Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

German bass-baritone (1817-1891). Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Munich, May 16, 1863, to the bookseller Moritz Glogan, ordering a book by Charles Dickens. Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, light folds, in excellent condition.

Famous American heldentenor (1925-2005), especially celebrated for Wagnerian and Strauss heroic tenor roles but also known for French and Italian dramatic repertoire. Signed postcard photograph, shown as Canio in Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci, dated in Vienna in 1968. Photograph by Fayer photo studio, Vienna, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED: Autograph letter signed, written from the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1978 (not official stationary), 2 pages in English, each page 7.75 x 10 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Ukrainian-born bass (1891-1978).  Autograph musical quote signed containing a few bars of Gounod's Faust on a 5 x 6.5 album page. Bold handwriting and signature, in excellent condition. 

Ukrainian-born bass (1891-1978). Greeting card with a short note signed by his wife on behalf of the couple. Size is 3.9 x 2.4 inches, in very good condition. Its original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.

Austrian tenor (1880-1948) who performed mostly in Vienna, but toured extensively and had guest performances in Bayreuth, London, Berlin, Paris, etc as well as South America. Nice autograph music quote, with a short text in German quoting Richard Wagner ("Music has never yet cheated a human heart"), dated in 1921 at the Staatsoper, Berlin. Size is 6.25 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition.

English contralto (1873-1930). Set of 1 autograph note signed, 1 page written in English, dated in London in 1909, size is 7 x 10 inches, several creases, otherwise in good condition, along with signed 8 x 10 inch program page from a concert in London's Wigmore Hall, both items signed only as "Kirkby Lunn". Small tear on the left side of the program page, otherwise in good condition. Not sold separately. 

German tenor (1914-1991), one autograph letter signed, written in Munich, dated in 1968. Written on both sides of a two-sided sheet of paper, signed on verso. Size is 8.25 x 5.75 inches, in very good condition. Also included: one typed letter signed, written in Munich, dated in 1966. Typed on both sides of two sided sheet of paper, signature on verso. Size is 8.25 x 5.75 inches, contains 2 bullet holes and small rust stains on top right, not affecting the text or signature. Both items are written in German, sold untranslated.

German tenor (1870-1953), particularly known for Wagnerian repertoire. Large signed album page with attached postcard photograph, showing him as Siegfried in Wagner's Ring Cycle, dated in 1914. Bold handwriting and signature. The postcard photo taken by Percy Hein, Munich, is 3.25 x 5.25 inches and is mounted onto soft cardboard, total item size is 8 x 10.5 inches, vintage item in excellent condition.  

Italian-born soprano (1876-1955). Autograph letter signed, 4 pages of text on a folded document, dated in 1951, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each unfolded page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in very good condition. 

German coloratura soprano (1925-1989), set of 2 typed letters signed, on her Bavarian State Opera letterhead, each dated in Munich in 1956. Each is 8.25 x 11.5 inches, written in German, sold untranslated, and in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Ukrainian soprano (1880-1966), autograph letter signed in Paris, undated, written in french, sold untranslated. Size is 8.25 x 10.5 inches. The letter has a small hole, otherwise is in very good condition.

German tenor (1863-1941), signature clip mounted onto a photo postcard showing him as Siegfried in Wagner's Ring Cycle, a photo by Hermann Leiser, Berlin. Signed as "E. Kraus". Size of clip is 1 x 2 inches, total item size is 3.25 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

American baritone (1880-?). Autograph note signed by him, dated March 3, 1914.  Size is 4.25 x 6.9 inches, 1 page, central fold, minor stains, in very good condition.

German bass (1830-1897) who debuted in 1863 and was engaged to Berlin Court Opera in 1872. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 22, 1893, where he addresses a gentleman regretting not having obtained the permit to leave Berlin and says that they will have only brief meetings during the winter. Size is 4.7 x 7.2 inches, 3 written pages, printed monogram at the top, in very good condition.

Polish soprano (1861-1920), whose repertoire included more than forty-five operas in three different languages. Autographed musical quote from the first act of Ponchielli's La Gioconda, signed in Philadelphia, dated in 1891. The quote is on a 3.25 x 5.5 inches card, in excellent condition.

German soprano (1886-1976).  Small booklet (reading about youth and maturity) signed by her on the back of the front cover with a short quote, inscribed, dated in 1960.  Size is 6.25 x 9.25 inches, 28 pages plus covers, in very good condition.

Austrian baritone (1841-1899). Autograph note on a piece of card signed by him, dated 30 Jan, to a Baron, concerning performances. Size is 4.4 x 3.6 inches, written on both sides of the card, in very good condition.

American tenor (1903-1983), who had a long career, including 25 seasons at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages written on the stationary of the Hotel Hamilton, New York. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

German soprano (1906-1987), particularly associated with the German repertoire and Mozart operas. Large lot of 31 autograph letters, most handwritten by her, a few typed, signed by her. In German, sold untranslated, to a Mr. Zwissler, dating from 1947 through 1968. Various sizes, from 5.75 x 4.25 inches to 8.25 x 11.75 inches (the most common size), storage holes, all in very good condition. See scans. Not sold individually.

Russian soprano (1890-1980). Autograph letter signed by her, written in English, about personal matters, no date, three pages; as well as a typed letter signed by her secretary but handwritten by Kurenko on the bottom, dated in Paris, December 1st, 1931. Autograph letter is 5.25 x 5.9 inches, typed letter is 8.25 x 10.3 inches, folds, in overall, good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian soprano (1890-1980). Album page signed by her with a long sentiment. Size is 7.25 x 9.25 inches, in excellent condition.

German baritone (1916-2010), typed letter signed, dated in 1966. Written in German, sold untranslated. 1 page on his own letterhead, size is 8 x 11.75 inches, 2 bullet holes to left, otherwise in excellent condition. Also included: signed sheet of paper, 5.75 x 4 inches, with some tears on left not affecting the signature.

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.

Group of 4 signed and typed receipts for payments signed by leading artists performing at the legendary Italian opera house, La Scala, Milan during the winter and spring of 1929. The artists included are Italian bass Giuseppe Menni (1880-1977), Italian mezzo Gina Pedroni, Spanish soprano Mercedes Llopart (1895-1970), and Italian tenor Piero Girardi (1900-?). Sizes range from 5.5 to 8 inches to 6.25 x 9.5 inches, small creases and folds, otherwise in very good condition. Not sold separately.

French actor (1826-1898), dramatist, and novelist. Set of three autograph letters signed by the actor, about professional matters. Sizes are 5 x 8 inches (two of them) and 3 x 4 inches, approximately, in very good condition.

French soprano (1824-1905). Autograph letter signed, written in French at the Hotel Daniloff in St. Petersburg, dated in 1853, sold untranslated. 4 pages, each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, some folds, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Australian-French tenor (1925-2013). Set of 2 Autograph Letters in French (sold untranslated), signed by him, dated 1963 and 1967. Sizes are 5.25 x 8.25 inches and 8.26 x 10.6 inches, both in excellent condition.

American tenor and actor (1921-1959), a Hollywood movie star in the 1940s and 1950s, famous for his role in the movie about Caruso. Album page signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment written in pencil, attached with a small half-tone image of him. Size is 5.9 x 4.75 inches, in excellent condition. The album page is also signed on verso by the actor Glenn Ford (not shown)

Italian bass (1853-1918), autograph letter signed, 3 pages written in Italian, sold untranslated. Attractively embossed on front page with attractive handwriting and signature. Size of each folded page is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, unfolded item is 7.25 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

Swedish soprano (1884-1982), known as one of the most outstanding performers of Wagnerian roles in the 20th century. Signed typed letter, dated in Stockholm in 1977, written in German, sold untranslated. One page, 8.7 x 11.1 inches, slight crease at bottom but otherwise in very good condition.

Famous French baritone (1847-1909), starred in the world premiere performance of Massenet's Le Roi de Lahore, Saint-Saens's Ascanio and Henry VIII, among others.  Autograph letter signed, written in French, dated in 1908, sold untranslated. Four folded pages, size is 4.3 x 7 pages, in excellent condition.

Famous French baritone (1847-1909), starred in the world premiere performance of Massenet's Le Roi de Lahore, Saint-Saens' Ascanio and Henry VIII, among others. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Paris, 1889. Size is 5.25 x 8.1 inches, in very good condition.

Famous French baritone (1847-1909), starred in the world premiere performances of Massenet's Le Roi de Lahore, Saint-Saens's Ascanio and Henry VIII, among others. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. August 5, 1892. To a gentleman: “…je ne serai pas à Paris avant deux mois environ; il m’est donc impossible de vous promettre mon concours pour le concert que vous organisez…”. 1 p. In-8. B. October 31, 1902. To a lady: “…Puisque vous m’offrez de changer le souvenir que vous m’envoyez, j’accepte cette proposition car j’ai déjà une parti musique tournant…”. 2 pp. In-8. With letterhead. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Australian soprano (1907-1979) mainly celebrated in the Wagnerian repertoire but whose career was cut short by polio. Autograph letter with her letterhead about personal matters signed by her and dated in Minneapolis, September 1941. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 3 written pages in 2 sheets, stapled pages, in very good condition.

French baritone and tenor (1758-1831). Rare and important autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 20, 1830, where he addresses Louis-Denis Grégoire, secretary to the composer Jean-François Lesueur: “…je m’empresse de répondre à votre lettre du 18 ct. par laquelle vous vous m’annoncez que vous et mon ami Lesueur avez fait toutes les démarches nécessaires pour me faire obtenir une pensione de retraite pour mes services à la chapelle (…) je vais m’empresser de vous envoyer la petition courte et précise que vous me demandez. L’idée que vous me donnez, de m’adresser directement au Roi est excellente…”. Lays was recruited by the Paris Opéra in 1779. He soon became a leading member of the company, despite quarrels with the management. Lays enthusiastically welcomed the French Revolution and became involved in politics with the encouragement of his friend Bertrand Barère. Barère's downfall led to Lays being imprisoned briefly, but he soon won back the public and secured the patronage of Napoleon, at whose coronation and second wedding he sang. This association with the Emperor caused him trouble when the Bourbon monarchy was restored and Lays's final years were darkened by disputes over his pension, mounting debts, the death of his only son and his wife's illness. After a career spanning more than four decades, he died in poverty.  Open size is 10 x 8.1 inches, three written page in one folded sheet, folds, creaes, some rust stains, punched hole, in overall very good condition.

Spanish tenor (1887-1974) and Italian baritone (1875-1955). Album page signed by both artists in each side including a short music quotes from Tosca and Rigoletto, both dated in Havana, 1917. Size is 5.5 x 7.5 inches, minor stains, in very good condition.

American soprano (1926-2012), especially known for both twentieth-century repertoire as well as Mozart and Strauss. Fine card signed by her with a short sentiment, attached with a small black-and-white photo of her. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, rounded corners, ink writing on verso, otherwise in very good condition.

French soprano (1875-1941), autograph note signed, 2 pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 6.75 inches, several bullet holes, otherwise in excellent condition. 

French mezzo-soprano (1820-?). Autograph letter signed by her, written in French (sold untranslated), dated 1840(?). Size is 4 x 5.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, ink-marks on the blank area indicate year 1840, in very good condition.

French soprano (1828-1905), married to the celebrated French baritone and composer Jean Baptiste Faure (1830-1914). Autograph letter signed, written in Paris, dated in 1889. Written in French, sold untranslated. 1 page of a 4 page folded document, size is 4.25 x 7 inches, some creases on edges and wear, but otherwise in good condition.

French baritone (1922-1999). Autograph note in French signed by him as “Bernard”, dated 1956, in Lyda Fournier’s Visits Album: "Lida, you're the only Lida and that's why I love you, now that we're far from the city that was so little made for us. Nothing could foster our affection more than this dreamland...". Lydia Fournier was the wife of the cellist Pierre (1906-1986). Size is 4.5 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, in very good condition.

French tenor (1825-?). Autograph letter signed in Paris, dated in 1885. Written in French, sold untranslated. 2 pages of a 4 page folded document. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

French tenor (1825-?) who mostly performed concert recitals. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages of a 4 page folded document, written in French, sold untranslated.  Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, several creases and small stains on the first page, otherwise in good condition.

Star German soprano (1848-1929), one of the greatest singers of the late 19th century; famous interpreter of Wagnerian roles and participated in the first run of Wagner's complete Der Ring des Nibelungen in 1876. Gorgeous autograph collection of autographs composed by 3 signed notes on postcards, 1 unsigned postcard with her image, 10 autograph letters signed by her and 11 handwritten original envelopes. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Legendary German soprano (1888-1976) and later voice teacher, who had an important international career mostly associated with the German repertoire. Autograph letter in German signed by her, dated February 21st, 1973, where she addresses a certain Mr. Hiller (presumably a publisher), concerning a book about her: “…das Buch "L. L., mehr als eine Sängerin" von Berndt Wessling (Residenverlag Salzburg) hat ausreidiente daten…”. Size is 5.9 x 7.6 inches, 1 written page, with printed letterhead, in excellent condition. Translation: “…the book "L. L., more than a singer" by Berndt Wessling (Residenverlag Salzburg) has sufficient information…”.  ALSO INCLUDED is a typed draft of an article in German by Hella Müller, dated in Vienna, August 1951, with mounted paper stripes as corrections, about the singer in Santa Barbara. and its corresponding typed letter accompanying the draft.