Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

Italian soprano (1860-1924). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Madrid, 1889, addressed to Eugenio Tornaghi, thanking him for forwarding the score of an opera.  Size is 4.3 x 6.7 inches, 2 written pages, folds, some rust stains, in very good condition.

Famous Italian tenor (1871-1950),  who created the title role of Giordano's Andrea Chenier, in the world premiere performances of 1896.  Signed postcard with 2 bars of music from Wagner's Lohengrin, dated by him in Buenos Aires, 1904.  Size is 5.3 x 3.5 inches, in very good condition.

French soprano (1855-1941). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Bologna, May 26, 1890, sent to the impresario Carlo Canedi forwarding some articles about one of her recent performances where she had success.  Size is 4.3 x 7 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, creases, folds, in overall very good condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano (1857-?). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated 1894, while touring in Russia, addressed to Franco Fano about her debut as Carmen in Russia, the payment she received, and other professional issues. Size is 4.4 x 7 inches, 4 written pages, in very good condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano (1826-1901), who appeared in several operatic world premieres, and mother of soprano Emilia Borghi-Mamo. Autograph letter signed, 1 page of a 4-page folded document, dated in 1861, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, unfolded item size is 8.25 x 10.5 inches, very small tear on text-free final pages, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Spanish soprano (1887-1960), autograph note signed, written in Milan, dated in 1912. Written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. 

German soprano (1921-2018), celebrated in the dramatic repertoire, particularly Wagner and Strauss, and for her intense acting skills. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1960, 2 pages, written in German, sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature, the letter extensively discusses the role of Richard Strauss's Elektra, possibly her most celebrated role. (At the top of the page is the heading "Inge Borkh-Welitsch", reflecting her marriage to the bass-baritone Alexander Welitsch but the signature is as "Inge Borkh"). Size is 8.25 x 11.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

German soprano (1875-1936), large signed album page with attached photograph of her in the role of Eva in Wagner's Die Meistersinger, dated in Munich in 1914. Bold handwriting and signature. This includes a 3.5 x 5.25 inch photo postcard by A. Baumann mounted onto soft cardboard, total item size is 8 x 10.5 inches, vintage item in excellent condition.  

Italian bass (1831-1892), who specialized in basso buffo roles in bel canto operas, sang in many important theaters in Europe and South America. Autograph letter in Italian signed by him as “A. Bottero”, dated in Roma, March 24, 1878, to the Turin music publishers Giudici & Strada: "... Beautiful, indeed beautiful booklet. The Musicians, although the part of Battisolfa is a little odious, it does not matter, I will do it with great pleasure; I'm looking forward to hearing his music...", etc. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches each page, 1 written page in one folded sheet, vertical crease across, in overall excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1786-1850), whose real name was Marie-Julie Halligner and who performed her entire career under the stage name Mme. Boulanger. Appeared in the world premiere productions of the operas Le Maitre de Chapelle, L'Ambrassadrice, Le Domino Noir, and La Fille du Regiment.  Was also the grandmother of the famous French composer, conductor, organist and influential teacher, Nadia (Juliette) Boulanger.  Signed receipt payment on a 4.5 x 7 inch album page, written in French, sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Some creases on edges, otherwise in very good condition. 

French tenor (1820-1887), known in his time for his excellent portrayals of Meyerbeer's tenor roles.  Autograph note signed by him, written in French (sold untranslated), dated in Paris, 1853.  Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, 1 page, minor rust stains and folds, otherwise in excellent condition.

French singer (1901-1983) and diseuse (teller/narrator), signed page with a letterhead from a hotel, with a short sentiment in French. Size is 6 x 8.25 inches, in very good condition.

English tenor (1819-1889), son of the famous English tenor John Braham (1774-1856), who successfully toured through England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in the US. Autograph music quote, signed and dated by him in 1851, 7 x 4.25 inches, in excellent condition

Famous English tenor (1774-1856), (his real name was Abraham). Braham performed at the world premiere of Oberon (opera by C.M Von Weber). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1819. One page, written in English. Size is 7 x 8.25 inches, some small smudges on front and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in good condition. Rare!

Famous English tenor (1774-1856), (his real name was Abraham). Braham performed at the world premiere of Oberon (opera by C.M Von Weber). Autograph note signed, dated in 1855. One page, written in English. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. Rare!

Austrian soprano and mezzo-soprano and teacher (1842-1921), sang Wagnerian repertoire, particularly well known for Kundry in Parsifal. Visting card with her handwriting but no signature, size is 2.25 x 3.5 inches, written in German, sold untranslated. Also included attractive unsigned photo, shown as Fides in Meyberbeer's Le Prophete. Size is 6.5 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Austrian soprano (1866-1921), who created the roles of Sophie in the world premiere of Massenet's Werther in 1892. Autograph note signed, written in Vienna, dated in 1897. 1 page, written in German, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

American contralto (1892 -1935), performed the role of La Rossa in the world premiere performances of Giordano's Madame Sans-Gene at the Metropolitan Opera in 1915.  Autograph letter signed,  2 pages of a 4-page document with the letterhead of the Hotel Statler in Detroit, written in English. Size of each page is 5.25 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

American contralto (1892 -1935). Autograph note signed on 3.5 x 5 inch card, in excellent condition.

German soprano (1903-1990). Set of 2 autograph letters signed, each dated in 1962 and 1 autograph note signed, dated in 1975. The two letters are on her personal letterhead, are 2 pages in length, sized at 8.25 x 11.75 inches, and are in very good condition. The autograph note signed is on a folded postcard brochure (each page is 4.25 x 6 inches) and contains a beautiful front page cover photo of a Christmas market in Munich. Each item is written in German, sold untranslated. Not sold separately. 

English mezzo (1856-1925). Autograph note signed, dated in 1900. Size of note is 4.5 x 5.75 inches, mounted on larger album page, total size is 8 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1824-1884). Autograph letter signed dated in 1881. Amusingly written in French and ending in English. Two pages sized 5 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1824-1884). Fine card signed by him with a short sentiment dated in Providence, Rhode Island, 1876. Size is 5.3 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition.

French soprano/mezzo-soprano (1847-1926), autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, some creases, tears, and bullet holes on left edges not affecting the text and signature, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano (1869-?). Signed card attached with a half-tone photo of her, inscribed and dated in Milan 1907. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition.

French soprano (1890-1936). Autograph note signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 8 x 10.5 inches, slight bends at top and bottom, otherwise in good condition. ALSO INCLUDED: 1 signed postcard showing the city of Bordeaux with Bugg's signature and inscription on verso, dated in 1933. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, small bullet holes and creases in middle, otherwise in good condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German baritone (1847-1902), and creator of famous roles such as Kienzl's "Der Evangelimann" and "Don Quixote". Autograph letter in German signed by him, dated December 11, 1882, where he addresses a gentleman, thanking him for the invitation to take part in a concert and arranging some details for both the music to be sung and the related rehearsals.  Size is 11.1 x 8.4 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, overall age toning, some dust stains, in overall very good condition. Short summary translated into Italian is ALSO INCLUDED.

German baritone (1842-1902), appeared as Johannes Freudhofer in the 1895 world premiere performances of Wilhelm Kienzl's opera Der Evangelimann. Autograph note signed, written on both sides of a 3.5 x 5.5 inch postcard. Written in German. sold untranslated, in excellent condition.

Czech tenor (1870-1924), who had an active international career spanning the 1890s to the 1920s, especially known for Wagnerian heldentenor roles at the Metropolitan Opera and throughout Europe. Signed album page, signed in Budapest, dated in 1917. Size is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, slight tear near the bottom of the page but not affecting the signature. 

Italian soprano (1872-1922). Autograph note written in pencil and signed by her, no dated [but 1915], addressed to the composer Angelo Bettinelli (1878-1953), concerning an upcoming meeting. Size is 5.1 x 7.3 inches, 1 page, fold, in good condition.

Italian soprano (1872-1922). Signed postcard, containing an image of Napoleon in battle. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

German concert singer and teacher (1893-1967), as well as the daughter of legendary German soprano Johanna Gadski. Autograph letter signed, 1 page on her own letterhead, written in English, dated in 1947 (signed as "Charlotte Busch" reflecting her marriage to Ernest Busch). Size is 8.25 x 11.5 inches, small creases and tears at the very bottom (not affecting any written material), otherwise in very good condition.

Italian bass-baritone (1826-?), who sang the role of Marcovaldo in the world premiere performances of Verdi's La Battaglia di Legnano in Rome in 1849. Autograph letter signed, written on all 4 pages of a folded document, written in Italian sold untranslated, dated in 1881. Each page is 5.25 x 8.75 inches, total item size unfolded is 8.75 x 10.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

French singer (1767-1834), actress, composer, and daughter of composer Pierre-Joseph Candeille. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by her, where she writes a message to a gentleman, postponing an appointment due to illness. Size is 4.9 x 7.9 inches, 1 written page, some restorations on verso, in overall good condition.

American mezzo-soprano (1870-1951), also known as Sara Cahier. Signed album page, dated in Munich in 1913 (signed as "Madame Charles Cahier") containing a quote from the famous American artist James Whistler. Bold and clear signature. Also included: unsigned photo of her, shown most likely in role, photo by Wasow, mounted onto the cardboard containing her signature. Size of photo is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, total item is 8 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition.

American mezzo-soprano (1870-1951), also known as Sara Cahier. Card signed by her dated 1935. Size is 3.75 x 2 inches, in very good condition.

French soprano (1858-1942), American soprano (1845-11931), German-born British baritone (1850-1939). A fine album page with the signatures on both sides by very important opera singers of the late XIX century including Emma Calve (attached clip dated 1896), Emma Thursby, George Henschel, Marie Decca, Clementine De Vere-Sapie, and also the Dutch cellist Joseph Hollman and American violinist Nettie Carpenter, plus some other unidentified signatures. Size is 6.3 x 7.9 inches, overall rust tone, 3 missing corners, small hole over the lower-right border, in overall good condition.

Italian bass, impresario, librettist and composer (1798-1880). Autograph letter signed, 1 page of a folded 4-page document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 6.75 x 8.75 inches, unfolded size is 8.75 x 13 inches, small tear on the final set of pages (containing no text), otherwise in excellent condition. 

Italian baritone (1855-1927). Autograph note signed, written on stationary of the Palace Hotel, San Francisco. Written in English, size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, tear at the bottom and top, repaired in the back, in good condition.     

Famous Italian tenor (1845-1896), whose career reached its height in the last 3 decades of the 1800s, and served as the leading tenor of the Metropolitan Opera in New York where he sang the title role of Gounod's Faust at the theatre's opening in 1883.  Autograph letter signed, 1 page of a folded 4-page document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, total unfolded size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, small stain at bottom of the front page, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Famous Italian tenor (1845-1896), whose career reached its height in the last 3 decades of the 1800s, and served as the leading tenor of the Metropolitan Opera in New York where he sang the title role of Gounod's Faust at the theatre's opening in 1883.  Autograph letter signed, 1 page of a folded 4-page document, written in Italian, sold untranslated, dated in Boston in 1878. Size of each page is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, total unfolded size is 6.75 x 8.5 inches, some very small smudges, otherwise in excellent condition. 

American tenor (1840-1910). Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 29, 1880, addressed to Mr. May, saying "I am very happy to take over the tenor part of the Glocke since this part was written especially for me by Mr. Max Bruch, and I had the honor of being the first tenor to sing the role in Gürzenich Saale in Cologne on May 12th, two years ago...”. Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, 1 written page, in very good condition.

Italian soprano (b.1939) Typed letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by her and dated 1965, requesting admission to the Teatro La Scala School of Singing. Size is 8.25 x 11 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone photograph of her (not shown).

Italian dramatic soprano (1905-1979), one of the leading sopranos of the 1930s and 1940s, recorded frequently with Beniamino Gigli. Typed letter signed, dated in 1940, composed at the Hotel Quirinale in Rome. Signed with her married name "Maria Caniglia Donati". 1 page, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8 x 11 inches, small tear in the middle and slight paper loss at the bottom right of the page, otherwise in very good condition. 

Argentine soprano (1879-1915). Signed postcard, showing painted image of a field and stream. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1832-1889) who sang leading roles throughout Europe. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1871, addressed to the impresario Innocenzo Canedi commenting about engagements to perform in Naples and Cairo.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and verso), folds, overall rust, in very good condition.