Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

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 tenor (1870-1940), very successful in Europe and in The Metropolitan Opera, where he performed over 1000 times. Signed card with clear and bold signature with an attached photo of the artist as himself (probably taken from a newspaper or program) mounted onto the top of the card. Total item size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent 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.

Romanian soprano (1904-1992) and Italian-born American soprano (1909-2014), double signed postcard showing an image of the Torre Canne beach resort in Puglia, Italy. Written in English on the verso of the postcard. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, slight paper loss on edges, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Turkish-born Italian bass (1920-1991), sang frequently at La Scala and other European houses. Group of 3 autograph letters signed, each 2 pages in English, dated in Rome in 1965. Size of each is 7 x 10.75  inches, very small paper loss on edges of the paper not affecting text or signature, otherwise in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

French bass (1874-1951) who enjoyed a long association with New York's Metropolitan Opera. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated April 15, 1943, asking his addressee Mr. Witherspoon for confirmation of dates and fees to sing Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet in Montreal. Size is 7.5 x 10.5 inches, 2 written pages in two separate sheets with the letterhead “Leon Rothier Studio” add "Steinway Hall", folds, in fine condition.

Signed album page containing multiple signatures - those of the French bass Leon Rothier (1874-1951), Canadian tenor and Metropolitan Opera General Manager Edward Johnson (1878-1959), Belgian-born American mezzo Maria Savage (1865-1957), and the English actress Eleanor Robson Belmont (1879-1979), a prominent philanthropist in the United States, particularly well-known for being the first woman on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Opera Association and for her founding of the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Size is 7.75 x 8.5 inches, small crease on bottom right, otherwise in very good condition. 

French bass (1874-1951) who enjoyed a long association with New York's Metropolitan Opera. Signature cut, dated in 1925 following a program of Weber's Der Freischutz. Bold and clear handwriting and signature. Size is 2.5 x 4.25 inches, in excellent 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.

French soprano (1846-1926), later known as Marie Roze-Mapleson, because of her second marriage to James Mapleson, one of the sons of the noted impresario. Fine card signed by her with a short sentiment dated in London, 1881. Size is 4.6 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Italian tenor (1794-1854), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him, no dated, and addressed to a certain Tadolini where he mentions fellow singers such as Giulia Grisi, Luigi Lablache, and Antonio Tamburini. Size is 8 x 10 inches, missing upper-right corner, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a lithograph (probably from a book or magazine) with the image of the singer. Size is is 6.1 x 9.25 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.

Ukrainian soprano (1822-1882) pupil of Marco Bordogni, who debuted in 1840 in Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2. Collection of three autograph letters signed by her, dated 1869,  about private and musical matters. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English baritone (1870-1957), who sang primarily in concert, husband of Clara Butt. 2 Autograph Letters Signed, both dated in 1900. 1 is written on the stationary of the Park Hotel Preston in London, 1 page, sized at 5 x 8 inches, the other is 2 pages in length, written on the stationary of the Imperial Hotel, in Barrow-in-Furness, and is 5 x 7.75 inches. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately.  

English baritone (1870-1957), who sang primarily in concert, husband of Clara Butt.  Autograph Letter Signed, written on personal stationary, 2 pages (of a folded 4 page document) written in English, size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: a signature cut of 1.75 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition.  Not sold separately.  

English baritone (1870-1957) and husband of Clara Butt. Autograph letter signed by him, written in English. Size is 4.4 x 7.1 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, 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.

German coloratura soprano (1898-1972). Back of postcard with her signature dated Oct 27, 1950. Size is 5.8 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

Celebrated French soprano (1756-1813), whose real name was Anne-Antoinette-Cécile Clavel, and who was best known by her stage name Madame Saint-Huberty or Saint-Huberti. After her retirement from the stage and her second marriage, she and her husband were murdered in England by a servant.  She appeared in the world premiere productions of Gluck's Armide in 1777 and Salieri's Les Danaides in 1784, as well as in a great many other lesser-known operas. Very rare autograph letter signed, 1 page (of 4 folded pages), written in French, sold untranslated, dated in 1785. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 6.5 x 8.5 inches, small rust and stains, but otherwise in very good condition. Very rare and valuable historic item!  

English contralto (1821-1885), and also singing teacher and composer. Autograph letter by her (no date) about two engagements, signed by her on its verso.  Size is 4.3 x 7.1 inches, 1 sheet written on both sides, folds, in very good condition.

English contralto (1821-1885), autograph letter signed, 2 pages written in English. Size is 3.75 x 5.75 inches, some mounting traces on blank final page of 4 page document, otherwise in excellent condition. 

English contralto (1821-1885), autograph letter signed, 2 pages, dated in 1881. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. 

French tenor (1867-1945), autograph letter signed, dated in 1901, written in French, sold untranslated. Letter size is 4.5 x 7 pages, mounted on larger album page of 7.5 x 11.25 inches, vintage item in excellent condition.

French soprano (1852-?),  born as Caroline de Septavaux, starred in the title role of Ambroise Thomas's Francoise da Rimini in the world premiere performances at the Paris Opera in 1882. Autograph letter signed, written in Monte Carlo. 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.  

American soprano (1873-1950), autograph letter signed, 2 pages written in English, written in Milan. Bold and clear handwriting and signature (signed as "M. Saltzman-Stevens".) Each page is 5.75 x 6.5 inches, slight tear at bottom of each page, otherwise in excellent 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 tenor (1810-1879) and Italian clarinetist (1807-1874), double signed album page, with brief musical quote, dated in London in 1844. Salvi had a major international career during the nineteenth century, particularly associated with the operas of Donizetti and Verdi, appearing in the world premiere productions of the former's Il Diluvio Universale, Betley, Gainni di Parigi, and Adelia, and the latter's Oberto and Un Giorno di Regno. Cavallini was also greatly celebrated in his time, greatly admired by Rossini and Verdi for his work with the La Scala orchestra and he later became a celebrated clarinet soloist and composer. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, bold signatures, beautiful vintage item in excellent condition! 

Italian baritone (1868-1930), appeared in world premiere performances of Giordano's Andrea Chenier in 1896 and Leoncavallo's Zaza in 1900. A postcard signed by him, written in Buenos Aires, dated in 1903. Bold and clear handwriting and signature. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent 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.