Composer Autograph Manuscripts

German composer (1819-1885) and choral conductor, his career focused mostly in vocal music. Autograph note signed in 1879, written in French, one page, sold untranslated. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, some folds, in excellent condition.

French composer and music critic (1803-1856), prolific creator of ballets and operas, Adam is best known for his ballets Giselle (1841) and Le Corsaire (1856).  Autograph letter in French (sold with translation) signed by the composer to a friend, dated March 23, 1836, about personal matters, mounted on a mat with his portrait.  Total size is 13.1 x 9 inches, letter size is 3.9 x 4.9 inches, embossed initials over the upper-right corner, portrait's size is 4.8 x 5.8 inches, all in excellent condition.

French composer and music critic (1803-1856), prolific creator of ballets and operas, Adam is best known for his ballets Giselle (1841) and Le Corsaire (1856).  Autograph letter signed, discussing about the publication of his operas with an unknown recipient. One sheet folded, written on both sides of the same fold (see scans of front and verso, and translation), each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches. In French, sold with a translation into English, in very good condition. 

French composer and music critic (1803-1856), prolific creator of ballets and operas, Adam is best known for his ballets Giselle (1841) and Le Corsaire (1856). Set of 2 1-page long autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him. Sizes are 4 x 5.2 inches and 5 x 8 inches, spotted rust stains, folds, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1758-1848), music teacher, and piano virtuoso, also known as Louis Adam; and father of composer Adolphe Adam. Printed document completed and signed by the composer, dated June 18, 1839, where he attaches his commentaries on some of his pupils’ final piano exams. Size is 7.6 x 9.5 inches and 9.7 x 12.5 inches, in very good condition.

American composer (b.1947) and conductor whose music is rooted in minimalism, particularly noted for his operas. Fine card signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated in November 1987. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian musicologist and writer (1855-1941). Autograph letter in German (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated April 1, 1894, to Albert Schatz, concerning music literature. Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, 3 written pages, overall rust stains, in very good condition.  Envelope included. Albert Schatz (1839-1910) was a German music dealer with a lifelong interest in opera and its history. In 1873, when Schatz assumed ownership of the Musikalienhandlung Ludwig Trutschel Nachfolger in Rostock, Germany, he confirmed his intent to write a comprehensive history of opera through the study of primary sources. Research for the book necessitated extensive travel throughout Europe to collect libretti including many first and early Italian, German, and French editions from the 17th and 18th centuries: in the end, his collection totaled 12,000 operatic and 238 oratorio and cantatas librettos. 

Austrian musicologist and writer (1855-1941). Set of two autograph letters in German (sold untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. Vienna, October 22, 1891, to Thaddeus Wiel:  “Receive my best thanks for your great kindness in providing me with a Bolognese Catalog through Mr. Busi...”. Size is 4.3 x 6.9 inches, 4 written pages, folds, tape restoration on pages 3 and 4. Envelope included. B. Vienna, May 12, 1912, with letterhead, [secretary hand]: "... Prof. Gasperini informs me that you are now more involved in the work for the "Corpus Scriptorum de Musica" than he. Therefore, I take the liberty of addressing you and asking you in what condition the work in Italy is now and whether the steps and resolutions taken on the occasion of the congress have been successful...".  Size is 5.9 x 9 inches, 2 written pages, in Italian (sold untranslated), in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1921-2012), lyricist, writer, and producer of several Broadway shows. Fine printed score for his song "Whatever Lola Wants" from his musical "Damn Yankees" signed and inscribed by him (also signed and stamped by a past owner). Size is 8.9 x 11.9 inches, 6 pages, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1814-1891), appointed as director of appointed as director of Théâtre des Italiens in Paris by Napoleon III. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in London, June 10, 1874, to the impresario Innocenzo Canedi, concerning a trial against the soprano Madame Gaston Lacaze and other music issues: "... I am very sorry for all that has happened, but amid three versions which I do not appreciate and which are rather contradictory, I cannot pronounce who is to blame - I shall see this on my return to Paris when I have spoken with the Lacazes - But of all the ways what is clear is that the affair is lost even to me - but let us be clear that if you think you can bring Madame Lacaze to trial if I do not succeed in what you want from mine I intend to participate in the mediation as we are intended to do so. Now I believe it is my duty that the 1st Tenor [Alessandro] Bettini (husband of [Zelia] Trebelli) is free from engagements from August (next) onwards, needless to say, his voice is always fresh, and he knows and has sung 40 operas and that at least here in London it is those old men there, who lead the boat forward – All the young men we were talking about at the beginning of the Season are finished..." Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Spanish composer and pianist (1860-1909), one of the greatest music creators from Spain in the post-romantic era.  Large autograph manuscript by his hand, one page from his unfinished work "La Real Hembra" (1902), a zarzuela (a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that combines spoken and sung scenes with dancing). Albeniz only wrote the prelude and the 2 first scenes of this zarzuela before abandoning the project.  One page, 10.5 x 14.4 inches, minor stains, in very good condition. Autograph manuscripts of Albeniz are exceedingly rare in the market. Tamino Autographs is proud to offer this hard-to-find page from a music autograph score.

Spanish composer (1860-1909), and virtuoso pianist, greatly remembered for his works for piano, based on Spanish folk music. Telegram sent by him to French composer Paul Dukas (1865-1935), in French, with just 3 words (translated into English as "True Apprentice Triumph"), probably referring to the recent premiere of one of his works or someone else both composers know. Dated below in pencil 13 Mars 1902 (writing matches Albeniz´s handwriting). Size is 7.1 x 5.25 inches, plus the flap, in very good condition. See scans of both sides. Very rare!

German composer, pianist and publisher (1867-1934). Autograph note signed, with a short greeting in German, dated in 1916. Size is 6 x 4.6 inches, folded, in excellent condition.

Italian composer and pianist (1875-1954), best known today for his operas Cyrano de Bergerac and Resurrezione and for having completed the music of Puccini´s opera Turandot in 1926, after the composer´s death. Autograph letter signed by him, dated in San Remo in 1943, concerning music business, probably to a conductor ("Caro Maestro"...). Alfano refers to the situation of the musical theater with disappointment. In Italian, sold with a transcription and translation. One page with his letterhead at the top, handwritten on both sides, signed at the end, Size is 7.7 x 10.1 inches, folds, in excellent condition.

Czech-born American composer (1905-1995), whose output included musicals, film scores, opera, and ballet. Set of two autograph letters signed by him, both dated in 1967, plus one type letter signed by him, dated in 1960.  Each one's size is 7.25 x 11 inches approximately, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer (1948-1912), who created many popular psalms and romantic songs in her career, and was also a teacher. Autograph music quote signed by her, inscribed and dated in 1904, with 3 bars from one of her songs. Size is 5.6 x 4.5 inches, minor damage on the lower right corner, otherwise in excellent condition.

Austrian violist (1927-2017) and composer, whose works have been influenced by Paul Hindemith, and his output includes oratorios, musicals, orchestral works, and others. Long autograph music quote from an unidentified piece, entirely in pencil and signed by him and dated 1989. Size is 8.5 x 6.2 inches, 2 pages, in excellent condition.

Austrian violist (1927-2017) and composer, whose works have been influenced by Paul Hindemith, and his output includes oratorios, musicals, orchestral works, and others. Printed brochure about his work as a composer, signed by him and dated 1991. Size is 5.8 x 8.25 inches, 8 pages (including covers), in excellent condition.

British composer (1874-1948), whose career focused on light classical music. Autograph note signed dated in 1935, written in English thanking to a fan, one page. Size is 5 x 9 inches, some folds, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1822-1889) who composed five operas, being "L'Ebreo" the most successful.  Autograph letter signed, dated in 1855. 1 page, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 7.5 x 9.75 inches, in excellent condition.

German-born Austrian composer (1901-1972), a pupil of Arnold Schonberg. Autograph note on a post card signed by him, dated 1950, where as president of the Gesellschaft für Neue Musik, Apostel addresses the composer and organist Florian Wiefler, concerning a music performance with the pianist Hans Kann that will take place that evening. Size is 4.1 x 5.8 inches, some smudge over the ink, in very good condition.

American composer (1927-2019) known for his lyric operatic and choral music. 3-bar autograph music quote from one of his pieces signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated 1982 on a card. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (b.1927), known for his lyric, operatic, and choral music. Autograph music quote signed, inscribed and dated in 1989, with 5 bars of his opera ¨The Aspern Papers¨ (1987). Size is 8.75 x 3.2 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1889-1960), better known for his choral and vocal music. Autograph letter signed by him, dated November 24, 1955. Size is 4.4 x 6.3 inches, 1 page, central fold, in very good condition.

English composer (1917-2009) whose output includes six symphonies and six string quartets and other works. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated Nov. 14, 1959, to his correspondent mentioning a reprinting of one of his ballet: “...A piano version of “Punch and the Child” is being printed at Group 5 for you to send abroad...”. Size is 6.9 x 7.9 inches, 1 page, folds, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a signed autograph letter on cardboard, no date, thanking his correspondent “...for the clarinet pieces...”. 

Austrian composer (1880-1942), creator of popular songs, waltzes, operettas, and film music. After being arrested in Kristallnacht, 1938, Ascher left Austria forever, eventually settling in New York where he passed away in 1942. Set of 3 autograph letters signed, with his letterhead, dated in Vienna in 1912 (1) and 1918 (2). Each one is 5.25 x 6.75 inches, two have storage holes, all 3 in very good condition.

Austrian composer of operettas (1880-1942), popular songs, and film scores. Complete printed score of his operetta Bruder Leichtsinn published in 1917 and signed by on the title page with a long sentiment dated June 1918. Size is 9 x 12 inches, 55 pages plus covers, in very good condition.

French composer (1840-1901), mostly known for his comic and light operas. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Marseille, September 2nd, 1878. Size is 5.25 x 8.2 inches, 2 written pages in 1 folded sheet, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small cabinet style photograph of the composer by Herve Petit (Paris). Size is 2.3 x 4 inches, mounting traces on verso, spotted rust on the front, in good condition.

American composer (b. 1930), noted for his electronic and computer music works. Signed envelope, with two bars of music from a piece for orchestra with jazz soloists (1961), dated by him and mailed in 1970. Size is 6.5 x 3.7 inches, in excellent condition.

Irish composer (1808-1870), best remembered for his operas. Autograph letter signed by him about personal matters dated on June 5th, 1861. Size is 5 x 7.8 inches, 4 written pages in 1 folded sheet, in excellent condition.

Irish composer (1808-1870), best remembered for his operas. Signed fragment from a document, dated by him in Newcastle, 1840. Size is 8.5 x 2.25 inches, in very good condition.

Irish composer (1808-1870), best known for his opera The Bohemian Girl and other operatic works. Balfe was also a conductor and pursued a career as a singer as well. Autograph note signed, to famous Italian soprano Fanny Persiani (1812-1867) (who created the role of Lucia di Lammermoor in the 1835 world premiere). Balfe is asking her to replace nothing less than Giulia Grisi in a terzetto from his opera Falstaff (Grisi performed at the 1838 world premiere in London), probably in an upcoming concert performance.  One page, 5.25 x 4 inches, signed as Balfe, some toning over the lower border, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian-American opera conductor (1890-1969), and also pianist, and music and film director.  Autograph letter signed, no date, written in English about business matters, signed by the conductor.  Size is 5.75 x 6.6 inches each page, 1 sheet folded in four (3 written pages), in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a 1-sheet music sketch (both sides).  Size is 6.5 x 10.3 inches, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1864-1944) and music critic. Set of 2 autograph letters in Italia (untranslated) signed by him and dated between 1903 and 1905, about some of his critical texts to be published and other matters. Different sizes, formats, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided).

English song composer (1812-1876). Signed album page, written in English, dated in London, 1850.  Size is 8.5 x 3.75 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer and teacher (1837-1916), originally from a family of musicians, Barnett created a fair amount of both orchestral and vocal music. Autograph music quote signed, with 14 bars of music for piano from an unknown piece, dated in Leipzig in 1860, sized 7 x 4.75 inches. Mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition, rare

Hungarian composer and pianist (1881-1945); Hungarian pianist (1903-1982) and second wife of the composer. Program for a performance of works by Beethoven and Schubert at The Town Hall, New York, on November 3, 1940, by the couple Bartok, signed by them on the front cover.  Size is 5.9 x 8.9 inches,14 pages plus covers, some stains, central fold, in overall very good condition.

French songwriter (1863-1923) for many cafés-concerts, he was the son of the Imperial Conservatory professor Charles-Amable. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, January 4, 1909, addressed to the journalist and composer Maurice Duhamel (1884-1940): “…Voulez me remettre votre récession à demain même heure. Excusez-moi, mais je ne suis pas en état de causer affaires aujourd’hui…”. Open size is 10.7 x 7.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, letterhead, creases, folds, in overall excellent condition. The original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.

German composer (1918-2010) and professor at the Cologne University of Music in his later years. 5-bar autograph music quote from one of his string quartets signed by him on the front, and a short autograph note signed by him on its verso. Size is 5.8 x 4.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer and violinist (1818-1897), whose career focused on chamber music. Lengthy autograph quote signed and inscribed by him in Paris with 9 bars from a piece for violin and piano. Size is 7.3 x 4.7 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone photograph of him. Size is 3.3 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1921-2010), particularly known for his operas, such as "Lizzie Borden", "Hello Out There!" and "The Sweet Bye and Bye". Autograph music quote signed, from Hello out there!, dated in 1994, New York. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.