Composer Autograph Manuscripts ($250 - $500)

French composer and music critic (1803-1856), prolific creator of ballets and operas, Adam is best known for his ballets Giselle (1841) and Le Corsaire (1856).  Autograph letter in French (sold with translation) signed by the composer to a friend, dated March 23, 1836, about personal matters, mounted on a mat with his portrait.  Total size is 13.1 x 9 inches, letter size is 3.9 x 4.9 inches, embossed initials over the upper-right corner, portrait's size is 4.8 x 5.8 inches, all in excellent condition.

Italian composer and pianist (1875-1954), best known today for his operas Cyrano de Bergerac and Resurrezione and for having completed the music of Puccini´s opera Turandot in 1926, after the composer´s death. Autograph letter signed by him, dated in San Remo in 1943, concerning music business, probably to a conductor ("Caro Maestro"...). Alfano refers to the situation of the musical theater with disappointment. In Italian, sold with a transcription and translation. One page with his letterhead at the top, handwritten on both sides, signed at the end, Size is 7.7 x 10.1 inches, folds, in excellent condition.

French composer (1782-1871), who focused mostly on opera, his most important "Fra Diavolo" and "La Muette de Portici". Large autograph document with notes (no date specified but ca.1850) by the French composer where he lists writes numbers along with the names of pupils who are trying or have tried to get into the woodwind instruments class at the Conservatoire for the year 1849-50. Doodles by the composer along the page marges. Size is 9 x 14.3 inches, 3 written pages, folds, markings, smudges, in good condition.

French composer (1782-1871), who focused mostly on opera, his most important "Fra Diavolo" and "La Muette de Portici". Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated 1843. Size is 4 x 6.3 inches, minor folds, in overall excellent condition.  

French composer (1782-1871), who focused mostly on opera, composing almost 50 of them - his most important creations include "Fra Diavolo" and "La Muette de Portici".  Autograph note signed, written in French (sold untranslated), and dated in 1822.  Size is 4.6 x 7 inches, 1 page, light folds, in excellent condition.

Italian composer and violinist (1818-1897), whose career focused on chamber music. Lengthy autograph quote signed and inscribed by him in Paris with 9 bars from a piece for violin and piano. Size is 7.3 x 4.7 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone photograph of him. Size is 3.3 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French music critic and musicologist (1858-1930). Fine collection of autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him between 1891 and 1920. Some are written on the back of regular postcards, but most of them in regular sheets. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided), in overall very good condition. SOLD ONLY AS A COLLECTION, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian-born American composer and violinist (1900-1953), creator of 4 symphonies and an opera, among other works such as concertos. He was a distinguished violinist, worked 7 years as the first violinist of the NY Philharmonic. Autograph manuscript with 2 full pages in separate sheets, with music for a cadenza to Mozart´s "Exsultate Jubilate" (K165) for soprano, inscribed to Russian soprano Maria Kurenko (1890-1980), who signed and inscribed this manuscript on the back of page 2. Each page is 9.4 x 12.5 inches, minor cracks, but overall in very good condition.

French composer (1874-1956). Interesting and lengthy autograph letter in French signed by him, with a brief autograph musical quotation signed by him, dated in Gironde par St. Genest d’Ambière from the 15th to the 20th of July, 1945.  As a diary, Lucas writes to her correspondent  throughout the days and gets lost in aesthetic, personal reflections and on music: “…En voilà un qui a de la chair et du sang que Stravinsky a mis en valeur admirablement, avec son rythme qui saisit tout le corps! Mais il ne sert pas être de lui. Ce doit être au thème populaire, forcement russe. Pour la danse, à part le ballet, je ne l’aime pas…”.  Open size is 11.1 x 7.4 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, folds, in overall excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Autograph note in English signed by him, not dated [1943], addressed to the columnist Leonard Lyons, about personal matters. Size is 5.6 x 4.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a contemporary velox of a V-mail letter to Lyons dated Oct. 24, 1944, describing his efforts in the army during the war, mentioning William Wyler, Jimmy Cannon, and Ernie Pyle. Highly entertaining.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Card signed by Blitzstein himself with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, who had an important career and was often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter signed and written by him in French (sold untranslated), no date.  Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, 1 folio (2 pages written), some decoloration on ink, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter in French (sold with an English translation) signed by the composer, addressed to Mr. Sevrin, director of performances at the French Ministry of War.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. A second page is used as envelope.

French composer (1775-1834), his career focused mostly on opera and has been often called “the French Mozart”, his most famous opera was “La Dame Blanche”, 1825. Note signed in French, sized 5 x 4 inches. Adhesive tape on verso, showing rust on front, otherwise in good condition, not affecting the signature. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned postcard, with a portrait of the composer. WATCH BOIELDIEU´S HARP CONCERTO (performed by young Alisa Sadikova Conductor: Mikhail Golikov Orchestras: Lemberger Soloists from Ukraine)

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Her personal card signed by her as "N.B." with a short note in French (untranslated). Size is 3 x 2.1 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1896-1940), creator of 3 operas and musical comedies.  Autograph music quote with 8 bars of music from his "Song of Hiawatha", signed and dated by him in 1931.  Size is 6.1 x 3.2 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1913-1976), English tenor (1910-1986), and American baritone (1920-2005). Program for a performance of Britten's opera "Billy Budd" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on April 17, 1952 -five months after its world premiere; signed on the cover by the composer, Peter Pears, and Theodor Uppman (creators of the characters in the world premiere). Size is 4.8 x 7.3 inches, full program with all pages and covers, minor stains, in excellent condition.

English composer (1913-1976), conductor, and pianist; a central figure of 20th-century British music, with a range of works including opera, vocal music, orchestral and chamber pieces. Original signed manuscripts, signed cards and/or signature cuts of the artist in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see each item and click on each to enlarge or see more items if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and other orchestral works. Album page signed by the composer and other personalities including conductor and singer Georg Henschel, publisher Edward Lloyd, tenor Joseph Maas, and soprano Anna Williams; nicely decorated on borders.  Size is 7 x 9.6 inches, irregularly cut over the left border, in excellent condition.

German composer (1838-1920), violinist, teacher, and conductor who wrote more than 200 works, among them his famous first violin concerto. His business card handwritten in French on both sides and signed by him, dated in Berlin, December 3, 1907. Size is 4.2 x 2.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of him (a clip from a program o book). Size is 3. 3 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works.  Small card with his address signed by the composer, dated 1908 probably. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works. His business card signed by him as "M.B", inscribed with a short sentiment in German. Size is 4 x 2.4 inches, in very good condition.

German composer (1793-1871) and arranger, later in his life a music teacher, and creator of over 200 opera adaptations for instrumental ensembles. Manuscript "Potpourris for violin from Bellini's Norma #8" signed by him on the front cover, dated 1860.  Size is 8.8 x 12.7 inches, 10 pages (including covers), minor damage on borders, some stains, in overall very good condition.

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote 29 operas between 1816-47, some very successful in his time. Autograph letter signed, written in Paris dated in 1844. Two pages on a folded 4 page document, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, in very good condition. Rare!

American composer, pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader (1899-1981), famous as a songwriter, Carmichael is today remembered for some of his creations, including in "Stardust" in first place.  Autograph music quote signed, with 4 bars of notes from Wash Board Blues, a 1926 popular song composed by Carmichael, size is 9 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1857-1944) and a popular concert pianist, chiefly known for her graceful and romantic piano music and songs. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her mounted on cardboard, dated in La Seyne, March 2, 1916, to a gentleman:  “…Je suis encore surmenée à cette maison militaire où je suis présidente et ouù je me suis  oubliée pour fair chanter les hymnes nationaux à nos pauvres mutilés…”. Open size is 10.7 x 8.3 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, printed letterhead, in overall very good condition.  

French composer (1857-1944) and a popular concert pianist, chiefly known for her graceful and romantic piano music and songs. 3-bar autograph music quote from his op. 50 "L'Enjôleuse" signed by her and dated in Bussang, August 18, 1893, mounted on cardboard. Size is 9.9 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned printed portrait of the composer.

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera Louise (1900),  symphonies, and songs. Autograph music quote on a card with 5 bars of music from his opera "Louise" boldly signed and inscribed by him over the top, matted with a half-tone photograph of him.  Total size is  6.25 x 10.3 inches, music quote is 3.9 x 2.2 inches (visible window size), photo is 3.7 x 4.8 inches (visible window size), all in excellent condition.

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera Louise (1900),  symphonies, and songs. Autograph music quote on a postcard with 5 bars of music from his opera "Julien" boldly signed by him to the left of the music. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned photo postcard of him, size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches slight paper loss on top left corner, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately.   

French composer (1789-1861), violist, and conductor, who won the 1811 Prix de Rome for his cantata Ariane. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. Dated in Paris, December 20, 1834, to the librettist and writer Karl Sondershausen (1792-1882), about professional matters. B. Dated in Weimar, January 11, 1840, to “Adalbert” (the tenor Josef Tichatschek) about musical issues, where Tichatschek was presumably the actor premiering in his “Gesänge aus Mitternacht” (1831).  C. Dated in Weimar, December 11, 1860, to “Monsieur l’Inspecteur”, concerning the obstacles for the rehearsals of the opera "Macbeth" imposed by the soprano Stöger. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian-born composer who spent most of his life in France (1760-1842), Cherubini is well known today for his opera Medee (1797) but also composed many other operas, orchestral music and chamber works.  Signed printed form from the Royal School of Music at Paris, inviting other professors to an audition, written in French, dated in 1823.  Cherubini signs under the top printed part, while other professors responded below.  Size is 7.75 x 12.25 inches, 1 page, rounded edges, folds, minor stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a translation into English of this interesting note.

Italian-born composer (1760-1842) who spent most of his life in France, and is well known today for his opera Medee (1797). Document from the Royal School of Music in Paris, dated April 17, 1830, signed by various personalities including composer Cherubini (whose signature is the first one at the top), about a piano competition.  Size is 8.1 x 12.25 inches 1 page, minor stains, central fold, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a wonderful lithograph of the composer. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, spotted rust, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1866-1950), well-known for his operas Adriana Lecouvreur and L'Arlesiana. Album with a music quote with 2 bars of music from "Adriana Lecouvreur", signed and dated by him in Naples, 1920.  Size is 7 x 9 inches, minor rust stains, in very good condition.

Collection of 27 cards signed by different composers (most of them Americans) including Alan Hovhaness, Alan Stout, Ben Weber, Erland Koch, Francis Thorne, Quincy Porter, William Bergsma, Douglas Moore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Randall Thompson, Ogden Nash, and many others, and poet Elizabeth Bishop. Size is 5 x 3.25 inches each approximately, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Group of 22 letters and notes (some handwritten, a few typed) by contemporary composers, including: lyricist/songwriter and singer Charles Aznavour (French-Armenian, b.1924), autograph note signed on a card with his letterhead, 5.6 x 4.1 inches - Songwriter Al Kasha (American, b.1937), short typed note, signed by him, 5 x 3 inches - William Schmidt (American, 1926-2009), typed letter signed, dated in 1986, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Charles Wuorinen (American composer, b.1938), typed letter signed and dated in 1999, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Raymond Parfrey (American, 1928-2008), typed letter to a fan, signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Bernhard Heiden (German-American, 1910-2000), autograph letter signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Theldon Myers (American, b.1927), typed letter signed, to a fan, dated in 1991, one page, 6.75 x 10 inches -  Ernst Krenek (Austrian-American, 1900-1991), short autograph note signed, dated in 1980, to a fan, 6 x 4 inches - Charles Chaynes (French, 1925-2006), short autograph note signed, on a card with his letterhead, 6 x 4.25 inches - Eric Fenby (English, 1906-1997), short autograph note signed, dated in 1992, to a fan, 8.75 x 7 inches - William Schuman (American, 1910-1992), 2 typed letter signed, dated in 1979 and 1987, to a fan, each is 1 page, 7.25 x 10.5 inches - Brian Fennelly (American, 1937-2015), long typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page with a printed score on verso (see scans), 8.5 x 11 inches - Gordon Jacob (English, 1895-1984), short autograph note signed, on paper with his letterhead, dated 1979, 8 x 6 inches - William Hibbard (American, 1939-1989), autograph letter signed, dated in 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 5.75 x 7.75 inches - Irwin Bezelon (American, 1922-1995), typed letter signed, 1 page, to a fan, 7.9 x 4.9 inches - John Downey (American, 1927-2004), autograph letter signed, with a few notes at the foot, dated 1979, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Thea Musgrave (Scottish, b.1928), short typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Eskil Hemberg (Swedish, 1938-2004), typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11.6 inches - Hermann Haller (Swiss, 1914-2002), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1994, to a fan, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Arthur Wills (English, b.1926), short typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8 x 10 inches - Charles William Jones (Canadian, 1910-1997), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 7.25 x 10.6 inches. All in excellent condition - See scans in order - Not sold separately.

American composer (b.1938) and winner of important awards including an Oscar for his work on movie soundtracks.  Autograph music quote signed by him in 1933, with two bars from the aria "Once there was a golden bird" from his opera "The Ghosts of Versailles".  Size is 9.5 x 12.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1897-1965), music theorist, pianist, teacher and impresario.  Signed printed score for his symphony nr. 12 ( composed in 1955-1956), full orchestra, published by Associated Music Publishers, Inc., New York, 1960. A total of 84 pages plus soft covers, Cowell signed and inscribed this score over the top right corner of the front cover. Size is 6.9 x 10.5 inches, repaired cracks and spine on covers, otherwise in very good condition.  

American composer (1929-2022), creator of avant-garde music. Printed score for his work "Echoes of Time and the River" signed on the cover by him and inscribed to American composer Chris Rouse, dated September 21, 1971. Size is 15.1 x 19.25 inches, 20 pages, tape-repaired spine, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, and his works are still worldwide performed today. Fine autograph letter in French signed by him, dated October 29, 1891, discussing with a gentleman  (the La Havre theatre Director) the concert program for a concert in January 1892: “…Je dois aussi vous dire que je suis éminement pauvre quant au repertoire chanteur. J’ai bien pour [Léon] Melchissédech une machine qui lui irait parfaitement et produit toujours un certain effet de public, c’est la Chevauchée du Cid, mais c’est avec choeur mixte, obligato, obligatissimo!!!!…”. On January 17, 1892, the orchestral suite "Tableaux de Voyage" (op. 33) in 6 parts was premiered in Le Havre.  Open size is 9.1 x 7 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall very good condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, and his works are still worldwide performed today. Beautiful autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Boffres, August 31, 1917, addressed to the Belgian violinist Armand Parent (1863-1934), concerning common mistakes in the dates of Beethoven’s music works, sending him a chronology: “…D’abord, il ne faut jamais se fier, pour fixer la date d’une composition, surtout chez Beethoven, au N° d’oeuvre, mis n’importe comment par un éditeur. Ainsi pour la sonate de piano, l’op. 49 est de 1792, très antérieur à l’op. 2 qui est de 1796; de même la sonate Appassionata qui porte le N° 57, est antérieure comme composition à l’op 53, connue sous le nom de L’Aurore….”. At the end of the letter, d’Indy evokes the work he is attending to: “…Je viens de terminer ma IIIe symphonie, l’esquisse s’entend… et je commence l’instrumentation qui m’amuse énormément, mais je ne pourrai achever celle-ci cette année, ce sera pour les vacances prochaines…”. Open size is 8.8 x 7 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, some folds, few creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, his works are worldwide performed today. Autograph note on his business card written in French (sold untranslated) and signed by him matted with a print of his portrait.  Total size is 11 x 6.9 inches, the card is 3.5 x 2 inches, print is 3.2 x 3.8 inches (visible window size), all in excellent condition.

French marquis and composer (1829-1903). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1884 and 1892, as follows: One letter is addressed to the composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891) recommending the composer Maurice Emmanuel (1862-1938): “…depuis deux ans élève d’harmonie à la classe de M. Th. Dubois, M. Emmanuel ambitionne de suivre votre Cours…”. The second letter is addressed to a gentleman, concerning a performance of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” he has attended: “…je viens d’aller entendre à Lyon les délicieux Maître-Chanteurs, Bonne exécution; – les choeurs excellents, et dire que la presse de chefs d’orchestre parisiens recule devant cet ouvrage…”. Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1810-1876), composed a number of operas, symphonies, and chamber music and was famous in his time. Autograph music quote signed by him, with a few bars from his Symphony in Eb Major, dated in Paris in 1870, inscribed, size is 9.25 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition

Belgian violinist and composer (1802-1870), creator of a great amount of violin music, including 10 popular concertos. Fine collection of 5 autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date indicated (but circa 1866). Letters are addressed to a friend and mainly concern upcoming concerts, music lessons arrangements and other matters. We report an extract as a sample: “…Je suis venu vous rendre visite pour vous demander si vous seriez assez aimable pour me prêter votre précieux concours à la soirée que je compte donner chez Erard le 9 Avril prochain? (…) je vous serais obligé de me donner les titres des morceaux que vous désirez chanter…”.   Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer of Italian descent (1887-1948), one of the best-known representatives of the Indianism movement in music. Autograph letter signed by him addressed to the Lyrics writer Juanita Roos, about his sacred music drama "The Prodigal Son", dated in Akron, Ohio, 1937.  Size is 6 x 8.1 inches, 2 pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him to Juanita Roos, dated 1930, where the composer added a 2-bar music quote over the upper-right corner from his work "The Prodigal Son". Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, blind-stamped over the lower-right corner by photographer Goddard  (Akron, Ohio).  some loss of paper over the lower-right corner, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1836-1891) of opera, ballet, and other works for the stage. Autograph letter in French (sold with translation), with the letterhead of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, signed by him, no date indicated but pencil markings indicate 1882. Interesting content, related to the premiere in Brussels of his opera Jean de Nivelle. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 4 written pages in 1 sheet, rust stains over the borders, in very fine condition.

French composer (1836-1891) of opera, ballet, and other works for the stage. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him -no date mentioned. Size is 4 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Dutch composer and arranger (1868-1954) who, in 1913, was one of the founders and first director of "The Music-Copyright Office" (BUMA). Typed letter in German, signed by him and dated in Amsterdam on 21st September 1936 to Maestro Arturo Toscanini, concerning the foundations of his music theory, Size is 8.5 x 13.8 inches, 2 typed pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, folds, with letterhead, some autograph corrections in ink, in overall very good condition. Translation: “…You don't know me, I got to know you as an artist, and I mean that I learned through that. If you don't have time or too little time for it, just don't read this letter. In the opposite case, read until the matter no longer interests you enough. I believe that presenting things in the simplest form has always been the best way to make one's thoughts clear to others. Especially the modern man is ashamed - why he hardly knows himself - to use this method. And so it is with many a modern composer. For me, the comprehensible musical culture does not go much further than Wagner. In this century, a new element has infiltrated musical culture, which actually cannot be a positive element in the musical sense. Until so far in musical art after good musical education it was possible to get to know a work and to understand it musically (and to love it!). Whether one calls certain modern music atonal, bitonal or pluritonal does not matter. The question is: is it possible to feel this music musically at all? If a composer with talent would dare today to compose and then perform a work that is musically comprehensible like the works of the 19th century, and suppose that this work is even a work of art, this composer would probably be laughed at these days. Snobisme has always existed. Snobisme is as necessary as bacterial colonies in the human body. Snobisme and criticism have in and of themselves no artistic form, they are however indispensable in musical society, because the development of the young creative musician will not flourish if the process of development is too smooth. The more this process is hindered, the more he learns to understand that he can only become an artist through long and diligent study. In art there is an analogue for what in nature is called biological effect. I will assume this with an example. In the beginning there must be the belief, thank God, that this time still believes in Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Wagner and the good that the other excellent composers have left us. The present listeners, who are not musically educated in the sphere of the 19th century, are nevertheless able to enjoy this beautiful art, although they are not aware that the key point in the development of this artistic enjoyment is faith…”. 2 pp. In-4.