Composer Autograph Manuscripts

French pianist (1839-1934) famed as one of the first-ever recording artists. Set of two autograph letters on cards signed by him dated in 1885 and 1928; the first about the birth of his son Georges and the composition of a quintet on the ocassion; and the second, addressed to the writer Irving Schwerke about an appointment. Sizes are 5.1 x 4 inches and 5.8 x 4 inches respectively, sold untranslated, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German composer and conductor (1846-1913).  Autograph letter signed by him, written in German (sold untranslated), dated in Munich, 1911.  Size is 5.6 x 8.8 inches, 1 folio (1 written page), in very good condition.

French composer (1828-1892), creator of around 20 opera-comiques for which he wrote or participated in the librettos. Signed front cover of a score for his opera Don Pedre (full title "Le Roi Don Pedre", premiered in 1857), inscribed and dated by him in 1862. This is not the full score but only the title page. Also signed below by the person who received this page, a certain Mademoiselle Bousquet, stamped in blue ink by editor Colombier, Paris.  Size is 7.1 x 10.6 inches, scattered rust stains, some cracks and a small loss of paper over the top right, otherwise in good condition. Very rare.

Famous and very important Italian composer (1834-1886), mainly of operas, married to famous soprano Teresina Brambilla (1845-1921).  Autograph letter signed, dated in Cremona, March 1st, 1871, to a lover (calling himself her future husband), called Ermenegilda - who ended not being his wife. Ponchielli ended marrying Brambilla in 1874. Ponchielli mentions his teacher, an upcoming exam, and other personal businesses.  Three pages, each one 5.25 x 8.25 inches, written in Italian, signed as "Amilcare", sold with full transcription and translation. Folds and some minor stains, in overall very good condition - really nice, interesting content.

Italian opera composer (1834-1886), best known for his opera "La Gioconda", who, in his lifetime, was a very popular and influential figure among musicians. Fantastic autograph music quote on an album page with 3 bars inscribed to Fanny Ubertoni, signed with a short sentiment and dated by him in Milan, 1885. On verso, it is signed at the top by the famous Italian soprano Romilda Pantaleoni who created the first Desdemona in Verdi's "Otello", inscribed to Fanny Ubertini with a short sentiment, dated in Milan in 1885.  Also, there is a short poem below by an unknown hand, dated 1888. Size is 6.8 x 4.2 inches, minor stains, smudge over ink in the music quote, otherwise in very good condition.  

Austrian composer (1896-1979). Rare autograph music quote signed by him, dated in Viena Nov. 10, 1923, with 2 bars of the Moderato from Gabriel Pierné’s “Berceuse” Op. 8. 1Size is 4.7 x 3.45 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is another autograph music quote signed and dated 9. XI 1923 with two bars from David Popper (1843-1913) signed “Seb. Popovici”.

French composer (1899-1963) and pianist, whose compositions include songs, solo piano works, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, ballets, and orchestral concert music.  Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated, to the French pianist Alfred Cortot. Each page's size is 5.25 x 8.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1899-1963) and pianist, whose compositions include songs, solo piano works, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, ballets, and orchestral concert music.  2-bar autograph music quote from his Stabat Mater signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated 1955 on an album page. Size is 5.6 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1899-1963) and pianist.  His compositions include songs, solo piano works, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, ballets and orchestral concert music.  Printed scores of some of his music, signed by him.  Different sizes and conditions. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY- Select by clicking on the thumbnails below.

British composer and organist (1906-1977). Autograph letter signed by him, dated Sept. 10, 1946, to the American composer Johan Franco (1908-1988): «...As luck would have it, next Sunday is the day that I expect to leave for New York to be there for the first half of the week. But perhaps you will be in Boston all the week...». Size is 8.3 x 5.4 inches, 1 page, creases, folds, letterhead, in very good condition.

French composer (1782-1843), who was also a pianist and teacher. Autograph letter signed, dated in Rouen in 1824, two pages in French (sold untranslated). Each page is 7.5 x 9.6 inches, folds, and damage/loss of paper in the center-right border, otherwise in good condition. The third page is written by another hand.

South-African-born British composer (1903-1986). Short autograph note mounted on soft cardboard signed by her, dated November 8th, 1948. Total size is 4.25 x 5.8 inches, minor stains, in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1809-1878), creator of operas, operettas, songs, chamber music and translator of several Italian operas into German. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1862, 1 page in German, sold untranslated. Size is 5.75 x 8.5 inches, minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

Russian composer (1891-1953), pianist and conductor, and one of the most important music creators of the first half of the 20th century. 2-bar autograph music quote signed by him on an album page. Size is 6.75 x 4.5 inches, some stains, in overall very good condition.

Russian composer (1891-1953), pianist and conductor, and one of the most important music creators of the first half of the 20th century. Small album page signed by him with a 2-bar music quote of his 5th piano concerto matted together with a photograph of him.  Total size is 9.5 x 11.25 inches, music quote is 3.5 x 2.25 (visible window size), photograph is 4.7 x 6 inches (visible window size), some mat burn marks, in overall very good condition.

Russian composer (1891-1953), pianist and conductor, and one of the most important music creators of the first half of the 20th century.  Typed letter in French (sold untranslated), signed by him and dated in Paris, 1932, addressed to the American critic Irving Schwerke (1893-1975), about musical matters.  Size is 8.2 x 10.6 inches, 1 page, pencil markings over the lower-left corner, otherwise in very good condition.

English composer (1835-1909), music theorist, writer, and teacher, whose work influenced many British classical musicians of succeeding generations.  Autograph letter signed in 1887, 8 pages, in English, about music business. Each page is 4.3 x 6.9 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1835-1909), who was also musical theorist, writer and teacher. His output include 4 symphonies, concertos, chamber and vocal music, and several books on music theory. Autograph music quote, with 8 bars for an unidentified piece for piano, dated in 1879. Size is 8.25 x 5.6 inches, minor fold and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. Autograph letter signed by him, written in Italian (sold with translation) to his business manager, about personal matters.  Mail stamps on verso indicate as date May 1915.  Size is 6.2 x 9.75 inches, 1 page, folds, and some background stains at the center. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned modern print photograph of the composer; size is 4.9 x 7.8 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. Autograph letter in Italian with the letterhead of the Hotel Bristol in Vienna, signed by the composer as "Giacomo", no date indicated (circa October 1907), and addressed to her close friend Sybill Seligman (1863-1936).  Size is 5.4 x 8.7 inches each page, 3 written pages in two separate sheets, some rust on pages 2 and 3, folds, minor cracks, sold with translation, in overall very good condition.  This is a very interesting letter because Sybill Seligman was said to be Puccini's lover for a short period. Puccini lets her know that he wishes she was with him and also comments on the rehearsals for the Vienna premiere of the revised edition of his opera "Madama Butterfly" in 1907, sharing his mind about the prima donna Selma Kurz "Selma Kurz is pretty good, not very intelligent but I like her" and other comments on the production.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. Autograph letter in Italian (sold with translation) signed by the composer, no date indicated, about personal matters, addressed to his friend and conductor Leopoldo Mugnone (affectionately known as "Popi") who had conducted the world premiere of his opera Tosca in 1900.  Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 4 written pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. Autograph letter in French (sold with translation) signed by him and addressed to one of his friends about an appointment; postal markings indicate the date Paris, January 7, 1907. Size is 4.3 x 5.8 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. Translation: Monday My dear friend,  I can not go to Antoine. At 5 o`clock I am going to the Opera Comique to salute Carrè et company.    I beg of you to write a note to Antoine in regret...and when will I see you? Affectionately yours Puccini ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone photograph of the composer (from a book or magazine) shown at the piano mounted on a larger piece of golden cardboard. Total size is 6.8 x 6.6 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated, according to postal markings, in 1907, to her friend and confident Sybil Seligman, where he mentions his opera Tosca.  Size is 6.1 x 9.75 inches each page, 1 page, some stains and folds, in overall very good condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. Autograph letter signed by Puccini, with envelope included, to Antonio Bertolacci, his business manager. Written on 2 small, opposite pages, with partial translation, about personal matters. No date but postal stamps indicate this was mailed on Nov. 7th, 1917 from Orbetello. Open size (2 pages) is 9.75 x 6.4 inches, with minor stains, folds, and a small crack over the bottom right corner, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is the envelope, handwritten by Puccini, with the recipient´s name.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer.  Amazing autograph music quote from his opera "La Fanciulla del West", premiered in 1910, inscribed and dated in Naples, Italy, in 1911. Puccini penned two bars of music, and wrote and large, bold signature underneath. Size is 7.7 x 5.8 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition. On verso, there is a small music quote by violinist Albert Spalding, dated in The Hague, 1923. ALSO INCLUDED is a photo of the composer, a modern print, 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition - ideal for framing next to the music quote, if desired.

Italian composer (1858-1924), worldwide known for his operas and regarded as the greatest and most successful proponent of Italian opera after Verdi. Nice postcard with a short music quote signed by the composer (mailing stamps indicate the year 1905). Size is 5.3 x 3.4 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. Autograph on an album page with 3 bars of music from his opera "La Bohème" largely signed by him and dated 1916. Size is 5.75 x 9.9 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer.  Small card with an autograph music quote with 2 bars from his opera "Madama Butterfly" (1904) boldly signed by the composer, dated in Rome, 1919.  Card is mounted on a slightly larger piece of cardboard for a total size of 3.8 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard showing the composer at home, with his wife Elvira and stepson Tonio, 5.8 x 4.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. Autograph note on a regular postcard signed by Puccini and addressed to Italian conductor Piero Coppola (1888-1971) mailed in early the 1910s, sending a short greeting. Size is 5.4 x 3.7 inches, storage hole, in good condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. Short autograph note in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.2 x 7.5 inches, 1 page, Hotel Regina (Rome) letterhead, central fold, overall rust tone, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. Autograph note in Italian written on the back of a regular postcard depicting "Villino Puccini" signed by the composer, addressed to the Italian composer and conductor Teofilo De Angelis in August 1908. Size is 5.6 x 3.5 inches, some stains over the picture side, some creases, in overall very good condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. Wonderful autograph note signed by Puccini, to his doctor, about his schedule and latest daily events. On a card written on both sides, dated on January 17th, 1912.  Size is 5.4 x 3.6 inches, with letterhead indicating the address Via G. Verdi, 4, Milano, sold with translation into English, in excellent condition - sold at a bargain price.   

Star Italian composer (1858-1924), Italian lyric tenor (1865-1957), and Italian soprano (1863-1943) - Both Gorga and Ferrani were the creators of the Rodolfo and Mimi roles in the world premiere of this opera, in 1896. Fantastic printed music score for voice and piano for this opera in full signed on the opposite to the title page by Puccini and Evan Gorga, the first Rodolfo. Gorga wrote a long sentiment and signed this at a very old age to an Italian opera fan and collector, dating his autograph in 1952. Puccini signed and dated his autograph apparently in 1903 (the exact number is hard to read) in Torre del Lago. Cesira Ferrani signed on page 70, at the beginning of her most famous aria, "Mi Chiamanó Mimi". This is an early edition of this score, published in 1898 by Giulio Ricordi, 277 numbered pages, nice light teal-colored hardcovers with golden designs on front and verso, spine is in good condition with some professional repairs on corners, spotted rust on some of the first pages, 8.25 x 11 inches, in overall very good condition. Autographs of both Evan Gorga and Cesira Ferrani are exceedingly rare, and this is the first time ever we find them in the same piece item. This truly is a one-of-a-kind item!

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of verismo for over 30 years until his death from cancer. His signature cut (probably from a letter or document) and matted with a half-tone photograph of him.  Signature cut is 2.8 x 1.1 inches (visible window size), photograph is 3.5 x 4.5 inches (visible window size), for a total size of 7 x 10 inches, in very good condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. A regular postcard depicting the city of Rio de Janeiro signed by the composer on the front and also signed and handwritten by him on verso; sent from Italy to Rio de Janeiro, in 1904. Size is 5.4 x 3.3 inches, in very good condition.

Italian opera composer (1858-1924), the greatest creator of operas for 30 years until his death by cancer. First 10 pages from the printed score of Madama Butterfly signed and inscribed by the composer on page 1 (page 7 shows a half-tone photograph of the composer with a facsimile -not real- signature of the composer), dated in New York, 1910, during his visit for the world premiere of his opera "La Fanciulla del West" at the Metropolitan Opera. Each page is 7.9 x 10.8 inches, 10 pages, minor stains, in very good condition.

French composer (1852-1914), teacher, organist, and pianist known for his playing of Mozart's work. His business card with a short text in French written by him over the top. Size is 3.75 x 2.1 inches, overall soft age-toning, otherwise in excellent condition.

British composer (1877-1953), known particularly for his art songs, which number over a hundred, often set music to text by William Shakespeare. Greeting card with a 4-bar autograph music quote from an unknown piece signed by the composer as "Roger" with a short sentiment (his complete last name is written in pencil under his signature).  The card has a printed greeting on the right with a pencil marking over the upper-right corner.   Open size is 6.7 x 4.3 inches, some wear, folds, in overall good condition.

Spanish composer and violinist (1892-1961), considered "the finest successor of De Sarasate". Nice autograph drawing on an album page signed by him and dated in Philadelphia, 1928, with a drawing of conductor Pierre Monteux with a short text on verso. Size is 6.5 x 3.9 inches, in very good condition.

French composer and conductor (1873-1949), best known for his vocal and opera works, including his opera Marouf (1914). Autograph music quote signed with four bars of music from an unknown piece. Size is 6 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer and conductor (1873-1949), best known for his vocal and opera works, including his opera Marouf (1914). Beautiful autograph of Rabaud signed by the painter Claude Bils (1884-1968) mounted on black cardboard matted together with his visiting card with some autograph lines and Rabaud's signature. Total is 7.2 x 11 inches, in very good condition.

French conductor (1873-1949), composer, and pedagogue, who held important posts in the French musical arena. Set of one autograph letter and one type letter signed by him, dated 1917 and 1929, respectively; both about professional issues. Size for the first is 4.3 x 6.8 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, some rust stains, envelope included, in very good condition; the second is 8.2 x 10.5 inches, 1 page, printed letterhead over the top-left corner, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer and conductor (1873-1949), best known for his vocal and opera works, including his opera Marouf (1914). Lot of five autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him (one typed), dated between 1922 and 1946 by the French composer. Letters are addressed to several official figures, the typed letter is addressed to the librettist Albert Willemetz (1887-1964), to the baritone André Baugé (1893-1966), recommending pupils and other music matters. We report an extract of the letter to Baugé, concerning Rabaud’s opera Mârouf, savetier du Caire (1914): “…j’aurais vraiment bien mauvaise grâce à refuser le concours d’un artiste de votre talent pour interpréter Mârouf. Et je vous donne le plus volontiers du monde l’autorisation que vous voulez bien me demander…”.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Belgian composer (1835-1911) and basoonist. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Liege, December 13, 1875, forwarding to a gentleman a second volume of his works for piano and voice. Size is 5.2 x 8.2 inches, 1 page, translation not included, central fold, printed letterhead over the top-left, in overall very good condition.

Belgian composer (1835-1911) and basoonist. Autograph letter in French signed by the composer, dated in Liege, October 7, 1892, to a colleague and friend about the final destination of some figurines and miniatures. Size is 5.2 x 8.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), translation not included, overall rust tone, printed letterhead over the top-left, in very good condition.

Belgian composer (1835-1911) and basoonist. 4-bar autograph music quote from his "Villanelle Rythmique" signed by him and dated in February 1882. Size is 8.2 x 5.3 inches, printed letterhead, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1832-1911), conductor and singing teacher, best known for promoting opera and new works of British music in England during the Victorian era and for his widely used textbook on singing technique. Autograph music quote with 3 bars from one of his songs signed and dated by him in 1902.  Size is 9.1 x 6.25 inches, minor stains, central fold, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1832-1911). Autograph note signed, written in English, one page, dated in 1900.  Note size is 4 x 6 inches, attached to a larger page, total size is 7.5 x 9.25 inches, in excellent condition.