Pianist Autographs & Memorabilia (over $500)

French pianist (1877-1962), conductor, and teacher who was one of the most renowned classical musicians of the 20th century. Group of seven important letters in French (untranslated): four autograph signed and three typed signed, dated between 1916 and 1944, by the Swiss pianist and composer. Letters are addressed to the editor Karl Boès-Potier (1864-1940) and others, concerning private matters, recordings with Pathé, Cortot’s support of cultural activities during the two wars. We report two extracts as a sample: “…M. le Sous-secrétaire d’État ne doute pas que votre initiative ne soit de nature à resserrer plus étroitement, au lendemain de la guerre, les liens qui existeront entre les artistes et écrivains français et leurs confrères italiens…” ; “…nous venons, hélas dépauvré trop cruellement l’haneu de pareils moment pour ne pas mantenir à notre tous très surcèlement et très amicalement près de vous deux…”. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed by Clotilde Beard (Cortot's wife), dated December 15, 1934.

Large poster announcing a beneficiary concert in New York on October 3, 1970 to raise funds for the International Piano Library which suffered a devastating fire, signed by different artists. Size is 22.5 x 28.5 inches, in excellent condition. Signing artists include pianists Jorge Bolet, Ivan Davis, Bruce Hungerford, Gunna Johansen, Alicia De Larrocha, Raymond Lewenthal, Guiomar Novaes, Jesus Maria Sanroma, Rosalyn Tureck, Fernando Valenti, plus soprano Beverly Sills and conductor Julius Rudel.

Polish-American composer and pianist (1876-1957). Very beautiful cabinet photograph signed by him in Moscow, 1897, here shown at 23 years old. An original photograph by Otto Renard (Moscow). Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Ukrainian-born American pianist (1903-1989); considered one of the greatest pianists of all time, known for his virtuoso technique, tone color, and the public excitement engendered by his playing. Beautiful black-and-white photograph signed by him, dated in New York, 1989. Size is 7.9 x 9.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Famous German pianist, composer and teacher (1785-1849), at his peak, Kalkbrenner was considered by many the best pianist in Europe, and a prolific composer. Autograph note, addressed to the Gentlemen Directors of the Philharmonic Society". Letter reads "Mr Kalkbrenner presents his compliments to the Gentlemen Directors, and would feel much obliged to them if they would let him have back the scores of his Symphonia today, as has to look over some of the parts which never were well corrected. He would likewise thank them to let him know who is to be the leader. Sunday morning, 14 South Malton Street. One folded page, 8 x 9.75 inches (when folded), handwritten only on one side (see scans), in excellent condition, rare.

Russian-born American pianist (1898-1941) who started a fabulous career very early, recorded many piano rolls, composed and transcribed numerous pieces for his instrument. He died at age 42. Beautiful signed photograph showing him reading the news in a ship, 7 x 5 inches, dated 1933. Stamped on verso by onboard photographer D. Bremen. Beautiful, perfectly clear signature in black ink, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo taken on the same trip, same size, also stamped on verso by the photographer.

Bohemian piano virtuoso (1794-1870) and composer. 11-bar Autograph music quote from one of his pieces on a music sheet signed by him and dated in July 1845.  Size is 11 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Superstar Polish-born American pianist (1887-1982).  His book "My Young Years" signed boldly by him on the first title page; first edition, 1973, published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Size is 6.5 x 9.5 inches, 478 pages, hardcover and dust jacket, some wear and minor stains on the dust jacket (book in excellent condition). ALSO INCLUDED is its external hard cardboard case showing some wear (see pictures).

Superstar Polish-born American pianist (1887-1982). Fine black and white photograph signed and inscribed by him, dated in Buenos Aires, 1928, shown young; photo also signed by photographer Nicolas Rin. Size is 6.5 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

Superstar Polish-born American pianist (1887-1982). Black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated in April 1955. Size is 6.25 x 8.8 inches, in excellent condition.

German pianist and composer (1819-1896), wife of famous composer Robert Schumann and close friend of Johannes Brahms. Autograph note signed, one page in german, sold untranslated, dated in 1873. It has some folds, otherwise in excellent condition! Size 4 x 6 inches.

Russian pianist (1863-1945), composer, and conductor. Short autograph note in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated 30 Nov, 1927, where he addresses Mr.  Joan Kottenheim: “…wenn sie walt, Wie ich, sein weren dann wohlen Sie ein Autograph von längtoten musikern…”.  Size is 5.3 x 6.4 inches, 1 page, some creases, in very good condition.

Russian virtuoso pianist (1863-1945), conductor, and composer; considered one of the great practitioners of the art of transcription. Modern print of an old photograph shown next to Franz Liszt signed by Siloti dating the occasion of the photo in Weimar, July 1884, when he was just 21. Size is 7.9 x 10.1 inches, in very good condition.

Russian virtuoso pianist (1863-1945), conductor, and composer; considered one of the great practitioners of the art of transcription. Nice black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated in New York 1938. Size is 8 x 9.8 inches, minor creases, in very good condition.

Swiss-American pianist (1910-1994), composer, musicologist, and an important interpreter of the works of his father Igor. Beautiful black and white photograph signed and inscribed by him, dated in 1941, shown next to his father. Photograph is mounted over a slightly larger piece of soft cardboard. Total size is 9.3 x 6.25 inches, minor silvering, otherwise in excellent condition.