Composer Autograph Manuscripts

Spanish composer (b.1930) belonging to the generation of Spanish composers known as "Generación del 51". Autograph music quote on a card with 2 bars of music from his work "Tornasol" signed and inscribed by him. Size is 6 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian-born Argentina composer (1880-1980) and active figure in the Argentine music arena in the first half of the XX century. 4-bar autograph music quote from his symphonic poem Marko y el Hada on a card signed by him in Buenos Aires, 1909. Size is 5.3 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer and chemist (1808-1887). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Marseille, 1866. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 2 written pages in 1 folded sheet, some rust stains, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1845-1926) member of the “Enfants d’Apollon”. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, addressed to the pianist Albert Hu, concerning music performances. We report an extract as a sample: “…je me trouve avoir jeudi prochain 13 février, chez Mlle [Ivan] Kireïevski (…) une matinée où l’on interprètera plusieurs morceaux de chant de moi. L’idée me vient que ce serait une occasion de faire entendre devant un public toujours nombreux et attentif ma romance pour violon et ma Sérénade executé par Mr. Albert Hû…”.   Sizes is 5.1 x 6.4 inches, 1 page; and 3.8 x 4.8 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet; both in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Italian composer and conductor (1892-?). Autograph letter in Italian signed by him and dated 1931, requesting a musical collaboration between the Trieste Philharmonic Orchestra and Teatro alla Scala. Size is 8.5 x 10.8 inches approx., 2 written pages, folds, rust stains, storage holes, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1824-1879) and music critic. Set of two autograph letters signed by the French musician, as follows:  A. To Mr. Aymard: "... I hope that, despite my absence, you have been well received by the St. Martin's Post...". Size is 4 x 5.2 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. B. To a director: "... After meditating on the savings that I am very anxious to promote for you, I arrive, for 14 musicians, at the sum of 1420 – (...) It is understood that in this combination I am obliged to write all the music you would need for the Ambigu and to stage and conduct the works...".  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, two written pages in one sheet (front and back), overall rust tone, folds, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed to Mr. Delaunay as an article for the operetta “Un 1er Avril” (1862), words by Henri Rochefort and Adrien Marx and music by Debillemont. 

French composer (1862-1918), and one of the most prominent figures of impressionist music. Autograph letter signed, dated on January 4th, 1904, to a friend, in French. One page, 4.5 x 7 inches, to a doctor (Abel Desjardins), who had recently treated his wife`s father (her name was Lilly Texier, married since 1899), about an invitation for dinner. Sold with transcription, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a modern photo print of a portrait of the composer, perfect for framing together with this letter. Size is 5 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. SEE PRICE BELOW. LISTEN TO CLAUDE DEBUSSY HIMSELF PLAYING "Clair de Lune" AT THE PIANO (recorded in 1913):

German composer (1911-1995), whose works include educational chamber music in modern style, resembling Hindemith. Two autograph music quotes signed by him with a short text and dated 1984 on a music sheet; one of them with 2 bars from his Kammersinfonie (1947) and the other with 5 bars from his Horn sonate (1978).  Size is 7.8 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1911-1995), whose works include educational chamber music in modern style.  4-bar autograph music quote from his symphonic concert signed by him and dated 1992 attached to a page. Size is 11.6 x 8.2 inches, music quote is 10.4 x 2.5 inches, in very good condition.

English composer (1876-1968), violinist, pianist, and singer. Autograph letter in English signed by her, dated 1936. Size is 5.25 x 7 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition.

Italian pianist and composer (1861-1920), a pupil in Naples of Beniamino Cesi and Paolo Serrao.Set of 3 autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by the Italian pianist and composer, two of them dated in 1889, one in 1918, requesting music publisher Giudici & Strada some printed compositions and three manuscripts pieces for piano; requesting the acceptance of the economic offer for his three pieces for piano op. 20; and the last, addressed to a certain Mr. Scotti, concerning some copies of the magazine “Nuova Musica”.  Different sizes and lengths (8 written pages in total), in overall very good condition (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1898-1962), critic, composer of operas, ballets, orchestral works, and film scores. Autograph document by wich the French composer provides information on his activity and music works for an article to be written about him. The composer mentions his works ‘Rigaudon’, ‘Clef des Songes’, ‘Bourrée’, ’L’éventail de Jeanne’, ‘Poirier de Misère’, ‘Quatre Regrets de Joachim du Bellay’. Among the notes, draft corrections and rewritings Delannoy inscribes a few musical bars. Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, four written pages, creases, smudges, corrections, in overall very good condition (see scans provided).

American composer of Italian descent (1887-1948), one of the best-known representatives of the Indianism movement in music. Autograph letter signed by him addressed to the Lyrics writer Juanita Roos, about his sacred music drama "The Prodigal Son", dated in Akron, Ohio, 1937.  Size is 6 x 8.1 inches, 2 pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by him to Juanita Roos, dated 1930, where the composer added a 2-bar music quote over the upper-right corner from his work "The Prodigal Son". Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, blind-stamped over the lower-right corner by photographer Goddard  (Akron, Ohio).  some loss of paper over the lower-right corner, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1836-1891), famous for his operas. First edition, 106 pages, published by Mme. Cendrier, Paris, 1858.  Monsieur Griffard was Delibes´ first complete opera comique, and was world-premiered in 1857 with French tenor Ernest Leroy in the title role. A fine copy, signed by the composer and inscribed to the creator of the title role “To Monsieur Griffard, with a thousand thanks to the friend Leroy, Leo Delibes, 1858”. Contemporary quarter morocco covers original front wrapper bound in - First edition, extremely rare.

American composer (1913-2008) and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1957. Beautiful 4-bar autograph music quote from his work "As of a Dream" signed by him. Size is 8 x 3.7 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small 6-page booklet with his biography and a list of his works. Size is 4 x 9 inches each page, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1846-1922) who composed hundreds of songs, including the famous "Funiculí, funiculá". Autograph note signed, dated in 1919 in London, written in Italian on a card, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French organist and composer (1861-1947). Signed personal card, inscribed with a short sentiment. Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.

German-born French composer of songs (1840-1898). Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated on January 3, 1885. Size is 4.4  7 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

American composer (1915-2005), creator of 11 symphonies, orchestral & chamber music, as well as works for piano and voice. Gorgeous 8-bar autograph music quote from the first movement of his Symphony #3 (1945) signed by him with a short sentiment dated 1989. Size is 7.7 x 4.8 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1873-1969) and organist; creator of numerous sacred works.  Autograph music quote with 6 bars from his "Storm King Mountain" Symphony, signed and dated by him in 1931.  Size is 5.8 x 3.2 inches, overall age-toning, otherwise in very good condition.

Dutch composer and arranger (1868-1954) who, in 1913, was one of the founders and first director of "The Music-Copyright Office" (BUMA). Typed letter in German, signed by him and dated in Amsterdam on 21st September 1936 to Maestro Arturo Toscanini, concerning the foundations of his music theory, Size is 8.5 x 13.8 inches, 2 typed pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, folds, with letterhead, some autograph corrections in ink, in overall very good condition. Translation: “…You don't know me, I got to know you as an artist, and I mean that I learned through that. If you don't have time or too little time for it, just don't read this letter. In the opposite case, read until the matter no longer interests you enough. I believe that presenting things in the simplest form has always been the best way to make one's thoughts clear to others. Especially the modern man is ashamed - why he hardly knows himself - to use this method. And so it is with many a modern composer. For me, the comprehensible musical culture does not go much further than Wagner. In this century, a new element has infiltrated musical culture, which actually cannot be a positive element in the musical sense. Until so far in musical art after good musical education it was possible to get to know a work and to understand it musically (and to love it!). Whether one calls certain modern music atonal, bitonal or pluritonal does not matter. The question is: is it possible to feel this music musically at all? If a composer with talent would dare today to compose and then perform a work that is musically comprehensible like the works of the 19th century, and suppose that this work is even a work of art, this composer would probably be laughed at these days. Snobisme has always existed. Snobisme is as necessary as bacterial colonies in the human body. Snobisme and criticism have in and of themselves no artistic form, they are however indispensable in musical society, because the development of the young creative musician will not flourish if the process of development is too smooth. The more this process is hindered, the more he learns to understand that he can only become an artist through long and diligent study. In art there is an analogue for what in nature is called biological effect. I will assume this with an example. In the beginning there must be the belief, thank God, that this time still believes in Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Wagner and the good that the other excellent composers have left us. The present listeners, who are not musically educated in the sphere of the 19th century, are nevertheless able to enjoy this beautiful art, although they are not aware that the key point in the development of this artistic enjoyment is faith…”. 2 pp. In-4.

Austrian composer (1861-1919), noted for his role in bringing Western music to Japan during the late 19th century. Rare 5-bar autograph music quote on cardboard from a Doppelfuge for piano signed by him and dated April 25, 1915. Size is 4.5 x 3.3 inches, in excllent condition.

Italian composer (1907-1975), Artistic Director of the Chicago Lyric Opera from 1958 until his death. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him and dated 1937 giving support and condolences to a friend. Size is 8.3 x 11.2 inches approx., Arena di Verona letterhead, central fold, missing upper-left corner, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated, with his embossed letterhead. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date, about the rehearsals for "Les Martires" -the French version of his opera "Poliuto". Size is 5 x 7,7 inches, 1 page, some rust tone, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a vintage print with his image as a young man. Size is 6.25 x 10.25 inches, minor rust stains over the borders, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his Bel Canto operas such as Lucia di Lammermoor, L'Elisir d'Amore, Anna Bolena, La Fille du Reggiment, Maria Stuarda, and others. Extensive and fantastic autograph music quote probably from one of his many works, signed by him in Rome, 1824. Size is 9.75 x 7.6 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph note in Italian (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.25 x 8.1 inches, 1 page, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1797-1848), best known for his almost 70 operas; along with Rossini and Bellini, he was a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, about an appointment. Size is 4.8 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Portuguese composer (1874-?). Autograph letter in Portuguese signed by him, dated October 14, 1922, mentioning some of his accomplishments and accolades as a composer and some of his works.  Size  Size is 8.4 x 10.6 inches, 1 page, translation not included, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a portrait of the composer signed and inscribed by him, dated in Lisbon, 1922. Photo by Lazarus, Lisbon. Size is 5.9 x 8.9 inches, some rust stains, in overall excellent condition.

German composer (1878-1942), musicologist, and music critic. Typed letter in German signed by him, dated 1922, whereas General Secretary of the Festivals Internationaux à Zurich, Draber wrote to the director of La Scala in Milan [Angelo Scandiani] inviting him to the concerts organized by the Comité in May.  Size is 8.2 x 10.8 inches, central fold, storage holes, in excellent condition.

Argentine pianist (1882-1925) and composer, a pupil of Alberto Williams.  Autograph quote with 2 bars of music from Wagner's Siegfried, signed and dated by him in Buenos Aires, 1917.  Size is 5.5 x 3.6 inches, in very good condition.

Austrian violinist (1850-1925) and composer, who founded and led a successful salon orchestra in the tradition of the Strauss orchestra. 7-bar autograph music quote from the composer's aria "Du nur allein" Op.122, signed by him, dated in Vienna, May 4, 1915. Size is 4.4 x 3.3 inches, some dirt, in overall excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph note signed, dated 1916, to a theater director concerning a waltz. 

American composer (1928-1996) and also a teacher.  Autograph note with his letterhead signed by him, dated in 1982, about music matters.  Size is 5.75 x 7.6 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

French composer, organist, and music teacher (1837-1924). Large signed autograph music quote from Le Paradis Perdu (The Lost Paradise), a 4-part oratorio he composed in 1878 and won him a Prix de la ville de Paris. A great success in its time, the orchestral part of this oratorio has been lost. Music quote includes 4 bars from the 3rd part of this oratorio, with the voices of Adam and Eve and a solo cello. Size is 10 x 6.5 inches, inscribed, in excellent condition. A large, rare piece. Watch and listen a part of Le Paradis Perdu (Dubois):

French composer (1776-1858), singer, a pupil of Luigi Cherubini and Daniel Auber.Set of two rare autograph notes in French (untranslated) signed by her, as follows:  A. Dated [1831], to the composer Stephen Glover (1812-1870), who was a popular composer of songs, ballads, and duets in that time. Size is 4.7 x 7.2 inches, folds, in very good condition. B. N.D., to Monsieur Gévin, thanking him. Size is 5 x 7.7 inches, folds, creases, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a typed biography of the composer. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1884-1940) and pianist. 8-bar autograph music quote from his work "Prière sur l'Acropole" signed by him, dated in Paris, November 12, 1923, on the verso of a printed document titled "Bulletin de Déclaration" of the SACEM (Société des Auteurs, Compositeurs et Editeurs de Musique). Size is 11 x 8.5 inches, restoration along the central margin, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a typed letter signed for a SACEM deputy, dated November 26, 1923, 1 page, envelope included as well.

French composer (1865-1935), critic, and teacher, well known for his popular work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5 x 6.7 inches, 2 written pages, central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1865-1935), critic, and teacher, well known for his popular work The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him. Size is 4.8 x 6.5 inches, three written pages, minor cracks, overall rust tone, in fragile condition.

French composer, critic, and teacher (1865-1935), well known for his popular work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated February 19, 1908, mounted on a slightly larger piece of cardboard. Total size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1865-1935), critic, and teacher, well known for his popular work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated Feb. 25, 1925. Size is 4.3 x 5.9 inches each page, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original envelope. Size is 4.7 x 3.7 inches, some stains, in overall very good condition, loss of paper over the top.

Belgian cellist and composer (1877-1952), also was director of the Conservatory in Dijon. Dumas was a gifted cellist and created pieces for the instrument, as well as for the piano. Autograph letter signed, undated, to a friend, in French, sold untranslated. One page, 8.4 x 10.6 inches, folds, minor cracks, in overall very good condition.

Dutch composer (1822-1875), violist, conductor, and music pedagogue. Set of two autograph letters in German signed by him, as follows: A. Dated in Detmold, April 15, 1854, to the music publisher Schloss in Cologne, asking for the possibility of publishing some of his songs, and mentioning the concert of the 4th of April 1854 at the Court opera theatre where he performed pieces from his recently completed opera “Blanca Siffredi”. Size is 9 x 11 inches, 1 page, folds, smudges, creases, folds, overall age-toning, in good condition. Translation into Italian included. B. Dated in Hamburg, March 10, 1857, to the director of a magazine, asking to announce the success of his opera at the Hamburg city theater. Size is 5.1 x 7.8 inches, folds, in very good condition. Translation into Italian included. To obtain sufficient income, he left for Germany in the summer of 1853. After being Kapellmeister in Halle, Linz, and Detmold he took up a similar position at the Municipal Theater in Hamburg. After three years he left for Nuremberg to be associated with the city theater from 1858 to 1874 where he succeeded in getting Richard Wagner's opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg performed.  

French composer (1888-1979). Fantastic and long autograph music quote on an album page with 9 bars from his Suite for Piano signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated 1920. Size is 4.8 x 6.8 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1863-1936) whose music was used in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Autograph letter in English with his letterhead, signed by him, no date (postal markings indicate the year 1915). Size is 8.3 x 8.9 inches, 1 written page, folds, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original envelope.

German-born composer (1824-1893), musical director and educator who worked mostly in the USA.  Signed card, size is 4.1 x 2.6 inches, in excellent condition.