Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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.

Hungarian-born American songwriter (1878-1956). 4-bar autograph music quote from his song "Chinatown" (1910) signed by him on a music sheet. Size is 9 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer and long-serving officer of the College of Arms in London (1847-1918). His work was mostly for voice, he aimed primarily at amateur performers and his music was very popular. Autograph music quote signed, with 4 bars of music, dated in 1899, with letterhead of the College of Arms, London. Size is 7.25 x 5.25 inches, mounted traces on corners, some folds, otherwise in very good condition.

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

American composer (1891-?). 3-bar autograph music quote from his work California Lullabye signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment in 1927 on an album page. Size is 5.3 x 4.5 inches, in excellent condition. A signature by English soprano Mary Garden is on its verso (not shown).

French composer (1824-1888), and timpanist in the Paris Opera Orchestra. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated July 14, no year. One letter is addressed to the dramatist Édouard Cadol (1831-1898), concerning his health and theater rumors. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer of operettas (1846-1904), autograph note signed, written at the Savoy Hotel in London, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1846-1904), best known for his operettas. Set of two autograph letters signed by the French composer, as follows: A. Paris, February 6 (no year), to a gentleman: "... I have just read the Italian translation you made of my V.... You have given to my work what it lacked, that is to say, charming words...". Size is 4.9 x 7.9 inches, 1 page, overall age-toning, in excellent condition. B. Paris, September 23, 1880, to a gentleman: "I saw M. Vauthiers at Dieppe and spoke to him about your monologue. He didn't seem willing to do it...". Size is 4.1 x 6.3 inches, 1 page, with blue crayon marks over the upper-left corner, otherwise in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian pianist (1841-1914) and composer, his output includes mostly piano music. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, central fold, in very good condition. Also included is a handwritten envelope that comes with this letter.

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.

American composer (1909-1991), and educator. Fine trifold booklet signed by him. Size is 4 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1909-1991), and educator. Fine card signed by him. Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.

Cambodian ruler (1922-2012), who was twice the King of Cambodia (1941-1955 and again 1993-2005), also ruled his country 1955-1970. Sihanouk was also a composer and created nearly 50 pieces between the late 1940s and early 1970s. Autograph music quote signed on a card with printed staves, with several bars from "Suite Cambodgienne", indicated "Tempo di Vals", inscribed and dated by him in 1964. Size is 4.75 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Dutch composer and organist ((1827-1909), a pupil of Friedrich Kalkbrenner et Fromental Halévy. Fine autograph letter signed by him, dated 22/4 1857, to the German pianist Alfred Dörffell (1821-1905), concerning a Sonata he is composing and about Mendelssohn and Händel music supporters of the time. Each page's size is 4.2 x 6.8 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, overall rust tone, folds, few creases; in very good condition. Handwritten translation from German to Italian in a separate sheet is ALSO INCLUDED.

French composer (1881-1970), mother of the composer Louise Marie Simon (also known as Claude Arrieu 1903-1990). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated February 24 (no year), to a gentleman: “…je viens vous soumettre deux oeuvres qui ont été jouées en 1ère audition aux concerts Colonne avec l’espoir que l’une d’elle vous plaira et que peut-être vous la ferez figurer à l’une de vos remarquables concerts. Nos amis Monsieur et Madame J. Ibert et Monsier et Madame Grévrir-Bériza doivent déjeuner chez mois ces jours-ci, vous me ferez une très grand plaisir en vous joignant…”.  Size is 5.3 x 7.2 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, monogram at the top, central fold, creases, in overall very good condition.

Famous Italian violinist and composer (1857-1928), mostly known for his chamber music. Simonetti´s career developed mostly in England and Ireland.  Autograph album page with a handwritten music quote signed by him, 2 bars of music annotated "madrigale", from his Madrigale for violin and piano (1901), dated in 1905. Size is 4.25 x 3.4 inches, some rust stains, in very good condition.   Watch this piece here:

Italian composer (1868-1944), autograph music quote signed, inscribed and dated in London in 1934. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, small folds and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.

Russian composer (1932-2020), and also pianist and musicologist.  Autograph music quote with 8 bars of music from his work "Mary Stuart" (1978), signed by him.  Size is 5.25 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1776-1867), who was also conductor, violinist, organist and teacher, some of his church music became very well-known. Autograph letter signed, in English, two pages, each one is 4.4 x 7 inches, has folds and minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1878-1952). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date [probably June 1927], where he addresses the writer and composer Marcel Diamant-Berger (1893-1990): “…On pourrait mettre en musique Azilal nous en parlerons si vous le voulez un peu plus tard : vous l’avez écris musicalement c’est très très bien…”.  Size is 8.4 x 11.7 inches, colored paper with watermark drawing, signs of folding, creases, printed letterhead, in overall very good 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.

British composer and writer (1917-2003). Autograph note in English signed by him as “Reg. S. Brindle”, dated 1964, to his correspondent sending “...another title-page for Creations Epic (1964 ca.) to substitute the one which arrived spoiled...”. Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1877-1949), and also teacher and conductor. Typed letter with the letterhead of the School of Music at Yale University signed by the composer as the School's dean, dated in New Haven, 1924.  Size is 8.3 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

English composer (1858-1944) and a member of the women's suffrage movement, whose works include songs, works for piano, and chamber music. Short autograph note signed by her, dated 1907. Size is 3.9 x 5.6 inches, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

German conductor (1899-1974), composer and author of Non-Fiction books.  Autograph letter signed by him and dated in 1969, written in German (sold untranslated), responding to a typed letter addressed to him on verso.  Size is 7 x 10.6 inches, 1 page, folds, in very good condition.

American composer (1854-1932) and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. Fine postcard with his image, signed by him in pencil. Size is 5.6 x 3.7 inches, minor damages on all four corners, ink writing by another hand, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1854-1932) and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. Score of "The Royal Welch Fusiliers" signed by on the front cover, inscribed to the American military officer George Richards, dated in 1930. Size is 9.4 x12.25 inches, minor cracks, some damage on the back page, otherwise in very good condition.

Polish composer (1805-1880) and pianist to whom Schubert dedicated the song "An die Musik". Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated June 20, 1859, where he addresses a gentleman: “…Dites-moi s’il y aura quelque chose dans l’Orphéon, je n’entends plus parler de votre aimable intention de faire un article sur mes deux ouvrages (…) Dans le cas ou votre article passerait pendant mon absence envoyer-le moi à Néris Hotel du Moulin (Allier). À mon retour j’irai vous voir et nous boirons à la santé de braves musiciens slaves…”.  Open size is 8.1 x 5.3 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds and creases, dirt and rust stains, in good condition.

American composer (1874-1948), creator of music ranging from religious songs to music for movies. Signed score of his most famous song "On the road to Mandalay", on words by Rudyard Kipling, inscribed and dated in 1931. Full printed score of the song, 12 pages in total including covers, 9.25 x 12 inches, some damage on the top right corner, otherwise in fine condition.

German composer (1853-1936) and also conductor and pianist. Autograph letter signed by the composer, written in German (sold untranslated), dated in Hamburg, 1882.  Size is 5 x 7.8 inches, 2 pages (in one sheet), central fold, in excellent condition.

German composer (1817-1905) and pianist, creator of over 400 works for piano, and also symphonic and other orchestral works. Gorgeous autograph music quote with 5 bars from an unknown work signed and dated by the composer in 1892(?).  Size is 7.1 x 4.4 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer (1774-1851), highly famous in his time for some of his 22 operas; but largely been forgotten after his death. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him in which he requested his name to be erased from a biography he never authorized, addressed to the president of the Association of Artist-Musicians, and also mentioned his opera "La Vestale". Size is 6.4 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, overall rust stone, mild folds, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small print of him by artist Auber. Size is 6.1 x 8.6 inches, in excellent condition.

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.

British cellist (1871-1963), composer, and music professor. Autograph music quote signed by him on a small album page with 3 bars from "In An Old-Fashioned Town" -one of his songs (1914).  Size is 5.7 x 3.5 inches, cut corners, in excellent condition.

German composer (1856-1932). Beautiful autograph music quote on an album page with 3 bars from his "Sarabande" (Op. 60) signed by the composer with a short sentiment, dated in Berlin, 1900.  Size is 7.5 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1859-1930). Fine cabinet photo by photographer Cautin & Berger (Paris) signed by the composer. Size is 5.25 x 7.3 inches, in very good condition.

French-born Argentine composer (1881-1934).  Nice postcard with 4 bars of music from an unknown work, signed and dated by him in 1904.  Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, age-toning, in very good condition.

British composer (b.1938). Fine autograph letter in English signed by him, dated Oct. 31st, 1967, to Ms. Carla Hinrichsen, widow of the German music publisher Henri Hinrichsen (1868-1942, partner in Peters edition since 1894): “...It is again time to book for the composer’s guild luncheon and we both wonder if you would like to join us again this year...”. Size is 5.3 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, central fold, letterhead, in overall excellent condition.

Austrian songwriter (1880-1975), conductor, and composer of operettas and film music (1880-1975), with several honors and awards. 3-bar autograph music quote from one of his songs signed by him in Vienna, 1935, on an album page. Size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, rust stains, smudges, in overall good condition.

Austrian songwriter (1880-1975), conductor, and composer of operettas and film music (1880-1975), with several honors and awards. Typed letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1970. Size is 8.1 x 11.6 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1814-1889) and cellist. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him in 1876. Size is 5.6 x 8.6 inches, 2 written pages (front and back), in very good condition.

American composer (1885-1971), and also music educator. Set of 3 letters as follows: one autograph letter signed, dated in 1939, size is 7.25 x 10.25 inches, storage holes, and folds; two typed letters signed dated in 1940 with the letterhead of the Boston Post where the composer worked as a music critic. Sizes are 6.6 x 7.5 inches and 8.5 x 5.5inches, storage holes, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small brochure about the composer. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Polish-born Italian composer (1873-1941). Autograph music quote on a black-and-white photograph of the composer mounted over a slightly larger piece of soft cardboard with 5 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed by the composer and by the photographer Venturini, Rome (in white ink). Total size is 4.7 x 6.4 inches, photo size is 4 x 5.8 inches, silvering on borders, otherwise in very good condition.

Polish composer and conductor (1909-1994), autograph music quote signed, with 3 bars of music by Richard Strauss, dated in 1983. Size is 6 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition.