Composer Autograph Manuscripts (over $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 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. 

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!

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.

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.

Italian opera composer (1801-1835), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era whose best-remembered works are Norma, I Puritani, and La Sonnambula. Wonderful short autograph letter in Italian (sold with translation) signed by the composer whose recipient was the Scottish publisher and composer Montague Corri (1784-1849), son of the composer Domenico Corri.  In this letter, Maestro Bellini mentions the famous chorus "Guerra! Guerra!" from his opera Norma. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, 1 page, minor rust stains with a blind-stamped shield plus an additional page with Bellini's handwriting "A Monsieur Corri", some folds and minor paper repairs on verso, in very good condition. A highly desirable letter to collect from one of the most prominent opera composers of the XIX century! ALSO INCLUDED is an original, vintage etching showing the composers, 6.6 x 10.2 inches, minor stains, in very good condition, ideal to frame with this wonderful autograph letter.

Italian opera composer (1801-1835), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era whose best-remembered works are Norma, I Puritani, and La Sonnambula. Letter handwritten and signed by him, dated in Paris, May 22nd, 1835 - this is shortly before his death in September of the same year. Written in Italian, sold untranslated, Bellini is asking someone to help his friend Count Barbó who is coming to Paris. One page, 5.25 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a vintage print of the composer, a nice addition to this letter if you wish to frame them together. Size is 6.5 x 10.25 inches, in excellent condition. See scans.

Italian opera composer (1801-1835), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era whose best-remembered works are Norma, I Puritani, and La Sonnambula. Short autograph note in Italian (transcription and translation included) signed by him and sent to a certain Francois Florimo mentioning his opera I Capuleti e I Montecchi. Size is 5 x 5.75 inches, in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1885–1935), creator of works that combined Mahlerian Romanticism with his own and Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique. A short autograph note in German signed by him, about an appointment (no date provided). Size is 5.2 x 8.25 inches, storage holes, folds, in excellent condition. A translation into English and an unsigned modern print photo of the composer are ALSO INCLUDED.

Austrian composer (1885–1935), creator of works that combined Mahlerian Romanticism with his own of Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique.  Signed album page, with a short sentiment, dated (apparently in 1923). Album page has 3 other signatures (2 right above are in pencil), unidentified signers, and one signature on verso by famous Dutch conductor Willem Mengelberg. Size is 5 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of a photo of him by Fayer, nice to frame with this item if desired.

French romantic composer (1803-1869), best known for some of his orchestral works such as Symphonie Fantastique, and his operas Benvenuto Cellini, and Les Troyens. Autograph note in French signed by him (no year indicated) to his biographer Roger Duchene about visiting plans. Size is 3.9 x 4.7 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

French romantic composer (1803-1869), best known for some of his orchestral works such as Symphonie Fantastique, and his operas Benvenuto Cellini, and Les Troyens. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, to Mr. Gye, manager of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, about the music business.  Size is 4.3 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1803-1869), French composer (1799-1862), and French composer (1803-1856). Wonderful handwritten document dated in Paris, France, on January 22th, 1849, signed by many artists and personalities about a meeting to organize a gala party by Comité de l'Association des Artistes with its letterhead. Signers include the three stars French composers Hector Berlioz, Fromental Halevy, Adolph Adam, Belgian playwright Isidore Taylor (1793-1879), pianist Pierre Zimmerman (1785-1853), French doctor and zoologist Achille Comte (1802-1866), French painter Francois Picot (1786-1868), French violinist Jean-Delphin Alard (1815-1888), French scholar Paul Lacroix (1806-1884), Belgian violinist Jean-Baptiste Tolbecque (1797-1869), French politician Achille Juvinal (1810-1875), French novelist Emmanuel Gonzales (1815-1889), French painter Charles Marie Bouton (1781-1853), and others. Size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, minor folds, rust stains, in overall excellent condition. Remarkable collection of signatures of important artists and personalities in different fields of the first half of the XIX Century.

French composer (1895-1953) and music critic. Fine set of 3 score manuscripts as follows:  2 manuscripts for his work "Bajazet" (7 pages and 4 pages each), and 1 manuscript for his work for "Clavecin et Chant" (3 pages). Each one of them is handwritten and signed by the composer.   Each one's size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Star French composer (1838-1875) of the Romantic era; best known for his opera "Carmen" -one of the most popular and frequently performed works of the entire opera repertoire, in a career cut short by his early death. Short autograph note written in French (sold with transcription and translation) about an appointment signed by the composer.  Size is 5.25 x 6.5 inches, 1 page, folds, otherwise 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". Autograph letter signed by him, dated April 27, 1946, about music matters. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 2 written pages (in two separate sheets), in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist; American composer (1900-1990), and American conductor and composer (1918-1990). Page from a program mounted on soft paper for a concert of the New York City Symphony Orchestra in October 1956 performing diverse works including Blitzstein's Symphony, signed by the composer himself, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Shaw, and David Diamond. Size is 6.7 x 9.75 inches, program page only (not full program), minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Autograph note in German (untranslated) signed by him on a postcard. Size is 5.5 x 3.3 inches, signs of mat burn over the edges, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 4.6 x 6.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Large handwritten musical sheet with a short piece for piano by composer Moritz Peuschel (1838-1892) where Johannes Brahms wrote "The old aunt!" twice and added a short sentiment with his signature, dated in Vienna, 1885.  On verso there are some extra music notes and a wax-sealed attached card.  Large Size: 12.8 x 5.1 inches (trimmed from a larger format), minor stains, in very good condition.  

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Short clip from a letter in German (untranslated) about personal matters signed by him on verso, mentioning upcoming performances of two of his works. Size is 5.3 x 3.25 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a very rare program for a performance in Brahms' honor immediately after his decease in 1897. Size is 5 x 7.75 inches, 8 pages including covers, central fold, loose front cover, in overall very good condition.

Limited edition book, signed on the first page both by composer Benjamin Britten and illustrator Sidney Nolan, published by Faber Music, London. A facsimile of the original score of the piece with the same name, with full color, full page illustrations by Nolan.  An edition of only 1000 copies, of which 300 were signed by both composer and artist, this one is number 167, published celebrating the 60th birthday of Britten. Total size is 11.25 x 15.3 inches, hardcovers, original bookcase is included (not shown), in excellent condition.  See scans of front cover, title page, first page, and a couple of pages inside. 

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote almost 30 operas, some very successful in his time. Autograph note signed, in French, untranslated, dated in 1833. One page, 4.6 x 7.3 inches, pencil markings by another hand at the top, in very good condition. Rare!

Spanish cellist, composer, and conductor (1876-1973), regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest cellists of all time. 2-bar autograph music quote with music by Mendelssohn on a regular postcard signed by him (postal markings indicate the year 1910). Size is 5.4 x 3.5 inches, small crack over the lower-left corner, written address by another hand, otherwise in excellent condition.

French romantic composer (1855-1899) who died just as his career was beginning to flourish.  Autograph letter written in French (sold with a translation in English), no year, to an unknown recipient, signed by the French composer.  Size is 4.4 x 7.1 inches, 1 page (written on both sides), in very good condition.

American composer, teacher, writer, and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. 2-bar autograph music quote on an album page from his work "El Salon México" signed by him in Rio de Janeiro, in September 1947. Size is 5.75 x 4.4 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1862-1918), and one of the most prominent figures of impressionist music. Autograph letter signed, dated on January 4th, 1904, to a friend, in French. One page, 4.5 x 7 inches, to a doctor (Abel Desjardins), who had recently treated his wife`s father (her name was Lilly Texier, married since 1899), about an invitation for dinner. Sold with transcription, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a modern photo print of a portrait of the composer, perfect for framing together with this letter. Size is 5 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. SEE PRICE BELOW. LISTEN TO CLAUDE DEBUSSY HIMSELF PLAYING "Clair de Lune" AT THE PIANO (recorded in 1913):

French composer (1862-1918), and one of the most prominent figures of impressionist music. His printed visiting card with a short note written by him. Size is 3.75 x 1.8 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1836-1891), famous for his operas. First edition, 106 pages, published by Mme. Cendrier, Paris, 1858.  Monsieur Griffard was Delibes´ first complete opera comique, and was world-premiered in 1857 with French tenor Ernest Leroy in the title role. A fine copy, signed by the composer and inscribed to the creator of the title role “To Monsieur Griffard, with a thousand thanks to the friend Leroy, Leo Delibes, 1858”. Contemporary quarter morocco covers original front wrapper bound in - First edition, extremely rare.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date, about the rehearsals for "Les Martires" -the French version of his opera "Poliuto". Size is 5 x 7,7 inches, 1 page, some rust tone, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a vintage print with his image as a young man. Size is 6.25 x 10.25 inches, minor rust stains over the borders, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph note in Italian (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.25 x 8.1 inches, 1 page, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, about an appointment. Size is 4.8 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1865-1935), critic, and teacher, well known for his popular work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5 x 6.7 inches, 2 written pages, central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1865-1935), critic, and teacher, well known for his popular work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated Feb. 25, 1925. Size is 4.3 x 5.9 inches each page, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original envelope. Size is 4.7 x 3.7 inches, some stains, in overall very good condition, loss of paper over the top.

English composer (1857-1934), whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire, being his best-known compositions his cello concerto and his two symphonies. Autograph letter written in English about musical and personal business signed by the composer, dated in Rome, on November 25th, 1917.  Each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 3 pages (1 sheet), central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1845-1924), organist, pianist, and teacher; one of the foremost French composers of his generation. Long autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by Fauré to an unidentified lady, no year indicated. Each page's size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 7 written pages in 2 folded sheets, folds, storage holes over the top in all pages, otherwise in very good condition.

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. 

American lyricist (1896-1983) who collaborated with his younger brother George Gershwin (1898-1937) to create the most famous opera in the English language "Porgy and Bess". Typed contract (carbon copy) with original signatures of the two brothers by the bottom of the document, about the leasing to the International Play Bureau in Great Britain, and establishing royalties and fees. Size is 8.3 x 13 inches, 1 page, minor crack, folds, in very good condition. A highly desirable item directly related to their most famous musical work. ALSO INCLUDED  a black-and-white modern print photograph featuring the Gershwin brothers and Fred Astaire, mounted on hard cardboard. Total size is 8 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer and pianist (1898-1937), considered one of the top American composers in the 20th century for both Broadway music and the Classical concert hall.  Check #3165 signed by him and issued for US$15.58 on July 3, 1935. Size is 6.3 x 2.75 inches, left and top borders jagged, verso with ink-markings and seals, folds, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a gorgeous black-and-white unsigned photograph featuring the composer at work. Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Andrea Chenier", his most famous work, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sonzogno, Milan, 1922.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 246 numbered pages, 9 x 11.6 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Fedora", one of his most popular works, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sanzogno, Milan, 1898.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 254 numbered pages, 9.25 x 11.8 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition. See scans of the full title page and the first title page, with the autograph.

Russian composer (1865-1936), who was also conductor and music teacher. Glazunov had a big impact in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer who left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies.  Autograph manuscript for Incidental music for Oscar Wilde´s "Salome", op. 90, written for its 1915 premiere in St. Petersburg (which was designed by Leon Bakst, choreographer of Fokine, and starred by Russian dancer/actress Ida Rubinstein (1883-1960), to whom this piece was dedicated to, according to the title page). This is the manuscript for the reduction for piano in 4 hands made of this piece by the composer.  A total of 23 pages, approx. 9 x 12.3 inches each, plus front cover page, which is lose, signed at the end by Glazunov and dated by him in 1915. Inscribed in 1918 to friend conductor Nikolai Strelnikov (1888-1939), Glazunov writes on the front cover "In remembrance, to Nikolai Strelnikov, from the author". See scans of front page, last page, and page 8.  

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 and left a large number of compositions including 8 symphonies. Gorgeous 4-bar autograph music quote from an unknown piece signed by him on November 30, 1909, on a card. Size is 4.25 x 2.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), who was also conductor and music teacher. Glazunov had a big impact in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer, and left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies. Printed score for this "Meditation" for violin and orchestra, op. 32, signed and inscribed by him on the front cover, dated in 1932. Inscribed to Russian violinist Jules Conus (1869-1942). Composed in 1891, this was a very popular piece in its time. Published by Belaieff, Leipzig, 1932, full score with instrumental parts and soft covers. Signed by Glazunov on the front cover, which is partially lose. Size is 10.6 x 13.4 inches, in very good condition.

Ukrainian-Russian composer (1875-1956) of German and Polish descent, mostly remembered today for some of his orchestral works. Fabulous autograph music quote signed and dated by him in Moscow, 1939, with 8 bars of music from the Dance of the Russian Sailors, from "The Red Poppy", his most popular piece! Size is 5.75 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. Rare! ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo of the composer, shown young, probably cut from a photo postcard, mounted on thin cardboard. SEE PRICE BELOW WATCH the Igor Moiseyev Ballet dancing to the Dance of the Russian Sailors, from "The Red Poppy"

Russian composer (1804-1857), the most important in his country during the first half of the 19th century. Autograph note signed, from the time Glinka was in Italy, in Italian, telling a friend about his upcoming visit to Milan, written in May, no year but certainly from the 1850s. Bold, very clear signature, in a piece of paper with 2 sides irregularly cut, 7.1 x 5 inches. Central fold, spotted rust stains, in overall excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned CDV showing the composer at a mature age, from the 1850s, no photographer, 2.4 x 3.8 inches, in excellent condition. Autograph material of Glinka is exceedingly rare and almost never in the market, and this is the second item we see in 2 decades.

French violinist (1849-1895) and composer, best known for his opera "Jocelyn", 5 symphonies, and other works. Lot of fourteen documents: thirteen signed autograph letters and one autograph dedication signed by the French composer and violinist. We report an extract as a sample: “…vous m’aviez très amicalement demandé de chanter mes villanelles à la trompette et j’aurais été heureux de vous les accompagner, mais, d’après la note placée au bas du programme de samedi prochain, vous avez dû voir que je ne faisais plus partie de ces séances…”. The lot has a total of 24 pp. In-8. Included: portrait of the composer engraved by the painter Paul Mathey. In-4. ; two autograph letters signed by A. Roussel (MP) and the poet Charles Grandmougin (1850-1930) addressed to Godard concerning arrangements on meetings. 2 pp. In-8. Shown here are some scans of this lot, NOT ALL THE MATERIAL IS SHOWN.