Composer Autograph Manuscripts

American song composer (1820-1895), very popular during the American Civil War. Fine autograph music quote on a card with 2 bars from one of his songs signed and dated by him in 1895.  Size is 4.4 x 2.9 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer and conductor (1864-1955), creator of symphonies, string sonatas, quartets, stage, and choral works. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (b.1923) and pianist. Autograph music quote on a card with 3 bars from "Miss Julie" (1965) signed and inscribed by him in 1965. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (b.1923) and pianist. 4-bar autograph music quote from the short song "Little Elegy" on a  card signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment, dated February 1995. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Italian composer of operas (1792-1868), of which he created 39, including Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Guglielmo Tell, and La Cenerentola. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated in Bologna, 1846, addressed to Count Grabinski. Size is 5.2 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, stains over the left border, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

Star Italian composer of operas (1792-1868), of which he created 39, including Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Guglielmo Tell, and La Cenerentola. Autograph note signed by the composer as "Rossini" with a short sentiment, used as an envelope addressed to composer Jacques Offenbach (misspelled by Rossini as "Offenback"). Size is 8.1 x 10.4 inches, folds, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned postcard with a portrait of Rossini. Size is 3.3 x 5.3 inches in excellent condition.

Star Italian composer of operas (1792-1868), of which he created 39, including Il Barbiere di Siviglia and famous Italian tenor (1790-1864). Double signed aria score for piano and voice, a cavatina for the role of Ricciardo from "Ricciardo e Zoraide", opera by Rossini. This opera was world premiered in 1818 with Giovanni David creating the role of Ricciardo. Signed by the composer and the role creator on the first page of the score, an engraving print of 6 pages, with both signatures on the first page. Rossini dated his signature in Paris in 1864, both men inscribed this to Minelli - obviously, Rossini´s friend called Napoleone Minelli, an opera fan.  First page also bears a couple of blind stamps by a previous owner (Giuseppe Galli) and an ink stamp, in light blue color, illegible. Neither of them affect the signatures. Soft cardboard covers probably added later (see last scan), total size is 13.6 x 9.75 inches, minor rust stains, all in excellent condition.

Star Italian composer of operas (1792-1868), of which he created 39, including Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Guglielmo Tell, and La Cenerentola. Fabulous autograph music quote from his aria "Mi lagneró tacendo...", on a 4-page folio. Pages 1 and 4 are not written, and on page 2, Rossini writes 13 bars from the beginning of this aria for soprano and piano, with lyrics by Metastasio (from his work "Siroe").  On page 3, Rossini inscribes this music quote to Louise Damcke (1827-1897), a German pianist also known as Louise Van Fegyne or Feguine, and wife of noted German composer Berthold Damcke (1812-1875), who was also conductor and educator. Rossini dates his autograph in Paris on March 20th, 1858. See scans of the piece open and or each of the 2 handwritten pages. Each page is 8.5 x 5.5 inches, open size is 17 x 5.5 inches. Some stains and areas with water damage, tape marks on verso, but in overall very good condition.  

French contrabassist (1873-1950), composer, and conductor. Short autograph note in French signed by him on his visiting card. Size is 3.8 x 2.3 inches, some dirt stains, in very good condition.

French composer (1882-1955), organist, and opera director. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date mentioned, addressed to one of his pupils about rehearsals and appointments.  Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), translation not included, folds, in overall excellent condition.

American composer (1858-1947), organist, and professor. A signature cut of the composer clipped from the bottom of a letter mounted on a clip from a page of an autograph album.  Size is 4.25 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

British composer (1901-1986), whose output includes instrumental and vocal works for soloists, chamber groups, and full choruses and orchestras. Autograph music quote with 3 bars of music from his second string quartet signed and inscribed by him, dated 1953. ALSO INCLUDED is a 1-page typed note with his letterhead signed by him, dated March 25, 1953. Size is 7.1 x 5.4 inches central fold, in excellent condition. Envelope included as well.

Danish composer (b.1949), creator of many orchestral and chamber works. Printed full score for his Symphony 1 (1989) signed by him on the first page, inscribed to fellow American composer Christopher Rouse with a short sentiment dated October 1998.  Size is 11.75 x 16.5 inches, 223 pages, soft covers, in very good condition.

German composer (1840-1916) and music teacher, also a founder of Nature protection movement. Autograph letter in German signed by him, dated in Berlin, 1896, to the Italian composer Giovanni Tebaldini:  Partial translation: “…Today I come to you with a request. Yesterday, in the Senate of the Academy - of which I am a member - a letter addressed to the Prussian Ministry of Culture from Professor Angelo Balladoni in Lodi was presented, who is entitled to work on Italian music, which he intends to write, from the Minister - i.e. he is requesting the Academy to answer a number of questions. Before doing anything else, I would like to ask you, on behalf of my college, if you know the identity of Mr. Balladoni, if he is an important Scholar, if he is supported by the Italian Government, if he is personally reliable. Hopefully, you can give us some information! (…) Have you received the Gloria from Lotti? The Copist of the college has already copied it to you one summer, and to your credit, since you asked me to have it copied to you on account of the Church of San Antonio…”.  Size is 5.5 x 8.6 inches each page, 4 written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer of German origins (1856-1930). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, June 8, 1915, to the poet Guy de Montgaillard, thanking him for the material he sent: “…que j’ai déjà parcouru et que je me propose d’approfondir davantage ces jours prochains au point de vue musical. Si, comme je l’espère, j’y trouve matière à mélodies, voire même suite de mélodies à recueil, je me mettrais en rapport avec vous…”. Size is 5.4 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, creases, some rust and dirt stains, in overall very good condition.  

French composer, organist, conductor and pianist (1835-1921), one of the greatest late-romantic composers. Unusually large autograph music quote, signed by him and dated in 1904, in a 3-part folded photo postcard of Buenos Aires, Argentina - a place he visited for the first time ever on a concert tour in July 1904, returning later in 1916 for the second and last time. Quote has 10 bars from the prelude to his oratorio Le Deluge op. 45 (premiered in 1876), size is 16.5 x 3.4 inches (41.25 x 8.5 cm). Two folds and a small crack not affecting the signature, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1835-1921), organist, conductor, and pianist of the Romantic era. Autograph note in French on his personal card signed by him, dated 1902 (according to pencil markings). Size is 3.9 x 2.3 inches, evident mat burn signs, in very good condition.

French composer (1835-1921), organist, conductor, and pianist of the romantic era. Postcard signed by him with a short music quote, dated in 1904. Size is 5.3 x 3.3 inches in excellent condition.

French composer (1847-1916) and music critic who won the Prix de Rome for composition in 1872. Set of 2 autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. Paris, April 15, 1891, to a colleague, sending his best regards after a meeting. Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.B. Paris, June 22, 1897, to a gentleman, making arrangements for a meeting at Gil Blas. Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 1 page, letterhead, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer of opera (1816-1887) and classical music, and a theatre director.  Autograph bifold letter signed by him with his letterhead on page 1, written in Italian (sold untranslated), no year.  Each page's size is 5.6 x 9 inches, 4 pages, small loss of paper over the upper border, spotted rust, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1877-1967) and writer on music. Interesting autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1950, to Roger Commault, concerning Richard Strauss: “…Lié depuis ma jeunesse avec Richard Strauss, ainsi que vous le verrez par les “Souvenirs” que je viens de lui consacrer dans la Revue de deux mondes du 1er janvier 1950, j’aurais besoin, pour un travail qui m’est demandé, de savoir ce qui est enregistré actuellement de son oeuvre considérable…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 page, tape residues over the left borders, creases and folds, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1877-1967) and writer on music. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. May 23, 1943, to the music critict Bernard Gavoty (1908-1981): “…Je vous remercie de m’avoir envoyé votre si vivante évocation de l’artiste d’élite que fut Louis Vierne….”. 2 pp. In-16. B. January 3, 1952, to Roger Commault, thanking him for having sent his “…discographie de Mahler (…) ne m’oubliez pas quand vous publierez celles de Strauss et de Wagner…”. 1 p. In-8 obl. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1882-1955), organist and conductor, pupil of Charles Lenepveu. Fine set of 9 interesting autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated between 1931 and 1953. Letters are addressed to the librettist Albert Willemetz (1887-1964) concerning informal meetings and music matters. We report two extracts as a sample: “…Je serais par [Jacques] Ibert que vas terminer “Les petit Cardinal” et si je ne m’apprête à applaudir…” ; “…Phi Phi est un ouvrage présente de la vieillesse par l’essence la “parisine”…”.   One letter is addressed to Paul Hillemacher’s wife on the occasion of the composer’s death: “…Ce parfait artiste, ce grand honnête homme laissera dans votre coeur brisé, dans la mémoire de tous les musiciens le souvenir inaltérable de sa très haute conscience…”. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Swedish composer (1942-2019) of operas, oratorios, ballets, and choral works, as well as orchestral works. Printed score for his work "Through and Through" (1972) signed and inscribed by him on the first title page, Size is 13 x 19.75 inches, 57 pages, soft covers, some creases and marks on the front cover, the rest in excellent condition.

English baritone and composer (1834-1922), composed music under the pseudonym Ralph Betterton. 2-bar autograph music quote from Haendel's opera "Acis and Galatea" with the lyrics "Oh ruddier than the cherry" signed by him and dated on Oct 24, 1903.  Size is 8.5 x 10.6 inches, in overall excellent condition. On the verso, there is a curious autograph inscribed by a certain Frank Lincoln, dated in Cape Town on June 1, 1891; plus another signature belonging to Frank Wheeler, dated 1891.

French composer (1866-1925) and pianist, a highly influential artist in music during the last part of the 19th and early 20th century. Autograph note signed by him, in French, undated but postmarked on verso in 1917. Satie writes to famous French artist and writer Valentine Gross (1887-1968), later named Valentine Hugo, who was a long time friend of him. Satie regrets not having been able to meet her and inquiring about her health. One folded sheet, total size (open) is 4.75 x 7,6 inches, some loss of paper on the upper left and lower left corners, otherwise in excellent condition. Very rare! ALSO INCLUDED is a nice photo postcard of the composer, 3.4 x 5.4 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1901-1989). Lot of 4 autograph documents signed by him: two autograph letters and two signed and inscribed cards with short sentiments.  A. 9.12.1950. To a gentleman, concerning his “Chanson de l’oiseleur”: “…nous verrons à l’effet qu’on m’a produit ‘l’oiseleur’ sur ceux auxquels vous le destinez…”. 1 p. In-4. B. Paris, 5.11.65. To the writer Philippe Erlanger, concerning a book he sent him on Louis XIV: “…je vais vous retrouver en Louis XIV. Je sais que vous m’y plairez fort, car j’ai ouï-dire que votre livre est un chef-d’oeuvre…”. He then adds that he won’t be present at: “…la réunion du Conseil d’Administration de l’A.F.A.A. du 9…”. 2 pp. In-4.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1901-1989) whose real name was Henri-Pierre Poupard.  Short autograph music quote with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed and dated by him in New York, 1953.  Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.

French violinist and composer (1852-1920), Sauret composed over 1000 violin pieces, including a cadenza for Paganini's first violin concerto. Autograph music quote signed and dated in London in 1899 with 3 bars of music from an unknown piece. Size is 5.6 x 4.1 inches, central fold, in very good condition.

French composer (1814-1881) and teacher, being Massenet one of his pupils. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, October 22, 1891, to the composer and music critic Henri Woollett (1864-1936): “…Je pars pour Angers où je suis appelé afin de diriger les répetitions et l’execution d’une symphonie de moi aux concerts populaires…”. The Symphony of Augustin Savard (son), will be created in its entirety during the 402 ° popular concert (the 9th of the 15th season) of the Artistic Association of Angers under the direction of Paul Frémaux. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 1 written page, some crayon markings, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

American composer (b.1946), whose career focused on vocal music. Autograph music quote with 3 bars from "Orpheus Descending" -his 2-act opera, signed and inscribed by the composer with a long sentiment, dated in Chicago, 1994. Size is 6.1 x 4.2 inches, minor marks on verso, in very good condition.

German composer and teacher (1847-1917), and older brother of Xaver Scharwenka.  Autograph note written in German (sold untranslated) on a postcard, boldly signed by the composer and dated by him in 1909.  Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and teacher (1847-1917), and older brother of Xaver Scharwenka. 4-bar autograph music quote from an Allegro Patetico signed by him and dated in Bremen may 25, 1900.  Size is 4.75 x  3.5 inches, in very good condition.

German pianist (1850-1924), composer, and teacher. Autograph letter in German (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated in Berlin, 1906, about musical issues.  Size is 5 x 7.25 inches, 3 written pages, mounting traces on verso, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a 4-bar autograph music quote from one of his works boldly signed by him and mounted on hard cardboard. Size is 3.8 x 6.1 inches, tape stains over the top, in overall very good condition.

German pianist (1850-1924), composer, and teacher. 4-bar autograph music quote from his Polish Dances Op.3 No.1 (recorded for Columbia Records in 1911), signed by him and dated in  Washington, April 3, 1891. Size is 7.4 x 4.5 inches, some rust stains, in overall very good condition.

German conductor, composer and theater director (1868-1933), he was the chief conductor at the Berlin State Opera, from 1919 to 1925. Autograph note signed, dated in Munich in 1902, written in German with transcription and translation. Size is 5 x 7.9 inches, one page, in very good condition.

Norwegian composer (1859-1933), known especially for his operas. Autograph letter in German on the verso of a photograph of him shown at work on his desk, to a gentleman adding a 3-bar music quote from one of his works. Size is 4.5 x 3.4 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1870-1958), part of the group "Les Apaches", including Maurice Ravel, Ricardo Viñes, and Michel-Dimitri Calvocoressi. Beautiful autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 18, no year, where he points to its correspondent  about the scores of a  series of songs: “…Si pour une raison ou une autre cela ne vous parvenait pas, peut-être serait-il bon que vous demandiez à M. Ledoux de passer avant son départ chez Philippo…et de lui demander les matériels… au vas où vous ne les auriez pas avec vous – des 3 Petites Filles ou Fleurs décloses…”.  Size is 8.2 x 9.5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, creases, dirt and rust stains, in overall very good condition.

Famous Austrian composer (1874-1951), and also painter, who established in the US after 1934 escaping from nazism. Printed note signed by him with an autographed handwritten note by the composer signed by him on October 12, 1944. Size is 7.25 x 10.4 inches, some mat burning marks, central fold, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small half-tone unsigned photograph of the composer (probably a clip from a magazine or book). Size is 2.75 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer of Jewish origin (1900-1956), also a pianist, conductor, and music critic. Autograph letter about the music business signed by Schonberg and addressed to conductor David Randolph, dated in 1955. Size is 5.2 x 6.4 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of a typed page with some reviews of Jakob Schonberg's music. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Austrian composer (1878-1934), and also conductor and teacher; primarily known as a composer of operas and created at least nine of them plus some other orchestral works. Gorgeous autograph music quote on an album page with 3 bars from the "love motive" from Act III of Schreker´s opera Der Schatzgräber, premiered in Frankfurt on Jan 21st, 1920. Signed by him, dated in Vienna, 1920. Size is 4.5 x 7.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1878-1934), conductor, teacher, and administrator. His signature on a card dated in Berlin, September 1931, matted with a small ovalized half-tone photograph of him.  Total size is 7.8 x 9.7 inches, signature card is 4.8 x 2.2 inches (visible window size), ovalized photograph is 2.4 x 3.2 inches, all in excellent condition.

German composer (1910-1972) of light music, creator of operettas, folks songs, and music for films.  Autograph music quote on a sheet of paper with his letterhead with five bars from one of his songs, signed by him. Size is 8.25 x 11.7 inches, pencil markings on verso, in excellent condition.

American composer (1925-2015), performer, conductor and teacher, noted for his works in both jazz and classical music. Autograph music quote with three bars from his String Quartet No.1, matted together with a half-tone photo of him. Total size of 14 x 11 inches (music quote is 6 x 3.3 inches), visible window size, minor crease on mat, otherwise all in excellent condition.

German composer (1911-2002), whose career focused mostly on film music and songs, is best remembered for his song "Lili Marleen" based on a 1915 poem by Hans Leip. Beautiful music quote on a page with 12 bars from his song "Lili Marleen" (1938) signed by him. Size is 8.2 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a promo photograph by Columbia Records of the German singer Lale Andersen (1905-1992) signed by her -who was the first to record this song in 1939; and a clip from a program signed by the German poet Hans Leip (the author of the lyrics).  Photo is 3.7 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition; clip is 3.75 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1910-1992), and Arts Administrator.  Autograph music quote with few notes and his letterhead, signed and dated by him in New York, 1982.   Size is 7.2 x 10.4 inches, folds, in excellent condition.

German composer (1810-1856), pianist, and influential music critic; widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Short autograph note in German (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Leipzig, August 8, 1839. Size is 8.4 x 5.2 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of the composer (probably a clip from a magazine or book). Size is 3.7 x 4.3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (b.1943), educator, and member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 2002. Signed score for his wind ensemble "And the Mountains Rising Nowhere" (1977) signed by him as "Joe" on the first title page with a long sentiment. Size is 12.1 x 17.5 inches, 24 pages, some stains on the cover, in overall excellent condition.