Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

French bass (1851-1914), one of the most acclaimed basses of the Golden Age of Opera. A regular card beautifully signed by him and dated in New York, 1907. Size is 3.6 x 2.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Irish baritone (1865-1936) who was most famous in the formal concert and oratorio repertoire. Piece of paper with a 2-bar autograph music quote signed by him with a long sentiment. Size is 3.5 x 2.6 inches, in very good condition.

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. 

Irish baritone and later leading music teacher and administrator (1865-1936), most famous in the formal concert and oratorio repertoire. Autograph musical quote signed on a 5 x 6.5 inch album page, in excellent condition. 

Irish baritone and later leading music teacher and administrator (1865-1936), most famous in the formal concert and oratorio repertoire. Autograph musical quote signed on a 6.25 x 8 inch album page, in excellent condition. 

Irish baritone and later leading music teacher and administrator (1865-1936), most famous in the formal concert and oratorio repertoire. One autograph musical quote signed, dated in 1908 on a 3.5 x 4.5 inch card. Also included: unsigned 3.25 x 5.5 inch postcard photo of him, shown as himself. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Austrian baritone (1900-1968), typed letter signed, 2 pages of text on both sides of a 5.75 x 8 inch document, dated in Vienna in 1959, written in German, sold untranslated. Addressed to Karl Maria Zwissler, the director of the Mainz Stadtisches Theater. Small bullet holes on the left, otherwise in excellent condition. 

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 (1787-1866), voice teatr at the Paris Conservatoire, and creator of the role of Georges Brown in Boieldieu's opera "La Dame Blanche". Set of three autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. April 29, 1823. To the composer and Director of Paris Conservatory Luigi Cherubini  (1760-1842): “…J’ai l’honneur de vous informer que j’ai obtenu pour voyager deux mois de congé à partir du 4 mai. J’ose espérer que vous voudrez bien m’être favorable pour ce qui concerne l’École royale et la chapelle, en joignant votre agrément à l’autorisation que j’ai obtenu…”. 1 p. In-8. B. Paris, October 17, 1837. To the  director of Brussels Conservatory François-Joseph Fétis (1784-1871): “…l’ouvrage que vous m’avez communiqué et que vous disposez à faire paraître sous le titre de méthode des méthodes de chant me parait devoir être d’un grand intérêt et d’une grande utilité pour tout le monde chantant…”. 2 pp. In-8. C. Mardi 10. To a gentleman, apologizing for not being able to attend some rehearsal because of his cold. 1 p. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

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 Metropolitan star for nearly 30 years. Autograph letter signed on her own letterhead, written in English on both sides of a large folded sheet (each side itself can be folded in half). Total size is 13 x 9.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

French-American coloratura soprano (1898-1976), a Metropolitan star for nearly 30 years. Autograph letter signed on her own letterhead, written in both English and French on both sides of a large folded sheet and sold untranslated. Total size is 7.25 x 10.25 inches, in excellent 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 star for nearly 30 years. 3.25 x 3.75 inch signature cut, dated by her in 1934 mounted onto a card which also includes an unsigned 2.25 x 3.25 inch half-tone black and white photo of her shown as herself possibly taken from a newspaper or magazine. Total item size is 4 x 6.25 inches, in excellent 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.

American mezzo-soprano (1892-1977), older sister of soprano Rosa Ponselle. Printed score for Miguel Sandoval's vocal piece "Christ The Redeemer" signed and inscribed by Ponselle with a short sentiment on the front cover, dated August 18, 1967. Size is 6.9 x 10.2 inches, 12 pages (including 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.

Italian soprano (1866-1938), also known as "Frances Prevost", autograph letter signed (with the latter name), 2 pages, written on first and third pages of 4 sided document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page (when folded) is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent 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. 

Italian baritone and voice teacher (?-1896), autograph note signed, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, very slight tear on top right otherwise in excellent condition.

German tenor (1714-1797), famous in his time for singing alongside Farinelli in Madrid (1755-1759), and creator of Mozart's Idomeneo title role during its world premiere in 1781.  Signed receipt for a payment for a performance in Spain, handwritten and dated by another hand in 1957, and signed by Raaff at the bottom. Size is 8.4 x 4.25 inches, folds, in excellent condition.  Extremely rare and scarce!

Polish-born and Italian-trained Russian soprano (1893-1963) who became a naturalized American, possessed a voice of remarkable power, and was the creator of the title role of Puccini's last opera Turandot. Signature cut, dated in 1924. Size is 4.25 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Irish bass-baritone and film actor (1873-1953), known for opera, oratorio, and musical theatre, principally associated with the role of Captain Macheath in the ballad opera The Beggar's Opera, which he sang close to 1,500 times. Autograph letter signed, 1 page in English, size is 4.5 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.  

Italian opera singer (1866-1923). Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by her. Size is 4.4 x 6.8 inches each page, 2 pages, central fold, light rust stains, in overall good condition.

Italian opera singer (1866-1923). Small card signed by her with a short poem in English dated 1900. Size is 6.8 x 4.4 inches, in very good 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. 

English soprano and esteemed voice teacher, wife of John Sims Reeves, the foremost English operatic, oratorio and ballad tenor vocalist of the mid-Victorian era. Autograph letter signed, on personal stationary, 3 pages, 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Swiss baritone (1917-1988). Regular postcard signed and inscribed by him, dated in Zurich, August 28, 1951. Size is 5.7 x 4.1 inches, 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 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. 

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. 

Austrian baritone (1895-1961), autograph album page signed by him, dated in Bayreuth 1939, with a short sentiment. Size is 7 x 5 inches, handwritten text and signature is in red pencil and is on the light side, otherwise in very good condition. Rare.

Austrian baritone (1895-1961), typed letter signed, 1 page, dated in 1953, written in German, sold untranslated. Addressed to Karl Maria Zwissler, the director of the Mainz Stadtisches Theater. Size is 8.25 x 11.5 inches, small bullet holes on the left, otherwise in excellent condition. 

German tenor (1870-1940), whose career developed successfully in Europe and, especially, at The Metropolitan Opera. Autograph music quote signed by him and dated on Easter 1903 with 2 bars from Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.  Size is 4.3 x 6.9 inches, central fold, in very good condition.

German bass (1845-?), signed large album page, dated in Chicago in 1882. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 9 x 11 inches, small rips and tears on the far edges of the page, not affecting text and signature.

Slovenian tenor (1890-1959), signature on autograph album page, dated in 1931, Buenos Aires. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches. 

French mezzo (1858-?), autograph letter signed, four pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

French mezzo (1858-?), autograph note signed, one page written on one side of a telegram, written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.25 x 5.25 inches, some tears on far edges of the page but in otherwise good condition.

Italian bass (1890-1951), typed "LS" (signed and sealed) contract with La Scala, Milan, dated in 1928, 2 sided document of 2 folded pages (4 pages of text), declaring him the "first bass" of the theatre,  with Righetti's handwritten signature on final page. Size is 8.5 x 12 inches, rare item in excellent condition.

Austrian baritone (1859-1911), signed card, signed in Vienna in 1897. Ritter was one of the leading baritones of his day, performing frequently in Salzburg and many other German theaters. Rare item with bold and clear handwriting and signature. Size is 3.5 x 4.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

German tenor (1878-1966) and German soprano (1888-?), double signed album page, with brief musical quote, dated in 1924. Size is 5.25 x 6.25 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.