Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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.  

English composer (1852-1935), conductor and pianist, who was one of the first British-born conductors to have the respect of critics, orchestral musicians, and the public. Nice autograph quote with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece on an off-white piece of paper, signed by him adding the text "with pleasure" below.  Size is 3.8 x 6.1 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1872-1949) mostly of light classical music, operas, and operettas. Signed postcard with music quote from the valse from Le Baiser (c. 1907), size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition

French composer (1784-1846) and conductor. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Paris, September 6, 1837, to François-Joseph Fétis (1784-1871), director of Brussels Conservatory: "... Towards the end of January last, M. Pacini published Duos, of which I have the honor to send you a copy. The welcome of Baillot and several distinguished artists determined me to have them advertised in the musical gazette. Mr. Schlesinger, whom I met by chance (for he is invisible at home), promised to send me two copies, which I had deposited in his shop...". Size is 7.6 x 9.9 inches, 1 written page in one sheet, folds, spotted rust stains, wax-sealed, in very good condition.

Italian-American composer (1906-1985). 3-bar autograph music quote from his concerto for marimba and orchestra signed and inscribed by him. Size is 8.6 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

English-born American composer (1808-1896) and cellist, author of numerous ballads. Autograph letter in English signed by him and dated in November 16, 1882, to a certain Fred M. Steele, as follows: «...Since my last letter [I’ve] been confined to the house. Totally prostrated but though bodily prevented from work, “The Brain!” has not been idle – Have written much & composed considerable, & one of the Subjects I propose sending you, that you may find a well trained Baritone! Or Tenor Robusto for its rendition. It is not a common piece creation * I wish it was sung with Artistic effect & who so represents it to the Public, to him! Will I inscribe the composition...».  Size is 4.9 x 6.2 inches each page, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, in overall very good condition (see scans provided).

William George Cusins, English composer, pianist, violinist and conductor (1833-1893), was also organist and music teacher. Cusins toured extensively through Europe as a pianist and as a composer. Autograph music quote signed, dated by him in 1879, inscribed, from an unknown piece. Size is 7 x 4.5 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition

Austro-Hungarian composer (1842-1894), pianist and conductor. Autograph letter signed, one page in German, dated in 1888, sold with translation. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera "Tiefland". Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, no date. Size is 5.8 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original envelope.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera Tiefland. Autograph note in German on a postcard signed by him, dated in  Berlin, 1909, to Wilhelm Barlösius in Berlin, writing that he unfortunately won’t be able to meet him. Size is 5.4 x 3.5 inches, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera Tiefland. Set of 2 Autograph letters signed by him in German and French, both dated 1915 and 1909 respectively about personal and professional stuff.  Sizes are 5.7 x 7.29 inches and 5.2 x 8.1 inches, storage hole in one of them, in overall very good condition.

Italian composer (1830-1890) and journalist. 4-bar autograph music quote with lyrics from an unknown piece signed by him in Rome, 1886. Size is 8.6 x 2.6 inches, in excellent condition.

Anglo-French composer (1868-1943), banker, and patron of the arts. Autograph letter in German signed by him and dated 1909, addressed to the famous tenor Leo Slezak and mentions the work of soprano Emmy Destinn. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 2 written pages in 1 sheet (front and back), in very good condition. German transcription is ALSO INCLUDED.

French composer, pianist and teacher (1858-1936). Guy D'Hardelot was the pen name used by Helen Rhodes. A successful composer of songs, D'Hardelot toured extensively and was one of the few women who succeeded as a composer in late 19th and early 20th century. Autograph music quote signed, with 2 bars from her song "In the Great Unknown", dated in 1922. Size is 6.75 x 5.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer, pianist, and teacher (1858-1936), Guy D`Hardelot was the pen name for Helen Rhodes. Printed score for her song Wings, signed and inscribed on the front cover. Size is 9.5 x 12.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French marquis and composer (1829-1903). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1884 and 1892, as follows: One letter is addressed to the composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891) recommending the composer Maurice Emmanuel (1862-1938): “…depuis deux ans élève d’harmonie à la classe de M. Th. Dubois, M. Emmanuel ambitionne de suivre votre Cours…”. The second letter is addressed to a gentleman, concerning a performance of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” he has attended: “…je viens d’aller entendre à Lyon les délicieux Maître-Chanteurs, Bonne exécution; – les choeurs excellents, et dire que la presse de chefs d’orchestre parisiens recule devant cet ouvrage…”. Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1829-1903) and aristocrat. Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. Coraboeuf 25. A. 95. To a gentleman: “…d’ici à quelques jours, je vous écrirai quel jour vous pourrez venir à Coraboeuf avec l’artiste en question. L’ami sur lequel je comptais pour les photographies que vous désirez est dans un état de santé qui ne lui permet pas de venir…”. 1 p. In-8. B. Vendredi soir. To a baroness: “…je suis fâché que le pauvre chassé ne veuille pas de M.lle Nevada, mais je comprends qu’il tienne à une française et M.me [Jeanne] Bilbaut conviendra parfaitement au rôle. Je n’ai pas encore vu [Léon] Carvalho, mais je ne partirai pas sans lui avoir parlé…”. 2 pp. In-8. ALSO INCLUDED is a laissez-passer mounted on cardboard for two people for the dress rehearsal. Friend of François Coppée, Jules Verne and Barbey d'Aurevilly, he is the author of romances, a “Concert overture” as well as an opera, Fatma (1847), and three comic operas, Quentin Metzys (1854), La Maison du docteur (1854), and Omphale et Pénelope (1855). Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view) SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1750-1834) and violinist.  Original document handwritten and signed by him where he acknowledges having received a payment. Size is 7.3 x 8.9 inches approx., 1 page, in very good condition (see scans provided).

German-born American conductor (1862-1950) and composer, is best remembered today as the long-time director of the New York Symphony Orchestra.  Printed score for his ballad for baritone and men's chorus titled "Danny Deever", signed by him on the front cover.  Size is 9.25 x 12.1 inches, 12 pages (including covers), in very good condition.

Signed program clip for a performance of his opera The Man Without a Country, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1937. Clip is 6.5 x 8.75 inches, attached to an album page that is 7.9 x 10.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1817-1907) and violinist. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1893. Letters are addressed to the critic Johannes Weber (1818-1902), concerning recent mourning and to the journalist Félix Jahyer (1834-1907), thanking him for the article he wrote on his "...modeste petit livre...".  Open size is 8.2 x 5.3 inches each letter, 2 written pages in one folded sheet each letter, folds, some creases, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY

French composer (1908-2002) and organist.  5-bar autograph note from his Nocturne signed by him in 1974. Size is 8.5 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.  

French composer (1810-1876), composed a number of operas, symphonies, and chamber music and was famous in his time. Autograph music quote signed by him, with a few bars from his Symphony in Eb Major, dated in Paris in 1870, inscribed, size is 9.25 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition

French composer (1790-1853) and dramatist, author of hit songs including "Le Pardon" and "Dormez" and the famous Leçon de valse du petit François (1834) sung in cabarets for over a century and two opéras. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, February 7, 1878, addressed to the director of the Théâtre de l'Odéon Félix Duquesnel (1832-1915), concerning the pupil Firmin Delille: "...ancien élève de [Pierre-François] Beauvallet, désire obtenir une audition à l'Odéon...". At the fourth page, autograph note by Delille concerning de Beauplan.  Open size is 10.6 x 8.3 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, letterhead from "Ministère de L'Instruction", folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall good condition.

French composer (1790-1853) and dramatist, author of hit songs including "Le Pardon" and "Dormez" and the famous Leçon de valse du petit François (1834) sung in cabarets for over a century and two opéras. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1835, where he addresses two gentlemen, concerning an invitation to dinner and a discussion on some property rights over a house in Romainville. Open size is 10.8 x 8.2 inches each one, two written pages and one written page, folds, creases, some missing corners, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Belgian pianist and composer (1833-1914), son of the celebrated Belgian violinist Charles De Beirot (1802-1870). Front cover only of the printed score for his Piano Concerto #4 signed and inscribed by the composer with a short sentiment. Size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, some cracks, stains, in overall good condition.

Dutch pianist (1856-1932), pianist, and composer who spent most of his life in Cuba and was the founder of the National Conservatory of Cuba. Set of two regular postcards signed by him in Havana, 1918. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches each, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1861-1949) and music critic, pupil of Théodore Dubois, and a close friend to César Franck. Short autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him on a card, no date, to Mr. Henri, thanking him for the “charmant souvenir” he left for him. Size is 4.6 x 3.4 inches, in very good condition.

Portuguese composer (1890-1955). Autograph music quote on an album page signed by him with 5 bars of music from one of his symphonies, dated Lisbon, October 28, 1923. Size is 8.6 x 6.9 inches, in excellent condition.

Portuguese composer (1890-1955), musicologist, and music teacher, considered one of the pre-eminent figures who took part in the development of Portuguese music. Autograph autobiographical document with a list of his compositions. Open size is 10 x 7.2 inches, 4 written pages, in very good condition.

Belgian pianist and composer (1862-1940) and also a teacher.  Short autograph music quote on an album page, with 3 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed, inscribed and dated by him in Bournemouth, England, 1927.  Size is 7.5 x 4.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1839-1903) and music critic. A fine collection of autographs signed by the French composer, as follows: A. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 2 written pages (front and back), in very good condition. B. Autograph note in French (untranslated) written on a card signed by him, dated Nov. 30, 1897. Size is 4.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. C. Fine cabinet photograph of him by photographer Nadar signed by Joncieres. Size is 4.25 x 6.4 inches, missing back, loss of paper over the top, in overall very good condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American opera composer (1859-1920). Autograph note on cardboard signed by him to the Ladies Home Journal editor Edward Bok: «...I find I shall be so busy with rehearsals this week that I shall not be able to get away for lunch...In regards to the song the same terms as for the Waltz will be satisfactory...».  Size is 5.1 x 3.2 inches, written on front and verso, letterhead of Hotel Bellevue (Philadelphia), overall rust tone, in very good condition.

Portuguese conductor and composer (1869-1924). Album page signed by the composer on August 1923 with a 3-bar music quote from an unknown piece. Size is 8.6 x 6.9 inches, minor stains, in excellent condition.

English composer and singer (1858-1935), whose birth name was Isidore Cohen. Particularly well known as a singer and composer of art songs who later began to compose music for the stage including operas beginning in the 1890s.  Autograph letter signed, 3 pages on a folded 4 page document, size is 4.5 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

English composer and singer (1858-1935), whose birth name was Isidore Cohen; well known as a singer and composer of art songs and music for the stage including operas in the early 1890s.  Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated November 26, 1908, about music business. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, in overall very good condition.

English composer and singer (1858-1935), whose birth name was Isidore Cohen; well known as a singer and composer of art songs and music for the stage including operas in the early 1890s. Nice 5-bar autograph music quote signed by him dated 1906. Size is 8.75 x 6.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1867-1955), writer of Neapolitan songs. Nice manuscript for his song "Triste Aprile" signed on the last page. Size is 9.25 x 13 inches, 4 sheets handwritten on 7 pages, in very good condition.

French count and composer (1831-1916), and descendant of the politician and writer Count Joseph Chérade de Montbron (1768-1854). Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, one of them dated December 19, 1874, addressing the harpist Coraly Gatayes (1840-1913): “…voulez vous me permettre, en souvenir du plaisir que j’ai eu à vous entendre sur la harpe, de vous envoyer une recueil de mélodies pour le chant…”.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.