Composer Autograph Manuscripts ($100 - $250)

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.

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.

American composer (1944-1998), pianist and organist, and distinguished pupil of Olivier Messiaen. Signed envelope with a few notes handwritten by him with a felt tip pen, mailed in 1969. Size is 6.5 x 3.7 inches, 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 (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 (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.

French composer (1782-1871), who focused mostly on opera, whose best-known works are "Fra Diavolo" and "La Muette de Portici". Autograph letter in Frech signed by him, addressed to a certain gentleman: "Here I am at the accompaniment of Mademoiselle Doulx's aria. I beg her to lend it to me...". Size is 3.1 x 6.2 inches, 1 page, overall rust stain, glue traces at the bottom, otherwise in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is the complete French transcription in a different sheet.

French composer (1782-1871), who focused mostly on opera, his most important "Fra Diavolo" and "La Muette de Portici". Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated 1843. Size is 4 x 6.3 inches, minor folds, in overall 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.

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.

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

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.

German composer (1804-1885) and conductor, pupil of von Weber. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated April 22, 1871,addressed to the music publisher Léon Escudier: “…Vous aurez peut être appris par les journaux ou Mr. Michaells, l’éditeur de Paul et Virginie que mon Opéra “Le Lys de Killarney” a de nouveau gagné les suffrages du public anglais au Théatre de Sa Majesté et l’Adelphi. Y aurait-il moyen de transplanter cet ouvrage sous vos auspices à Paris?…”.  Size is 4.6 x 7.1 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, in very good condition.

French writer (1802-1870), music critic, and singing professor at the Marseille Conservatoire.Set of two autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, as follows:  A. Marseille, January 12, 1864, asking many questions to a gentleman, among them: "... Would you be so kind as to give me the answers to the following questions: (1) Is the Teatro de la Scala subsidized by the city or by the state? 2° Is the room given free of charge to the director and if not, what is the rent of the room?...".  Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 4 written pages, folds, creases, evident tear at the center, rust stains, in overall very good condition. B. Marseille, February 27, 1864, probably to the same gentleman of the previous letter: "... I confess to you that I was in great need of this information for the questions I deal with every day in the Semaphore, especially now that the decree on the freedom of theatres in France has just thrown some disturbance into it...".  Size is 5 x 8 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and verso), in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer, pianist, conductor, and educator (1816-1875), who had a significant influence on English music. Bennett created piano music, chamber music, orchestral, choral music, and songs. Fragment from an autograph note, hand-written and signed by him. Size is 4.5 x 5.25 inches, some folds, in very good condition.

English composer (1816-1875), pianist, conductor, and educator. Set of two autograph letters signed by him, dated on November 1st, 1854, and June 12th, 1862.  Size is 4.4 x 7 inches each, 2 pages written on both sides of a sheet each; folds, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer and songwriter (1801-1855), he wrote Ma Normandie, used as the National Anthem of Jersey and sometimes as the unofficial Norman Anthem. Autograph note signed, six lines written in French (sold untranslated), dated in 1853. Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-American composer and lyricist (1888-1989), considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Fine envelope signed by him.  Size is 6.5 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned press photograph of the composer by AP News, shown performing at the piano at age 72.  Size is 6.8 x 9 inches, large crease over the lower-right corner, in very good condition.

French composer (1798-1835), harpist, and music teacher, a pupil of François-Joseph Naderman. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by her, with postal marks indicating March 27, 1832, sent to a certain Mr. Stephen about an appointment for a rehearsal.  Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 1 written page, some creases, folds, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1895-1953). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1939 and 1943. Letters are addressed to the mezzo-soprano Madeleine Greslé and to the physician René Dusmenil (1879-1967), concerning mostly social obligations.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German opera conductor and composer (1871-1958), he was in charge of the (later) Berlin State Opera and other opera houses in Europe. His business card signed by him with a short 3-bar music quote, dated 1913. Size is 4.6 x 2.3 inches, overall age-toning, otherwise in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Card signed by Blitzstein himself with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), known for his musical directed by Orson Welles in 1937 and his brilliant adaptation of Kurt Weil' "Three Penny Opera".  Short typed letter signed by him, dated May 3, 1953, to Edwin Hughes, of the National Music Council: «...Ordinarily I should be happy to join in the symposium you have outlined in your letter of April 28 to me. But I am in the country (where your note reached me), finishing my new opera. I fear it will be impossible for me to do anything else for several months...». Blitzstein was probably working on an opera titled Reuben, Reuben (1955).  Size is 8.4 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

French composer (1775-1834), his career focused mostly on opera and has been often called “the French Mozart”, his most famous opera was “La Dame Blanche”, 1825. Note signed in French, sized 5 x 4 inches. Adhesive tape on verso, showing rust on front, otherwise in good condition, not affecting the signature. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned postcard, with a portrait of the composer. WATCH BOIELDIEU´S HARP CONCERTO (performed by young Alisa Sadikova Conductor: Mikhail Golikov Orchestras: Lemberger Soloists from Ukraine)

Italian composer (1842-1918), poet, librettist, and journalist; best known today for his libretti and his opera "Mefistofele". Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated. Size is 5.2 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, central fold, some mat burning on the borders, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 4.1 x 5.3 inches, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1842-1918), poet, librettist, and journalist; best known today for his libretti and his opera "Mefistofele". His personal card signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 3.3 x 1.8 inches, in excellent condition.

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Autograph letter in English signed by her, about personal matters. Size is 5.9 x 7.4 inches, in excellent condition.

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Her personal card signed by her as "N.B." with a short note in French (untranslated). Size is 3 x 2.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French Breton composer (1840-1910), pianist, and professor of music history/theory at the Conservatoire de Paris as well as a Prix de Rome laureate. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him [presumably between 1878-1882], as follows:  A. Dated May 23, to Monsieur Mersin, concerning the admission test for singers. Size is 4.3 x 6.7 inches each page, 3 written pages, folds, age-toning, in very good condition. B. Dated December 3, to a gentleman requesting information from an applicant and setting an appointment. Size is 4.2 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, central fold, glue traces on verso, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1829-1907) and cellist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, to Madame Rhoné: “…hier j’ai diné chez Mr. Arthur Rhoné où j’ai eu le plaisir d’être à coté de Mme votre fille. Je l’ai priée de venir vous raconter une historiette fâcheuse qui m’est arrivée. Et je vous suis très reconnaissant si vous pouvez m’éclairer des démarches à faire!…”. Size is 7.1 x 4.5 inches, 2 written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1896-1940), creator of 3 operas and musical comedies.  Autograph music quote with 8 bars of music from his "Song of Hiawatha", signed and dated by him in 1931.  Size is 6.1 x 3.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1913-1988). Lengthy 24-bar autograph music quote from his work "Vom Verscheiten Apfelbaum" signed by him. Size is 9.2 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer and organist (1844-1924). Original autograph letter on Littlington Tower, The Cloisters, Westminster Abbey letterhead paper, dated Feb 20 (NY, though 1922 added in other hand) to Miss Morley.

Collection of autograph documents by British composers and musicians, with a total of 11 items from 7 different signers, including: organist and composer Walter Parratt (1841-1924), one card signed, 1901 - composer of marches for band Kenneth J. Alford (1881-1945), also known as F.J. Ricketts, one signed page - composer and singer Lawrence Kelsie (1862-1932), one signature cut - music critic Hermann Klein (1856-1934), one autograph note signed, 1933 - Italian-born English composer Alberto Randegger (1832-1911), one autograph letter signed, 1902 - composer of ballads Florence Aylward (1862-1950), 2 autograph notes signed - composer Montague Phillips (1885-1969), 2 autograph notes signed, 1931 and 1936. Various sizes, all in good to excellent condition. See scans - not sold individually.

English composer (1913-1976), conductor, and pianist; a central figure of 20th-century British music, with a range of works including opera, vocal music, orchestral and chamber pieces. Original signed manuscripts, signed cards and/or signature cuts of the artist in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see each item and click on each to enlarge or see more items if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

French composer (1857-1934), who played an important role in the introduction of Realism into French opera. Autograph music quote signed, 2 bars from L`Attaque du Moulin, his opera in 4 acts. Size is 5.75 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an envelope hung written by him, post stamped in 1920, (not shown).

English composer (1923-2014), conductor, trumpeter, and teacher. Set of two autograph letters in English signed by him, as follows: A. 13th January, 1960. Butterworth writes to the arranger H. Swarenski about an important imminent meeting regarding some financial problems. Size is 7.9 x 9.8 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, dirt spots, in overall very good condition.  B. 19th April 1967. Butterworth writes to the widow of the German music publisher Henri Hinrichsen (1868-1942, partner in Peters edition since 1894), Carla Hinrichsen: “...There seems to be a fair number of inquiries for “An Embassy Suite”, and I wonder if it might be possible to publish it fairly soon?...”. Size is 8 x 10 inches, folds, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1841-1894) and pianist. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, no date (ink markings indicate July 1868). Size is 4.75 x 6.3 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1920-2002) and also Arts Administrator, and father of conductor Riccardo Chailly.  Autograph music quote with 5 bars from his "Sonata Tritematica 3", signed by him, dated in Milan 1952.  Size is 6.4 x 9.4 inches, folds, in very good condition.

French composer and organist and Director of the Orpheon Theatre in Paris (1858-1933). Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Written on neatly folded 8.25 x 10.5 inch paper, in excellent condition. 

French composer (1863-1935). 4-bar autograph music quote from his "Fantaisie de Concert for Violon" signed and inscribed by him, dated in Paris, March 1895. Size is 6.9 x 4.8 inches, rust stains over all four borders, in very good condition.

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera Louise (1900),  symphonies, and songs. Autograph music quote on a card with 5 bars of music from his opera "Louise" boldly signed and inscribed by him over the top, matted with a half-tone photograph of him.  Total size is  6.25 x 10.3 inches, music quote is 3.9 x 2.2 inches (visible window size), photo is 3.7 x 4.8 inches (visible window size), all in excellent condition.