Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

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.

Italian tenor (1832-1889) who sang leading roles throughout Europe. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Naples, 1878 addressed to Mr. Eustachio in Naples, concerning the 1878 performance of the opera Cleopatra at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, commenting also on other performances. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, 4 written pages, folds, creases, in very good condition.

Italian tenor (1846-1917). Autograph note signed, dated in 1884, written on both sides of a two-sided card. Written in Italian, sold with an English translation. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, 2 pages, in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1877-1928). Autograph note signed, dated in 1926. Written in Italian, sold untranslated. Text is on both sides of one double-sided card, signature on verso. Size is 5 x 4.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American stage and screen actress (1910-2007), opera singer, TV personality, and spokesperson for the arts. Beautiful 6-bar autograph music quote from Love in Bloom by Lay Robert. Size is 8.75 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian bass (1894-1971), autograph note signed, 1 page, written in Italian, sold untranslated, dated in 1931. Size is 5.25 x 6.75 inches, small creases and folds and some mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition. 

French soprano (1857-1930). Autograph letter signed, 1 page of a 4.5 x 7-inch document, written in French (sold with a handwritten English translation). Very clear handwriting and signature. In excellent condition. 

French soprano (1857-1930). Autograph note signed on 2 sides of a card, dated in 1894. Written in French, sold untranslated. Very clear handwriting and signature. Size is 3.5 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1908-2005), considered one of the leading bel canto sopranos of her day. Typed letter signed, written in Milan, dated in 1947. 2 pages on both sides of a 8.25 x 11.75 inch document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Small crease on the top right, otherwise in very good condition. 

Italian soprano (1908-2005), considered one of the leading bel canto sopranos of her day. Typed letter signed, written in Milan, dated in 1939. 2 pages on both sides of a 8.25 x 11 inch document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Small crease on the bottom left and right, otherwise in very good condition. 

Italian baritone (1846-1917). Autograph note written in Italian signed by the baritone and dated in Milan 1889. Note is written on a postcard, attractive handwriting, and signature.  Size is 3.25 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French soprano (1880-1947) star of the Opera Comique, Paris. Short autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by her on her visiting card. Size is 3.25 x 2.25 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original envelope handwritten by her.

Spanish tenor (1817-1876) who enjoyed a successful career in Italy. Set of two fine autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. Lemberg 13 Settembre 1873. To the impresario Canedi: “…Sono qui come vedi, e questa sera vado in scena con Lucia. Non parlai ancora con la [Teodosia] Friderici del noto affare perché attendo occasione propizia (…) Ai primi di ottobre sarò a Milano. Qui farò dieci recite, con le opere Traviata, Ebbrea, Lucia, Ugonotti, Roberto, Sonnambula, etc…”. Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, 2 written page, overall age-toning, in very good condition. B. Short note on his business card addressed to Canedi, reccomending the bariton Ignazio Priani. Size is 3.7 x 2.2 inches, some stains, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Spanish tenor (1817-1876) who enjoyed a successful career in Italy.  Printed contract completed by hand, dated in Milan, January 19, 1873, signed by him. Size is 8 x 10.3 inches, 2 pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, in overall good condition.

American contralto (1841-1921), one of the most popular singers of her era. Autograph letter signed, 4  folded pages written in English, dated in 1879. Size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition. 

Australian contralto (1871-1929), noteworthy as the first RCA "Red Seal" recording artist engaged in the US by the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1903. Autograph note signed, composed on a 3.25 x 4.5 card, written in English and dated in 1907. Also included: unsigned photo postcard, shown as herself, photo by Breitkopf and Hartel photographers, London.  Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

American contralto (1841-1921), one of the most popular singers of her era. Signed page on 3.75 x 6.25 inch carbon paper, small smudge on the left, not affecting the handwriting and signature. Also included: unsigned photo postcard, shown as herself, a 2.25 x 3.75 inch photo mounted on soft cardboard, total item size is 3.75 x 6.25 inches, in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

French bass (1834-1897), creator of three major roles at the Paris Opera such as Don Diego in Meyerbeer’s L'Africaine, the Monk in Verdi’s Don Carlos, and Horatio in Thomas’ Hamlet. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date specified, to a lady: “…grand succès hier soir dimanche la première de Mefistofele. Le sérvices de votre serviteur étaient dans la plénitude de deux moyens (vieux style) (…) Excellente il Maestro Trombini – fu chiamato fuori con noi moltissime volte. La musica piacque molto – fu capita dal pubblico alla prima audizione…”.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, creases, some dirt stains, in very good condition.

Star Italian soprano, actress and monologist (1874-1944) who had a celebrated career in both the U.S and Europe.  2 signature cuts, one is 2.5 x 4.5 inches, dated in London in 1908, the other is 2.75 x 4.75 inches, mounted onto a larger piece of paper with a total size of 5 x 7.25 inches, dated in New York in 1908. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Star Italian soprano, actress and monologist (1874-1944) who had a celebrated career in both the U.S and Europe.  Autograph note signed, with embossed letterhead, 3 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5.5 x 7 inches, in very good condition. Also included: unsigned photograph, shown as herself, contains both printed and blind stamped signature of photographer Aime Dupont, size is 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Romanian soprano (1910-1949), considered one of the biggest stars in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Strauss operas.  Set of 1 8.25 x 11.75 inch Autograph Letter Signed, dated in Berlin in 1940 with embossed name, and 1 4 x 5.75 inch Autograph Note signed, dated in 1945, both 1 page each, written in German and sold untranslated, along with an unsigned 4-page 7.5 x 10 inch program for a November 1936 performance at London's Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, of Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier featuring the soprano as Sophie von Faninal and conducted by Karl Bohm. All in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Star Russian bass (1873-1938), possessor of a large, deep, and expressive voice; enjoyed an important international career at major opera houses around the world. Small card signed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 4.6 x 3.5 inches, in very good condition.

Star Russian bass (1873-1938), possessor of a large, deep, and expressive voice; enjoyed an important international career at major opera houses around the world. Large card signed by him dated in 1934. Size is 3.75 x 5.75 inches, small stain on top right outside signature area, otherwise in very good condition.

French soprano (1824-1892), appeared in the world premiere productions of Berlioz's Beatrice et Benedict and Les Troyens.  Autograph note signed with embossed letterhead, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4 x 5.25 inches, in very good condition. 

American soprano (1892-1984). Page with the former autograph collector's letterhead signed by the soprano with a short sentiment. Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, creases, in very good condition.

French soprano (1881-1947), who performed mostly at the Palais Garnier and the Opéra-Comique in Paris. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Each page is 5.25 x 7 inches, small tear on second page and small stain on the third, otherwise in very good condition. 

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 tenor and baritone (1798-1892) Set of three autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. [September 26, 1840]. To the singer Eugène Cannis: “…Je crois qu’il faut accepter Lille, nous y avons joué déjà une série de treize représentation salle comble toujours et nous n’avions pas notre répertoire actuel. Dans le cas ou Crosnier ne nous accorderait gros la fin de mois 8bre…”. 1 p. In-8.  B. [March 24, 1827]. To Louis-Marie Céleste d’Aumont (1762-1831), asking for: “…donner quatre ou cinq représentaions aux approcher de la semaine sainte et je ne puis le faire si vous ne daignez m’accorder un congé de quatre jours…”. 2 pp. In-4. C.  C. [Brussels, October 20, 1832]. To M. de Saint-Georges, concerning rights of poems: “…La somme de cent-Louis lui semble un peu serrée et cela parce-que les expression de votre lettre le mettent dans un doute qu’il faut lever. Nous ne pouvons bien apprécier cette phrase de votre lettre “nous mettrions pour condition expresse, que la musique et le poëme de Wallace deviendraient la propriété du théâtre de Bruxelles ou de M. son directeur seulement…”. 1 p. In-4. Included: printed portrait of the singer. Applied on cardboard. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of 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.

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a colorized engraving depicting her as Angele in Auber's opera Le Domino Noir. Size is 5.8 x 8.8 inches, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed on verso by her. Size is 3.8 x 5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in very good condition.

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Set of 2 autograph letter signed, in French (untranslated), both 1 pages in length, one of these dated in 1848, size is 4 x 5.25 inches, the other is on a larger sheet of 8.25 x 11 inches, dated in 1838, very clear handwriting with much of the text possibly written by another hand but with her clear signature, some rust on the far edges of the sheet but not affecting text or signature.  Not sold separately. Rare vintage items!

French soprano (1801-1863), later teacher, particularly associated with Rossini roles and also operas by Meyerbeer and Auber, premiering some of them. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. June 10. To the composer, director of the Conservatoire Luigi Cherubini, recommending a young lady: “…Elle se nomme Alphonsine Santa Maria, elle possède une fort belle voix, et a le plus grand désir d’entrer au Conservatoire…”. 2 pp. In-8. B. To a gentleman, concerning an audition. 2 pp. ½. In-8. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1834-1906), daughter of Laure. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, one of them dated 1871. The letters concern publishing matters, personal issues around a Creole girl, and singing performances.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American mezzo-soprano/contralto (1878-1934), who toured worldwide immensely, and greatly helped raise funds for charity causes, later in life became a teacher. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1929, responding to a potential student, two pages in separate sheets, in English, each one is 5.75 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian baritone (1811-1894), one of the three leading Italian baritones of nineteenth-century Italy, and performed in the world premiere productions of works by Verdi and Donizetti. Autograph note signed, written in Italian (sold untranslated). Size is 4 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition.

English-French soprano (1833-1916), who debuted in the title role of Lucrezia Borgia at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 1858. Fine collection of three autograph letters in Italian and French (untranslated) signed by her, dated between 1888 and 1912. Letters are addressed to her friend and impresario Fano and concern private and music matters. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian baritone (1910-2002). Typed letter signed, addressed to the management of La Scala, Milan, on his personal letterhead, dated in 1964. 1 page written in Italian, sold untranslated. Printed signature under the typed text. Size is 7.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition. 

Swiss bass (1916-1984) especially celebrated for his comic roles in the 1950s to the 1970s, widely recorded. Typed letter signed with his business letterhead, dated in Lugano in 1950, addressed to the director of La Scala, Milan. Contains printed signature underneath the typed text. 1 page, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8.25 x 11.75 inches, a rare item in excellent condition. 

Italian baritone (1822-1890). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Brescia, 1851. Size is 6.9 x 9 inches, evident loss of paper over the left margin, otherwise in very good condition.

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.

French tenor (1854-1923). Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him on verso only as "Cossira" on his visiting card, addressed to composer Gustave Charpentier. Size is 3.3 x 2.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1895-1982). Autograph letter signed by him, written in Italian (sold untranslated), dated in 1934, with letterhead of Taverna La Fenice.  Size is 5.8 x 7.25 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, in excellent condition.

Italian baritone (1831-1918) of the first magnitude, regarded internationally as one of the greatest male opera singers of the 19th century. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him in 1885, addressed to his friend the Italian conductor Edoardo Mascheroni. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 1 written page, in very good condition.

Italian soprano castrato (1762-1846), and also a singing teacher and composer. A short note handwritten by him speaking in the third person, dated May 22, 1839.  Size is 7.7 x 9.8 inches, 1 page, folds, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1886-1972). Autograph letter signed. 4 pages on 2 sheets of paper. Written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8.4 x 10 inches, beautifully preserved in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1886-1972). Signed postcard, showing an image of French women, probably from the late 18th century. Signed in Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires dated in 1908. Size is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Romanian soprano (1886-1960). Handwritten autobiography, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Fifteen pages of text on five sheets of paper, most double-sided, with three storage holes at the top of each page. Size is 5.75 x 8 inches, small stain at the bottom of the first page not affecting the text, otherwise in very good condition.  ALSO INCLUDED are four small photo clips ranging in size from 1.5 x 2.9 inches to 2.75 x 4.3 inches, shown both as herself and in role (not scanned).