Composer Autograph Manuscripts

American composer (1872-1952), conductor, educator, and music publisher. A composer part of the Indianist movement, his works reflect his interest in a personal, esoteric form of spirituality.  Typed letter to a fan, an important autograph collector, dated in New York, 1949. Typed on a page with his letterhead (his signature, printed in blue ink), signed in ink by him at the bottom. Size is 8 x 10 inches, 1 page, storage holes, background stain, in very good condition.

French composer (1845-1924), organist, pianist, and teacher; one of the foremost French composers of his generation. Long autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by Fauré to an unidentified lady, no year indicated. Each page's size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 7 written pages in 2 folded sheets, folds, storage holes over the top in all pages, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1845-1924), organist, pianist, and teacher; one of the foremost French composers of his generation. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) on a card with the letterhead of the Conservatory signed by him, no date indicated. Size is 5.25 x 3.8 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a nice sepia photo postcard of him with his facsimile (printed) signature. Size is 3.3 x 5.3 inches, pinholes over the two left corners, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1764-1826) and Chapel Master in London, where he lived from 1790 on and performed his most notable works. Letter of exchange in French dated in Bologna, 1794, concerning payment of £ 15 to the merchant Gourdas and Hoofstetter in London, signed by the notary John Hawkins and with his dry seal. Size is 7.1 x 9 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, folds, some stains, in overall good condition.

Group of 7 autograph items from female composers, including: 1) Carrie Jacobs Bond (1862-1946), American songwriter, singer and pianist - signed photo postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, 2) Daisy McGeoch, American songwriter and lyricist, signature on card with a couple of music notes, 6.2 x 3.4 inches, 3) Elfrida Andree (1841-1929), Swedish composer, organist and conductor, handwritten postcard, signed and dated in Goteborg in 1895, 3.5 x 5.5 inches, 4) Ethel Smyth (1858-1944), English composer and member of the women´s suffrage movement, signed postcard, dated in 1919, 4.5 x 3.5 inches, 5) Florence Aylward (1862-1950), English composer of ballads, signed clip from a letter, dated in 1903, 4 x 2.5 inches, 6) Maude Valerie White (1855-1937), French-born English composer of songs, autograph music quote signed on a card, dated in 1911, size is 4.5 x 3.5 inches, and 7) Suzanne Daneau (1901-1971), Belgian composer, signed photo postcard dated in 1932, size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches. All in very good condition - see scans. Sold as a lot only - not sold individually.

French composer (1872-1948), also known for his contributions to the Grove Dictionary of Music.  Handwritten signed postcard, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 3.5 x 4.5 inches, slight rust (mostly on verso) and one small smudge on letter, otherwise in very good condition. 

German conductor and composer (1859-1939), a noted interpreter of Brahms' music. Set of 2 autograph letters signed by him: one of the is 1 page, dated in Kiel, 1881, size is 5.5 x 8.75 inches; the second one is written on a card, dated in Hamburg, 1885, size is 4.4 x 3.5 inches.  Both are written in German (sold untranslated), both in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German composer (1860-1930), a pupil of Julius Schulhoff and Edmund Kretscher in Dresden, teacher at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin and the Chicago Musical College. Autograph letter in German signed by him, dated August 19, 1898, addressed to a music critic, concerning articles he published. Size is 6.2 x 8.5 inches, 3 written pages, central fold, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

Czech composer (1921-2006). Autograph music quote on a card with 1 bar from his opera "Romeo, Juliet & the Darkness" signed by him with an additional handwritten text. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by the composer, dated in Prague, 1963. Size is 8.25 x 11.6 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American classical composer (1853-1937) and member of "Boston Six".  Signed score for his Suite for Pianoforte Op. 15, published by Arthur P. Schmidt, Boston, 1887.  Foote signed and inscribed this printed score to famous pianist Leopold Godowsky, who was 28 years old in 1898, on the front cover, dating his autograph in 1898. A total of 20 pages including soft cover, 10.25 x 13 inches, damage on lower right corner, otherwise in very good condition.

German-American composer (1922-2009). Autograph letter signed, 1 page, dated in 1979, written in German, sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 6 x 8.25 inches, one fold, in excellent condition. 

Dutch-born American composer (1908-1988).  Autograph music quote with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed by him, inscribed in a different ink color by him as well.  Size is 8.5 x 3.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Czech-born composer (1879-1972), creator of operettas, songs, and piano pieces. Autograph music quote on an album page with 2 bars from "The Vagabond King" (1925) -one of his most popular works.  Music quote is mounted on a mat together with a photograph of the composer. Total size is 7.75 x 11.75 inches, music quote is 5.25 x 3.3 inches (visible window size), in excellent condition.

German-born American composer (1905-1995), widely known for his synagogue and other Jewish religious music.  Nice card with 5 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed by him.  Card also has a message on verso signed by the composer as well. Size is 3.4 x 2 inches, creases from top to bottom over the left border, inscribed by another hand in red ink, minor stains, in good condition.

Italian composer (1872-1929), conductor, and concert pianist, best known for his operas Anton and Dorisse. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 written page, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1851-1923), organist, conductor, and director of the Parma Conservatory and Milan Conservatory. Set of 5 autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, two of them dated 1894, a note dated 1913, addressed to different people -Amilcare Ponchielli among them- about different matters. Different sizes, lengths, formats, and conditions (see scans provided). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Swiss-born American pianist (1877-1972), and also conductor, composer, and music educator.  Score of his song "Love in a Cottage" signed and inscribed by him over the upper-right corner of the front cover dated 1919. Size is 10.6 x 13.5 inches, 6 pages including covers, some cracks, loose front cover, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1908-1982), best known for his ballets and electronic sounds and his collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock in the movie "The Birds" (1963) with the electronic soundtrack. Signed contract with an Associated Music Publisher company in 1943, three pages and with composer's signature on page 3. Size is 8.5 x 12 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED are two typed letters from Associated Music Publisher dated 1943 and 1946 with acceptance signature by Gassmann at the bottom (only one shown in the scans). Each one is on one page, size is 8.5 x 11 inches. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German composer (1909-2007), and an academic; pupil of Paul Hindemith at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. 5-bar autograph music quote on a music sheet signed by him with a short sentiment.  Size is 8.1 x 5.7 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1850-1938) and organist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, postmarked February 18, 1905, addressed to the poet and sculptor Georges Tattegrain (1845-1916), concerning a work in collaboration with the poet: “…Je travaille beaucoup notre cathédrale et je me fais un plaisir de vous annoncer que surtout depuis hier soir, je suis dans une très bonne vein de travail….si rien ne m’arrête, j’ai la confiances la plus complète dans la réussite de notre oeuvre…”. Size is 4.8 x 6.1 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, jagged edges, in overall good condition.

French composer (1850-1938) and organist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 24, no year indicated, addressed to the French conductor and composer Henri Defossé (1883-1956), conductor at the Opéra: “…Excusez ce retard à vous remercier pour le grand plaisir que vous m’avez fait, en nous donnant à ma femme et à moi l’occasion de voir et entendre ce ‘Boris Godounoff’ qui contient du génial à coté de certaines pages qui n’ont pas l’air d’être du même auteur (…) ce que je n’ai pas manqué de remarquer c’est votre façon de diriger, c’est clair, précis, souple et élégant…”  Size is 6.5 x 4.9 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, dirt stains, jagged edges, in very good condition.

Peruvian composer (1873-1953). Autograph letter in English with the letterhead of the Academia Nacional de Música "Alcedo" signed by him, dated in Lima, 1940. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 1 page written on both sides, in excellent condition.

Collection of autograph documents and photos by German composers and musicians, with a total of 13 items from 11 different composers - including: composer Alexander von Fielitz (1860-1930), one autograph letter signed, 1913 - composer and educator August von Othegraven (1864-1946), one autograph letter signed - composer and band master, Franz von Blon (1861-1945), founder of the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Orchestra, one autograph letter signed, 1913 - composer, Kapellmeister, conductor and pedagogue Gustav Gutheil (1868-1914), one autograph letter signed, 1912 - composer, conductor and teacher Hermann Graedener (1844-1929), one autograph letter signed, attached to the back of a concert invitation, 1918 - composer and statesman Karl Hermann Bitter (1813-1885), one autograph letter signed, 1883 - composer and educator Ludwig Gothov-Gruneke (1847-1921), 2 photo postcards, same front, each one signed on verso - composer and violinist Max Geiger (1885-1967), actually born in Poland, one photo postcard signed on verso, with a short autograph music quote from a Tango he created, 1930 - composer, conductor and jurist Max von Oberleithner (1868-1935), two short autograph letters signed, 1909 and 1926 - song composer and singer himself Robert Gounod (1865-1927), one autograph letter signed, 1905 - composer and conductor Wilhelm Franz Reuss (1886-1945), autograph signed card, with nazi salutation, 1943.

American lyricist (1896-1983) who collaborated with his younger brother George Gershwin (1898-1937) to create the most famous opera in the English language "Porgy and Bess". Typed contract (carbon copy) with original signatures of the two brothers by the bottom of the document, about the leasing to the International Play Bureau in Great Britain, and establishing royalties and fees. Size is 8.3 x 13 inches, 1 page, minor crack, folds, in very good condition. A highly desirable item directly related to their most famous musical work. ALSO INCLUDED  a black-and-white modern print photograph featuring the Gershwin brothers and Fred Astaire, mounted on hard cardboard. Total size is 8 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer and pianist (1898-1937), considered one of the top American composers in the 20th century for both Broadway music and the Classical concert hall.  Check #3165 signed by him and issued for US$15.58 on July 3, 1935. Size is 6.3 x 2.75 inches, left and top borders jagged, verso with ink-markings and seals, folds, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a gorgeous black-and-white unsigned photograph featuring the composer at work. Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer and pianist (1898-1937), considered one of the top American composers in the 20th century for both Broadway music and the Classical concert hall. Short clip from the printed score of his Piano Concerto in F signed and inscribed by him to his fellow composer Salvador Ordoñez with a short sentiment "my sincere admiration and good wishes!". Size is 9.8 x 5.3 inches, some cracks, in overall very good condition.

Belgian composer (1828-1908) and musicologist, his output was mostly vocal music.  Autograph music quote signed by him, dated in 1866, 4 bars from an unknown piece, size is 6.8 x 4.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.

Belgian composer (1828-1908) and music critic, director of Brussels Conservatory. Autograph letter in Dutch signed by him in pencil on the back of his personal card, to a gentleman concerning an upcoming meeting, Size is 3.8 x 2.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Belgian composer (1828-1908) and musicologist, whose output was mostly vocal music. Lot of five autograph documents, four signed autograph letters plus one signed autograph dedication, dated between 1862 and 1899 by the Belgian composer. Letters are addressed to the composer and cellist Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880), requesting theater seats, arranging meetings, and recommending a girl.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1903-1966), who created operas, songs, symphonies and band works. Card signed by him in New York 1953. Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in very good condition.

American composer (1868-1928) and collector of folk songs.  Autograph music quote with 4 bars and lyrics of his "Pirate Song" signed by him.  Size is 9.5 x 3.6 inches, two folds, overall age-toning, in very good condition.

American composer (1872-1946) and tenor.  Printed score of one of his songs signed and inscribed by him on front cover.  Size is 10.5 x 13.6 inches, 4 pages in total including covers, cracks and minor stains, in fair condition.  Rare!!

Argentine composer (1916-1983), regarded as one of the most important composers of the Americas in the XX century. Card signed by him matted with his unsigned photograph, inscribed to American composer Christopher Rouse. Card is 4.5 x 3 inches (visible window size), photo is 2.75 x 3.8 inches (visible window size), for a total size of 7.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Menu page with the cast of the first performance of his opera Madame Sans-Gene at Teatro Regio, 1915, signed by him and six other signers. Size is 4.24 x 7.1 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photograph of him. Size is 4.9 x 7 inches, in very good condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Fedora", one of his most popular works, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sanzogno, Milan, 1898.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 254 numbered pages, 9.25 x 11.8 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition. See scans of the full title page and the first title page, with the autograph.

French composer (1837-1892). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date mentioned, to a colleague: “…s’il vous manque encore de 1ers violon pour la fête de l’opéra, je vous recommanderai M. Lefaure, 1er Prix du Conservatoire, membre de la Société des concerts, et ancien 1er violon de l’Opéra…”.  Size is 5.5 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, central fold, few creaes, overall dust and rust tone, in very good condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), conductor, and music teacher who had a big impact on Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer. Autograph letter in Russian (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated 1907, recommending a fellow musician. Size is 8 x 10.25 inches, red crayon markings over a part of the text, folds, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), who was also conductor and music teacher. Glazunov had a big impact in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer who left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies.  Autograph manuscript for Incidental music for Oscar Wilde´s "Salome", op. 90, written for its 1915 premiere in St. Petersburg (which was designed by Leon Bakst, choreographer of Fokine, and starred by Russian dancer/actress Ida Rubinstein (1883-1960), to whom this piece was dedicated to, according to the title page). This is the manuscript for the reduction for piano in 4 hands made of this piece by the composer.  A total of 23 pages, approx. 9 x 12.3 inches each, plus front cover page, which is lose, signed at the end by Glazunov and dated by him in 1915. Inscribed in 1918 to friend conductor Nikolai Strelnikov (1888-1939), Glazunov writes on the front cover "In remembrance, to Nikolai Strelnikov, from the author". See scans of front page, last page, and page 8.  

Russian composer (1865-1936), who was also conductor and music teacher. Glazunov had a big impact in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer, and left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies. Printed score for this "Meditation" for violin and orchestra, op. 32, signed and inscribed by him on the front cover, dated in 1932. Inscribed to Russian violinist Jules Conus (1869-1942). Composed in 1891, this was a very popular piece in its time. Published by Belaieff, Leipzig, 1932, full score with instrumental parts and soft covers. Signed by Glazunov on the front cover, which is partially lose. Size is 10.6 x 13.4 inches, in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1864-1945), and organist. 2-bar autograph music quote from some sacred music on cardboard signed by him and dated June 16, 1915. Size is 4.4 x 3.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Ukrainian-Russian composer (1875-1956) of German and Polish descent, mostly remembered today for some of his orchestral works. Fabulous autograph music quote signed and dated by him in Moscow, 1939, with 8 bars of music from the Dance of the Russian Sailors, from "The Red Poppy", his most popular piece! Size is 5.75 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. Rare! ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo of the composer, shown young, probably cut from a photo postcard, mounted on thin cardboard. SEE PRICE BELOW WATCH the Igor Moiseyev Ballet dancing to the Dance of the Russian Sailors, from "The Red Poppy"

Russian composer (1804-1857), the most important in his country during the first half of the 19th century. Autograph note signed, from the time Glinka was in Italy, in Italian, telling a friend about his upcoming visit to Milan, written in May, no year but certainly from the 1850s. Bold, very clear signature, in a piece of paper with 2 sides irregularly cut, 7.1 x 5 inches. Central fold, spotted rust stains, in overall excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned CDV showing the composer at a mature age, from the 1850s, no photographer, 2.4 x 3.8 inches, in excellent condition. Autograph material of Glinka is exceedingly rare and almost never in the market, and this is the second item we see in 2 decades.

Italian composer (1876-1954) and teacher.  Autograph music quote on a card with 4 bars and handwritten lyrics from his opera "La Rosiera" (1927).  Size is 4.5 x 2.9 inches, minor stains, in very good condition.

French composer and violinist (1849-1895), best known for his opera "Jocelyn". Autograph letter in French signed by him and dated 1881, addressing an actor friend, concerning a performance of  Offenbach's "Les Contes d’Hoffmann".  Size is 3 x 4.7 each page, four written pages in one folded sheet, some creases and folds, otherwise in very good condition.

French romantic composer (1849-1895), who was also a violinist. He composed 8 operas, 5 symphonies, and many works for violin and piano. Two autograph letters signed, dated in 1885 and 1888, to a singer called Clodio. Four and three pages respectively, each one is 5.25 x 8 inches, in good condition.

French violinist (1849-1895) and composer, best known for his opera "Jocelyn", 5 symphonies, and other works. Lot of fourteen documents: thirteen signed autograph letters and one autograph dedication signed by the French composer and violinist. We report an extract as a sample: “…vous m’aviez très amicalement demandé de chanter mes villanelles à la trompette et j’aurais été heureux de vous les accompagner, mais, d’après la note placée au bas du programme de samedi prochain, vous avez dû voir que je ne faisais plus partie de ces séances…”. The lot has a total of 24 pp. In-8. Included: portrait of the composer engraved by the painter Paul Mathey. In-4. ; two autograph letters signed by A. Roussel (MP) and the poet Charles Grandmougin (1850-1930) addressed to Godard concerning arrangements on meetings. 2 pp. In-8. Shown here are some scans of this lot, NOT ALL THE MATERIAL IS SHOWN.