Singers - Autograph Manuscripts ($100 - $250)

English tenor (1845-1927), leading concert and oratorio performer in the 1880s and 90s. Autograph musical quote signed, dated in 1888. Rare vintage historic item, on a 4 x 6.5-inch card, in excellent condition!

English tenor (1845-1927), leading concert and oratorio performer in the 1880s and 90s. Autograph musical quote signed (music of Handel), dated in Chicago in 1892. Bold handwriting and signature. This is an album page of 5.5 x 9.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Austrian soprano (1841-1908). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1882. Written on all 4 sides of a folded 2.75 x 4.25 inch card, written in German, sold untranslated. In excellent condition. 

Austrian soprano (1841-1908). Autograph letter in German signed by her, dated in Vienna, on April 17, 1888, to the composer and director of the Vienna Court Opera Wilhelm Jahn (1835-1900), on music business.  Size is 4.4 x 6.8 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, monogram as letterhead, folds, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

American soprano/mezzo soprano (1861-1949).  Unsigned cabinet photograph, shown possibly in role, mounted onto larger piece of cardboard which contains her signature and inscription, dated in 1898. Cabinet photo is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, with a gold-plated printed signature of the photographer Reutlinger, Paris and is in excellent inscription. Total item size is 9.5 x 12.5 inches, some rips and tears on the edges of the cardboard and mounting traces on verso, but otherwise beautiful and well-preserved historic item. 

French soprano (1781-1871). Autograph letter signed by her, written in French (sold untranslated), no date. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, folds, in excellent condition. Very rare!

Italian tenor (1817-1887), known for having created the role of Rodolfo in the world premiere of Verdi´s "Luisa Miller" in 1849. Autograph letter signed, dated in Venice in 1856. One page, in Italian, sold untranslated.

Italian operatic contralto (1833 – 1919), one of Rossini's favorite singers. . In her later years she became a singing teacher at the Naples Conservatory and also taught privately, including among her pupils Toti Dal Monte and Rosa Raisa.  Autograph music quote signed, with musical quote from Rossini's Cenerentola and accompanying text by her at the bottom of an attractive 3.5 x 5.5 inch postcard with an seaside image. Attractive vintage item in excellent condition! 

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.  Original autograph letters signed by him. Different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all the manuscripts and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

French "baryton-martin" i.e. a singer whose tessitura lies between baritone and tenor (1768-1837), who later taught singing at the "Conservatoire de Musique" of Paris, from 1825 to 1837. Created some 15 roles in operas by various composers including Nicholas Dalayrak, Andre Gretry and Etienne Mehul.  Autograph letter signed,  1 page written in French, dated in 1817, sold with a typed French transcription which is followed by a brief biography at the bottom of the transcribed page. The original letter is 7.25 x 9.5 inches, small creases and rust on edges, otherwise in very good condition. The typed transcription is 8.25 x 11.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian tenor (1844-1926), known as the "Angelic Tenore", described by Giuseppe Verdi as having the best voice he ever heard. Autograph note signed, dated in Barcelona in 1886, 1 page, written in Spanish, sold untranslated. Size of page is 5 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Austrian soprano (1844-1918) best known for Wagnerian roles, appearing as Brunnhilde in the first complete Ring Cycle in Bayreuth in 1876, and starring in the world premiere performances of Siegfried, Die Gotterdammerung and Parsifal, also at Bayreuth. Autograph letter signed, text on first three of four folded pages, written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian soprano (1844-1918) best known for Wagnerian roles, appearing as Brunnhilde in the first complete Ring Cycle in Bayreuth in 1876, and starring in the world premiere performances of Siegfried, Die Gotterdammerung and Parsifal, also at Bayreuth. Autograph note signed, dated in 1884, written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian soprano (1844-1918) best known for Wagnerian roles, appearing as Brunnhilde in the first complete Ring Cycle in Bayreuth in 1876, and starring in the world premiere performances of Siegfried, Die Gotterdammerung and Parsifal, also at Bayreuth.  Signed and inscribed clip from an album page, dated in 1890, irregularly cut. Size is 6.5 x 4.4 inches, in very good condition.

French baritone (1848-1923), of international reputation, created the role of Iago in Otello and the title role of Falstaff (both operas by Verdi). Original signed photographs of the artist in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL THE AUTOGRAPHS and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

Star Australian soprano (1861-1931), who became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and Italian conductor and cellist (1848-1921). Double signed album page, dated in 1900, size is 6.25 x 7.75 inches, in very good condition. 

French baritone (1843-1925) who enjoyed a long career in the French capital across a broad range of operatic genres. Set of three autograph letters signed by him and other letters addressed to him by other personalities, plus one color lithograph of him shown in role, plus his personal card. Various sizes, in very good condition or better.

Italian tenor (1887-1976). Autobiographical note, written in Milan, dated in 1951. Written in Italian, sold untranslated. Two pages on one double-sided sheet with three storage holes in the center and near the bottom of the document. Size is 8.3 x 10.75 inches, in very good condition.

Set of 4 cards and 1 album page signed by different artists on the occasion of the Inaugural night of the Metropolitan Opera in 1883, including Christine Nilsson, Giuseppe Del Puente, Italo Campanini, Sofia Scalchi, and some others. Different sizes: 4.6 x 3.5 inches, 5.25 x 4.5 inches, 4.75 x 7.5 inches, 5.8 x 3 inches; all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1827-1895), who was the first Marguerite in the world premiere of Gounod's Faust, and Juliette in the premiere of the same composer's Romeo et Juliette, among other important operas. Nice lot of 5 autograph letters signed by her, in French (sold untranslated), two of the letters show her initials as letterhead. Each letter is 2 to 4 pages long, being each page 5.25 x 8.1 inches in size. Small binding holes on the left border, otherwise in very good condition.  SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1827-1895), who was the first Marguerite in the world premiere of Gounod's Faust, and who performed Juliette in the premiere of the same composer's Romeo et Juliette, as well as debuting other important operas. Autograph letter signed, 4 pages on a folded 4-page document written in French, sold untranslated, dated in 1870. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, very well preserved, in excellent condition.

French soprano (1827-1895), who was the first Marguerite in the world premiere of Gounod's Faust, and Juliette in the premiere of the same composer's Romeo et Juliette, among other important operas. Autograph note signed, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4 x 5.2 inches, with a slight tear at the bottom right not affecting the text and signature. Otherwise in excellent condition.

French soprano (1827-1895), who was the first Marguerite in the world premiere of Gounod's Faust, and Juliette in the premiere of the same composer's Romeo et Juliette, among other important operas. Autograph note signed on both sides of a 3 x 4.5-inch card contained her printed initials on the front side, written in French, sold untranslated. In excellent condition.

Austrian-born baritone (1818-1872), creator of the role of Wolfram in the 1845 world premiere of Tannhauser. Autograph letter signed, in German, no date mentioned. Sold untranslated. One large sheet folded into 4 pages, handwritten and signed on page 1. Page size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, has folds, in excellent condition.

Famous American soprano and actress (1898-1947), who helped popularize opera by taking it to a bigger audience through movies. Autograph letter in English signed by her, dated Oct. 22, 1927, to Charles Magnes: “…I haven’t a press agent and should like to engage the fellow who wrote that article for Musical America – He didn’t leave anything out! They must have looked up all my ‘foolish past’ in the Sam Harris scrap book (…) I decided Spain was too much responsibility for the moment – I though forever. So I’m returning very single and happy (…)I’ll be home to work, work – My beau has gone away with a heavy heart and I’ve been ill from a cold and understanding again that Art must be my great love for a while…”. Size is 5.25 x 7.25 inches each page, four written pages in one folded sheet with letterhead of Hotel Astoria (Paris), fold, in excellent condition.

Famous American soprano and actress (1898-1947), who helped popularize opera by taking it to a bigger audience through movies. Autograph letter in French signed by her, dated 1928, addressed to the manager of the Metropolitan Opera, Giulio Gatti-Casazza (1869-1940) about professional matters: “…je prepare ‘Manon’, ‘Juliet’ et ‘Pagliacci’ – vous avez parlez de ‘Manon’ à notre dernier conversation à New York et j’ai arrangez plusieurs representations en France et en Belgique (…) J’espère que je chanterai ‘Juliette’ à Paris aussi – je veux être prête pour New York et si possible faire les souffrants critics take notice!…”. Size is 5.9 x 7.75 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet with the letterhead of Casa Lauretta, irregularly cut borders, folds, in overall very good condition.

French tenor and actor (1878-1954), whose career was mostly associated with the French repertoire. Set of 2 Autograph letters signed, one a 1 page 8.25 x 10.5 letter written on his official letterhead, dated in Paris in 1936, the other 2 pages, composed on both sides of a 5.5 x 8.5 inch document, written on stationary of the Hotel Ansonia in New York, dated in 1918. Both written in French, sold untranslated. Small creases and folds on each document, otherwise in very good condition. Also included: an unsigned advertisement clip promoting upcoming engagements in Paris, Monte Carlo, Nice, and Rome, size is 7 x 10 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Italian soprano (1889-1936), one of the most famous singers in the early 20th century. Signed album page, dated in 1934. Inscribed in Spanish. Also included: signature of Wilhelm Kempff, great German pianist (1895-1991) on verso. Size is 4.25 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1859-1932), who appeared in the world premiere productions of Alberto Franchetti's Asrael and Cristoforo Columbo, also married to the famous Spanish dramatic tenor Francisco Vinas. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1881, 2 pages on both sides of a two-sided document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

English sisters Sopranos (1821-1904) and (1818-1908). Nice autograph riddle on an album page by Sabilla signed by her, dated in Baden-Baden on September 19, 1890. Size is 6.8 x 9.3 inches, minor stains, otherwise in very good condition. 3.75 x 1.25-inches signature cut of Clara Novello, with some tape rust marks over the borders, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian soprano (1866-1961).  Autograph note signed, written on a postcard. Written in Russian in bright purple ink. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, a rare vintage item, in excellent condition. 

Russian soprano (1866-1961). Autograph note signed, written on a postcard. Written in Russian in bright purple ink., sold with a one page English transcription, dated in 1938. Original note size is 4 x 5.5 inches with some smudges near the bottom of the note not affecting the legibility of the handwriting, in otherwise good condition.   Also included: unsigned postcard photograph from 1898, shown in role, size is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition Rare vintage items, not sold separately. 

Nice collection of autograph essays written and signed by James McCracken (3), Sherrill Milnes (1), and James Morris (1). Size is 8.4 x 10.9 inches each, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Original vintage business cards of opera singers, most of them signed or with a text or quote, some others unsigned; all in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all the business cards and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

Original vintage business cards of opera singers, most of them signed or with a text or quote, some others unsigned; all in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions).Scroll down to see all the business cards and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available.SOLD INDIVIDUALLY.

Original vintage business cards of opera singers, most of them signed or with a text or quote, some others unsigned; all in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions).Scroll down to see all the business cards and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available.SOLD INDIVIDUALLY.

Original vintage business cards of opera singers, most of them signed or with a text or quote, some others unsigned; all in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions).Scroll down to see all the business cards and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available.SOLD INDIVIDUALLY.

Collection of thirty seven autographed items by prominent opera singers from the 1900s's to the 1940s including mostly signed album pages, as well as signed cards. Includes such leading artists as Frederick Jagel, Friedrich Schorr, Elisabeth Schumann, Johanna Gadski, Lily Pons, Lotte Lehmann, Tito Gobbi, Richard Crooks, Maggie Teyte, and Tito Schipa among others. Several pages contain a signature on one side, others have different signatures on both sides. Sizes range from 3.25 x 5 inches to 4 x 6.5 inches. Most have very clear handwriting and signatures and all are in extremely good, well-preserved condition. See scans - not sold individually.

Collection of thirty six autographed items mostly by several prominent opera singers from the 1920s's to the 1940s,  but also including some unidentified artists. Mostly signed album pages, as well as signed cards. Includes such leading artists as Alfred Piccaver, Edward Johnson, Richard Mayr, and Tino Pattiera, among others. Several pages contain a signature on one side, others have different signatures on both sides. Sizes range from 2 x 3.75 inches to 5.5 x 8 inches. Most have very clear handwriting and signatures and all are in extremely good, well-preserved condition. See scans - not sold individually.

Collection of twenty seven autographed items of leading opera singers from the 1930s to the 1950s, most are from the 1930s's and 1940s. This group consists of both signed cards and signed album pages, ranging in size from 1.75 x 4.25 inches to 5 x 6.25 inches.  The opera singers include such prominent artists as Alfred Jerger, Charles Kullmann, Irmgard Seefried, Luise Helletsgruber, Maria Gerhart, Maria Nemeth, Max Lorenz, and Richard Mayr.  Several of these items are from unidentified artists. Most cards contain a signature on only one side, but several have  different signatures on each of the 2 sides. . Most have very clear handwriting and signatures and all are in extremely good, well-preserved condition. See scans - not sold individually.

Collection of eighteen autographed items by prominent opera singers from the 1940s's to the 1970s including program clips, typed letters signed, signed cards, signed album pages, and signature cuts. Includes such leading artists as Beverly Sills,  Blanche Thebom, Ezio Pinza, Grace Moore, Helen Traubel, Jennie Tourel, John Charles Thomas, Lauritz Melchior, Lawrence Tibbett, Leontyne Price, Pilar Lorengar, and Tatiana Troyanos, among others. Sizes range from 2.25 x 3.25 inches to 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Most have very clear handwriting and signatures and all are in extremely good, well-preserved condition. See scans - not sold individually.  

One 2-sided album page containing 5 musical quotes signed between 1885-1886: 1 by American baritone, pianist and composer Eugene Oudin (1858-1894), 1 from Estonian tenor Raimund Von Zur-Muhlen (1854-1931), 1 from English soprano Pauline Creamer (1858-?), 1 jointly signed by the sisters Sophie Robertson (1854-?) and contralto Fanny Robertson (dates unknown) - and 1 from the English composer Dick Cotsford (1846-1911). Very bold and clear handwriting and signatures. Size is 5 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Croatian-born baritone (1837-1908), who was at the world premiere of Il Guarani and I Lituani. He was the brother of the first Desdemona in Otello. Autograph letter signed, in Italian, sold untranslated, dated in 1883. Size is 3.75 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Scottish soprano (1836-1874), with an outstanding international career, cofounder of the Parepa-Rosa Opera company. Album page signed by her with a short music quote. Size is 5.3 x 7 inches, left border irregularly cut, otherwise in excellent condition. The album page was also signed on the front by the English contralto Charlotte Sainton (1824-1885), English pianist Wilhelm Ganz (1833-1914); on verso by Sofia Ercolani, German pianist Jacques Blumenthal (1829-1908), and two other unidentified artists.

Superstar Italian soprano (1843-1919), one of the greatest singers of the 19th century. Autograph letter signed by her and addressed to conductor Franco Fano as director of a magazine, announcing to him her third marriage with Baron Söderstrom.  Size is 4.9 x 6.7 inches, 3 pages, in very good condition.

Superstar Italian soprano (1843-1919), one of the greatest singers of the 19th century. Autograph letter in English signed by her, dated June 19, 1880, sent to a friend sharing her thoughts about her new house.  Size is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, 3 written pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition.

Superstar Italian soprano (1843-1919), one of the greatest singers of the 19th century. Autograph letter signed by her about general issues, dated August 23, 1884. Size is 4.6 x 6.5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet. ALSO INCLUDED is a rare modern photograph of Patti in Giovanna d'Arco (a role she performed only once). Size is 2.8 x 4.6 inches, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

Superstar Italian soprano (1843-1919), one of the greatest singers of the 19th century. Autograph letter signed, written to her niece in English on embossed stationery, also sold with a typed English transcription, dated in 1892. Handwritten on four successive pages, front to back. ALSO INCLUDED is the envelope. Size is 5 x 8 inches, top right corner of the paper is chopped off (containing no text), otherwise in excellent condition.