Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

French mezzo-soprano (1882-1946), and singing teacher whose best-known pupils were Janine Micheau and Gerard Souzay. Set of three autograph letters in French signed by her, two of them dated 1926 and 1943, addressed to the composer Émile Passani (1905-1974) and composer and music critic Henri Woollett (1864-1936), about personal and professional matters.  Different sizes, lenghts, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French mezzo-soprano and singing teacher (1882-1946). Signed album page. Size is 4.5 x 6.75 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. Signed album page, size is 6.75 x 8.5 inches, in very good condition.

French baritone (1833-1908) and professor, who debuted at the Opéra-Comique in Ponchielli's "La Gioconda". Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated April 18, 1888, where he addresses the art critic and journalist Félix Jahyer (1834-1907), commenting on an article about the Parisian Chronicles. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in overall excellent condition. The original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.

Hungarian soprano (1832-1892). Autograph letter signed, 6 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

English alto and actress (1883-1953). Autograph letter signed by her, no date indicated. Size is 5.25 x 6.9 inches, 4 written pages, in excellent condition.

English contralto and actress (1883-1953).  Signed card, size is 3.25 x 5 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition.

Portuguese baritone (1856-1921), who sang leading roles in opera houses throughout Europe. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, small bullet holes at the bottom of each page and several small creases and folds, otherwise in very good condition. 

Austrian soprano (1853-1907), who sang the role of Amelia in the premiere of the revised version of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra in 1881. Autograph letter signed, written on all four pages of a folded document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches (unfolded document is 7 x 8.75 inches), vintage historical item in excellent condition!

French-American soprano (1887-1931). Autograph note signed by her with a short sentiment in French (sold untranslated), dated 1922.  Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

Celebrated Italian soprano (1893-1975). Signed card (4 folded pages), with an attached photo of her, shown as herself.  Photo is 4 x 5.5 inches, total item size of each page is 4.75 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-Italian soprano (1807-1864), voice teacher, daughter of the celebrated voice teacher Filippo Dall'Oca. Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. Berlin le 23 Octobre 1842. To the Court theatre manager Karl Theodor von Küstner, asking for: “…deux billets de parquet et quatre billets au second rang des loges (…) Dans ce moment je viens de recevoir mon rôle dans Belisaire, et le plus-tôt possible je tacherai de le donner…”. 1 p. In-4. B. Fano li 22 Febbrajo 1850. To the impresario Alessandro Lanari: “…in questo momento ho riceguto la vostra lettera, e ne feci parte alla mia figlia la quale per verità rimase assai mortificata nel vedere che il Sig. Marzi dopo tante dimostrazioni, e conoscendo i suoi mezzi, le abbia potuto fare questa meschina offerta, e sopra più anche obbligandola di fare le opere buffe, le quali sono affatto fuori del suo genere, e ch’essa non azzarderebbe di cantarle altro che avendo di già piaciuto in una città dopo una o due opere del suo genere…”.  2 pp. In-8. In the premiere (03/10/1837) of the opera Il Giuramento by Saverio Mercadante she sang the role of Elaisa. In the same year she sang other roles at the Vienna Court Opera, including the title role in Gemma di Vergy by Gaetano Donizetti in the first performance on May 28, 1838. In 1841 she made another guest appearance at the Vienna Court Opera, this time in the role of Teodora in Mercadante's opera Il bravo, at La Scala she had created the role very successfully in the premiere on March 9, 1839.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Italian soprano (1892-1975). Typed letter signed, dated in 1971, together with an unsigned photo of her. Dalla Rizza writes to a fan in America, one page, 8.1 x 11.25 inches, in excellent condition.

French tenor (1871-1939). Lot of 1 autograph note signed handwritten in pencil on the verso of a 3.5 x 5.5 inch postcard with a view of a beautiful building in Wiesbaden, Germany, dated in Wiesbaden in 1914, along with 1 unsigned 6 x 8 inch photograph, shown as Nicias in Massenet's Thais. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

French tenor (1871-1939); German bass-baritone (1866-1938). An album page signed by both artists; Muhlmann added a 5-bar music quote with lyrics from Wagner's "Lohengrin" dated in London, June 1901; while Dalmores signed and inscribed in London (Covent Garden) in 1904. Size is 7.75 x 6.25 inches, minor rust stains, in overall very good condition.

French tenor (1871-1939). Signature cut, signed in Chicago. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 5 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian dramatic soprano, active in the 1880s and 1890s who starred in the role of Nefta/Suor Clotilde in the world premiere performances of Alberto Franchetti's Asrael in 1888. Autograph letter signed, dated in Florence in 1876, 3 pages written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.5 x 8.25 inches, unfolded total size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, small tear on the top right of last pages, otherwise in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1818-1870). Printed document signed by her, dated June 1, 1845, issued by the Théâtre Royal de l'Opéra Comique, stating the wages of the actors for May 1845.  Size is 7.4 x 9.5 inches, some spotted rust, in overall very good condition.

French tenor (1750-1830) and French tenor (1790-1864) who participated in the world premiere of Rossini's Il Turco in Italia. Set of 2 autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by both artists (father and son), dated in 1821 and 1831 respectively. Size is 4.9 x 8.1 inches (1821) and 7.75  5 inches (1831), both are 1-page long, in excellent condition.

Welsh tenor (1858-1943), autograph letter signed, dated in March 1924. 1 page, size is 5.25 x 7 inches, one central fold and several small creases on the left, otherwise in very good condition. 

Welsh tenor (1858-1943), signature cut, size is 2.25 x 4 inches, several mounting traces but otherwise in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED: Unsigned cabinet photo, shown as himself, size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, small stain on verso, otherwise in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

English singer and musician who also played flute and harpsichord (1743 or 1744-1818). Autograph letter signed, dated in Naples in 1772, 3 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Each page is 7.5 x 9.25 inches, total unfolded item is 9.25 x 14 inches, small tear on the left side of back pages (not including any text), as well as tape residue, and small stains on front pages, otherwise in very good condition.

Welsh mezzo-soprano (1855-1930) Autograph letter signed by her, dated December 2nd, 1918, about personal matters. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 3 pages (in one sheet), folds, minor stains, in good condition.

Italian baritone (1819-1881), especially known for his Verdi roles, appeared in the world premiere productions of that composer's I Due Foscari, Il Corsaro, Luisa Miller, and La Forza del Destino. Signed album page, dated in 1855, bold handwriting and signature. Size is 9.25 x 12.5 inches. Very rare vintage item in excellent condition!

American mezzo-soprano/contralto (1878-1934), who toured worldwide and greatly helped raise funds for charity causes, later in life became a teacher. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1906, three pages, written in English, each one is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French singer (1779-1852), composer, and voice teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date, addressed to the famous French composer Luigi Cherubini: “J’ai l’honneur de recommander à Monsieur Cherubini M.me Valkin, âgée de 18 ans et demie, femme d’un artiste dramatique de mes amis. Elle chantera, ce matin, l’air des Voitures versées [François-Adrien Boïeldieu, 1775-1834]. Lui donnant leçon depuis 3 à 4 mois, je prie Monsieur Cherubini de vouloir bien la mettre dans une classe, si, comme je le pense, elle est admise…”.  Size is 10.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold and creases, missing upper-left and lower-left corners, in overall very good condition.

French singer (1779-1852), composer, and voice teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 22, 1821, to a certain Mr. Cordier in Abbeville: “…Le souvenir que j’ai conservé de votre talent sur la flûte, ou vous réunissez la grâce du style à une brillante execution, m’a engagé à Mayer de composer exprès pour vous de quatuors qui, joués par vous et l’excellent cortège musical de Mr. De Wicy, pourront alors obtenir quelques succès. J’ai composé, cet été, les 3 que vous trouverez ci joint. En travaillant au 4ème, j’ai donné à graver les trois premières et, espérant finir de suite les six de cet oeuvre 35, j’avais différé de vous envoyer le 1re livraison jusqu’à ce que la 2 soit aussi gravée (…) Ces quatuors sont écrits un peu à la Rossini, et sont très épineux à exécuter. Peut être ne serait il pas mal que le violoncelle regardait un peu sa partie avant…”.  Size is 10.2 x 8.1 inches, three written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, evident creases, overall age toning, in very good condition.

French singer (1779-1852), composer, and voice teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. Interesting autograph document signed by him, dated December 30, 1817, stating the divorce and child support conditions between De Garaudé and Catherine Petrouille Caubey. We report an extract: “…pour prévenir toutes contestations qui pourraient survenir entre eux, à raison de leur habitation particulières et séparer, volontairement contentées; que comme l’épouse se charge des enfants qu’ainsi son ménage exige une dépense d’entretien plus considerable à laquelle l’epoux doit subvenir pour ses propres revenus, il a été convenu entre eux et arrêté par la présente transaction qu’à compter du 1er Janvier mil huit cent dix huit, le Sr. de Garaudé s’obligerait, comme en effet il s’oblige à payer annuellement à la Dame de Garaudé son épouse, au domicile d’elle (…) une somme de huit cent francs…”.  Size is 7.1 x 10 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), spotted rust stains, creases, ink and blind stamps, in overall good condition.

German soprano (1888-1990). Typed letter signed, written in Hollywood, dated in 1950, written in German, sold untranslated. 2 pages on both sides of a 5 x 7.25 inch sheet, small tear on the left side, otherwise in very good condition. 

Italian soprano (1817-1877). Fine personal card with few autograph lines by her dated in Padua, March 18, 1881. Size is 3.9 x 2.3 inches, in excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1872-1926), sang frequently at the Paris Opéra-Comique. Autograph note signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1824-1905), who was the first Traviata in the USA. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1865, Madrid, written in French and sold with translation. Size 5.25 x 8.25 inches, four pages, in excellent condition.

French soprano Anna De La Grange (1824-1905), who was the first Traviata in the US. Signed album page mounted onto a larger album page containing her signature, written in French and sold untranslated. Also included: an additional signature of Euphrosyne Parepa-Rosa, a Scottish soprano (1836-1874), who enjoyed an outstanding international career, and was the cofounder of the Parepa-Rosa Opera company. Her signature and text are in English and she signed as "E. Parepa-Rosa".   Total size of the larger album page containing both of these mounted signed pages is 6.5 x 8.25 inches , some wear and paper loss at far edges of the larger page, but each of the attached pages are in excellent condition.

French singer (1801-1868), teacher and writer, cantor of the music chapel of Charles X, he was much appreciated by Luigi Cherubini and Carl Maria von Weber. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date indicated, addressed to a Maître, concerning the visit of the journalist Louis Esnault: “…vous ne pouvez pas douter du plaisir que nous aurons à faire la connaissance performelle d’un homme dont nous aimons le beau talent depuis long-temps…”. Size is 5.3 x 8.45 inches, 1 page, letterhead of "L'Univers Musical", folds, creases, in overall good condition.

Italian tenor (1860-1925) and Italian baritone (1866-1936). Album page signed by both artists (each one on each side of the page). Size is 7.8 x 5.8 inches, minor mounting damage on borders, in very good condition. Autographs by De Lucia are rare to find!

Italian soprano (1870-1909). Signed postcard, written in Italian (sold untranslated). Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1881-1955), acclaimed as a star singer at Teatro La Scala. Set of two personal cards with few lines written by him. Size is 3.8 x 2.3 inches, in overall very good condition.  

Italian tenor (1881-1955), acclaimed as a star singer at Teatro La Scala, well known for performing several important roles in such operas as Madama Butterfly, L'Africaine, Carmen and Cavalleri Rusticana. Signed record label for a recording he made of the aria "Io l'ho Perduta" from Verdi's Don Carlo. Size is 4 x 4 inches, in excellent condition. 

Spanish baritone Mariano De Padilla (1842-1906). Autograph music quote signed from Rossini's Barbiere di Siviglia, dated in 1882, on 2.75 x 4.25 card in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a signed card from his daughter French-Spanish soprano Lola Artot de Padilla (1876-1933), one of the most important sopranos in Germany during the early years of the 20th century, written in Baden-Baden, 2.5 x 4.25 inches, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian tenor (1893-1964), autograph note signed, 1 page, written in English. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, 1 fold with small tear on the right and several creases on bottom and sides, otherwise in very good condition. 

French soprano (1887-1931). Autograph note signed by her, dated on March 14, 1920, thanking a fan.  Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, with collector's letterhead, central fold, in excellent condition.

Polish star tenor (1850-1925). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Deauville Villa Elisabeth, September 2, 1910, to a friend, recommending a pupil: “…Vi raccomando caldamente la mia cara e distinta allieva la signorina Le Flaguais. Cercate di procurarle una buona scrittura perché la merita. Ha talento, bellissima voce ed ha terminato da me gli studi, con massima lode…”. Odette Le Flaguais, a very popular singer in America, was born in Paris and raised in London, she was a descendant of Spanish Louisiana governor Francisco Bouligny, and her grandfather was congressman John Edward Bouligny.  She studied in Italy and Spain, in her youth. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 written page, central fold, in very good condition.

Polish star tenor (1850-1925), Polish bass (1853-1917). Set of 2 album pages signed by them: one is signed by Jean in 1901 with a short sentiment, the other signed by Edouard in 1900 with a short sentiment. Both album pages have the same size (4.5 x 6.9 inches), in very good condition SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Polish star tenor (1850-1925), Polish bass (1853-1917). Set of 2 regular cards signed by them (one by Jean, one by Edouard) dated 1892 with a short sentiment (Edouard) and just with a short sentiment (Jean). Size is 4.3 x 3.4 inches each, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Polish soprano (1855-1891), sister of the singers Jean and Edouard, and performed at the Paris Opera for several years where she created the role of Sita in Massenet's "Le Roi de Lahore" in 1877. Set of two fine autograph letters  in French (untranslated) signed by her, no years, as follows: A. Warsow, July 19th. To a gentleman: “…à l’heure qu’il est, Monsieur P… a reçu toutes mes conditions nécessaires pour le contrat envoyées par Monsieur Sbriglia, qui est chargé pour le moment de toutes ces affaires théâtrales…”.  B. Paris, March 13th. To a gentleman: “…je désirais vivement vous voir au prémier rang des auditeurs du Roi de Lahore…”.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches each page, 5 written pages in total, printed monogram, folds, some dirt stains, in overall good condition.

Spanish bass (1874-1953). Autograph note signed, written in English, dated in 1917. Size is 4.75 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition.