Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

Czech contralto (1846-1901), wife of Czech composer Zdeněk Fibich, whose birth name was Betty Hanušová. Considered by many to be the greatest Czech Contralto of her day, one who enjoyed close artistic partnerships with the great Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana  who also collaborated frequently with her husband.  Signed card, signed by her with the name "Betty Fibich-Hanusova", dated in Prague in 1891. Size is 2.75 x 4.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

German dramatic bass-baritone (1838-1914). 2-bar autograph music quote signed by him with a short text in German (apparently) written by him, dated 1898. Size is 9.25 x 6 inches, minor stains, in very good condition.

Norwegian soprano (1895-1962), one of the greatest Wagnerian dramatic singers of the 20th century. Signed album page, dated in 1950, addressed to Gerald Fitzgerald, who later became an associate editor of the Metropolitan Opera Guild's Opera News magazine from 1960-1990 and a well-known figure in American opera. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 4 x 6.25 inches, small creases and bends, otherwise in very good condition. 

Belgian contralto (1876 -?). Autograph note signed on the letterhead of the Hotel Savoy, New York, dated 1909. 1 page written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned half-tone photo, shown in role.

Finnish soprano (1856-1936). Signed card, signed in San Francisco, dated in 1886. Attached to another card behind, providing a solid backing. Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.

Irish bass (1837-1898), professionally known as "Signor Foli" (in accordance with the then prevailing preference for Italian artists).   Signed page (signed as "A.B. Foli"), dated in London in 1885. The signature is on the first page of a folded 4-page document, each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, stains not affecting the signature, some mounting traces on the final page, otherwise in good condition. 

German bass (1815-1889) who had a long international career especially in Germany, London and New York, sang in the world premiere of several operas, notably Flotow's Martha. Autograph note signed, dated in 1858. 1 page written in German (sold untranslated). Size is 5 x 8 inches, small tear at bottom of the page, not affecting any of the writing or signature. Otherwise in excellent condition. 

German bass (1815-1889), whose important career focused on opera and oratorio. Set of 2 short notes in German on album pages signed by him (one of them also signed by his wife) adding a music quote in one of them. Size is 7 x 8.8 inches each, 1 page each, irregular borders, both in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

South-African soprano (1877-1966), also known as Ada Cherry Keardon. Autograph letter signed by her with the letterhead of a hotel, dated in South Africa, December 13, 1920, about personal matters.  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, 2 pages written on one sheet, in very good condition.

French bass (1858-1926). Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in French (sold untranslated). Size is 4.5 x 5.5 inches, small cracks at bottom and top of the page not affecting the writing, otherwise in excellent condition.

French bass-baritone (1861-1933), who was in the world premiere Thais. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1890, Paris. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, tow pages, in excellent condition.

French bass-baritone (1861-1933), who starred in the world premiere of Massenet's Thais and many other operas. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1910. Size is 4.75 x 6.25 inches, one page, in excellent condition.  

French bass-baritone (1861-1933), who starred in the world premiere of Massenet's Thais and many other operas. Autograph note signed, 1 page, dated in Paris in 1900, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.  

German bass-baritone (1906-1959), set of three typed letters signed, 1 page each, each dated in 1953, written in German, sold untranslated. Addressed to Karl Maria Zwissler, the director of the Mainz Stadtisches Theater. Size of each is 8.25 x 11.75 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

French tenor (1876-1950), who started his career well into his 30s and developed a very successful international career thanks to his beautiful voice and impressive stage appearance.  Signed card, written in French in 1919, sold untranslated. Size is 2.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

North African-born tenor of Swiss and Spanish heritage ( 1846-1937) also known as "Joseph Frapolli". Signed 3.75 x 6.25 inch card (signed as "J. Frapolli"), bold handwriting and signature. Also included: unsigned photograph, shown as himself, size is 2.5 x 3.75 inches, in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1878-?). Autograph note signed on the stationary of the Grand Hotel Savoy, Florence, 1 page of a folded 4-page document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.75 x 7.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian tenor (1816-1887), who sung at the world premieres of Donizetti's Caterina Cornaro, and Verdi's Alzira, Il Corsaro, La Battaglia di Legnano, Stiffelio and Un Ballo in Maschera.   Autograph letter signed, dated in 1867, one page, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, a beautiful vintage item,  in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1816-1887), who sung at the world premieres of Donizetti's Caterina Cornaro, and Verdi's Alzira, Il Corsaro, La Battaglia di Legnano, Stiffelio and Un Ballo in Maschera. One of Verdi's favorite tenors, considered the most prominent singer who facilitated the transition from Donizetti to Verdi. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1872, written in Italian, two pages. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, beautiful vintage item, excellently preserved in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1816-1887), who sung at the world premiere Caterina Cornaro, Alzira, Stiffelio and Un Ballo in Maschera. Autograph note signed, in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 4 x 5 inches, one page, in excellent condition.

American soprano (1889-?), active with the San Carlo Opera Company from 1911 to 1920. Autograph note signed, contains part of a letter asking about possible repertoire. Very clear handwriting and signature. Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, slight rip at top reflecting missing text, but otherwise in very good condition.

Celebrated Swedish-American soprano (1871-1951). Autograph note in German written on a postcard signed by her, dated 1903 (according to postal markings). Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a fabulous sepia photograph -an original by Mishkin (New York), of Fremstad as Isolde in Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde"; ink-stamped on verso by Culver Services, New York. Size is 7.2 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1818-1884), who was at the world premiere of Giovanna d’ Arco and I Lombardi. Autograph letter signed as Erminia, dated 1868, in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in 3 pages in very good condition. It is also included a short handwritten document signed as Erminia (size is 8.25 x 9 inches).

German baritone (1849-1918), famous in his time for his performances as Beckmesser in Meistersinger, as Falstaff, and other roles which he did at the Met Opera 1899-1902, and earlier in Bayreuth. Autograph letter, 1 folded sheet, written on 4 pages, in German, sold untranslated, dated in 1900. Each page is 5.85 x 8.75 inches, has folds, signature is at the bottom of page 3 - see scans. Also included is a half-tone print showing him as Beckmesser, 3.5 x 6.25 inches

French baritone (1848-1935), sang at Covent Garden and many other famous opera houses and left recordings.  One autograph note signed, one page, dated in 1902, size is 4.5 x 7 inches, written in French and sold untranslated, in excellent condition. 

French baritone (1851-1920), younger brother of French baritone Lucien Fugere. Set of 2 autograph notes signed, each 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. 1 note is on telegram paper of 4.5 x 5 inches, the other is on standard paper, 4.5 x 6 inches. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Legendary German Wagnerian soprano (1872-1932),  signature cut matted with a vintage postcard photograph of her as Isolde in Richard Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.  Signature cut is 1.5 x 3 inches, the photo is 3.25 x 5. inches, total item size is 7 x 10 inches, small mounting traces on verso, beautiful well preserved vintage item in excellent condition. 

Legendary German Wagnerian soprano (1872-1932), signed album page, dated in New York in 1907. Bold handwriting and signature. This is a 7.25 x 8.5 inch album page which also contains a small (1.75 x 3 inch) half tone photo of her as Brunnhilde in Wagner's Ring, her most celebrated role. In excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1876-?), 3 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5 x 6.75 inches, small crease on bottom right, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1835-1901). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1866, 2 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, slight rust on edges, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1835-1901). Autograph music quote signed and dated by her in Milan in 1895. Size is 4.75 x 7.25 inches, on brown carbon paper, in good condition. 

Italian mezzo-soprano (1835-1901), for many years considered the best Favorita in Donizetti's opera. Set of two autograph letters: one of them dated in Torino, 1877, where she mentions an encounter with her fans, and another dated in Bologna, 1872, about some logistic recommendations to her stay. Both letters are 3 written pages long, different sizes, folds, creases, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATED.

Italian soprano (1882-1963). Twp signed postcards, one undated signed in Fleischmanns, New York, the other dated in 1930. Size of each is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Italian soprano (1882-1963).  Signature on album page, size is 5 x 3.25 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo shown as Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata: original photograph by Victor Georg, New York.  Blind stamped on the front by the photographer. Size is 6 x 8 inches, in very good condition.

Italian soprano (1882-1963). Signed card, with the attractively embossed symbol of the Ambassador Hotel New York, dated in 1923. Written in English, size is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, small tape residue on the top left not affecting the writing or symbol, otherwise in excellent condition. 

French mezzo-soprano (1837-1905), best known for creating the title role in Bizet's Carmen. Original manuscripts of the artist in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL THE MANUSCRIPTS and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

Italian baritone (1885-1963). Autograph letter signed, 1 page written in English on his personal letterhead, dated in 1948. The letter consists of his professional recommendation of the baritone, Jack Epstein, in response to Epstein's application to open a voice studio for the teaching of aspiring opera singers. Bold handwriting and signature. This letter is solidly mounted onto a durable 7.5 x 10.75 inch piece cardboard and is in excellent condition. 

Swiss-born American pianist (1877-1972), and also conductor, composer, and music educator.  Autographs lot composed by 1 Autograph Letter Signed, 8 Typed Letters Signed, and 3 Telegrams.  Various sizes ranging from 8 x 6.25 inches to 8.5 x 11 inches, some items with folds, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT ONLY, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French Basque tenor and baritone (1764-1823), celebrated throughout Europe, particularly for his interpretations of Gluck, during the era of the French Revolution and afterwards. Autograph note signed, addressed to "Citoyens" (the directors of the Paris Conservatory), dated December 14, 1800, announcing his availability for the professorship of singing. Written in French, sold with English translation. Size is 6 x 7.8 inches, fascinating vintage item in beautifully preserved condition.

French baritone (1762-1823). Autograph document in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated July 24, 1816, asking the Superintendent of Liége for a leave for medical reasons.  Size is 7.9 x 9.5 inches, creases, folds, written notations by third hands, in overall very good condition.

Italian tenor (1865-1943) and one of the most important Italian tenors of his day, having premiered many title roles during his career.  Signed postcard (not a photograph of him), containing a drawing of the auditorium of La Scala Milan. This drawing is by Arti Grafiche Galileo, Milan. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, some wear on various edges, otherwise in good condition. 

French soprano (1814-1880) whose full name was Cecile Eugenie Mayer Garcia, a leading performer at the Opera Comique in Paris and prominent voice teacher, and who was also the wife of the famous Spanish baritone Manuel Garcia Jr. Autograph letter signed, 3 pages on a folded 4 page document, embossed, written in French and sold untranslated. Signed as "E. Garcia". Clear and bold handwriting and signature. Each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, small folds but otherwise in excellent condition.  

French soprano (1814-1880) whose full name was Cecile Eugenie Mayer Garcia, a leading performer at the Opera Comique in Paris and prominent voice teacher, and who was also the wife of the famous Spanish baritone Manuel Garcia Jr. Set of 4 autograph letters signed, each written in French and sold untranslated, three of these on embossed stationary. Signed as "E. Garcia". Clear and bold signature. Lengths of each letter range from 2 to 4 pages, most are 2 pages. Sizes range from 4 x 6 inches to 5.25 x 8 inches, several small folds but otherwise in very good condition.  Not sold separately. 

Highly important Spanish opera singer (1775-1832), composer, impresario and singing teacher. García also created roles in several important world premieres. Interesting and very rare receipt, handwritten and signed by him, dated in 1804, for receiving money from Teatro Caños del Peral for the music of the musical tragedy "Athalie" (by Jean-Baptiste Racine, with choruses composed by Manuel Garcia). More information about this piece and Manuel García´s involvement can be found HERE. Size is 7.25 x 2 inches, central fold, in excellent condition. Manuel Garcia´s autographs are extremely rare!

Spanish tenor (1775-1832), composer, impresario, and singing teacher, and father of the celebrated mezzo-sopranos Maria Malibran and Pauline Viardot. Rare contract handwritten and signed by Manuel Garcia and impresario Domenico Rossi on April 2, 1803, where Garcia gave up the rights to the Teatro Coliseo de los Caños de Peral, Madrid, of his opera "El Luto Fingido", premiered on May 30, 1803; and also obliging himself to sing his opera as many nights as requested. Size is 8.5 x 12.25 inches, 1 page, small loss of paper over the right border, some stains, printed at the top with an official seal, year 1803, central fold, in overall very good condition. This is a fabulous and rare document signed and handwritten by Garcia about one of his works as a composer and his commitment to singing as a tenor. 

Scottish soprano (1874-1967), very famous in France and in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Became one of the leading sopranos in the Opéra-Comique, admired for her acting skills, colorful voice and wide vocal range.    Set of three autograph letters signed, all handwritten by her, one of these is a 4.5 x 7 inch 4 page undated (folded) document, another a 2 page letter (5.25 x 7.25 inches) written on the stationary of the Splendide-Royal et Excelsior hotel, dated in 1912, both of these are written in French and sold untranslated. The other letter is written with the letterhead of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in New York, 2 pages in English, size is 5.5 x 7 inches. All of these are in very good condition, not sold separately.

Scottish soprano (1874-1967) with a substantial career in France and America in the first third of the 20th century. A card signed and inscribed by her on the occasion of a dinner held in honor of the star American baritone Lawrence Tibbett at the Hotel Astor, New York, dated in 1954.  This is a folded 4-page card, each page is 4.5 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition.  

Scottish soprano (1874-1967) with a substantial career in France and America in the first third of the 20th century. Her personal card signed by her with a greeting, dated 1924, mounted on soft black cardboard.  Size is 3.3 x 2.4 inches, in very good condition.