Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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.

French composer (1857-1934), who played an important role in the introduction of Realism into French opera. Autograph music quote signed, 2 bars from L`Attaque du Moulin, his opera in 4 acts. Size is 5.75 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an envelope hung written by him, post stamped in 1920, (not shown).

French composer (1857-1934), who played an important role in the introduction of Realism into French opera. Autograph note signed, dated in 1911, Paris, written in French, sold untranslated. One page sized 4.5 x 7 inches, 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.

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.

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.

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 (1876-1951) whose works strive to encompass the spirit of America, being considered mildly modernistic and impressionistic. Booklet has a short biography of the composer and a list of his works, signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment in the first page, dated in 1947.  Size is 3.5 x 6.1 inches, 8 pages including cover, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is his personal card with his address and a note signed by him. Size is 3.25 x 2.2 inches, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Spanish cellist, composer, and conductor (1876-1973), regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest cellists of all time. 2-bar autograph music quote with music by Mendelssohn on a regular postcard signed by him (postal markings indicate the year 1910). Size is 5.4 x 3.5 inches, small crack over the lower-left corner, written address by another hand, otherwise in excellent condition.

Spanish cellist, composer, and conductor (1876-1973), regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest cellists of all time. 2-bar autograph music quote on an album page signed by him and dated in Glasgow January 10, 1911. Size is 6.25 x 7.75 inches, some stains, in overall excellent condition. On verso, there is a signature of the English pianist Katherine Goodson dated January 1, 1911 (not shown).

Argentine composer (1895-1968) and conductor, who enjoyed a successful international career.  Nice card with his portrait and two bars of music from a chorus of his opera "Proserpina y el Extranjero" (1951), signed and dated by him in Buenos Aires, 1953.  Size is 4.5 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Argentine composer (1895-1968) and conductor who enjoyed a successful international career.  Autograph music quote on an album page with three bars of music from Shostakovich's 7th Symphony. On its verso, an unidentified drawing and signature can be seen as well.  Size is 7 x 6 inches, minor rust stains, otherwise in excellent condition.

French composer (1841-1894) and pianist. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, no date (ink markings indicate July 1868). Size is 4.75 x 6.3 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1920-2002) and also Arts Administrator, and father of conductor Riccardo Chailly.  Autograph music quote with 5 bars from his "Sonata Tritematica 3", signed by him, dated in Milan 1952.  Size is 6.4 x 9.4 inches, folds, in very good condition.

French composer and organist and Director of the Orpheon Theatre in Paris (1858-1933). Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Written on neatly folded 8.25 x 10.5 inch paper, in excellent condition. 

French composer (1863-1935). 4-bar autograph music quote from his "Fantaisie de Concert for Violon" signed and inscribed by him, dated in Paris, March 1895. Size is 6.9 x 4.8 inches, rust stains over all four borders, in very good condition.

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera "Louise" (1900),  and other symphonic works and songs. His business card with a short sentiment written by the composer. Size is 3.3 x 2.4 inches, evident signs of rust stains, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera Louise (1900),  symphonies, and songs. Autograph music quote on a card with 5 bars of music from his opera "Louise" boldly signed and inscribed by him over the top, matted with a half-tone photograph of him.  Total size is  6.25 x 10.3 inches, music quote is 3.9 x 2.2 inches (visible window size), photo is 3.7 x 4.8 inches (visible window size), all in excellent condition.

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera Louise (1900),  symphonies, and songs. Autograph music quote on a postcard with 5 bars of music from his opera "Julien" boldly signed by him to the left of the music. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned photo postcard of him, size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches slight paper loss on top left corner, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately.   

French composer (1860-1956), a pupil of Jules Massenet, and author of the famous verismo opera Louise (1900),  symphonies, and songs. Autograph note signed, written on a telegram page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, several creases and folds, but otherwise in good condition. Also included: attractive unsigned photograph of him, stamped on verso by Culver Pictures, New York. Size is 5 x 7 inches small cut at bottom left corner and slight paper loss on orther corners, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

French composer and very prolific songwriter (1856-1904).  Autograph note signed in Paris, dated in 1892. Written in French, sold untranslated. 1 album page. Size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

French romantic composer (1855-1899) who died just as his career was beginning to flourish.  Autograph letter written in French (sold with a translation in English), no year, to an unknown recipient, signed by the French composer.  Size is 4.4 x 7.1 inches, 1 page (written on both sides), in very good condition.

French composer (1789-1861), violist, and conductor, who won the 1811 Prix de Rome for his cantata Ariane. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. Dated in Paris, December 20, 1834, to the librettist and writer Karl Sondershausen (1792-1882), about professional matters. B. Dated in Weimar, January 11, 1840, to “Adalbert” (the tenor Josef Tichatschek) about musical issues, where Tichatschek was presumably the actor premiering in his “Gesänge aus Mitternacht” (1831).  C. Dated in Weimar, December 11, 1860, to “Monsieur l’Inspecteur”, concerning the obstacles for the rehearsals of the opera "Macbeth" imposed by the soprano Stöger. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian-born composer who spent most of his life in France (1760-1842), Cherubini is well known today for his opera Medee (1797) but also composed many other operas, orchestral music and chamber works.  Signed printed form from the Royal School of Music at Paris, inviting other professors to an audition, written in French, dated in 1823.  Cherubini signs under the top printed part, while other professors responded below.  Size is 7.75 x 12.25 inches, 1 page, rounded edges, folds, minor stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a translation into English of this interesting note.

Italian-born composer (1760-1842) who spent most of his life in France, and is well known today for his opera Medee (1797). Document from the Royal School of Music in Paris, dated April 17, 1830, signed by various personalities including composer Cherubini (whose signature is the first one at the top), about a piano competition.  Size is 8.1 x 12.25 inches 1 page, minor stains, central fold, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a wonderful lithograph of the composer. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, spotted rust, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1866-1950), well-known for his operas Adriana Lecouvreur and L'Arlesiana. Album with a music quote with 2 bars of music from "Adriana Lecouvreur", signed and dated by him in Naples, 1920.  Size is 7 x 9 inches, minor rust stains, in very good condition.

English composer (1886-1957) of light music. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated January 1st, 1938, to the BBC Orchestra’s percussionist Frederick Herbert Wheelhouse, assuring that if he “...ever take on an orchestra of my own I will certainly get into touch with you”.  Size is 7.9 x 9.8 inches, 1 page, central fold, some creases, with letterhead, in overall excellent condition. Original envelope ALSO INCLUDED.

French composer (1818-1885), creator mostly of songs and piano music. Large autograph music quote, signed and dated in Paris, 1880, for piano and voice, from the song "Petite Fleur". Size is 13.9 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, vertical fold across the center and two horizontal folds, minor cracks, otherwise in excellent condition.

French composer, musicologist, music critic, and music writer (1819-1898).  Autograph letter signed, dated in Paris in 1888, 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, several small stains outside of the text area, otherwise in very good condition. 

French composer (1819-1898), musicologist, and traveler. Lot of three autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows:  A. February 23, 1863, to Mr. Lefebvre, professor at the Collège de Cambrai:  "I think I have some chance this January of getting a little article published in Le Siècle on the education of attention...". B. Vendredi November 27 (no year), to the secretary of the Paris Conservatory Alfred de Beauchesne (1804-1876): "... I have to thank you for your interest in Miss Huebaut. Mr. [Pierre-Auguste] Grosset has heard her and he thinks she has a good and beautiful voice...".  C. Paris, November 12, 1880, to the Director of the Gymnasium, asking for "... two tickets in my favor for tonight's performance...". Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Original cards, signature cuts, and music quotes by different composers in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all of them and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

Collection of 27 cards signed by different composers (most of them Americans) including Alan Hovhaness, Alan Stout, Ben Weber, Erland Koch, Francis Thorne, Quincy Porter, William Bergsma, Douglas Moore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Randall Thompson, Ogden Nash, and many others, and poet Elizabeth Bishop. Size is 5 x 3.25 inches each approximately, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Group of 22 letters and notes (some handwritten, a few typed) by contemporary composers, including: lyricist/songwriter and singer Charles Aznavour (French-Armenian, b.1924), autograph note signed on a card with his letterhead, 5.6 x 4.1 inches - Songwriter Al Kasha (American, b.1937), short typed note, signed by him, 5 x 3 inches - William Schmidt (American, 1926-2009), typed letter signed, dated in 1986, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Charles Wuorinen (American composer, b.1938), typed letter signed and dated in 1999, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Raymond Parfrey (American, 1928-2008), typed letter to a fan, signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Bernhard Heiden (German-American, 1910-2000), autograph letter signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Theldon Myers (American, b.1927), typed letter signed, to a fan, dated in 1991, one page, 6.75 x 10 inches -  Ernst Krenek (Austrian-American, 1900-1991), short autograph note signed, dated in 1980, to a fan, 6 x 4 inches - Charles Chaynes (French, 1925-2006), short autograph note signed, on a card with his letterhead, 6 x 4.25 inches - Eric Fenby (English, 1906-1997), short autograph note signed, dated in 1992, to a fan, 8.75 x 7 inches - William Schuman (American, 1910-1992), 2 typed letter signed, dated in 1979 and 1987, to a fan, each is 1 page, 7.25 x 10.5 inches - Brian Fennelly (American, 1937-2015), long typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page with a printed score on verso (see scans), 8.5 x 11 inches - Gordon Jacob (English, 1895-1984), short autograph note signed, on paper with his letterhead, dated 1979, 8 x 6 inches - William Hibbard (American, 1939-1989), autograph letter signed, dated in 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 5.75 x 7.75 inches - Irwin Bezelon (American, 1922-1995), typed letter signed, 1 page, to a fan, 7.9 x 4.9 inches - John Downey (American, 1927-2004), autograph letter signed, with a few notes at the foot, dated 1979, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Thea Musgrave (Scottish, b.1928), short typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Eskil Hemberg (Swedish, 1938-2004), typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11.6 inches - Hermann Haller (Swiss, 1914-2002), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1994, to a fan, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Arthur Wills (English, b.1926), short typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8 x 10 inches - Charles William Jones (Canadian, 1910-1997), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 7.25 x 10.6 inches. All in excellent condition - See scans in order - Not sold separately.

American composer, teacher, writer, and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. 2-bar autograph music quote on an album page from his work "El Salon México" signed by him in Rio de Janeiro, in September 1947. Size is 5.75 x 4.4 inches, in very good condition.

American composer, teacher, writer and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. Fine album page signed and inscribed by him. Size is 5.9 x 4 inches, rust stains, in very good condition.

American composer (b.1938) and winner of important awards including an Oscar for his work on movie soundtracks.  Autograph music quote signed by him in 1933, with two bars from the aria "Once there was a golden bird" from his opera "The Ghosts of Versailles".  Size is 9.5 x 12.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Uruguayan composer and pianist Cesar Cortinas (1892-1918), who died of tuberculosis at age 26. Short signed music quote, with 3 bars from his work "Printemps", dated in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1909. On top of the quote, there is a signature by an unknown artist, dated also 1909. Size is 5 x 7.5 inches, age-toning, in excellent condition. On verso, a short text quote and signature by Italian criminologist Enrico Ferri (1856-1929), dated in 1908.

Italian composer (1857-1953), a pupil of Eugenio Terziani at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome and among the founders of the Bach Society in 1903. Autograph music quote with 3 bars signed and inscribed for him with a short sentiment. Size is 6.75 x 2.5 inches, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

Italian prolific composer (1858-1933), mostly known for his songs and operettas. Nice autograph letter in Italian signed by him, dated September 7, 1880, to a colleague, about personal matters: "... I'm sure you're doing very well and you'll soon be off to some good writing. It seems to me that fortune is always favorable to me, and I hope it will not abandon me for the present. Have the greetings of [Florestano] Rossomandi, [Nicola] Cassano, [Nicola] Corsibono etc...". Size is 5.3 x 8.1 inches each page, 4 written pages, some smudges, overall rust tone, in overall very good condition.

Italian-born conductor (1808-1884) and composer who achieved success in England. 3-bar autograph music quote from a setting of Psalm 30 signed by him with a short quote. Size is 4 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

English-Italian composer (1808-1884), who was also conductor, with a very successful career in England. Autograph note signed, dated in 1876, to famous soprano Therese Tietjens. One page with his letterhead, in English. Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, some stains and folds, otherwise in very good condition.

American composer (1866-1951), member of the Metropolitan Opera Association Board of Directors. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated March 1932, to A. Toscanini, sending thanks for a thoughtful letter he received from him. Size is 5 x 6.4 inches, 2 written pages, in excellent condition.

American composer (1897-1965), music theorist, pianist, teacher and impresario.  Signed printed score for his symphony nr. 12 ( composed in 1955-1956), full orchestra, published by Associated Music Publishers, Inc., New York, 1960. A total of 84 pages plus soft covers, Cowell signed and inscribed this score over the top right corner of the front cover. Size is 6.9 x 10.5 inches, repaired cracks and spine on covers, otherwise in very good condition.