Singers - Autograph Manuscripts ($100 - $250)

Irish baritone and later leading music teacher and administrator (1865-1936), most famous in the formal concert and oratorio repertoire. Set of 2 autograph musical quotes signed, one with translated text taken from an old Hungarian song, dated in 1893, sized at 4.5 x 7 inches, the other on a 6 x 7.5-inch document, dated in Hull in 1908. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Italian tenor (1806-1875), appeared in the world premiere productions of Verdi's Giovanna D'Arco and Donizetti's Torquato Tasso, as well as other operas. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in Italian, sold untranslated, dated in 1841. Text on the first page of the 4-page folded document, page's size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, small tear on the back page without text, otherwise in very good condition.

French tenor and teacher (1787-1866). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1847. Written in French, sold untranslated. Document consists of four folded pages, text is on the first two. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, small tear and ink stain on back pages (without text), otherwise in excellent condition.

French tenor and teacher (1787-1866). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1856, written in French (sold untranslated). Document consists of four folded pages, text is on the first three. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent 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.

French-American coloratura soprano (1898-1976), a Met star for nearly 30 years. 7 Signed album pages inscribed to her from various colleagues in the opera world including Pasquale Amato, Giovanni Zenatello, Richard Crooks, and Queena Mario, among others. Variously written in English, French and Italian, sold untranslated. Each album page is 4.75 x 7.75 inches with slight fading at corners but overall in extremely good condition.

French-American coloratura soprano (1898-1976), a Metropolitan Opera star for nearly 30 years. Typed signed contract with that company, dated in 1956, eight pages, with both Pons and Metropolitan Opera General Manager Rudolf Bing's handwritten signatures at the bottom of the front page (see scan). Size is 8.5 x 13.5 inches, small stain at top of the front page and small crease on the back page, otherwise in very good condition.

French-American coloratura soprano (1898-1976), a Metropolitan star for nearly 30 years.  Original typed essay, from her estate, with 14 pages about her and her career, entitled "Singing Through Life", for a publisher named Barnett B. Lester. Essay is a typed original, not a carbon copy, and has an autograph note signed by her on the first page, saying "My Dear Mr. Lester, the interview granted by me to you is exclusive, I know you will do an excellent article, Lily Pons". A total of 14 typed pages, each one is 7.5 x 11 inches, plus the note on page 1, inside light green covers, in excellent condition.

French soprano (1802-1861), creator of Zerlina in Auber's "Fra Diavolo" (1930) and Madeleine in Adam's "Le Postillon de Lonjumeau" (1836). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated 1827, addressed to a gentleman, concerning a wage increase: “…je ne pense pas que la demande de 2000fr d’augmentation soit exagérée, et d’avance elle m’était promise (…) Je chante la première chanteuse, je joue l’emploi de St. Aubin et les rôles crées par Madame Pradher…”.  Size is 7.3 x 9.5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, folds, in overall 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. 

4 pages from an autograph album containing signatures of English soprano Louisa Pyne (1832-1904), her sister Susanna Pyne (1821–86) was also an accomplished singer, Czech baritone Johann Baptist Pischek (1814-1873), Italian conductor Enrico Bevignani (1841-1903), Italian baritone Enrico Delle Sedie (1824-1907), Belgian bass-baritone, conductor and composer Luigi Agnesi (1833-1875), and several other performers. Each page is 5.25 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. 

Signed 3 x 5 inch card containing the signatures of two famous sisters the Italian mezzo-soprano Sofia Ravogli (1865-1910) and Italian soprano Giulia Ravogli (1866-1941). This card also contains a musical quote betweeen their two signatures and is dated in New York in 1892. On the verso side of this card is the signature of American painter, sculptor, and writer Francis Davis Millet (1848-1912) who died in the sinking of the famous ship the Titanic. Signed as "F.D. Millet", dated in 1892. Bold handwriting and signature. Vintage item in excellent 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 baritone (1849-1903). Creator of the role of Amfortas in the World Première of Wagner's Parsifal in July 1882 at Bayreuth. Autograph note signed, dated in 1889 with quote from Friedrich Schiller. Size is 5.5 x 9 inches, in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1859-1939), sister of pianist Théodore Ritter. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated October 10, [1888], to the French tenor Victor Capoul (1839-1924), concerning the recreation of the title role in Godard’s opera “Jocelyn”: “…Nous ne saurons résister au vif plaisir d’aller vous applaudir samedi prochain dans votre nouvelle et bell création de Jocelyn…”.  Open size is 9 x 7.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, folds, in overall very good condition.

French soprano (1846-1926). Autograph letter signed. Item consists of 4 folded pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Her name is embossed with an emblem seal on the first page in addition to the handwritten signature. Size is 4.3 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Italian tenor (1794-1854), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era. Signature cut of the star tenor (probably the bottom of a letter or document) mounted over a slightly larger piece of paper. Size is 6 x 2.9 inches, in excellent 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.

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 bass-baritone (1805-1875). Autograph letter signed, 2 pages of a folded 4-page document, dated in Genova in 1835, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 7.5 x 9.75 inches, slight tear on front pages, and more significant on back pages without text, otherwise in good condition.

Italian soprano (1824-?). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1859, 1 page of text on the first page of a 4 page folded document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, small tear on the right of the back pages without text, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1819-?), who created the role of Abigaïlle in Verdi’s Nabucco in the London première in 1846, she was much appreciated by the composer. Collection of three early and rare autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her as follows: A. Not dated. To the impresario Antonio Alaimo: “…Prima di tutto siate certo del mio segreto e poi vi dirò com’io sia dispiacente di non avere oggi neppure un 20 f. a mia disposizione. Dico oggi perché dimani potrei avere denaro da Milano…”. 1 p. In-4. With diffused spots and loss of paper at margins. B. 29 September [1846]. To the music publisher Ricordi: “…Avend’io deciso di cantare per la mia serata a Palermo la cavatina del Nabucco la prego gentilissimo signore di mandarmela tosto. La detta cavatina dev’essere trasportata un semitono più bassa tanto l’andante che l’allegro restando però il recitativo nel tono originale…”. 2 pp. In-8. C. July 9, 1858. To the impresario Antonio Alaimo: “…Non posso ottenere la carta di soggiorno in Toscana se non porto il documento di un’affare teatrale con uno di questi impresari. Sicché vi prego fatemi una lettera (…) Conviene ch’io indica inoltre come io abbia diritto ad uno schiarimento sulle voci che corrono del scioglimento appalto Canetti, e ciò per non pregiudicare i miei interessi…”. 1 p. ½. In-4.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American soprano (1864-1903), admired by Massenet and Saint-Saens, creator of the role of Esclarmonde in 1889. Autograph note signed on both sides of a 2-sided 3.25 x 5 inch card with her initials as letterhead on top left, in excellent condition. Written in French, sold untranslated. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned cabinet photograph, shown as herself, photo by Charles Reutlinger, Paris. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, small cracks on top right and left and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition.  

Italian bass (1798-?), appeared in the world premiere performances of Donizetti's Marina Faliero. Autograph letter signed (signed as "V. Santini"), first 2 pages of a 4-page document, dated in 1832, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5 x 8 inches, tear on the back 2 pages without text, otherwise in excellent condition with bold and clear handwriting.

Belgian soprano (1834-1907) (whose name is also spelled as "Marie Sass"), who performed in the French premiere of Tannhauser (1861), L’ Africaine (1865) and Don Carlo (1867).  Autograph letter signed, embossed, composed in Neuilly, France, 2 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 3.75 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned vintage print, shown in role, in a portrait. Size is 7 x 9 inches, slight rust but in otherwise good condition. Not sold separately. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1850-1922), very celebrated in her time, with a voice containing a range of 2 and a half octaves. A fine album page with a text quote in Italian signed by her in New York, 1885. Size is 7.5 x 4.7 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1850-1922), very celebrated in her time, with a voice containing a range of 2 and a half octaves. Small card signed by her and dated 1898 attached to a photo clip from a magazine or program. Size is 5.7 x 3.5 inches, some wear, in overall very good condition.

Austrian-American soprano (1879-1954), autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written on both sides of a 2 -sided 4.5 x 6.5 inch embossed card, written in English, dated in 1923. Several small bullet holes on the top, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Austrian soprano (1893-1977). An album page signed and inscribed by her with a short sentiment dated April 19th, 1928. Size is 7.7 x 10.1 inches, in very good condition.

German soprano (1848-1917). Autograph letter signed, written in Frankfurt, dated in 1883. 2 pages, written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 4.25 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

French tenor (1848-1899), urban planner, and Socialist politician. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, August 2, 1891, where he addresses a certain Mr. Jacquot: “…je vous félicite par Monsieur votre père à l’Expédition de Moscou, je partage votre satisfaction…”.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, two written pages in one sheet (front and verso), light smudge over the ink writting on the first age, central fodl, in overall excellent 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.

Bohemian soprano/mezzo-soprano (1848-1928). Autograph letter signed as "Theresina Singer de Simens", no date. Written in two pages, in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, in excellent 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.

German contralto (1857-1893), often remembered for her performances of Johannes Brahms' works. Autograph letter in German signed by her, dated in Wiesbaden October 19, 1887, addressed to a gentleman, concerning her fees for singing in Lausanne: “…Ich erlaube mir Ihnen Ihre Anfrage vom 17 d. zu erwieden, dass Ihre Permuhlung ich sänge in mehreren Konzerten in Lausanne wahrscheinlich auf einem Irsthume beruht. Herr R. Spiess hat sich vor Kurzem an mich gewendet, ob ich gerne einmal in Lausanne sänge, worauf ich ihm besahend antwortete, und ihm meine Honorärbedingungen ein sandte…”. Translation: “…I take the liberty of replying to your inquiry of the 17th that your belief that I sing in several concerts in Lausanne is probably based on an error. Mr. R. Spiess recently asked me if I would like to sing in Lausanne, to which I replied and sent him my fee conditions…”. Size is 4.9 x 7.8 inches each page, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, craeses, in overall very good condition.

Austrian bass (1807-1861), prominent in the mid-nineteenth century with an active international career, especially in London.  Autograph musical quote signed in Liverpool, dated in 1847. Quote is on a well preserved 4.5 x 7-inch page, mounted on a larger album page of 7 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1844-1915). Autograph letter signed, 2 pages of text on four-page folded document, written in Italian, sold untranslated, signed as "Elisa Donzelli". Each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, small page on the top right of back 2 pages (no text), otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian soprano, also known as Bina Steffanone or Steffenoni, (1825-1896), sang throughout Europe and in the United States between 1842-1862. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages of text on 4 sided folded document, embossed on the front page, composed in Italian, sold untranslated. Each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, very slight tear at top of last two pages, otherwise in excellent condition.

Hungarian tenor (1824-1911), great performer in operas of Rossini, Donizetti, and early Verdi. Autograph letter in Italian signed by him as “Fr. Stéger”, dated in Barcelona, Feb. 20, 1872, to his impresario Giuseppe Lamperti (1834-1898) in Milan, about his conditions for singing in Odessa: “...cinquemila franchi in oro mensili, ed una mezza serata netta di spese. Se potrai arrivare al viaggio [travel refund] mi farai cosa grata...”. This amount seems justified to him, as an impresario from Bucharest having offered him “...20.000 franchi per 5 mesi, con serata e viaggio da Pest 2 persone ; io ne volevo 25.000...”. Barcelona's musical season is looking good, despite a terrible organization,”...un caos da perdere la testa...”. He mentioned the success achieved in Valencia by the opera troupe led by Costantino Dall’Argine, etc. Size is 5.25 x 8.1 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, dust stains, in overall very good condition. Four lines of text below his signature, written by another unidentified hand, with signature.

American contralto (1841-1904). Autograph note signed, signed as "Antoinette Sterling MacKinlay", reflecting her 1874 marriage to John Mackinlay. 4-page folded document (each page is 3.5 x 4.5 inches, unfolded item is 3.5 x 8.75 inches) written in English, in excellent condition.

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.