All Newest Opera Autographs

Italian tenor (1810-1883), whose real name was Giovanni Matteo De Candia, considered one of the most celebrated singers of his time, lionized by audiences in Paris and London. An original vintage carte-de-visite (CDV) photo of the tenor by photographer Disderi signed by Mario. Size is 2.5 x 4.1 inches, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano (1871-1948), who participated in the world premiere of Verdi's "Falstaff" and Catalani's "La Wally". Beautiful imperial cabinet photograph of her by G. Ogliari signed and inscribed by the singer with a short sentiment dated in Brescia, October 1896. Size is 6.6 x 9.75 inches, some mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

Russian tenor (1872-1934) who enjoyed continued fame unabated into the Soviet era, whose voice was lyrical in size and tone, and it was employed with discerning taste and excellent musicianship. Album page signed by him with a short quote from Edouard Schure's poem. Size is 7.4 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the tenor. Size is 3.4 x 5.4 inches, minor silvering, in very good condition.

Polish-born American dramatic soprano (1893-1963). An original sepia photograph of her as Norma in Bellini's opera by Mishkin with a short text written by her. Size is 7.2 x 9.1 inches, minor silvering around borders, otherwise in excellent condition.

Scottish tenor (1907-1964). Black-and-white promo photograph signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment, shown wearing traditional Scottish costumes. Size is 2.3 x 3.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Irish bass, active in the 1910s and 1920s. Fine black-and-white photo postcard signed by him with a short sentiment, shown young. Size is 3.3 x 5.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Superstar Italian sopranos (1797-1865 and 1811-1869, respectively). A gorgeous original pencil drawing dated 1833, featuring Pasta and Grisi as Norma and Adalgisa for the London premiere of Bellini's opera "Norma" on June 1833, probably by famous portraitist Edward Chalon (1780-1860). Each portrait is 4.1 x 6.4 inches (visible window size) mounted on an easily removable mat for a total size of 14 x 9.7 inches, rust tone over the borders of each portrait, otherwise in very good condition. No documentation is available to support authorship by Chalon, but the drawings were sold at an auction as such, authenticated. This item is not signed by any of the sopranos or the artist.

Italian soprano/mezzo-soprano (1875-?),vintage signed photo postcard mounted on soft cardboard, shown as herself. Bold and clear signature, signed in Buenos Aires. Photo size is 3 x 5 inches, with cardboard included, total item is 5.25 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German tenor (1826-1874), who debuted in 1846 in Budapest as Edgardo in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor". Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated 8 Aug 1858, where he addresses the composer Julius Benedict, concerning performances and fees. Size is 5.8 x 9.1 inches, 4 written pages, overall age toning, in very good condition.

Slovakian mezzo-soprano (1853-1928) who toured throughout Europe and South America with an extensive repertoire from Meyerbeer to Verdi. Fine autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated 10/3/90, to her “gentile amico Sigaretta” (a nickname): “…Come era lungo faticoso il viaggio dalla mia bella Firenze, in questa nevicata triste Odessa – ma come l’onde del mare si seguono così sull’altra con vertiginosa velocità – così la mia vita artistica (…) Ora con febbrile ansia studio la Fede (Fidès), la provo, e presto la canterò, e spero di sollevare non le montagne ma il pubblico…”.  Size is 4.7 x 7.4 inches, 2 written pages , central fold, in very good condition.

Slovenian mezzo-soprano (1927-1985), signed photograph, shown as herself. Photo by Elizabeth Speidel, Hamburg. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (b. 1935), signed publicity photograph, shown as herself. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in very good condition.  

Italian soprano, signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Printed signature on front of photographer Luxardo. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition. 

American soprano (1907-1971), signed photograph, shown as herself, dated at the Metropolitan Opera in 1945. Printed signature on front of photographer DeBellis, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small crease on bottom right, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1910-?), Italian mezzo-soprano (1910-1991), and Argentine soprano, triple signed postcard photograph, shown as Poussette, Rosette, and Javotte, respectively in Massenet's Manon. Photo by E. Martinotti, La Scala, Milan. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in very good condition. 

American soprano (1922-1994), signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Size is 8 x 9.5 inches, in VERY good condition.

Bulgarian soprano (b.1970), signed photograph, shown as herself. Stamped on verso by Collezione photographers, Ciravegna. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American soprano (1927-2012), signed photograph, shown as Lady Macbeth in Verdi's Macbeth. Size is 4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

German dramatic soprano (1880-1975). Signed photograph, shown as Isolde in Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, inscribed.  Printed signature on front of photographer Hartsook. Size is 7.5 x 9.5 inches, in excellent condition.  

Italian superstar tenor (1935-2007) and Spanish tenor (b. 1946), double signed photograph, shown as themselves with fellow superstar Spanish tenor Placido Domingo (b. 1941). Size is 8 x 10.75 inches, in excellent condition.  

Belgian mezzo-soprano (1834-1918), acclaimed for her brilliant career, and creator of the role Eboli in Verdi's "Don Carlo" in 1867 at the Paris Opera. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, November 14, 1861, to a certain Maître: “…je voudrais vous faire entendre dans quelques jours une jeune fille que je protège et qui voudrait entrer dans les choeurs…”. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), printed letterhead, folds, age toning, in very good condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a printed copy of the magazine “L’Univers Musicale” of 9th July 1863 with an article concerning the mezzo-soprano (not shown). 3 pp. In-4.

English-French soprano (1833-1916), who debuted in the title role of Lucrezia Borgia at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 1858. Fine collection of three autograph letters in Italian and French (untranslated) signed by her, dated between 1888 and 1912. Letters are addressed to her friend and impresario Fano and concern private and music matters. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German baritone (1847-1902), and creator of famous roles such as Kienzl's "Der Evangelimann" and "Don Quixote". Autograph letter in German signed by him, dated December 11, 1882, where he addresses a gentleman, thanking him for the invitation to take part in a concert and arranging some details for both the music to be sung and the related rehearsals.  Size is 11.1 x 8.4 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, overall age toning, some dust stains, in overall very good condition. Short summary translated into Italian is ALSO INCLUDED.

French-born English soprano (1886-1971), daughter of the American soprano Emma Nevada. Collection of four documents signed by her, as follows: A. Partly printed contract with autograph signature of Nevada  and Raymond Palmer, for six performances during season 1908-1909 at Real Theatro S. Carlos in Lisbon. 3 pp. In-4. B. Florence 21 Mars 1910. To the impresario Fano: “…Comme vous le savez Roman devait chanter “Traviata” samedi dernier et au lieu de cela le voilà au lit avec une forte attaque de trachéïte et bronchite ensemble…”. 3 pp. In-8. With letterhead. C. Paris 19 Mars 1913. To a gentleman: “…Ricevo adesso il “Mondo artistico” e ho letto con molto piacere l’articolo dedicato a me. Merci beaucoup. Adesso sarei molto grata a Lei di annunciare la mia scrittura a Covent Garden dove sono scritturata per sei recite straordinarie di “Bohème” e di “Don Giovanni” (Zerlina)…”. 3 pp. In-8. Archive holes. D. Postmarked 23.1.10. Fine letter not signed to the impresario Fano “Mignon ottenne ieri più grande trionfo sua carriera con Gilda fece piangere pubblico ultimo atto + fanatismo caro nome. - rivelazione accento drammatica atto terzo bissato…”. 1 p. In-4. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German baritone (1843-1905), later director of the Opera House in Konigsberg. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated December 4, 1867, addressed to a gentleman, refusing to sing for three nights because of too little pay offered. Size is 5.1 x 7.9 inches, 1 written page, some creases, in very good condition.

American contralto (1926-1986), signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Size is 8 x 10inches, in excellent condition.  

American mezzo-soprano (1932-2023), particularly known for her performances as the Mother Abbess with the Second National Touring Company of The Sound of Music in 1962-63. Signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed with short sentiment. Printed signature on front of photographer Maurice Seymour, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small crease on bottom right, otherwise in very good condition. 

French soprano (1817-1870). Short autograph note in French signed by her, no date, where she addresses a certain Mr. Soulain: “…j’ai demain à dîner une partie de ma famille, voulez vous être des nôtres? Vous ferez grand plaisir à Edouard…”.  Size is 10.2 x 6.3 inches, folds, creases, stains, in fair condition.

Austrian-German soprano (1822-1878), one of the most important singers at the Vienna Court Opera in the 1840s. Set of 7 fine autograph letters signed by her, dated between 1845 and 1850. Letters concern preparation for roles in Donizetti’s L'Elisir d'Amore, Meyerbeer’s Les Huguenots, and other operas; she recommends the singer Maria Eiserich-Leonoff. Addressees are the writer Adolf Bäuerle (1786-1859), theater directors, and colleagues. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American soprano (1818-1891), who debuted at the Paris Opera in 1836. Collection of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated around 1840, as follows: A. To the composer Giovanni Bazzoni (1816-1871): “…Je suis désolée de vous manquer encore de parole je vais passer la journée dans un chateau…”. 1 p. In-8. B. To Monsieur Leduc: “…Pouvez vous me donner pour moi même une fauteuil de la galerie de côté si c’est possible…”. 1 p. In-16. C. To the director of Opera de Paris Léon Pillet (1803-1868): “…je vous prie Monsieur de vouloir bien m’excuser. Je viens toujour vous ennuyer pour vous démander deux places sur le théâtre…”. 1 p. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American soprano (1925-2008), active from the 1950s to early 1970s. Signed publicity photograph, shown as herself, dated in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1960. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small crease on bottom right, otherwise in excellent condition. 

American soprano (1911-1990), signed photograph, shown in the title role of Delibes' Lakme, inscribed. Size is 8.25 x 10 inches, several small creases, otherwise in very good condition. 

American soprano (1921-1984), signed photograph, shown as herself. Inscribed. Size is 7.5 x 9 inches, in excellent condition. 

American soprano and voice teacher (1916-1984), signed photograph, shown as herself. Size is 8 x 10 inches, very small creases on bottom left and right corners, otherwise in very good condition. 

American soprano and actress (1911-1961), one of the leading black concert singers of the mid-20th century, perhaps best known for her starring role in the original Broadway production of Carmen Jones. Signed photograph, shown most likely in role, inscribed. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small creases on corners, otherwise in very good condition. 

Austrian soprano (1867-1944), who worked with Gustav Mahler at the Vienna Court Opera. Printed telegram with autograph lines by her, where she addresses the impresario Calori, asking for the scheduled dates for the performance of Ponchielli’s La Gioconda. Size is 8.8 x 5.5 inches, central fold and creases, overall age toning, in very good condition.

Legendary German soprano (1888-1976) and later voice teacher, who had an important international career mostly associated with the German repertoire. Autograph letter in German signed by her, dated February 21st, 1973, where she addresses a certain Mr. Hiller (presumably a publisher), concerning a book about her: “…das Buch "L. L., mehr als eine Sängerin" von Berndt Wessling (Residenverlag Salzburg) hat ausreidiente daten…”. Size is 5.9 x 7.6 inches, 1 written page, with printed letterhead, in excellent condition. Translation: “…the book "L. L., more than a singer" by Berndt Wessling (Residenverlag Salzburg) has sufficient information…”.  ALSO INCLUDED is a typed draft of an article in German by Hella Müller, dated in Vienna, August 1951, with mounted paper stripes as corrections, about the singer in Santa Barbara. and its corresponding typed letter accompanying the draft.

German-born tenor (1820-1868) who sang in the world premieres of Pacini's "Berta di Varnol" (1867), and Mercadante's "Virginia" (1866). Rare autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Prague, July 10, 1843, where he addresses the writer Adolf Bäuerle (1786-1859), asking to write about him in his newspaper. Open size is 11.2 x 8.4 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, light creases, wax seal, overall age toning, in very good condition.

Polish tenor (1814-1873), composer, and also diplomat and politician, son of Prince Stanislas Poniatowski and Cassandra Luci. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date specified, to the Parisian critic Michelangelo Fiorentino della Rovere: “…j’ai revu Païva et nous sommes convenu que j’ecrive au Duc de Janeïro que je connais pour le lui demander, mais il faut un pretexte, par exemple un exemplaire relié aux Armes de Portugal de votre traduction du Dante à offrir à S. M. pour sa bibliothèque…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), embossed letterhead, folds, dirt stains, in overall very good condition.