Composer Autograph Manuscripts ($250 - $500)

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.

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.

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.  

French composer (1782-1871), who focused mostly on opera, composing almost 50 of them - his most important creations include "Fra Diavolo" and "La Muette de Portici".  Autograph note signed, written in French (sold untranslated), and dated in 1822.  Size is 4.6 x 7 inches, 1 page, light folds, 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.

Russian-born American composer and violinist (1900-1953), creator of 4 symphonies and an opera, among other works such as concertos. He was a distinguished violinist, worked 7 years as the first violinist of the NY Philharmonic. Autograph manuscript with 2 full pages in separate sheets, with music for a cadenza to Mozart´s "Exsultate Jubilate" (K165) for soprano, inscribed to Russian soprano Maria Kurenko (1890-1980), who signed and inscribed this manuscript on the back of page 2. Each page is 9.4 x 12.5 inches, minor cracks, but overall in very good 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.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, who had an important career and was often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter signed and written by him in French (sold untranslated), no date.  Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, 1 folio (2 pages written), some decoloration on ink, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter in French (sold with an English translation) signed by the composer, addressed to Mr. Sevrin, director of performances at the French Ministry of War.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. A second page is used as envelope.

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)

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.

English composer (1913-1976), English tenor (1910-1986), and American baritone (1920-2005). Program for a performance of Britten's opera "Billy Budd" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on April 17, 1952 -five months after its world premiere; signed on the cover by the composer, Peter Pears, and Theodor Uppman (creators of the characters in the world premiere). Size is 4.8 x 7.3 inches, full program with all pages and covers, minor stains, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and other orchestral works. Album page signed by the composer and other personalities including conductor and singer Georg Henschel, publisher Edward Lloyd, tenor Joseph Maas, and soprano Anna Williams; nicely decorated on borders.  Size is 7 x 9.6 inches, irregularly cut over the left border, in excellent condition.

German composer (1838-1920), violinist, teacher, and conductor who wrote more than 200 works, among them his famous first violin concerto. His business card handwritten in French on both sides and signed by him, dated in Berlin, December 3, 1907. Size is 4.2 x 2.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of him (a clip from a program o book). Size is 3. 3 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works.  Small card with his address signed by the composer, dated 1908 probably. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1793-1871) and arranger, later in his life a music teacher, and creator of over 200 opera adaptations for instrumental ensembles. Manuscript "Potpourris for violin from Bellini's Norma #8" signed by him on the front cover, dated 1860.  Size is 8.8 x 12.7 inches, 10 pages (including covers), minor damage on borders, some stains, in overall very good condition.

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote 29 operas between 1816-47, some very successful in his time. Autograph letter signed, written in Paris dated in 1844. Two pages on a folded 4 page document, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, in very good condition. Rare!

American composer, pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader (1899-1981), famous as a songwriter, Carmichael is today remembered for some of his creations, including in "Stardust" in first place.  Autograph music quote signed, with 4 bars of notes from Wash Board Blues, a 1926 popular song composed by Carmichael, size is 9 x 3.5 inches, in excellent 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.

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 postcard with 5 bars of music from his opera "Julien" boldly signed by him to the left of the music. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned photo postcard of him, size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches slight paper loss on top left corner, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately.   

Italian-born composer who spent most of his life in France (1760-1842), Cherubini is well known today for his opera Medee (1797) but also composed many other operas, orchestral music and chamber works.  Signed printed form from the Royal School of Music at Paris, inviting other professors to an audition, written in French, dated in 1823.  Cherubini signs under the top printed part, while other professors responded below.  Size is 7.75 x 12.25 inches, 1 page, rounded edges, folds, minor stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a translation into English of this interesting note.

Italian-born composer (1760-1842) who spent most of his life in France, and is well known today for his opera Medee (1797). Document from the Royal School of Music in Paris, dated April 17, 1830, signed by various personalities including composer Cherubini (whose signature is the first one at the top), about a piano competition.  Size is 8.1 x 12.25 inches 1 page, minor stains, central fold, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a wonderful lithograph of the composer. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, spotted rust, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1866-1950), well-known for his operas Adriana Lecouvreur and L'Arlesiana. Album with a music quote with 2 bars of music from "Adriana Lecouvreur", signed and dated by him in Naples, 1920.  Size is 7 x 9 inches, minor rust stains, in very good condition.

Collection of 27 cards signed by different composers (most of them Americans) including Alan Hovhaness, Alan Stout, Ben Weber, Erland Koch, Francis Thorne, Quincy Porter, William Bergsma, Douglas Moore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Randall Thompson, Ogden Nash, and many others, and poet Elizabeth Bishop. Size is 5 x 3.25 inches each approximately, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Group of 22 letters and notes (some handwritten, a few typed) by contemporary composers, including: lyricist/songwriter and singer Charles Aznavour (French-Armenian, b.1924), autograph note signed on a card with his letterhead, 5.6 x 4.1 inches - Songwriter Al Kasha (American, b.1937), short typed note, signed by him, 5 x 3 inches - William Schmidt (American, 1926-2009), typed letter signed, dated in 1986, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Charles Wuorinen (American composer, b.1938), typed letter signed and dated in 1999, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Raymond Parfrey (American, 1928-2008), typed letter to a fan, signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Bernhard Heiden (German-American, 1910-2000), autograph letter signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Theldon Myers (American, b.1927), typed letter signed, to a fan, dated in 1991, one page, 6.75 x 10 inches -  Ernst Krenek (Austrian-American, 1900-1991), short autograph note signed, dated in 1980, to a fan, 6 x 4 inches - Charles Chaynes (French, 1925-2006), short autograph note signed, on a card with his letterhead, 6 x 4.25 inches - Eric Fenby (English, 1906-1997), short autograph note signed, dated in 1992, to a fan, 8.75 x 7 inches - William Schuman (American, 1910-1992), 2 typed letter signed, dated in 1979 and 1987, to a fan, each is 1 page, 7.25 x 10.5 inches - Brian Fennelly (American, 1937-2015), long typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page with a printed score on verso (see scans), 8.5 x 11 inches - Gordon Jacob (English, 1895-1984), short autograph note signed, on paper with his letterhead, dated 1979, 8 x 6 inches - William Hibbard (American, 1939-1989), autograph letter signed, dated in 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 5.75 x 7.75 inches - Irwin Bezelon (American, 1922-1995), typed letter signed, 1 page, to a fan, 7.9 x 4.9 inches - John Downey (American, 1927-2004), autograph letter signed, with a few notes at the foot, dated 1979, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Thea Musgrave (Scottish, b.1928), short typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Eskil Hemberg (Swedish, 1938-2004), typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11.6 inches - Hermann Haller (Swiss, 1914-2002), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1994, to a fan, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Arthur Wills (English, b.1926), short typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8 x 10 inches - Charles William Jones (Canadian, 1910-1997), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 7.25 x 10.6 inches. All in excellent condition - See scans in order - Not sold separately.

American composer (b.1938) and winner of important awards including an Oscar for his work on movie soundtracks.  Autograph music quote signed by him in 1933, with two bars from the aria "Once there was a golden bird" from his opera "The Ghosts of Versailles".  Size is 9.5 x 12.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1897-1965), music theorist, pianist, teacher and impresario.  Signed printed score for his symphony nr. 12 ( composed in 1955-1956), full orchestra, published by Associated Music Publishers, Inc., New York, 1960. A total of 84 pages plus soft covers, Cowell signed and inscribed this score over the top right corner of the front cover. Size is 6.9 x 10.5 inches, repaired cracks and spine on covers, otherwise in very good condition.  

American composer (1929-2022), creator of avant-garde music. Printed score for his work "Echoes of Time and the River" signed on the cover by him and inscribed to American composer Chris Rouse, dated September 21, 1971. Size is 15.1 x 19.25 inches, 20 pages, tape-repaired spine, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, his works are worldwide performed today. Autograph note on his business card written in French (sold untranslated) and signed by him matted with a print of his portrait.  Total size is 11 x 6.9 inches, the card is 3.5 x 2 inches, print is 3.2 x 3.8 inches (visible window size), all in excellent condition.

French composer (1810-1876), composed a number of operas, symphonies, and chamber music and was famous in his time. Autograph music quote signed by him, with a few bars from his Symphony in Eb Major, dated in Paris in 1870, inscribed, size is 9.25 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition

American composer of Italian descent (1887-1948), one of the best-known representatives of the Indianism movement in music. Autograph letter signed by him addressed to the Lyrics writer Juanita Roos, about his sacred music drama "The Prodigal Son", dated in Akron, Ohio, 1937.  Size is 6 x 8.1 inches, 2 pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him to Juanita Roos, dated 1930, where the composer added a 2-bar music quote over the upper-right corner from his work "The Prodigal Son". Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, blind-stamped over the lower-right corner by photographer Goddard  (Akron, Ohio).  some loss of paper over the lower-right corner, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1836-1891) of opera, ballet, and other works for the stage. Autograph letter in French (sold with translation), with the letterhead of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, signed by him, no date indicated but pencil markings indicate 1882. Interesting content, related to the premiere in Brussels of his opera Jean de Nivelle. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 4 written pages in 1 sheet, rust stains over the borders, in very fine condition.

French composer (1836-1891) of opera, ballet, and other works for the stage. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him -no date mentioned. Size is 4 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer, organist, and music teacher (1837-1924). Large signed autograph music quote from Le Paradis Perdu (The Lost Paradise), a 4-part oratorio he composed in 1878 and won him a Prix de la ville de Paris. A great success in its time, the orchestral part of this oratorio has been lost. Music quote includes 4 bars from the 3rd part of this oratorio, with the voices of Adam and Eve and a solo cello. Size is 10 x 6.5 inches, inscribed, in excellent condition. A large, rare piece. Watch and listen a part of Le Paradis Perdu (Dubois):

French composer, critic, and teacher (1865-1935), well known for his popular work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated February 19, 1908, mounted on a slightly larger piece of cardboard. Total size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), author of over 100 opuses including operas and orchestral music. Signed postcard, dated in 1903 and inscribed, with a music quote from the first act of his opera L´Etranger, op. 53 (1898-1901), in excellent condition, size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, rare!

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, his works are worldwide performed today. Printed score for "Theme Varié, Fugue et Chanson", op. 85 (1925), signed and inscribed to American musicologist and music critic Irving Schwerke (1893-1975), with a short sentiment in French, dated by him in 1929. A total of 20 pages, no covers, published by Rouart, Lerolle & Cie., Paris, signature is on page 1, over the top left corner, size is 10.5 x 13.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer and conductor (1840-1891), who was also Music Director of Teatro La Scala. Autograph letter signed, dated in Padova, 1872, written in Italian (sold with a translation). Faccio mentions the rehearsals for the La Scala premiere of Aida. One page, sized 5.3 x 8.2 inches, spotted rust, otherwise in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned promo carte-de-visite (cdv) of Faccio, sized 2.5 x 4.25 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1845-1924), organist, pianist, and teacher; one of the foremost French composers of his generation. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him written on paper with the letterhead of the Conservatoire National de Musique of which he was the director; mounted on a mat with a half-tone photograph of him.  Total size is 7.75 x 10.9 inches, autograph note is 4.7 x 3.7 inches, in very good condition.

Group of 7 autograph items from female composers, including: 1) Carrie Jacobs Bond (1862-1946), American songwriter, singer and pianist - signed photo postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, 2) Daisy McGeoch, American songwriter and lyricist, signature on card with a couple of music notes, 6.2 x 3.4 inches, 3) Elfrida Andree (1841-1929), Swedish composer, organist and conductor, handwritten postcard, signed and dated in Goteborg in 1895, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, 4) Ethel Smyth (1858-1944), English composer and member of the women´s suffrage movement, signed postcard, dated in 1919, 4.5 x 3.5 inches, 5) Florence Aylward (1862-1950), English composer of ballads, signed clip from a letter, dated in 1903, 4 x 2.5 inches, 6) Maude Valerie White (1855-1937), French-born English composer of songs, autograph music quote signed on a card, dated in 1911, size is 4.5 x 3.5 inches, and 7) Suzanne Daneau (1901-1971), Belgian composer, signed photo postcard dated in 1932, size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches. All in very good condition - see scans. Sold as a lot only - not sold individually.

American classical composer (1853-1937) and member of "Boston Six".  Signed score for his Suite for Pianoforte Op. 15, published by Arthur P. Schmidt, Boston, 1887.  Foote signed and inscribed this printed score to famous pianist Leopold Godowsky, who was 28 years old in 1898, on the front cover, dating his autograph in 1898. A total of 20 pages including soft cover, 10.25 x 13 inches, damage on lower right corner, otherwise in very good condition.

American composer (1908-1982), best known for his ballets and electronic sounds and his collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock in the movie "The Birds" (1963) with the electronic soundtrack. Signed contract with an Associated Music Publisher company in 1943, three pages and with composer's signature on page 3. Size is 8.5 x 12 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED are two typed letters from Associated Music Publisher dated 1943 and 1946 with acceptance signature by Gassmann at the bottom (only one shown in the scans). Each one is on one page, size is 8.5 x 11 inches. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Collection of autograph documents and photos by German composers and musicians, with a total of 13 items from 11 different composers - including: composer Alexander von Fielitz (1860-1930), one autograph letter signed, 1913 - composer and educator August von Othegraven (1864-1946), one autograph letter signed - composer and band master, Franz von Blon (1861-1945), founder of the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Orchestra, one autograph letter signed, 1913 - composer, Kapellmeister, conductor and pedagogue Gustav Gutheil (1868-1914), one autograph letter signed, 1912 - composer, conductor and teacher Hermann Graedener (1844-1929), one autograph letter signed, attached to the back of a concert invitation, 1918 - composer and statesman Karl Hermann Bitter (1813-1885), one autograph letter signed, 1883 - composer and educator Ludwig Gothov-Gruneke (1847-1921), 2 photo postcards, same front, each one signed on verso - composer and violinist Max Geiger (1885-1967), actually born in Poland, one photo postcard signed on verso, with a short autograph music quote from a Tango he created, 1930 - composer, conductor and jurist Max von Oberleithner (1868-1935), two short autograph letters signed, 1909 and 1926 - song composer and singer himself Robert Gounod (1865-1927), one autograph letter signed, 1905 - composer and conductor Wilhelm Franz Reuss (1886-1945), autograph signed card, with nazi salutation, 1943.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Autograph letter signed, addressed to his son Mario, dated in 1940. 2 pages (on both sides of a 6.25 x 8.25 inch document) written in Italian and sold with a typed English translation, size is 8.5 x 11 inches, both have several folds, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Russian composer (1865-1936), conductor, and music teacher who had a big impact on Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer. Autograph letter in Russian (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated 1907, recommending a fellow musician. Size is 8 x 10.25 inches, red crayon markings over a part of the text, folds, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), conductor, and music teacher, who left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies. Autograph 8-bar music quote from his Symphony Six's andante signed and inscribed by him at the bottom. Size is 6.9 x 4.5 inches, in very good condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), conductor, and music teacher who had a big impact on Russian music and composers of his time. Autograph note on a postcard in German (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Freiburg, July 22, 1897 (according to postal marks on verso).  Size is 5.6 x 3.6 inches, creases, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned sepia photo postcard of the composer. Size is 3.3 x 5.3 inches, large crease across, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

French romantic composer (1849-1895), who was also a violinist. He composed 8 operas, 5 symphonies, and many works for violin and piano. Two autograph letters signed, dated in 1885 and 1888, to a singer called Clodio. Four and three pages respectively, each one is 5.25 x 8 inches, in good condition.