Composer Autograph Manuscripts (over $500)

Russian composer (1872-1915) and virtuoso pianist. Front cover (ONLY) of the printed score of his work "12 Etudes for Piano" signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment in French.  Size is 10.6 x 13.3 inches, front cover only (not complete score), repaired borders and corners, some stains over the upper-left border not affecting signature, in overall very good condition. Inscribed by Scriabin to Princess de Brancovan (1847-1923), a prominent figure in Parisian society, her house was a gathering place for music and poetry artists. Ralouka or Rachel de Brancovan was a talented pianist herself, Ignaz Paderewski dedicated to her his Polish Fantasy Op. 19 and other piano works. ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone modern print photograph of the composer. Size is 4.9 x 6.9 inches

Russian composer (1906-1975) and pianist, regarded throughout his life as a major composer. Typed letter in Russian (sold with a 1 page English translation) signed by Shostakovich, to A.M. Goltsman, Director of the Soviet Composer Publishing House regarding a proposed publication. Size is 7.75 x 9.75 inches, 2 pages, in excellent condition.

Czech composer (1824-1884), considered by some the father of Czech music, Smetana is today best remembered for his highly popular opera The Bartered Bride and his symphonic cycle Ma Vlast (My Homeland). Large signature on a piece of paper (signature cut), from a document or letter, matted with an original cabinet photograph of the composer to a total size of 10 x 15 inches, signature is 4.9 x 1.7 inches (opening size, actual item is a bit larger). There is 2nd signature by Smetana on verso, but quite smaller (not shown). Mounted on the mat is also an original cabinet photo by J. Mulac, Prague, size is 4.3 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition, mounted with photo corners and easy to remove if desired. Autographs of Smetana are extremely rare.

Italian opera composer and conductor (1774-1851), highly famous in his time for some of his 22 operas. Spontini has largely been forgotten after his passing away. Autograph note signed as "Spontini", in French, dated in 1835, to an unmentioned recipient. Sold untranslated. One page, 5.25 x 8.5 inches, boldly penned. Letter is affixed to a slightly larger off-white sheet, sized 5.75 x 9.5 inches. In very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, a uniform shade of mild toning, and a small diagonal separation to right edge.

French composer (1806-1888), known as the "French Strauss", violinist, conductor and composer. Rare autograph letter signed by him, dated in Paris on March 23rd, 1849, one page, in French, to famous composer Jacob Meyerbeer, asking for a box with seats for the world premiere of Meyerbeer´s opera "Le Prophete", which took place just 3 weeks later, on April 16th, 1849 at the Paris Opera. Sold transcription in French, and translation into English, and the original envelope, addressed to Meyerbeer. The letter is 7.9 x 10.4 inches, with mat burn marks close to the right and lower borders, central fold, in very good condition. The envelope is 5.5 x 4.4 inches, overall uniform aging tone, central fold, all very good condition. Autographs of Isaac Strauss, one of the first of the famous dynasty of musicians, are very rare, and this is a letter sent to another famous composer, connecting both men to a very important event in operatic history. 

Austrian composer (1825-1899), world-famous for his waltzes and operettas, a member of a large family of musicians, Strauss was known as The Waltz King. 4-bar autograph music quote signed by him on a semihard card. Size is 4.4 x 3.4 inches, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned black-and-white photograph of him (4.75 x 7 inches).

Austrian composer (1825-1899), world-famous for his waltzes and operettas, a member of a large family of musicians, Strauss was known as "The Waltz King".  Autograph note written by him, on his personal card. Strauss recommends a young female singer, and writes on front "the girl is very young, perhaps we can turn her into something. She has learnt more than is necessary for 3 or 4 roles. I apologize for boring you with this matter - I have fulfilled my mission. Nikisch to the end and the rest if left to you.  On verso, Strauss writes to another person, saying "Esteemed Lady, Nikisch recommends warmly the singer Freuder from Pest - who (makes us believe) she wishes to be employed for small roles in your theater", clearly referring to famous conductor Arthur Nikisch (1855-1922). Envelope included indicates this was sent to A. Muller, Capellmeister, with a postal marking on stamp indicating Vienna, March 23rd, 1896. 

Russian composer (1882-1971), Swiss-American pianist (1910-1994), father and son. Fine card signed by the famous composer on the front and his son on the back adding a 3-bar music quote. Size is 2.8 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.  

Russian, later French and American composer (1882-1971), widely considered one of the most important of the 20th century. Printed score (transcription for piano) of "Marche Chinoise" from "Rossignol" boldly signed by the composer on the front cover. Size is 10.5 x 13.3 inches, 11 pages, loose pages, minor loss of paper, repaired cracks, otherwise in good condition.

English composer (1842-1900), best known for his 14 operatic collaborations with the dramatist W.S. Gilbert. Autograph letter in English signed by him about his trips and music business. Size is 4.3 x 6.9 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an incomplete letter (only 2 pages from a larger letter) signed by him, no date. Size is 3.4 x 5.3 inches, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a photo postcard with the image of the composer. Size is 3.25 x 5.3 inches, ink markings below, in overall very good condition.

Polish composer and pianist (1882-1937), member of the modernist Young Poland movement that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th century. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, no date mentioned, about personal matters. Size is 5.2 x 7.1 inches, 1 page, mat burn marks, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone photograph of the composer in his youth. Size is 5.9 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1892-1983), and the only female of the group of composers known as "Les Six"; her works include music for piano and film scores. Beautiful autograph music quote on an album page with 3 bars from her "Pastorale for Piano" (1919), signed and inscribed by her with a short sentiment, dated in 1920.  Size is 4.8 x 6.8 inches, some rust toning over the edges, otherwise in excellent condition.

Austrian tenor (1891-1948), revered as one of the world's finest Mozartian tenors.  Signed printed score with three songs from his operetta "Der Singende Traüm", composed, signed and inscribed by him on the front cover, dated in Vienna, 1934.  This music was composed by Tauber for his lover, the Russian singer and actress Mary Losseff.  Size is 10.7 x 13.4 inches, 10 pages including covers, central fold, otherwise in very good condition.

Star Russian composer (1840-1893) of the late romantic period, today one of the most popular composers in the classical music world. Autograph letter in German (translation included) signed by him in Paris, March 7th, 1882, addressed to a certain Mr. Berger about personal schedules.  Size is 5 x 7.75 inches (open size is 10 x 7.75 inches), some scratches, in overall very good condition

Spanish composer (1882-1949). Autograph note on a postcard written in French (sold untranslated) and signed by the composer, mentioning the upcoming world premiere of his first string quartet Op.4 in Paris, and inviting the music critic Calvo Coressi (1877-1949) to attend.  Size is 3.6 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1790-1848), particularly of operas, and a singing teacher whose method are still widely taught in singing schools. Original autograph of the full score of his aria L'Orfanella signed by him over the upper-right corner. Size is 12.4 x 9.1 inches, 4 pages in one sheet, in excellent condition. Autographs by Vaccai are exceedingly rare to find. A short sample of this aria can be heard by clicking here.

Star Italian opera composer (1813-1901), a central opera composer in all of Europe for 50 years, starting in 1840. Absolutely fabulous autograph music quote from Aida, signed by Verdi and dated by him on Jan 27th, 1881. Verdi writes 5 bars of music from this opera, the start from Aida´s musical leitmotif, "Amore, amore, grandi tormento..." sang by Aida on the duetto with Amneris on Act 2. Size is 5.25 x 8.3 inches, in excellent condition. This is probably the best autograph music quote signed by Verdi we have ever seen, and it has one of his most famous music themes.  

Belgian composer (1820-1881), and violinist, who extensively toured through Europe and the US, considered one of the leading violinists of the 19th century. Autograph letter in French (sold with translation and transcription) signed by him and addressed to a certain Mr. Guillaume, about the career of some students and the birth of a new grandson.  Size is 5.2 x 8.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, some stains, in overall very good condition.

Irish composer (1852-1924), who was also music teacher and conductor, creator of an important number of symphonic music and coral work for church performance, plus 9 operas. Printed score for full orchestra for his 3rd Symphony, signed by the composer in pencil on top of the title page.  Villiers Stanford´s 3rd Symphony was premiered in 1887 and was entitled "The Irish", it is his most popular symphony. Published by Novello, Ewer and Co., London and New York, 183 numbered pages plus extras, hardcovers, 11 x 13.6 inches. Pencil markings by another hand in some pages, (see a scan of page 1 as an example), spotted rust, in overall good condition.

Italian violinist and composer (1755-1824), a famous virtuoso of his time and an important composer for the violin, later in life, opera director. Printed score for his Violin Concerto in G, version adapted for the piano, opus WIa:7, adapted by pianist J.L. Dussek from his violin concerto WI:23. Signed by him over the lower right corner of the front cover page. A total of 22 pages plus front cover, 9.4 x 12.2 inches. Printed for the author and sold by Clementi and Co., London. Some ink annotations by another hand at the top right and near the signature, over the lower right corner, probably former ownership. Probably had original covers that are now missing, in overall very good condition. 

Austrian composer of light operettas (1819-1895). Fatinitza was premiered in Vienna in 1876, and was Franz von Suppe´s first full opera and one of his biggest triumphs. Signed piano and vocal score, no year mentioned but circa 1879, listing the singers of the Paris premiere of 1879 - probably printed for the occasion.  Boldly signed by the composer and inscribed to Scipion, one of the singers in the cast that night. Size is 7.75 x 10.75 inches, 238 pages, in fine condition. Listen to a piece from "Fatinitza", act I:

Autograph letter written and signed by the legendary composer, dated on October 23 (no year indicated), addressed to a certain Mr. Fritzsche (who was probably his publisher), about returning some proof sheets and agreeing to certain proposals. Size is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, mat-burn stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1902-1983), known for his works on several classical genres including opera, oratorio, orchestral, film, etc. Printed vocal score of his cantata "Belshazzar´s Feast" (1931), this is the revised edition from 1955, signed by the composer on the front cover. Size is 6.75 x 9.75 inches, with all 120 pages and both covers, some damage/wear in the spine, markings inside, in overall very good condition.

German composer (1786-1826), conductor, and pianist; best known for his operas Der Freischutz (1821) and Oberon (1826); a crucial figure in the development of German Romantic Opera. Autograph document in German signed by him on March 15, 1814, where he certifies having received a payment. Size is 8 x 4.3 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. Translation into English is ALSO INCLUDED.

Polish violinist (1835-1880), composer, and pedagogue, regarded among the most distinguished violinists in history. Fine 2-bar autograph music quote from his Faust Fantasy for Violin signed by him on a card in Springfield, May 8th, 1873, during his American tour. Size is 5.25 x 2.8 inches, rust stains over the borders, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 3.4 x 5.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Argentine composer (1862-1952), pianist, and teacher. Original handwritten manuscript of the score of his work "Piecitas Argentinas para mis Nietos" Op.123.  Size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, 6 pages, with markings and corrections, folds, and some cracks, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a large photograph of the composer signed by photographer Zurelli over the upper-right corner, and mounted on a slightly larger piece of cardboard. Size is 12.1 x 15.8 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1891-1965) well-known for his operettas and songs, some of them written for Mistinguett.  Rare autographed score for his work "Ta Bouche" ("Your Mouth"), a musical comedy in 3 acts, composed in 1921. Boldly signed by Yvain on the back of the index page. Yvain indicates in French that this was his first operetta, and inscribes his autograph, dating it in 1957. Ta Bouche was quite successful: world-premiered in 1922, it was performed over 1,200 times by 1944. Full score, 172 numbered pages, title page with edition information seems to be missing, but this is probably the first 1922 edition by Francis Salabert, Paris. Minor markings inside in crayon, index page with autograph on verso is lose, hard covers probably not the original ones, 9.5 x 12.25 inches, in overall very good condition. Rare!