Singers - Autograph Manuscripts ($250 - $500)

Celebrated Italian singer (1757-1806), her married name was Brigida Banti-Giorgi, with a very important career most especially in England. Joseph Haydn created operatic roles with her in mind Ticket for a concert in her benefit on March 25th, 1802, signed by her. We believe 1802 was the last year she sang in England, after a very successful run, returning to Italy in the same year and passing away in Bologna in  February, 1806.  Size is 4.6 x 3 inches, overall rust tone, very even, and an address written on verso, with 4 dots of mounting traces. In very good condition - Very rare!

Italian contralto, creator of the role of La Cieca in Ponchielli's La Gioconda in 1876. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1880. 3 pages of a 4-page folded document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Each page is 5 x 8.25 inches, total item size is 8.25 x 10.25 inches, in excellent condition.

German bass-baritone (1835-1900), created the role of Hans Sachs in the world premiere performance of Richard Wagner's Die Meistersinger in Munich in 1868. Autograph note signed, dated in Wiesbaden in 1877. Written to Paul Lindau, noted German writer, journalist and theatre director (1839-1919). Written in German, sold untranslated. The manuscript size is 5.75 x 3.75 inches, in extremely good condition.  Also included is an unsigned CDV, shown as himself. Seal on verso of photographer Fritz Luckhardt, Vienna. Size is 2.5 x 4 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1846-1905), starred as Laura Adorno in the world premiere performances of Ponchielli's La Gioconda at La Scala, Milan in 1876. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in Italian sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8 inches, small tear on top right and slight smudge underneath, not affecting the text and signature below, otherwise in excellent condition.

 Star Swedish tenor (1911-1960), one of the greatest of the 20th century.  Signature cut of 1.75 x 4 inches in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photograph of him, shown in the title role of Verdi's Don Carlo. Stamped on verso by photographer Sedge LeBlang, Metropolitan Opera, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, lots of penciled markings on verso, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately,.

Star Swedish tenor (1911-1960), one of the greatest of the 20th century.  Signed Album page of 5.5 x 8.25 inches in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photograph of him, shown in the title role of Gounod's Faust, a role he first sang at the Metropolitan Opera in 1939 (this photo quite possibly taken at that time). Size is 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately,.

Prominent Italian tenor and singing teacher, usually known only as "Marco Bordogni" (1789-1856), appeared in the 1825 world premiere performances of Gioachino Rossini's Il Viaggo a Reims, in the role of the Conte di Libenskof. Autograph musical quote signed, dated in Paris in 1851. Rare vintage historic item, 6 x 9.5 inches, in excellent condition!

Italian soprano (1830-1859), sang throughout Europe, Russia and North America, particularly popular in St. Petersburg where she suddenly died at age 28. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1858, 4 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated. First page of the document contains a small oval portrait of her, possibly in role, and is also attractively embossed. Size of each page is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, attractive vintage item in excellent condition. Rare!

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 soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber - Cinti-Damoreau world premiered several operas for them.  Fantastic collection of 12 autograph letter signed, in French (most of them with translations), sizes range from 4 x 5.1 inches to 5.25 x 8 inches, all in very good condition. Not sold separately.

Italian bass-baritone (1801-1855), particularly associated with Rossini operas, who created the role of Enrico in the world premiere performances of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor at the Teatro San Carlo, Naples in 1835. Autograph letter signed, written in Florence, dated in 1842. 1 page of a 4-page folded document. Written in Italian, sold untranslated, bold and clear handwriting. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, total item size is 8.5 x 10.25 inches, small tear on final pages (containing no text), otherwise in excellent condition.

Belgian soprano (1805-1896), sang frequently in Paris and London, and created roles in the world premieres of several major operas including Alice in Giacomo Meyerbeer's Robert le Diable, Oscar in Daniel Auber's Gustave III, Pauline in Gaetano Donizetti's Les Martyrs (the French version of Poliuto), Princess Eudoxie in Fromental Halévy's La Juive, Ginevra in Halévy's Guido et Ginevra, Marguerite de Valois in Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots,  and Teresa in Berlioz's Benvenuto Cellini.  Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4 x 7 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.  Signed record label for a recording he made of the aria "La Mia Letizia" from Verdi's I Lombardi. Size is 3 x 3 inches, in excellent condition. Autographs of Escalais are very scarce so this is a quite valuable vintage item!

Famous French tenor (1859-1940), well-known in his time for his performances of heroic roles in French and Italian opera.  Signed card, where he wrote, in French, "Sir, my favorite role? Arnold in Guillaume Tell". Size is 4.1 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition. Autographs of Escalais are very scarce! ALSO INCLUDED is a small printed photo (modern copy) of Escalais in role (probably as Arnold in Guillaume Tell).

Internationally celebrated English contralto Kathleen Ferrier, (1912-1953) who died at the peak of her fame, and her frequent accompanying pianist Phyliss Spurr (1910-1965). Double signed album page containing their handwritten signatures, Ferrier's in pencil and Spurr's in blue ink. Size is 3.75 x 6 inches, some rust above and on verso but signatures are clear and unaffected.  ALSO INCLUDED is a gorgeous unsigned photo of Ferrier, shown as herself, size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Italian tenor (1816-1887), who sung at the world premieres of Donizetti's Caterina Cornaro, and Verdi's Alzira, Il Corsaro, La Battaglia di Legnano, Stiffelio and Un Ballo in Maschera.   Autograph letter signed, dated in 1867, one page, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, a beautiful vintage item,  in excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1837-1905), best known for creating the title role in Bizet's Carmen. Original manuscripts of the artist in 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. 

Italian baritone (1819-1883) starred as the Count Di Luna in the world premiere performances of Verdi's Il Trovatore in 1853 and also created several other leading roles in operas by lesser-known Italian composers. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages of a folded 4-page document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, unfolded item is 8 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Czech-born baritone (1842-1906), Gura was already famous in Germany when he was chosen to create the role of Gunther in the world premiere of Gotterdammerung in Bayreuth, August 1876. Beautiful autograph music quote signed by him, with 4 bars of a lieder by Schubert - Gura dedicated the later part of his life to songs - signed by Gura, dated in 1902. Size is 6.5 x 4.25 inches, rare!

French baritone (1814-1858), autograph note signed, 1 page written in French, sold untranslated, dated in 1850. Size is 4.25 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. Rare!

Hungarian-born bass-baritone (1813-1883), Hölzel was the singer of choice for the role of Beckmesser in the world premiere of Die Meistersinger in 1868. Gorgeous autograph music quote with 11 bars from a song for voice and piano, signed by him and dated in 1874, inscribed to his sister-in-law, Lulu Gerstäcker, in Vienna. Size is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German mezzo-soprano (1826-1894), dramatic actress, and teacher of singing and theatrical performance who won great distinction in Europe during the third quarter of the 19th century. She was a niece of the composer Richard Wagner and created the role of Elisabeth in Wagner's Tannhauser in 1845, less than a week after her 19th birthday. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages, written in German, sold with a typed English language translation. Size of each page is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition. Rare!

Italian soprano (1831-(1865 (?)). Autograph note signed, written in French, sold untranslated. Very rare historic item! Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, small smudge above text, otherwise in excellent condition.

Famous Italian-born bass (1794-1858), who created the title role in Don Pasquale (opera by Donizetti) in 1843 and was well known throughout Europe for performing at important theatres. Autograph note signed, matted with a nice vintage print of him. Sizes are 11.25 x 23.75 inches for the total mat, 6.75 x 10.25 for the vintage print and 4.5 x 7.25 for the autograph note signed, all 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. 

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.

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. 

Italian soprano (1847-1917), premiered the role of Desdemona in Verdi's Otello in 1887, as well as Tigrana in Puccini's Edgar in 1889. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written on both sides of a document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, very slight tear at bottom, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Italian bass, sang the role of the King in the European premiere production of Verdi's Aida at La Scala, Milan in 1872. Autograph note signed, with a brief textual quote from the final act of that opera, bold and clear signature, page size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition. Vintage historic item!

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.

German soprano (1853-1883), sang Grimgerde in the premiere performances of Richard Wagner's Die Walkure in the first complete performances of the entire Ring Cycle at the inaugural 1876 Bayreuth season.  3-page letter in German, sold with an typed English translation. Written at Bayreuth on July 20, 1876 - apparently to Wagner himself - asking for lodgings during the festival. Fascinating and rare vintage document, size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1850-1922). Unsigned cabinet photo, shown as herself. A photo by C. F. Colny, Boston, size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition and is mounted onto an 8.5 x 11.5 inch piece of cardboard with an autographed musical quote, dated in 1886. Bold handwriting and signature. Cardboard has some stains and mounting traces on verso but musical quote is untouched as is the cardboard phtoo. 

German super star soprano (1806-1854) of international fame. Sontag was the soprano of choice for the soprano solo in the world premiere of Beethoven´s 9th Symphony and in his Missa Solemnis. Sontag also created the title role in Euryanthe, opera by Carl Maria von Weber, later in 1854 Sontag sang Mexico´s national anthem for the first time. Signature on card, dated by her in Normanton, December 23rd, 1849. Size is 4.4 x 3.3 inches, trimmed from a larger format, probably an album page. Small hole, not affecting the signature, in very good condition. Autographs of Sontag are very rare.

French mezzo-soprano star of the Paris Opera (1815-1903), who appeared in the world premiere productions of Berlioz's Benvenuto Cellini, Donizetti's La Favorite among others. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1852, composed in French, 3 pages of a folded 4-page document, each page 6 x 8.5 inches (unfolded item is 8.5 x 12 inches), embossed at top of the first page, slight tear on the back page otherwise in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a handwritten English translation, written on both sides of 2 sheets with 4 pages of text in total, 6.5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Spanish mezzo-soprano (1895-1936), very famous in her time in Europe and America, who sadly died giving birth at age 40. Her autographs are quite rare. Signed album page, dated by her in 1934. Size is 6.25 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Italian tenor (1850-1905), chosen by Verdi for the title role in the world premiere of Otello in 1887. He also was one of the first Italian tenors to have left recordings. Autograph letter signed, dated in Milan in 1901, signed as "Tamagno" and to an unknown recipient. In French language, sold untranslated. Two pages in one folded sheet, each page is 4.5 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Original handwritten contract written in French, signed by 13 singers including Huet, Darancourt, Vizentini, Ferréol, Lemonnier, Darboville, Desbroses, Belmont, Boulanger, Rigaut, Pradher, Leclerc.  Size is 8.25 x 13.1 inches, 1 sheet (2 pages), minor rust stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of one page of the book with the chronology of the Theater highlighting the names of the singers.  Size is 5.25 x 9.1 inches

Leading German opera and oratorio soprano (1831-1877), very successful in London during the 1860s and 1870s, and considered one of the first dramatic sopranos of the 19th century.  Original manuscripts of the artist in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all of them and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

German tenor (1823-1893).  Large album page signed by him, dated in Vienna, 1870, with a four-lines text quote at the top, written in German by him.  Text translation is as follows: "My life has always been dedicated to art.  All my strength I gave to its care.  The Holy Goddess gave me her favour, it has always been rewarded, it has always been achieved."  Size is 12.75 x 9.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian baritone (1859-1937), appeared as Marcello in the world premiere production of Puccini's La Boheme at the Teatro Regio, Turin in 1896. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages on both sides of a 4 x 7 document, composed in Bologna in 1881, written in Italian, sold untranslated. In excellent condition!