Composer Autograph Manuscripts

Italian composer and conductor (1821-1890), lifelong friend and only student of Giuseppe Verdi. Muzio toured extensively as a conductor, giving first performances of several Verdi operas in France and in the USA. In the early 1870s, Muzio became the conductor of the Theatre Italien in Paris, which was experiencing financial difficulties (referred in the present letter) that led to its closure later in the decade. Autograph letter to an unidentified impresario (probably the director of the Theatre Italien in Paris, signed by him. Muzio writes in length about an upcoming tour featuring Verdi´s Messa da Requiem, expresses concern about an apparent lack of organization, rehearsal time, and choristers of the tour´s inception in Brussels. He relays Mr and Mrs Verdi´s recommendations about the Italian Theatre in Paris, a performance of the Requiem in Versailles, and a costume designer. In French, sold with a transcription and a translation, dated in Milan in 1875. Six pages in folio format, each one is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, in very good condition.

Czech composer (1874-1930), violist, and conductor. Nice autograph music quote signed by him on an album page dated March 29, 1910. Size is 4.75 x 7.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Alsatian composer (1841-1890) who worked mainly in Leipzig, whose most important work was the opera "Der Trumpeter von Säckingen". Autograph letter signed by him, dated in Strasbourg 31/12/1884, to his music publisher agent concerning international publishing royalties. Open size is 10.4 x 8.1 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, tape residues over the top, in overall very good condition. Original envelope is INCLUDED.

Alsatian composer (1841-1890) who worked mainly in Leipzig, whose most important work was the opera "Der Trumpeter von Säckingen". 3-bar autograph music quote from his opera "Der Trumpeter von Säckingen" (1884) signed and inscribed by him to Mr. Josef Häfliger. Size is 7.3 x 3.3 inches, overall rust stains, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1871-1943), conductor, teacher, and musicologist; one of the leading indianist composers of the early twentieth century. Autograph letter with his letterhead signed by him on May 12, 1905, mounted on page 4 of an original first edition (1909) vocal bilingual German-English score of his 3-act opera Poia, published by Adolph Fürstner (Berlin). Letter is 5.25 x 6.6 inches, score is 10.7 x 13.25 inches, 142 pages, soft covers, damage on binding, in overall very good condition. Poia was heard in concert in Pittsburgh in 1907 with good reviews and his full orchestral premiere was in 1910 at the Berlin Royal Opera House, in German.

German composer (1891-1974) and conductor, who wrote piano works, chamber music, film scores, but mostly known for his musical comedies and operettas. Autograph letter in German (sold untranslated) written and signed by him on a card with his letterhead. Size is 5.9 x 4.1 inches, 1 written page, in excellent condition.

German composer (1829-?) and organist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Romanian composer (1927-2008), credited for introducing his own brand of heterophony. Card signed by him, dated 1992. Size is 5.75 x 4.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Cuban-born Spanish composer (1879-1949), who studied in Paris under Moritz Moszkowski. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) to Canadian singer Eva Gauthier about personal matters, no date (postal markings indicate Paris, April 16, 1928). Size is 5.1 x 6.9 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an album page signed by him with a short sentiment, and other signature clips attached; signed on verso by pianist Jan Smeterlin.

Norwegian composer (1915-1988).  Autograph music quote on a card, with 3 bars from his String Quartet No.2, signed by him.  Size is 5.8 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small half-tone photograph of the composer, size is 5.8 x 7 inches, in very good condition.

English composer (1830-1903), autograph letter signed, with official embossed letterhead as Chair of Music of the University of Edinburgh. 2 pages, written in London, dated in 1872. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, some mounting traces on inside pages not affecting the text or signature. Otherwise in excellent condition.

American composer (1874-1962), pianist, and teacher; creator of numerous orchestral works.  Autograph music quote with 2 bars from his 2nd symphony, signed by him.  Size is 6.25 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1883-1950), known for his song cycles.  Autograph music quote on a small pink album page, signed by him with 4 bars of one of his songs, dated in 1939.  Size is 5.6 x 3.4 inches, cut corners, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1865-1922), creator of several successful operas including Cecilia, Chopin and others. Autograph letter signed in Milan, 1905, to Arturo Melli about his opera Chopin, in Italian; 4 pages in folio. Each page has a size of 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a handwritten envelope. Size 5.5 x 4.25 inches

Irish composer (1806-1893) and pianist. Set of five autograph letters in French signed by him in different years, about personal and professional issues. Different sizes and lenghts, sold untranslated, all in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1796-1867), best known for his around 70 stage works including many operas in a light style. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Naples, 1833. Size is 6.9 x 8.8 inches, 1 page, central fold, some stains, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1796-1867), best known for his around 70 stage works including many operas in a light style. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1838, written in Italian  (sold untranslated), 1 page. Size is 5.25 x 8.4 inches, in excellent condition.

Spanish composer (1889-1960) and also a pianist.  Lengthy Autograph music quote with 11 bars of his famous song "Princesita", signed, inscribed, and dated by him in 1944.  Size is 9.1 x 3.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1771-1839), his career focused mostly on operas and oratorios. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him in Paris, 1831. Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, 1 written page in 1 folded sheet, some creases, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1771-1839), his career focused mostly on operas and oratorios.  Autograph letter in French written and signed by him in Paris on April 25, 1839, days before passing away:  "My dear Friend, I have sent to Mr. Vogt the letter of appointment as first oboist of the King's Music, which I received last night. I am delighted that this matter has finally been decided according to our wishes; I hasten to let you know, and I embrace you. Your very devoted, F. Paër. Paris, this 25th of April, 1839." This letter has historic significance because it mentions Gustave Vogt, a celebrated 19th-century European oboist and professor at the Paris Conservatoire, and was penned by Paër mere days before his death in Paris on May 3, 1839. Size is 7 x 9.4 inches, 1 page, overall rust tone, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1771-1839) of Austrian descent, known for his operas and oratorios. Document in French containing the fees paid to singers and musicians for a concert, signed by Paer as Director of Chamber Music at the Theatre of the Emperor, dated 1813.  Size is 8.3 x 12.75 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

American composer (1839-1906), probably the first American composer to achieve fame for his large orchestral music. Autograph music quote on a clip of paper with 4 bars from an unknown piece signed by him.  Size is 5.25 x 2.4 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1844-1926) whose career focused mostly in opera. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated 1897 where he mentions his works. Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a fine cabinet photograph of him by photographer H. Boute-Dooreman (Paris) signed and inscribed by Paladilhe with a short sentiment dated 1893. Size is 4.1 x 6.4 inches, gilded edges, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1844-1926) best known for his opera Patrie! which premiered successfully at the Paris Opera in 1886. Autograph letter in French written by the composer's widow (some time after the death of the composer in 1926) to a friend of the family where she states: "Dear Sir, I deeply regretted this morning having had to leave without shaking your hand. It was a sweet emotion for me to hear these melodies performed in such a charming way, these melodies that, four days before his death, my dear husband accompanied for one of my nieces!Thank you, dear Sir, for your thought, and please accept all my deepest and most moved sentiments. Mme Paladhile" Size is 7.1 x 8.25 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.  

French composer (1844-1926) whose career focused mostly in opera.  Signed card mounted on hard cardboard, with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece, dated in Paris, 1906.  Size is 4 x 2.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Argentine conductor and composer (1875-1967), one of the leading conductors of the early 20th century. Fine 4-bar autograph music quote from the second act of his opera Medio Evo Latino signed by him in Milan, 1904, on a regular postcard with a short printed text over the left border. Size is 5.6 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1795-1859) and voice teacher. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated), no date, signed by him. Size is 7 x 8.8 inches, 1 pages, folds, in excellent condition.

Polish composer (1914-1991) and conductor, who later became a British citizen. Typed letter signed by him addressed to American composer Christopher Rouse, dated June 1987, matted together with a photograph of him. Total size is 8 x 10.4 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1860-1934). Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, May 9, 1895, where he addresses a gentleman: “…J’ai enfin eu des nouvelles de organisateurs des Concours de Nangis – 2 Juin prochain – pourrez vous venir avec nous comme membre du Jury? J’écris en même temps à Clerice…”. Size is 5.5 x 8.4 inches, 1 written page, creases, letterhead "Garde Republicaine", in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDD is a photo postcard of the cornetist and conductor of the “Musique de la Garde Républicaine” Guillaume Balay (1871-1943).

Italian composer (1853-1913) and music editor. Autograph manuscript with the Italian translation of Brahms' German Requiem made for the first Italian performance in 1898. Size is 8.6 x 12.5 inches approx., 4 pages, overall rust stains, some smudges and corrections over the text, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1910-1988), educator, and music scholar. Autograph music quote with three bars from his work "Excursions" signed by him on an envelope on April 5, 1970.   Size is 6.5 x 3.75 inches, in excellent condition.

English singer (1810-1879), who was also actor, pianist, artist and comediant. Signed album page, dated by him in 1853. Size is 4.8 x 7 inches, in very good condition.

American lyricist (1897-1979), author, director, producer and radio programming pioneer. A friend of important composers of his time, including Rudolf Friml, Vincent Youmans and Victor Young, Paskman wrote lyrics for many of their compositions. Interesting group of 7 music scores of songs, 9.5 x 12.5 inches, handwritten by him, with a brochure about him and 3 typed pages of lyrics, one with corrections. Sold as a lot only, not sold separately.

Czech composer (1919-2007), creator of concertos and chamber music. Autograph quote on a card with 3 bars of music (probably from one of his works) signed and dated by him in Prague, 1967. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American author (1791-1852), poet, and actor, best remembered for his song "Home! Sweet home!" (1822).  Autograph letter signed by him to one of his friends, no year indicated. Size is 7.2 x 9.1 inches, 1 written page, loss of paper over the top left corner, otherwise in excellent condition.

American author (1791-1852), poet, and actor, best remembered for providing the lyrics for the song "Home! Sweet home!" (1822).  Fine clip (probably the bottom of a longer autograph letter signed by him) with some autograph handwriting and his signature. Size is 7.8 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1878-1964), who retired at eighty-five, five years before his death.  Autograph bifold letter signed by him, written in Italian (sold untranslated), dated in Marostica, Italy, 1922.  Size is 5.5 x 7.6 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1878-1964), his career focused mostly on operas, starting in 1908 and until 1936 when he turned to teaching composition. Signed postcard, dated in Venice in 1924, size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Belgian composer (1903-1986), and organist. Typed letter in English signed by her as “Flor”, dated 1967, to Carla Hinrichsen: “...It was very nice of yours to send me a copy of the very interesting review by Basil Ramsey of Opus 100, written indeed in a very important magazine...”. Size is 5.8 x 9.27, 1 page, letterhead, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1876-1939), chorus master, and church musician, his output comprised mostly religious music. Autograph music quote on a card with 3 bars from his work "Weihnacht im Bergdorf" signed by him with light green ink.  Size is 3.9 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Polish composer (1933-2020) whose best-known works include Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima, Symphony No.3, his St Luke's Passion, Polish Requiem, and others. Autograph music quote on an album page signed and dated by him in 1969 with an additional signature of the great German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf on verso.  Size is 4.5 x 5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Finnish composer (1893-1977), who was also a music critic, creator of chamber music, concerts, and orchestral works. Typed letter signed, written in German (sold untranslated), dated in 1951. One page with his own letterhead, sized 8.75 x 11.25 inches, some folds, storage holes, and minor cracks, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian composer (1872-1956) of sacred music and the only member of the Giovane Scuola who did not write opera.  Autograph letter written and signed by the composer in Italian (sold untranslated), no year.  Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1843-1917) and professor of Harmony at the Paris Conservatory. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1906. Size is 4.3 x 5.3 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1866-1937) and pianist, famous in his time for his music for string ensembles. Autograph music quote signed by him and dated in 1927, written on a page from an autograph book or a journal, with 5 bars for viola from his 2nd String Quartet in C-minor. Size is 8.5 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition. Rare.

Italian composer (1815-1855), student of Mercadante. Autograph letter signed, dated in Milan in 1845, in Italian (sold with translation). Petrali comments about Verdi’s “I Due Foscari”, saying it is inferior to others. Three pages, sized 7.9 x 9.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1904-2003) of modern classical music, conductor, and teacher; considered one of the most influential Italian composers of the twentieth century. Autograph music quote, inscribed, with a bar of notes from his guitar piece "Nunc", dated in Rome in 1980. Size is 6 x 9.5 inches, some creases and bends, otherwise in good condition.