Composer Autograph Manuscripts

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Album page signed by him. Size is 5.5 x 4 inches, central fold, storage holes, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Card signed by Blitzstein himself with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), known for his musical directed by Orson Welles in 1937 and his brilliant adaptation of Kurt Weil' "Three Penny Opera".  Short typed letter signed by him, dated May 3, 1953, to Edwin Hughes, of the National Music Council: «...Ordinarily I should be happy to join in the symposium you have outlined in your letter of April 28 to me. But I am in the country (where your note reached me), finishing my new opera. I fear it will be impossible for me to do anything else for several months...». Blitzstein was probably working on an opera titled Reuben, Reuben (1955).  Size is 8.4 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist; American composer (1900-1990), and American conductor and composer (1918-1990). Page from a program mounted on soft paper for a concert of the New York City Symphony Orchestra in October 1956 performing diverse works including Blitzstein's Symphony, signed by the composer himself, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Shaw, and David Diamond. Size is 6.7 x 9.75 inches, program page only (not full program), minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, who had an important career and was often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter signed and written by him in French (sold untranslated), no date.  Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, 1 folio (2 pages written), some decoloration on ink, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1815-1883), son of the celebrated composer Francois-Adrien Boieldieu. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, 1 written page in 1 folded sheet, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a cabinet photograph of the composer by Charle Reutlinger. Size is 2.5 x 3.75 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter in French (sold with an English translation) signed by the composer, addressed to Mr. Sevrin, director of performances at the French Ministry of War.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. A second page is used as envelope.

French composer (1775-1834), his career focused mostly on opera and has been often called “the French Mozart”, his most famous opera was “La Dame Blanche”, 1825. Note signed in French, sized 5 x 4 inches. Adhesive tape on verso, showing rust on front, otherwise in good condition, not affecting the signature. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned postcard, with a portrait of the composer. WATCH BOIELDIEU´S HARP CONCERTO (performed by young Alisa Sadikova Conductor: Mikhail Golikov Orchestras: Lemberger Soloists from Ukraine)

Italian composer (1842-1918), poet, librettist, and journalist; best known today for his libretti and his opera "Mefistofele". His personal card signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 3.3 x 1.8 inches, in excellent condition.

British conductor (1889-1983), whose early engagements included the Royal Opera House and Sergei Diaghilev's ballet company. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated September 24th, 1965, to Peter Wiener: «...It is indeed splendid that you have kept the flag flying for all this time, and your 21-year-old child is to have such a very exciting year...». Size is 6.7 x 7.8 inches, 1 page, with letterhead, in excellent condition.

French composer (1843-1880) and conductor. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paramé [Saint-Malo], August 22, [1883],  where he addresses Mr. Maquet, concerning the score of Meyerbeer’s “La Marche du Prophète” for his upcoming concert of the 27th: “…J’ai mis cette marche du Prophète comme dernier morceau à mon grand Concert de Mercredi 27 courant. Concert classique à mon bénéfice (…) Nous avons un énorme succès à Paramé la saison est très très brillante, je suis absolument satisfait…”.  Size is 8.6 x 10.9 inches, 1 page, letterhead from "Bains de Mer de Paramé", overall rust tone, creases, folds, otherwise in very good condition.

French Breton composer (1840-1910), pianist, and professor of music history/theory at the Conservatoire de Paris as well as a Prix de Rome laureate. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him [presumably between 1878-1882], as follows:  A. Dated May 23, to Monsieur Mersin, concerning the admission test for singers. Size is 4.3 x 6.7 inches each page, 3 written pages, folds, age-toning, in very good condition. B. Dated December 3, to a gentleman requesting information from an applicant and setting an appointment. Size is 4.2 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, central fold, glue traces on verso, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian composer and conductor (1893-1972), who was also a teacher, well known as a conductor of the Brussels Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic. Autograph music quote, from the ballet spring recital, signed by him. Size is 6.25 x 2.75 inches. ALSO INCLUDED a typed letter signed, dated in 1960, see the scan and a small unsigned photo of him (not shown).

Italian composer (1829-1907) and cellist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, to Madame Rhoné: “…hier j’ai diné chez Mr. Arthur Rhoné où j’ai eu le plaisir d’être à coté de Mme votre fille. Je l’ai priée de venir vous raconter une historiette fâcheuse qui m’est arrivée. Et je vous suis très reconnaissant si vous pouvez m’éclairer des démarches à faire!…”. Size is 7.1 x 4.5 inches, 2 written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Autograph note in German (untranslated) signed by him on a postcard. Size is 5.5 x 3.3 inches, signs of mat burn over the edges, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 4.6 x 6.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Short clip from a letter in German (untranslated) about personal matters signed by him on verso, mentioning upcoming performances of two of his works. Size is 5.3 x 3.25 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a very rare program for a performance in Brahms' honor immediately after his decease in 1897. Size is 5 x 7.75 inches, 8 pages including covers, central fold, loose front cover, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1896-1940), creator of 3 operas and musical comedies.  Autograph music quote with 8 bars of music from his "Song of Hiawatha", signed and dated by him in 1931.  Size is 6.1 x 3.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1913-1988). Lengthy 24-bar autograph music quote from his work "Vom Verscheiten Apfelbaum" signed by him. Size is 9.2 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1861-1949), creator of local, stage, and chamber music and works for piano and orchestra. Autograph letter signed, two pages in one sheet, in French, sold untranslated. Size is 8.25 x 5.25 inches, minor stains over the left border of the first page, otherwise in very good condition.

English composer and organist (1844-1924). Original autograph letter on Littlington Tower, The Cloisters, Westminster Abbey letterhead paper, dated Feb 20 (NY, though 1922 added in other hand) to Miss Morley.

American composer (1899-1994) and pianist. 3-bar autograph music quote from her work Epiphyllum signed by her on a card. Size is 8 x 5 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1899-1994) and pianist. 3-bar autograph music quote from her work Epiphyllum signed by her on a card. Size is 8 x 5 inches, in excellent condition.

Limited edition book, signed on the first page both by composer Benjamin Britten and illustrator Sidney Nolan, published by Faber Music, London. A facsimile of the original score of the piece with the same name, with full color, full page illustrations by Nolan.  An edition of only 1000 copies, of which 300 were signed by both composer and artist, this one is number 167, published celebrating the 60th birthday of Britten. Total size is 11.25 x 15.3 inches, hardcovers, original bookcase is included (not shown), in excellent condition.  See scans of front cover, title page, first page, and a couple of pages inside. 

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and other orchestral works. Album page signed by the composer and other personalities including conductor and singer Georg Henschel, publisher Edward Lloyd, tenor Joseph Maas, and soprano Anna Williams; nicely decorated on borders.  Size is 7 x 9.6 inches, irregularly cut over the left border, in excellent condition.

German composer (1838-1920), violinist, teacher, and conductor who wrote more than 200 works, among them his famous first violin concerto. His business card handwritten in French on both sides and signed by him, dated in Berlin, December 3, 1907. Size is 4.2 x 2.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of him (a clip from a program o book). Size is 3. 3 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works.  Small card with his address signed by the composer, dated 1908 probably. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works. His business card signed by him as "M.B", inscribed with a short sentiment in German. Size is 4 x 2.4 inches, in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1824-1896) and organist best known for his symphonies and sacred music, which includes masses, motets, and a Te Deum. Beautiful autograph note in German on his visiting card written and signed by him in 1892, addressed to his friend the Austrian writer Aurelius Polzer, where he writes: "accept... my great admiration and warmest greetings"; in excellent condition.

French composer (1857-1928). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Amiens, September 30th, 1923, where he addresses the poet Édouard David (1863-1932): “…S’il me fallait choisir entre les trois pièces que vous avez fait représenter, et qui m’ont, toutes trois, vivement intéressé, je donnerais la palme, incontestablement, à Ech’ Pardon…”.  Size is 4.3 x 6.8 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, in excellent condition.

American composer (1885-1980).  Autograph music quote with 7 bars from his concerto Op.25, signed by him.  Size is 6 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1872-1960). Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated 1945. Size is 4.75 x 7.7 inches, in excellent condition.

British composer (1926-2012) and academic teacher. 2-bar autograph music quote signed by him on an envelope with a short sentiment. Size is 6.5 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1793-1871) and arranger, later in his life a music teacher, and creator of over 200 opera adaptations for instrumental ensembles. Manuscript "Potpourris for violin from Bellini's Norma #8" signed by him on the front cover, dated 1860.  Size is 8.8 x 12.7 inches, 10 pages (including covers), minor damage on borders, some stains, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1872-1973), organist, conductor, and teacher; a pupil himself of Franck, Gounod, and Massenet. St of two typed letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1934 and 1937. Both letters are addressed to the composer Adriano Lualdi. We report an extract as a sample: “…Pourriez-vous me faire parvenir la partition de votre ballet afin que je la communique à Mr. Rouché, directeur de l’Opéra?…”. 2 pp. With letterhead. In-8. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1872-1973), organist, conductor, and teacher; a pupil himself of Franck, Gounod, and Massenet. Lot of six autograph letters signed by him, dated between 1897 and 1923. These letters are addressed to the composer Delphin Balleyguier (1829-1899), to Geneviève Blanchard, and Jeanne Telen and concern, among others things, Büsser's recommendation as organist of S. Vincent de Paul in Paris. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1876-1970) and teacher. 3-bar autograph music quote probably from one of his works, signed by him and dated in Rome, June 20, 1925.  Size is 6.7 x 5.2 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1923-2014), conductor, trumpeter, and teacher. Set of two autograph letters in English signed by him, as follows: A. 13th January, 1960. Butterworth writes to the arranger H. Swarenski about an important imminent meeting regarding some financial problems. Size is 7.9 x 9.8 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, dirt spots, in overall very good condition.  B. 19th April 1967. Butterworth writes to the widow of the German music publisher Henri Hinrichsen (1868-1942, partner in Peters edition since 1894), Carla Hinrichsen: “...There seems to be a fair number of inquiries for “An Embassy Suite”, and I wonder if it might be possible to publish it fairly soon?...”. Size is 8 x 10 inches, folds, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1895-1996) of songs and lyricist. Autograph note in English on a card signed by him. Size is 6 x 5 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1791-1873). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated, addressed the composer and harpist Léon Gatayes (1805-1877): “…j’ignore encore au moment où je vous écris, à quelle heure on exécutera mes compositions et j’ignore même si l’audition projetée aura lieu (demain pour mon sextuor) car on parle d’une répétition à l’opéra…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.1 inches, 1 written page, folds, in overall excellent condition.

Italian composer (1819-1882), opera director, conductor, and creator of eight operas including Esmeralda -an opera created for Adelina Patti. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 3.3 x 4.3 inches, four written pages, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an incomplete 2-page letter by him (last two images provided). Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote 29 operas between 1816-47, some very successful in his time. Autograph letter signed, written in Paris dated in 1844. Two pages on a folded 4 page document, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, in very good condition. Rare!

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote almost 30 operas, some very successful in his time. Autograph note signed, in French, untranslated, dated in 1833. One page, 4.6 x 7.3 inches, pencil markings by another hand at the top, in very good condition. Rare!

American composer, pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader (1899-1981), famous as a songwriter, Carmichael is today remembered for some of his creations, including in "Stardust" in first place.  Autograph music quote signed, with 4 bars of notes from Wash Board Blues, a 1926 popular song composed by Carmichael, size is 9 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1899-1981), pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader, best remembered for some of his work Stardust. Album page signed and inscribed by him. Size is 7.5 x 4.8 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1899-1981). Card signed by him. Size is 5 x 3 inches, authentication sticker by JSA over the lower-right corner; in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original JSA CoA.

American composer (1899-1981), pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader, and famous as a songwriter, who is today remembered for some of his creations. Printed score of his work Star Dust signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment on the cover. Size is 9 x 12 inches, 4 pages (including covers), central fold, in very good condition.