Composer Autograph Manuscripts

American composer (1908-1989). A fine collection of eight letters signed: seven typed letters, 1 handwritten by him, about personal and professional matters between 1961 and 1983.  Different sizes, lengths, and content, in very good condition or better. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1908-1989). Typed letter in English signed by him, dated August 20th, 1964 to his fellow’s wife Olive: «...We missed you and Jan at Scandia after last Saturday’s concert. It was truly a delightful and happy little gathering, and it would have been even more so could you have been there...». Size is 8.3 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, two horizontal folds, with letterhead, in overall excellent condition.

Russian composer (1864-1956) and pianist. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated June 11, 1930, addressed to the Record label Victrola requesting the payment of royalties, mentioning two compositions recorded with singer Nina Koshetz on April 15, 1929.  Size is 8.1 x 10.4 inches, folds, some creases, in very good condition.

Russian composer (1864-1956) and pianist. Page from a program for a performance of him as a pianist in Long Beach (California) on March 6, 1931, performing many of his own works, signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment over the top-left corner.  Page is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

Russian composer (1864-1956) and pianist. Printed score for his work "Missa Festiva" signed and inscribed by him with a  short sentiment dated in Paris, 1938, on the first page. Size is 9.75 x 12.5 inches, 32 pages, in excellent condition.

Belgian-born French composer (1741-1813), who is mostly known for his operas by the end of the XVIII century. Nice autograph letter written in French (sold untranslated) signed by the composer. Size is 3.75 x 6.25 inches, 1 page, in very good condition.

Belgian-born French composer (1741-1813), who is mostly known for his operas by the end of the XVIII century. Autograph note, expressing that he is sending 2 complimentary tickets to someone, matted with a nice, vintage print of him. Note is 4.75 x 6 inches (visible size), print is 5.5 x 6 inches, matted together to a total size of 15.25 x 10 inches, in very good condition. Rare! ALSO INCLUDED is a vintage lithograph by Cremet, Liege, 11.25 x 13.25 inches, light toning, very good condition.

Norwegian composer and pianist (1843-1907), one of the leading composers of his country, helped put the music of Norway abroad and develop a national musical identity. Extraordinary 9-bar autograph music quote from his ballade op.24 signed by him and dated in Paris, April 22, 1903. Size is 10.3 x 6.6 inches, rust tone on borders, in very good condition. On verso, there is another autograph music quote signed by an unidentified composer.

Norwegian composer and pianist (1843-1907), one of the leading composers of his country, helped put the music of Norway abroad and develop a national musical identity. Autograph note in German (sold untranslated) on a regular postcard signed by him, dated May 31, 1893. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1892-1972), arranger, pianist and instrumentalist. Album page signed by him; pencil markings indicate date July 19, 1939. Size is 6 x 4.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1908-1982), focused on film music. Typed letter in German (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in October 1978, with his letterhead. Size is 8.25 x 11.7 inches, 1 page, folds, in excellent condition.

Eminent French composer (1879-1944), and also pianist, conductor and music critic. A pupil of Faure, Grovlez was also the Director of the Paris Opera for 20 years. Autograph letter signed, with the letterhead of the Academie Nationale de Musique et de Danse, dated in 1922. One sheet written on both sides, in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian pianist and composer (1852-1924). 1-bar autograph music quote from an Andante con moto from his Romanze Op.45 signed by him, dated in Vienna, May 30, 1915. Size is 4.4 x 3.3 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a printed sketch depicting the pianist in performance with his facsimile signature. Size is 3.8 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian pianist and composer (1852-1924), the first pianist of importance to make a recording. Autograph music quote signed by him, from Mazurka Nr 3, dated 1887, framed in a mat with a photo of him. Total mat size is 8.25 x 11.75 inches, signed music quote is 6.75 x 3.5 inches, photo is 3.25 x 5.25 inches (photo is not signed -the signature is part of the photo print), in excellent condition

Austrian musicologist (1886-1960), who worked on behalf of the International Bruckner Society to the complete edition of Anton Bruckner’s symphonies and Masses. Autograph note in German signed by him, dated 1924, informing the schedule of the Music Department and the best time to request orientation. Size is 2.8 x 1.8 inches, no translation included, printed letterhead of the National Library, folds, in very good condition.

Greek composer (1925-1994). Typed letter in English signed by him, dated July 25, 1960, about copyrights to his employers. Size is 8.4 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, storage holes over the top, folds and creases, in overall excellent condition.

French composer (1799-1862), largely known today for his opera La Juive (1835). Short autograph letter signed, in French, no year, sold untranslated. One page, sized 5 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1799-1862), largely known today for his opera La Juive (1835). Autograph letter signed by him, written in French (sold with translation) about available seats for a concert, plus a short music quote.  Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, 2 pages written on a sheet, folds, in very good condition.

Famous French composer (1799-1862), well remembered today for his masterpiece, the opera La Juive. Autograph note signed, in French, undated. One page, size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Famous French composer (1799-1862), well remembered today for his masterpiece, the opera La Juive. Autograph note signed, undated, written in French (sold untranslated). Also included is a vintage portrait print of him on a postcard. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 1 page, portrait is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, with some rust in the corners, otherwise both in very good condition.

French composer (1799-1862), largely known today for his opera La Juive (1835). Set of three autograph documents written by the French composer, dated 1841, 1848, and 1849, with grades on singing and harmony exams at the Paris Conservatoire. Sizes are 4.9 x 7.8 inches, 7.6 x 11.8 inches, and 7 x 9 inches, 3 pages in total, some smudges, in very good condition.

French composer (1799-1862), well-known today for his opera La Juive (1835).  Printed score for voice and piano for his opera in 5 acts "Le Juif Errant" (The Wandering Jew, 1852), successful work and one of his last operas. Luxurious red hardcovers engraved with the name of the person Halevy dedicated this to, Jules Janin. Published by Brandus, Paris and London, dated by Halevy in ink in 1853. Boldly signed by composer Fromental Halevy on the title page, where he inscribed this to famous French writer and critic Jules Janin (1804-1874), who was a composer himself. Large volume, 10.75 x 13.5 inches, with 340 numbered pages plus extras, some spotted rust, wear on covers, in very good condition.  

American composer (1944-2012) and conductor. 2-bar autograph music quote from his work "The String" (1973) signed by him with a short inscription. Size is 4.9 x 2.9 inches, in fine condition.

American composer (1896-1981), conductor, educator, music theorist, and champion of American classical music. Card with 2 bars of music from his 1939 opera "Merry Mount" signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a typed letter signed by him with the letterhead of the University of Rochester (New York). Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, in very good condition.

American composer (1896-1981), who was also conductor, educator, music theorist and champion of American classical music. Typed letter signed on the letterhead of the University of Rochester Eastman School of Music where he taught, dated in 1958 addressed to the famous music broadcaster and educator George Jellinek, unfolded size is 8.5 x 11 inches, in very well-preserved condition. ALSO INCLUDED: unsigned photo of the composer, 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

American composer (1898-1979), who wrote music on American subjects, and is best known for his Symphony #3. Card with a 5-bar music quote from an unknown piece signed by the composer with a short sentiment, dated December 29, 1932. Size is 6.25 x 4.3 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of the composer (probably a clip from a magazine or book). Size is 4.1 x 4.7 inches, in excellent condition.

English-Canadian composer (1862-1929), and also an impresario, educator, and conductor. Album page signed by him with a 2-bar music quote from his vocal work "Pan" (1904). The album page has three extra signatures belonging to the British bass Norman Allin (1884-1973), the Australia soprano Elsa Stralia (1881-1945) who signed with a short sentiment dated 1919, and another unidentified artist. Size is 6.3 x 3.5 inches, in very good condition.

German composer (1905-1963). Typed letter in German (sold untranslated) with his letterhead signed by him, dated in Munich, 1961. Size is 8.25 x 11.6 inches, folds, minor stains and cracks at the bottom, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph shown at the piano (probably a clip from a magazine or program). Size is 4.5 x 5.1 inches, in very good condition.

American composer (1883-1952), very prolific in operas, symphonies, chamber, and vocal music. Autograph note in English signed by him, dated in Florence, June 6, 1912, addressed to the writer and journalist Jarro (1849-1915) delivering a volume of poetry as a present and some invitations for a concert. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, folds, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

German baritone (1852-1916) and composer.  Autograph music quote on an album page mounted on a slightly larger piece of soft cardboard, with 4 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed by him with a short sentiment in German, dated in New York, 1885.  Total size is 5.8 x 4.9 inches, 1 page, some loss of paper, in overall good condition.

Hungarian pianist and composer (1813-1888), who was also a teacher. Heller was a close acquaintance of many famous romantic composers of his time, such as Berlioz, Chopin and Liszt. Heller created many pieces for the piano. Autograph note signed by him, in one folded sheet, handwritten on both sides, showing blind letterhead with his initial on the first page. See scans. Heller writes to a friend (prob. composer Felix LeCouppey) mentioning he is about to leave for a visit to England, that he has been so busy finishing new compositions that he did not have a single free moment. He asks to give his regards to Mrs. LeCouppey and signs as St. Heller at the end. Size is 8 x 5.25 inches (unfolded size), or 4 x 5.25 inches (folded). Minor rust spots, otherwise very good condition, rare! Also included is a half-tone print with the pianist/composer image, probably from a book or magazine.

German composer (1926-2012), creator of a vast number of works both orchestral and vocal, including 10 Symphonies, operas, stage works, concertos, ballets, and chamber music. Autograph music quote on a score with a small photo of him on top. Size is 4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1926-2012), whose works include a wide variety of styles. 1-bar autograph music quote from an unknown piece plus an autograph note in German on verso also written by the composer on October 9, 1997.  Size is 8.2 x 4 inches, in very good condition.

Swiss composer (1906-1997), musicologist, and a famous Beethoven scholar. Autograph music quote signed by him on a card with 5 bars from his opus 44.  Size is 5.8 x 4.1 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small booklet in German for his funeral service which includes a 4-bar music quote by him from his work "Meditation" dated in 1977, attached to the first page of the booklet.  Size is 5.75 x 8.25 inches, 24 pages, softcovers, in excellent condition.

German composer and singer (1849-1924), his voice was of a baritone, creator of many songs. Set of 3 autographs: 1 letter on his latter head paper, 2 pages, dated in 1911, sized 5.5 x 8.25 inches; one letter, 2 pages, dated 1919, sized 8.25 x 11 inches and one letter on his personal card, written on both sides, sized 4 x 2.5 inches, (no date). All in German, sold untranslated, in excellent condition.  SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1801-1890), who was mostly a songwriter, playwright, and poet. Autograph letter signed, dated in Baltimore in 1874, about some business. Size is 7.6 x 9.6 inches, 1 page, some folds and rust, otherwise in very good condition.

Polish-American composer and pianist (1876-1957). An album page signed by him and dated 1921. Size is 4.9 x 6.1 inches, in excellent condition. 

American composer (1926-2011) and pianist, creator of operas and songs, a disciple of Gian Carlo Menotti. Card signed and inscribed by him with 10 bars of music from "The Tides of Sleep" -one of his pieces for low voice and orchestra, dated in 1969. Size is 6 x 4 inches, in excellent condition,

Dutch composer and conductor (1825-1904), as a composer created 4 Symphonies, 2 operas, songs, and oratorios, as well as organ and piano music.  Autograph music quote from a Sonata in F Major, inscribed at the bottom and signed by him, dated in 1853. Autograph album page trimmed on left and right, damage and stains on corners, size is 7.5 x 6 inches. On verso, handwritten poetry in French dedicated to the album owner ("Adelaide...") at a later date, by an unknown artist (E. Rogers). Autographs of Hol are rare.

French-born Swiss composer (1892-1955), best known for being part of "Les Six" and his opera "Antigone". Typed letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Zurich, 1948, addressed to the then director of Buenos Aires Teatro Colon.  Size is 7.5 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, folds, in excellent condition.

English composer and singer (1786-1849). Autograph letter signed, 3 pages, size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, very small stains at top of each page outside of the area of text, otherwise in excellent condition.

English composer (1774-1858), creator of numerals instrumental pieces and glees. Autograph letter signed, on two pages with signature on verso, in English. Size is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, mounted on a larger piece of paper frame, in excellent condition.

American composer (1888-1949) of songs, chamber music, journalist, and lecturer.  Printed score of one of her songs, signed and inscribed by her with a short sentiment, dated in 1918.  Size is 9 x 11.8 inches, full score with all pages and covers, minor rust stains, otherwise in excellent condition.

American composer (1911-2000), one of the most prolific 20th-Century composers.  Autograph music quote with 15 bars of his Magnificat's Gloria (trumpet II) signed by him.  Size is 8 x 4.1 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1898-1982) and pianist. Album page signed by her. Size is 6.3 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. The album page has the signature of the English tenor Maurice D'Oisly (1882-1949) on verso.

German-born British music critic (1845-1889). Autograph letter in English signed by him with content related to the music business, dated 1874. Size is 4.4 x 7 inches, 2 written pages in separate sheets, folds, in excellent condition.

American composer (1885-1974), also pianist, arranger, and teacher. Set of two autograph letters signed, both dated in Syracuse, New York in 1943. One letter has 6 pages and the other 5, each one is 4.9 x 7.8 inches, both in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED are two advertisements for his records.

American pianist (1931-2008). Autograph letter signed by Hundley dated December 1986 and addressed to his friend LeRoy Richmond. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, 1 page, folds, in very good condition.