All Newest Opera Autographs

Polish soprano (1855-1891), sister of the singers Jean and Edouard, and performed at the Paris Opera for several years where she created the role of Sita in Massenet's "Le Roi de Lahore" in 1877. Set of two fine autograph letters  in French (untranslated) signed by her, no years, as follows: A. Warsow, July 19th. To a gentleman: “…à l’heure qu’il est, Monsieur P… a reçu toutes mes conditions nécessaires pour le contrat envoyées par Monsieur Sbriglia, qui est chargé pour le moment de toutes ces affaires théâtrales…”.  B. Paris, March 13th. To a gentleman: “…je désirais vivement vous voir au prémier rang des auditeurs du Roi de Lahore…”.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches each page, 5 written pages in total, printed monogram, folds, some dirt stains, in overall good condition.

Bohemian tenor (1801-1862) and opera director. Rare autograph poem in German (untranslated) signed by him for birthday wishes, dated Bremen February 24, 1860. Size is 5.8 x 9.2 inches, 1 written page, some creases, overall dust and rust tones, in overall very good condition.

Famous French baritone (1847-1909), starred in the world premiere performances of Massenet's Le Roi de Lahore, Saint-Saens's Ascanio and Henry VIII, among others. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. August 5, 1892. To a gentleman: “…je ne serai pas à Paris avant deux mois environ; il m’est donc impossible de vous promettre mon concours pour le concert que vous organisez…”. 1 p. In-8. B. October 31, 1902. To a lady: “…Puisque vous m’offrez de changer le souvenir que vous m’envoyez, j’accepte cette proposition car j’ai déjà une parti musique tournant…”. 2 pp. In-8. With letterhead. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Polish star tenor (1850-1925). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Deauville Villa Elisabeth, September 2, 1910, to a friend, recommending a pupil: “…Vi raccomando caldamente la mia cara e distinta allieva la signorina Le Flaguais. Cercate di procurarle una buona scrittura perché la merita. Ha talento, bellissima voce ed ha terminato da me gli studi, con massima lode…”. Odette Le Flaguais, a very popular singer in America, was born in Paris and raised in London, she was a descendant of Spanish Louisiana governor Francisco Bouligny, and her grandfather was congressman John Edward Bouligny.  She studied in Italy and Spain, in her youth. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 written page, central fold, in very good condition.

French bass-baritone (1860-1930), voice teacher, who performed at la Monnaie in Brussels for many years. Short autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, where he addresses a “Poète”: “…n’y a t-il pas quelque rôle intéressant pour moi dans le Maschere de Mascagni?…”. Size is 5.4 x 8.2 inches, 1 page, folds and creases, in very good condition.

Ukrainian soprano (1822-1882) pupil of Marco Bordogni, who debuted in 1840 in Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2. Collection of three autograph letters signed by her, dated 1869,  about private and musical matters. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Australian mezzo-soprano (1916-2006), signed photograph, shown as herself. Stamped on verso by Colliers photography studio, London. Size is 5 x 6.75 inches, small crease on bottom left, otherwise in good condition. 

American soprano and voice teacher (1914-1980), sang at the Metropolitan Opera and in concerts led by Arturo Toscaninni. Signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed and dated in 1945. Size is 8 x 10.25 inches, small creases on corners, otherwise in good condition.

Austrian dramatic soprano (1926-1998) and Famous American heldentenor (1925-2005). Gorgeous black-and-white postcard photograph of a scene from Richard Wagner's "Die Walkure" at the 1965 Bayreuth Festival signed by both artists. Photo by Wilhelm Rauh, Bayreuth. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition.  

Austrian tenor (1831-1894) whose career focused on chamber music. Autograph letter signed by him, dated in Hannover 28.2.73, where he addresses a certain Mr. Krüger, asking him to schedule his performances in March. Size is 5.1 x 7.7 inches, 1 page, some folds, in overall good condition.

Italian soprano (1873-1951) pupil of Alberto Leoni. Partly printed contract with autograph lines for the 1904 season at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden by the Italian soprano, including her repertoire and fees. Size is 8.1 x 11.5 inches, 3 printed pages, in very good condition.

Italian soprano (1873-1951) pupil of Alberto Leoni. Fine autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in London, June 16, 1904, to the impresario Fano: “…È voce generale ch’io feci la più buona impressione; infatti tale io posso anche giudicare dagli applausi avuti e dagli stessi giornali i quali ne parlano in generale molto bene. La seconda rappresentazione sarà martedì prossimo, e mercoledì debutterò in Don Giovanni…”. Open size is 8.9 x 7.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, some rust stains, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a printed flyer introducing the soprano on the occasion of Verdi’s Centenary in 1913. 2 pp. In-4.

German soprano (1749-1833), and a violin child prodigy. Autograph receipt for “Dreizehn Rechsthaler” signed “G. E. Schmeling”, dated Berlin December 23, 1771. Size is 7.2 x 4.1 inches, some creases, overall age toning, in very good condition.

German-born British baritone (1850-1934), pianist, and conductor, a close friend to Johannes Brahms. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated December 6, 1889, to a gentleman, concerning a concert in London with the composer Francesco Paolo Tosti. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), printed letterhead, central fold, in very good condition.

American soprano and voice teacher (1914-1980), sang at the Metropolitan Opera and in concerts led by Arturo Toscaninni. Signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed and dated in 1950. Contains printed signature of photographer James Abresch, New York. Size is 8 x 10.25 inches, creases on top and bottom left and bottom right, otherwise in excellent condition.

English soprano (1903-1969), signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed and dated in 1952. Size is 4.25 x 6 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition. 

American soprano (b.1945), signed photograph, shown as Brunnhilde in Wagner's Ring Cycle. Photo by Wilhelm Rauh, Bayreuth. Size is 4 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Hungarian soprano (b.1943) and German mezzo-soprano (b. 1943),  double signed photograph of them in roles in Richard Strauss's Die Frau ohne Schatten.  Size is 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.  

American soprano (b. 1937), signed photograph, shown in the title role of Puccini's Madama Butterfly, inscribed. Stamped on verso by Marcel Ray photography studio, Toronto. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small creases on bottom left and right, otherwise in good condition.

Austrian baritone (1841-1899). Autograph note on a piece of card signed by him, dated 30 Jan, to a Baron, concerning performances. Size is 4.4 x 3.6 inches, written on both sides of the card, in very good condition.

German bass (1830-1897) who debuted in 1863 and was engaged to Berlin Court Opera in 1872. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 22, 1893, where he addresses a gentleman regretting not having obtained the permit to leave Berlin and says that they will have only brief meetings during the winter. Size is 4.7 x 7.2 inches, 3 written pages, printed monogram at the top, in very good condition.

Italian soprano (1872-1922). Autograph note written in pencil and signed by her, no dated [but 1915], addressed to the composer Angelo Bettinelli (1878-1953), concerning an upcoming meeting. Size is 5.1 x 7.3 inches, 1 page, fold, in good condition.

Belgian dramatic tenor (1861-1923), who was closely identified with the Wagnerian repertoire, his career developed mostly during the last quarter of the 19th Century. Set of three autograph letters in French and German signed by him, as follows;  A. Anvers 22 Juillet 87. To the musician and journalist Armand Gouzien (1839-1892): “…j’accuse réception au directeur de Beaux-Arts – et je vous envoie encore tous mes remerciements….” 2 pp. ½. In-8. Embossed letterhead. B. Paris 17ten Mai 93. To a gentleman, concerning the recruiting of the choreographer and dancer Josef Hassreiter (1845-1940). C. Wien 6. October 1893. To the lawyer F. Sieger, concerning possible performances at the “Concerte der Frankfurter Museums Geselllschaft”. 1 p. ½ In-8. On mourning paper.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Spanish tenor (1817-1876) who enjoyed a successful career in Italy.  Printed contract completed by hand, dated in Milan, January 19, 1873, signed by him. Size is 8 x 10.3 inches, 2 pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, in overall good condition.

Spanish tenor (1817-1876) who enjoyed a successful career in Italy. Set of two fine autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. Lemberg 13 Settembre 1873. To the impresario Canedi: “…Sono qui come vedi, e questa sera vado in scena con Lucia. Non parlai ancora con la [Teodosia] Friderici del noto affare perché attendo occasione propizia (…) Ai primi di ottobre sarò a Milano. Qui farò dieci recite, con le opere Traviata, Ebbrea, Lucia, Ugonotti, Roberto, Sonnambula, etc…”. Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, 2 written page, overall age-toning, in very good condition. B. Short note on his business card addressed to Canedi, reccomending the bariton Ignazio Priani. Size is 3.7 x 2.2 inches, some stains, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

German bass (1846-190G) pupil of Matteo Salvi and Giovanni Gentiluomo, who debuted in 1868. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated 24 Jan. 1874, to a gentleman, concerning his repertoire. Size is 5.6 x 8.7 inches, 1 page, folds, overa age toning, in very good condition.

Austrian soprano (1825-1908) pupil of Josephine Fröhlich and Julius Stockhausen. Set of three autograph letters signed by her, addressed to music directors and relating to music engagements.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). ALSO INCLUDED is a printed autobiography of the soprano. 

American soprano (b. 1919), signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Size is 3.25 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German bass-baritone (1817-1891). Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Munich, May 16, 1863, to the bookseller Moritz Glogan, ordering a book by Charles Dickens. Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, light folds, in excellent condition.

French bass (1834-1897), creator of three major roles at the Paris Opera such as Don Diego in Meyerbeer’s L'Africaine, the Monk in Verdi’s Don Carlos, and Horatio in Thomas’ Hamlet. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date specified, to a lady: “…grand succès hier soir dimanche la première de Mefistofele. Le sérvices de votre serviteur étaient dans la plénitude de deux moyens (vieux style) (…) Excellente il Maestro Trombini – fu chiamato fuori con noi moltissime volte. La musica piacque molto – fu capita dal pubblico alla prima audizione…”.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, creases, some dirt stains, in very good condition.

French tenor (1787-1866), voice teatr at the Paris Conservatoire, and creator of the role of Georges Brown in Boieldieu's opera "La Dame Blanche". Set of three autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. April 29, 1823. To the composer and Director of Paris Conservatory Luigi Cherubini  (1760-1842): “…J’ai l’honneur de vous informer que j’ai obtenu pour voyager deux mois de congé à partir du 4 mai. J’ose espérer que vous voudrez bien m’être favorable pour ce qui concerne l’École royale et la chapelle, en joignant votre agrément à l’autorisation que j’ai obtenu…”. 1 p. In-8. B. Paris, October 17, 1837. To the  director of Brussels Conservatory François-Joseph Fétis (1784-1871): “…l’ouvrage que vous m’avez communiqué et que vous disposez à faire paraître sous le titre de méthode des méthodes de chant me parait devoir être d’un grand intérêt et d’une grande utilité pour tout le monde chantant…”. 2 pp. In-8. C. Mardi 10. To a gentleman, apologizing for not being able to attend some rehearsal because of his cold. 1 p. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Tenor active with the touring San Carlo Opera Company in the 1930s and 40s. Signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed. Stamped on verso by photographer James Abresch, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small creases on corners, otherwise in very good condition. 

American tenor (1921-1967), took part in the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's opera The saint of Bleecker Street at the New York Broadway Theater in 1954, performed througout the U.S. and internationally and made several recordings. Signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed, dated in 1950. Printed signature on front of photographer James Abresch, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small tear on top left and several creases on each corner, otherwise in good condition. 

American soprano (1872-1943) who had an important career at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Set of two printed contracts completed by hand for the 1904 season at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, specifying repertoire and fees. Size is 8.4 x 11.6 inches each, different lengths, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

French singer (1779-1852), composer, and voice teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. Interesting autograph document signed by him, dated December 30, 1817, stating the divorce and child support conditions between De Garaudé and Catherine Petrouille Caubey. We report an extract: “…pour prévenir toutes contestations qui pourraient survenir entre eux, à raison de leur habitation particulières et séparer, volontairement contentées; que comme l’épouse se charge des enfants qu’ainsi son ménage exige une dépense d’entretien plus considerable à laquelle l’epoux doit subvenir pour ses propres revenus, il a été convenu entre eux et arrêté par la présente transaction qu’à compter du 1er Janvier mil huit cent dix huit, le Sr. de Garaudé s’obligerait, comme en effet il s’oblige à payer annuellement à la Dame de Garaudé son épouse, au domicile d’elle (…) une somme de huit cent francs…”.  Size is 7.1 x 10 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), spotted rust stains, creases, ink and blind stamps, in overall good condition.

French singer (1779-1852), composer, and voice teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date, addressed to the famous French composer Luigi Cherubini: “J’ai l’honneur de recommander à Monsieur Cherubini M.me Valkin, âgée de 18 ans et demie, femme d’un artiste dramatique de mes amis. Elle chantera, ce matin, l’air des Voitures versées [François-Adrien Boïeldieu, 1775-1834]. Lui donnant leçon depuis 3 à 4 mois, je prie Monsieur Cherubini de vouloir bien la mettre dans une classe, si, comme je le pense, elle est admise…”.  Size is 10.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold and creases, missing upper-left and lower-left corners, in overall very good condition.

French singer (1779-1852), composer, and voice teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 22, 1821, to a certain Mr. Cordier in Abbeville: “…Le souvenir que j’ai conservé de votre talent sur la flûte, ou vous réunissez la grâce du style à une brillante execution, m’a engagé à Mayer de composer exprès pour vous de quatuors qui, joués par vous et l’excellent cortège musical de Mr. De Wicy, pourront alors obtenir quelques succès. J’ai composé, cet été, les 3 que vous trouverez ci joint. En travaillant au 4ème, j’ai donné à graver les trois premières et, espérant finir de suite les six de cet oeuvre 35, j’avais différé de vous envoyer le 1re livraison jusqu’à ce que la 2 soit aussi gravée (…) Ces quatuors sont écrits un peu à la Rossini, et sont très épineux à exécuter. Peut être ne serait il pas mal que le violoncelle regardait un peu sa partie avant…”.  Size is 10.2 x 8.1 inches, three written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, evident creases, overall age toning, in very good condition.

Austrian tenor (1825-1885), a pupil of Angelica Catalani and Giovanni Gentiluomo, member of the Vienna Court Opera from 1843 to 1851- Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated in London, June 2, 1858, where he addresses a lady, concerning rehearsals, music engagements, and concerts in London with the impresario Benjamin Lumley. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, creases, in overall very good condition.

German tenor (1832-1883), father of the painter and stage designer Georg Hacker (1863-1945). 5-bar autograph music quote from Liszt's "Die Stille Wasserrose" with words by Emanuel Geibel, signed by Hacker and dated in Warnemünde, August 13, 1875. Size is 7.2 x 4.6 inches, evident central fold, few creases, in overall very good condition.

Cuban soprano (1882-1953), signed postcard photograph, shown as herself, dated in Buenos Aires in1908. Photo size is 3 x 5 inches, mounted on soft cardboard, total item size is 5 x 8.5 inches, crease on top right of cardboard not affecting the photo itself, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Belgian baritone (1858-1922), who debuted at the Opéra de Lille in Lucia di Lammermoor and Hérodiade, and sung for the world premieres of Massenet's "La Terre Promise" (1902). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date [probably 5-10-1901], where he addresses à gentleman, concerning a Stradivarius violin: "...venez chez moi (....), je vous montrereai un violon Stradivarius, très vieux et superbe de forme...".  Size is 5.3 x 8.5 inches, 1 written page, folds, some creases, printed letterhead, in very good condition.

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.