Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

Italian baritone and voice teacher (1822-1907), who wrote books on singing and teaching.  Autograph letter signed, composed in 1863, 4 pages, written in Italian and sold untranslated. Each page is 4.25 x 7.25 inches (4-page folded document), beautifully preserved in excellent condition. 

French bass-baritone (1861-1933), who starred in the world premiere of Massenet's Thais and many other operas. Group of 2 autograph letters signed, one page each, both written in French and sold untranslated. dated in 1909 and 1914. The earlier letter is 4.75 x 6.5 inches, the later one is 5.5 x 7.25 inches, several small creases, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

French contralto (1875-1932), a major singer in Paris at the Opéra-Comique enjoyed an international career in the 1890s through the 1910s. Autograph letter signed, 2 long pages (one document with 2 sides), written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches,  several small tears, creases and folds, otherwise in good condition. 

French contralto (1875-1932), a major singer in Paris at the Opéra-Comique enjoyed an international career in the 1890s through the 1910s. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her. Size is 4.4 x 5.75 inches, 2 written pages in 1 sheet, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an original vintage photograph of her in role. Size is 4.1 x 6.25 inches, in very good condition.

French contralto (1875-1932), a major singer in Paris at the Opéra-Comique enjoyed an international career in the 1890s through the 1910s. Set of 2 autograph letters signed, 2 pages each, both written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, both in excellent condition. 

French bass (1780-1856), who sang in the world premieres of Spontini’s "La Vestale" and Rossini’s "Le Siège de Corinthe". Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, May 17, 1813, addressed to the composer Henri-Montan Berton (1767-1844), concerning an embarrassing financial situation due to the lack of possibilities of recent performances. Size is 7.1 x 8.9 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, overall rust, in very good condition.

French bass (1808-1880), who possessed a rich deep voice that had a great carrying power. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated June 27, 1849, addressed to Master Tailor and Costume Designer of the Royal Academy of Music in Paris, asking him to send him costumes for the Venice carnival of 1849. Size is 5.2 x 8.4 inches, 4 written pages, creases, some rust stain, in overall very good condition.

Signed photograph of the famous Slovene tenor (1910-1989), especially celebrated in Mozart and other German lyric tenor roles, shown as himself at home, dated in Vienna in 1979 along with a 1 page autograph letter signed written by his wife Hilda Dermota, herself a leading Austrian pianist (1912-2013), also dated in Vienna in 1979, written in German and sold untranslated. Photo is 4 x 5.75 inches, letter is 6 x 9.5 inches, with a small crease on top right, but otherwise in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

American soprano (1851-1941). Autograph letter signed, written in Paris and attractively embossed. 3 pages written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

American soprano (1851-1941). Autograph letter signed, dated in Paris in 1872. Written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8.25 inches, two pages, in excellent condition.

Star Italian tenor (1921-2008), admired for his extremely beautiful voice, partner of Maria Callas and Tito Gobbi on stage and in most of her studio recordings. Signature cut, dated in 1950. Size is 2 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.   

Star Italian tenor (1921-2008), admired for his extremely beautiful voice, partner of Maria Callas and Tito Gobbi on stage and in most of her studio recordings. Signature cut, dated in 1964. Size is 3 x 5 inches, in excellent condition.   

German tenor and opera impresario (1866-1932), who from 1908 through 1910 was a joint manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Signed typed letter, dated in New York in 1905, to Steinway & Sons, praising the pianos and thanking for their courtesies during his recent engagements in the US. One page, 8 x 10.5 inches, this is the carbon copy of the typed letter, hand signed in black ink by the artist at the bottom. Item has folds, but is in very good condition.

French soprano (1853-1911), also known as Blanche Dieudonne. Very long autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date mentioned, by the French soprano where she shares her thoughts on the role of Violetta Valéry in La Traviata and the problems she had performing it. On the first 3 pages on the first sheet, there is an autograph letter signed by Valérie Dieudonné to a gentleman, concerning her sister, who will soon start to sing again. Size is 4.3 x 7 inches, 5 written pages in total, folds, in overall very good condition.

French soprano (1853-1911), also known as Blanche Dieudonne. Long autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her where she describes her last night debut. Size is 4.1 x 6.5 inches each page, 8 written pages in two folded sheets, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

Canadian soprano (1882-1970), starred in the world premiere production of L'Oracolo by Franco Leoni. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1907, 2 pages, size is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Canadian soprano (1882-1970), starred in the world premiere production of L'Oracolo by Franco Leoni. Autograph musical quote signed with a bar of music from Gounod's Faust, size is 3.5 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian baritone (1890-?). Signed postcard with halftone photo, shown as himself, signed in Rosario, dated in 1921. Size is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition.

  Italian singer (1848-?), daughter of the actor Cesare, she is remembered for her performance in Diana di Chaverny by Carlo d'Ormeville. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Bologna, May 30, 1877, addressed to the dancer Amina Boschetti (1836-1881) sharing her plans to debut in an important theater such as San Carlo in Naples. Size is 3.8 x 6.1 inches, 3 written pages, folds, in very good condition.

Belgian soprano (1805-1896), sang frequently in Paris and London, and created roles in the world premieres of several major operas including Alice in Giacomo Meyerbeer's Robert le Diable, Oscar in Daniel Auber's Gustave III, Pauline in Gaetano Donizetti's Les Martyrs (the French version of Poliuto), Princess Eudoxie in Fromental Halévy's La Juive, Ginevra in Halévy's Guido et Ginevra, Marguerite de Valois in Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots,  and Teresa in Berlioz's Benvenuto Cellini.  Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. 

American tenor (1870-1955). Autograph letter on a 4-page card signed by him in 1950. Size is 5.1 x 7.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Indian-born American soprano (1901-1980), set of 1 signed photograph, shown as herself, inscribed, size is 8 x 10.25 inches, several creases on each corner, otherwise in good condition, along with 1 autograph note signed, dated in 1959, size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Belgian bass-baritone (1870-1951), signed postcard, which also contains a photographic image of him in role (likely Jochanan in Richard Strauss's Salome), dated in Chicago in 1910. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 3.25 x 5.5 inches, vintage item in excellent condition! 

French soprano (1921-2016). Album page signed by her with a short sentiment. Size is 5.25 x 4.3 inches, in excellent condition.

French soprano (1885-1967). Two autograph letters signed. 1 page each, written in English, both signed as "Claire Dux-Swift". The older of the two letters dated in 1929 is 5.5 x 8.25 inches on slightly faded paper with a small bullet hole in one line of the text but otherwise in good condition. Another letter dated in 1933 is inscribed to Leo Riemens, 5.75 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition.

American soprano (1865-1952), American painter (1857-1919). Set of 2 cards signed by them (one signature on each card. Story dated his signature in 1895). Size is 3.5 x 2.8 inches each, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Collection of five autographed signature cuts by five leading stars and personalities associated with the earliest days of the Metropolitan Opera during the early to mid 1880's. Includes performers Autuste Vianesi, Louise Lablache, Marcella Sembrich, and Sofia Scalchi, as well as General Manager Maurice Grau. Sizes range from 4 x 1.8 inches to 4.5 x 2.6 inches. All have very clear handwriting and signatures and are in extremely good, well-preserved condition, making for a very rare and valuable historical collection. See scans - not sold individually.

American singer and movie star (1901-1967), who performed in concerts, theaters, operas, radio, television, and clubs, between the 1930s and the 1940s.  Signed card, written with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in very good condition.

Austrian soprano (1867-1944), who worked with Gustav Mahler at the Vienna Court Opera. Printed telegram with autograph lines by her, where she addresses the impresario Calori, asking for the scheduled dates for the performance of Ponchielli’s La Gioconda. Size is 8.8 x 5.5 inches, central fold and creases, overall age toning, in very good condition.

Bohemian tenor (1801-1862) and opera director. Rare autograph poem in German (untranslated) signed by him for birthday wishes, dated Bremen February 24, 1860. Size is 5.8 x 9.2 inches, 1 written page, some creases, overall dust and rust tones, in overall very good condition.

American soprano.  Autograph music quote signed by the American soprano on an album page, circa 1896.  Size is 6 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition.

American baritone and voice teacher (1911-2000) who taught at Philadelphia's famed Curtis Institute. Autograph note signed on 1 side of a card, size is 3.5 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition.

American soprano (1860-?), autograph letter signed on embossed letterhead. 2 pages, written in English. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, mounting traces on back page (which contains no text), otherwise in excellent condition. 

Leading German tenor (1877-1958), created roles for several works by Pfitzner and other modern operas. Autograph letter signed by him, in German, 1 page, dated in Ravensburg -his birthplace - in 1934. Sold untranslated. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, has folds, in excellent condition

Leading German tenor (1877-1958), created roles in several works by Pfitzner and other modern operas. Autograph note signed by him, in German, 1 page, dated in Ravensburg -his birthplace - in 1940. Sold untranslated. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Leading German tenor (1877-1958), created roles for several works by Pfitzner and other modern operas. Autograph note signed by him, in German, 1 page, dated in Ravensburg -his birthplace - in 1949. Sold untranslated. Size is 6 x 8.25 inches, has folds, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned photo postcard, shown as Loge in Wagner's Das Rheingold. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian bass (1857-?). Signed postcard, with an image of a knight in armor, possibly Spain's King Philip III in 1585. Signed in Milan, dated in 1906. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Hungarian soprano (1885-1962), signature on card mounted in a larger piece of cardboard, dated in 1933. Also included an unsigned photo postcard shown as herself. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches. 

Famous French tenor (1859-1940), well-known in his time for his performances of heroic roles in French and Italian opera. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 4.75 x 6.75 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photograph of him; ink-stamped on verso by photographer Ermini (Milan) plus a signed record label (3.9 diameter).

Famous French tenor (1859-1940), well-known in his time for his performances of heroic roles in French and Italian opera.  Signed record label for a recording he made of the aria "La Mia Letizia" from Verdi's I Lombardi. Size is 3 x 3 inches, in excellent condition. Autographs of Escalais are very scarce so this is a quite valuable vintage item!

Famous French tenor (1859-1940), well-known in his time for his performances of heroic roles in French and Italian opera.  Signed card, where he wrote, in French, "Sir, my favorite role? Arnold in Guillaume Tell". Size is 4.1 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition. Autographs of Escalais are very scarce! ALSO INCLUDED is a small printed photo (modern copy) of Escalais in role (probably as Arnold in Guillaume Tell).

American soprano (1864-1935), whose career developed mostly in the United Kingdom. Autograph letter signed by her, about personal business, no date.  Size is 4.3 x 6.9 inches each page, 3 pages (in one sheet), in excellent condition.

Set of 2 signed album pages one from the Belgian baritone Camille Everardi (1824-1899), dated in 1858, the other signed by his wife Georgette, a Belgian soprano (1831-1887) signed in St. Petersburg, also in 1858. Each page is 9.25 x 13 inches in size with very small tears at both the top and some sides of the page but not affecting the text and signature. Rare vintage items not sold separately!

Stage name of Carlo M. Michelangelo Nicola Broschi (1705-1782), probably the most celebrated Italian castrato singer of the 18th Century and considered one of the greatest singers in opera history. Exceedingly rare legal document, related to the building of a house for him in Madrid, where he lived for over 20 years. The year of 1749 is printed at the top. Document is written by another hand, and signed at the bottom by Farinelli in full name, in a somewhat darker ink. One page of hand-laid paper, 7.9 x 8.4 inches, central fold, spotted rust stains, otherwise in excellent condition. Autographs of Farinelli as extremely rare and only show up in the market every few years, this one is important and also has a very clear signature. ALSO INCLUDED is a nice vintage print with his image, a lithograph by Richard Bentley, London. Size is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, some stains on borders and small paper loss on the bottom right corner, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian soprano (1877-1955), starred in the world premiere production of Pietro Mascagni's Isabeau in 1911. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated, dated in 1913. Size of each page is 5.25 x 6.75 inches, very small creases on bottom and tears in middle, otherwise in very good condition. 

Italian soprano (1877-1955), starred in the world premiere production of Pietro Mascagni's Isabeau in 1911. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Written in Milan, dated in 1935. Size is 6.25 x 8.25 inches, some jagged edges, otherwise in very good condition. 

Italian soprano (1877-1955), starred in the world premiere production of Pietro Mascagni's Isabeau in 1911.  Set of two autograph letters signed, both written in Italian, sold untranslated. The first scan is of a 4-page letter written in Milan in 1921 on all sides of a folded 5.25 x 8.25 inch sheet, signed as "Maria Riboldi Farneti", reflecting her marriage to lawyer Luigi Riboldi. The second scan is of a letter written on 3 sides of a folded 5.75 x 7.25 sheet, dated in Milan in 1920, and signed only as "Maria", both are in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.