Singers - Autograph Manuscripts ($100 - $250)

Italian tenor (1832-1889) who sang leading roles throughout Europe. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1871, addressed to the impresario Innocenzo Canedi commenting about engagements to perform in Naples and Cairo.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and verso), folds, overall rust, in very good condition.

Italian tenor (1832-1889) who sang leading roles throughout Europe. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Naples, 1878 addressed to Mr. Eustachio in Naples, concerning the 1878 performance of the opera Cleopatra at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, commenting also on other performances. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, 4 written pages, folds, creases, in very good condition.

Italian baritone (1846-1917). Autograph note written in Italian signed by the baritone and dated in Milan 1889. Note is written on a postcard, attractive handwriting, and signature.  Size is 3.25 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

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.

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.

Star Italian soprano, actress and monologist (1874-1944) who had a celebrated career in both the U.S and Europe.  Autograph note signed, with embossed letterhead, 3 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5.5 x 7 inches, in very good condition. Also included: unsigned photograph, shown as herself, contains both printed and blind stamped signature of photographer Aime Dupont, size is 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Romanian soprano (1910-1949), considered one of the biggest stars in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Strauss operas.  Set of 1 8.25 x 11.75 inch Autograph Letter Signed, dated in Berlin in 1940 with embossed name, and 1 4 x 5.75 inch Autograph Note signed, dated in 1945, both 1 page each, written in German and sold untranslated, along with an unsigned 4-page 7.5 x 10 inch program for a November 1936 performance at London's Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, of Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier featuring the soprano as Sophie von Faninal and conducted by Karl Bohm. All in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

French soprano (1824-1892), appeared in the world premiere productions of Berlioz's Beatrice et Benedict and Les Troyens.  Autograph note signed with embossed letterhead, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4 x 5.25 inches, in very good condition. 

French baritone (1798-1892). Autograph letter signed, 1 page written in French, sold untranslated. Bold and clear signature. Size is 5.25 x 7.75 inches, a rare item in 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.  

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a colorized engraving depicting her as Angele in Auber's opera Le Domino Noir. Size is 5.8 x 8.8 inches, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed on verso by her. Size is 3.8 x 5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in very good condition.

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Set of 2 autograph letter signed, in French (untranslated), both 1 pages in length, one of these dated in 1848, size is 4 x 5.25 inches, the other is on a larger sheet of 8.25 x 11 inches, dated in 1838, very clear handwriting with much of the text possibly written by another hand but with her clear signature, some rust on the far edges of the sheet but not affecting text or signature.  Not sold separately. Rare vintage items!

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. 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 (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.

American mezzo-soprano/contralto (1878-1934), who toured worldwide immensely, and greatly helped raise funds for charity causes, later in life became a teacher. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1929, responding to a potential student, two pages in separate sheets, in English, each one is 5.75 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian baritone (1811-1894), one of the three leading Italian baritones of nineteenth-century Italy, and performed in the world premiere productions of works by Verdi and Donizetti. Autograph note signed, written in Italian (sold untranslated). Size is 4 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition.

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.

Italian baritone (1822-1890). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Brescia, 1851. Size is 6.9 x 9 inches, evident loss of paper over the left margin, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian soprano (1886-1972). Autograph letter signed. 4 pages on 2 sheets of paper. Written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8.4 x 10 inches, beautifully preserved in excellent condition.

Romanian soprano (1886-1960). Handwritten autobiography, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Fifteen pages of text on five sheets of paper, most double-sided, with three storage holes at the top of each page. Size is 5.75 x 8 inches, small stain at the bottom of the first page not affecting the text, otherwise in very good condition.  ALSO INCLUDED are four small photo clips ranging in size from 1.5 x 2.9 inches to 2.75 x 4.3 inches, shown both as herself and in role (not scanned).  

French mezzo-soprano (1882-1946), and singing teacher whose best-known pupils were Janine Micheau and Gerard Souzay. Set of three autograph letters in French signed by her, two of them dated 1926 and 1943, addressed to the composer Émile Passani (1905-1974) and composer and music critic Henri Woollett (1864-1936), about personal and professional matters.  Different sizes, lenghts, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Austrian soprano (1853-1907), who sang the role of Amelia in the premiere of the revised version of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra in 1881. Autograph letter signed, written on all four pages of a folded document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches (unfolded document is 7 x 8.75 inches), vintage historical item in excellent condition!

Russian-Italian soprano (1807-1864), voice teacher, daughter of the celebrated voice teacher Filippo Dall'Oca. Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. Berlin le 23 Octobre 1842. To the Court theatre manager Karl Theodor von Küstner, asking for: “…deux billets de parquet et quatre billets au second rang des loges (…) Dans ce moment je viens de recevoir mon rôle dans Belisaire, et le plus-tôt possible je tacherai de le donner…”. 1 p. In-4. B. Fano li 22 Febbrajo 1850. To the impresario Alessandro Lanari: “…in questo momento ho riceguto la vostra lettera, e ne feci parte alla mia figlia la quale per verità rimase assai mortificata nel vedere che il Sig. Marzi dopo tante dimostrazioni, e conoscendo i suoi mezzi, le abbia potuto fare questa meschina offerta, e sopra più anche obbligandola di fare le opere buffe, le quali sono affatto fuori del suo genere, e ch’essa non azzarderebbe di cantarle altro che avendo di già piaciuto in una città dopo una o due opere del suo genere…”.  2 pp. In-8. In the premiere (03/10/1837) of the opera Il Giuramento by Saverio Mercadante she sang the role of Elaisa. In the same year she sang other roles at the Vienna Court Opera, including the title role in Gemma di Vergy by Gaetano Donizetti in the first performance on May 28, 1838. In 1841 she made another guest appearance at the Vienna Court Opera, this time in the role of Teodora in Mercadante's opera Il bravo, at La Scala she had created the role very successfully in the premiere on March 9, 1839.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Italian dramatic soprano, active in the 1880s and 1890s who starred in the role of Nefta/Suor Clotilde in the world premiere performances of Alberto Franchetti's Asrael in 1888. Autograph letter signed, dated in Florence in 1876, 3 pages written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.5 x 8.25 inches, unfolded total size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, small tear on the top right of last pages, otherwise in excellent condition. 

English singer and musician who also played flute and harpsichord (1743 or 1744-1818). Autograph letter signed, dated in Naples in 1772, 3 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Each page is 7.5 x 9.25 inches, total unfolded item is 9.25 x 14 inches, small tear on the left side of back pages (not including any text), as well as tape residue, and small stains on front pages, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian baritone (1819-1881), especially known for his Verdi roles, appeared in the world premiere productions of that composer's I Due Foscari, Il Corsaro, Luisa Miller, and La Forza del Destino. Signed album page, dated in 1855, bold handwriting and signature. Size is 9.25 x 12.5 inches. Very rare vintage item in excellent 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.

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 soprano (1824-1905), who was the first Traviata in the USA. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1865, Madrid, written in French and sold with translation. Size 5.25 x 8.25 inches, four pages, in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1870-1909). Signed postcard, written in Italian (sold untranslated). Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Spanish baritone Mariano De Padilla (1842-1906). Autograph music quote signed from Rossini's Barbiere di Siviglia, dated in 1882, on 2.75 x 4.25 card in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a signed card from his daughter French-Spanish soprano Lola Artot de Padilla (1876-1933), one of the most important sopranos in Germany during the early years of the 20th century, written in Baden-Baden, 2.5 x 4.25 inches, in excellent condition. 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.

Polish star tenor (1850-1925), Polish bass (1853-1917). Set of 2 regular cards signed by them (one by Jean, one by Edouard) dated 1892 with a short sentiment (Edouard) and just with a short sentiment (Jean). Size is 4.3 x 3.4 inches each, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian tenor (1875-1939). Autograph letter signed, written on the stationary of the Grand Hotel Central in Argentina, dated in 1911. 1 page written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8 x 10.75 inches, some rust on edges and borders, but text is very clear with bold handwriting and signature. Very rare and unique historical item!

French contralto (1875-1932), a major singer in Paris at the Opéra-Comique enjoyed an international career in the 1890s through the 1910s. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her. Size is 4.4 x 5.75 inches, 2 written pages in 1 sheet, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an original vintage photograph of her in role. Size is 4.1 x 6.25 inches, in very good condition.

French bass (1808-1880), who possessed a rich deep voice that had a great carrying power. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated June 27, 1849, addressed to Master Tailor and Costume Designer of the Royal Academy of Music in Paris, asking him to send him costumes for the Venice carnival of 1849. Size is 5.2 x 8.4 inches, 4 written pages, creases, some rust stain, in overall very good condition.

American soprano (1851-1941). Autograph letter signed, dated in Paris in 1872. Written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8.25 inches, two pages, in excellent condition.

Famous French tenor, teacher and composer (1806-1896), creator of the role of Edgardo in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor in 1835. 10-bar autograph music quote from Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots signed by him in Paris, on February 24, 1847. Size is 9.75 x 6.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French tenor (1806-1896) and singing teacher, known as the creator of the role of Edgardo in the world premiere of Lucia di Lammermoor (1835). Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Paris, 1861. Size is 5.25 x 8.1 inches 1 page, folds, in excellent condition.

Famous French tenor, teacher and composer (1806-1896), creator of the role of Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor in 1835. Signed contract for teaching at the famous "Ecole Spéciale de Chant"; the pupil, Raoul Fauquez is well known and had a career in the Théâtre-Lyrique and Opéra-Comique in Paris under the name of Coppel. Four pages, 7 x 9.75 inches, signed on the last page, dated 1868. See scans of each of the four pages by clicking on the photo thumbnails.

Collection of five autographed signature cuts by five leading stars and personalities associated with the earliest days of the Metropolitan Opera during the early to mid 1880's. Includes performers Autuste Vianesi, Louise Lablache, Marcella Sembrich, and Sofia Scalchi, as well as General Manager Maurice Grau. Sizes range from 4 x 1.8 inches to 4.5 x 2.6 inches. All have very clear handwriting and signatures and are in extremely good, well-preserved condition, making for a very rare and valuable historical collection. See scans - not sold individually.

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.

Leading German tenor (1877-1958), created roles for several works by Pfitzner and other modern operas. Autograph note signed by him, in German, 1 page, dated in Ravensburg -his birthplace - in 1949. Sold untranslated. Size is 6 x 8.25 inches, has folds, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned photo postcard, shown as Loge in Wagner's Das Rheingold. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Famous French tenor (1859-1940), well-known in his time for his performances of heroic roles in French and Italian opera. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 4.75 x 6.75 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photograph of him; ink-stamped on verso by photographer Ermini (Milan) plus a signed record label (3.9 diameter).