria Ferraris.