Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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 in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer, and left a large number of compositions including 8 symphonies Autograph letter in Russian written and signed by him, dated in Paris, 1929. Size is 5.3 x 8.3 inches, 2 written page in 1 folio, in very good condition. Translation into English is ALSO INCLUDED.

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.

French violinist (1849-1895) and composer, best known for his opera "Jocelyn", 5 symphonies, and other works. Two important biographical autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, both from 1880, addressed to his future wife Madame Godard. We report an extract as a sample. 25/7 1880: “…j’ai été charmé de la bonne journée que j’ai passée avec vous et votre aimable famille; je vous remercie de votre cordiale réception. Je vous envoie par le même courrier trois morceaux pour le piano (…) Pourrai-je me permettre sur le titre du morceau de mettre à mon élève M.me Feydeau ?…”.  Each one has 3 written pages in one folded sheet, open size is 10.5 x 8.2 inches each letter, folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer and violinist (1849-1895), best known for his opera Jocelyn. Regular album page signed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1853-1943), internationally famous for teaching the theory of composition. Lot of 3 autograph notes signed and 1 signed card, plus 3 handwritten envelopes, all dated between in 1932 and 1936. Notes are 4.75 x 4 inches, approximately, in very good condition.  SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1872-1936). Small 2-bar autograph music quote from his piano trio in D minor signed by him. Size is 5.2 x 1.1 inches, in very good condition.

German composer (1903-1996) who spent most of his life in England. 2-bar autograph music quote with lyrics on a card signed by him and dated in London, 1994. Size is 5.8 x 4.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Romanian-born French composer (1875-1956), who studied under d'Indy, Roussel, and Dukas at the Schola Cantorum, and later music critic for Le Figaro.  Autograph note on a regular postcard in French (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated 1919. Size is 3.4 x 5.25 inches, in very good condition.

Romanian-born French composer (1875-1956), who studied under d'Indy, Roussel, and Dukas at the Schola Cantorum, and later music critic for Le Figaro. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows:  A. Dated in Paris, April 7, 1922, to a colleague in two written pages concerning an article, informing that such an article was incomplete and forgot to mention he was awarded the Verley Prize and other stuff.  B. Dated January 30, 1918, to a colleague in two written pages, requesting the shipping of a few copies of his article published in the magazine Musica di Roma on Romanian music. ALSO INCLUDED is his personal card with a few autograph lines written by him.

Spanish composer (1791-1836), was very successful in his time. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in London, July 11, 1830, addressed to the French composer Daniel Auber thanking him for taking the time to study his opera (presumably "Le Favori") requesting his recommendation to get it performed in France.  Size is 7.1 x 8.7 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), overall rust tone, creases, folds, in very good condition.

Polish composer (1933-2010) of contemporary classical music. Fine card signed by him with a short sentiment in German dated 2002. Size is 5.3 x 3.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1798-1859) and chapel master. Autograph letter in Italian signed by him, dated in Dresden, May 17, 1845, to baron Wilhelm von Taubenheim (1805-1894), concerning his opera Yelva (1828): "... On the last occasion of your presence in Dresden, when I had the honor of being introduced to you, I took the liberty of reminding you of the promise of 10 ducats made to me by your predecessor, Mr. Leutrum, for my music of the "Yelva". (...) I have already written to Mr. Reggetore [Heinrich] Moritz and to the Kapellmeister [Peter Josef von] Lindpaintner that I have no connection with Castelli, and that I am not willing to make a check on him..." Size is 8 x 12.3 inches, 1 written page, folds, some creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1856-1926) and conductor. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in La Varenne, July 10, 1924, where he addresses Alfred Bloch of the Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques, concerning a concert with singers Madeleine Gutty (1870-1936) and Madame Bonhomme.  Size is 8.3 x 10.5 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1913-1996), conductor, arranger, and pianist. 2-bar autograph music quote signed and inscribed by him in 1976 on a page with letterhead from his work Guaracha. Size is 5.4 x 8.4 inches, in excellent condition.

French musician (1839-1892) and journalist. Collection of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1873. Letters are addressed to Mr. Bertrand and the new director of the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin Henri Larochelle (1826-1884) concerning theater evenings, books' lending, and the recommendation for a young orphan girl in Brest. Different sizes, lengths, in very good condition or better (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Australian-born composer (1882-1961), arranger, and pianist. Nice card signed by him. Size is 3 x 1.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Spanish pianist and composer (1867-1916) and composer, his music is in a uniquely Spanish style and, as such, is representative of musical nationalism. Autograph letter written in French (translation included) signed by him where he mentions some other fellow artists. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, three written pages in one folded sheet, folds, otherwise in excellent condition.

Spanish pianist and composer (1867-1916) and composer, his music is in a uniquely Spanish style and, as such, is representative of musical nationalism. Fantastic historical document, signed 7 times by both Enrique Granados and playwright/librettist Jose Feliu i Codina (1845-1897), determining the terms for the creation and performances of the opera "Maria del Carmen". In this document, the rights to write that opera with music by Granados are granted, while Codina will adapt the play of the same name that Codina created. Terms for profit distribution of future performances are also established. Premiered in Milan in 1898 under the composer´s baton, Maria del Carmen was highly successful with the public. Granados had the original manuscript of "Maria del Carmen" in his luggage when he was drowned in the 1916 sinking of the "Sussex" ship by a German submarine. His luggage, and the score, were later recovered from the wreck. Document has 7 pages, each except the last are 9.5 x 13.25 inches, and each one is signed. In Spanish, sold untranslated, folds and a few stains, in overall very good condition. A very important historical document, autographs by Granados are hard to find. ALSO INCLUDED is a document from the estate of Feliu i Codina determining that this double signed contract is among his possessions.

French composer (1863-1936). Set of 3 autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him. Sizes are 4.4 x 7.1 inches, 7.1 x 4.5 inches, and 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 1 page long each one, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1851-1927) and mandolinist. Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him in Florence, 1888. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, 3 written pages in 1 sheet, central fold, otherwise in excellent condition.

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.

American songwriter (1908-1989), composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist. Fine autograph note with a short greeting signed by him. Size is 11 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, storage holes, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1925-2003) and conductor. 4-bar autograph music quote with lyrics signed by him and attached with a small half-tone photograph of him, mounted on a slightly larger piece of paper. Size is 4.75 x 2.9 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1844-1909). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated June 23, 1870. Size is 7 x 8.5 inches, 3 written pages, evident stains, in overall good 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. 6-bar autograph music quote from an unidentified work on an album page inscribed and signed by him. Size is 5.5 x 4 inches, storage holes, in very good condition.

Russian composer (1864-1956) and pianist. 2-bar autograph music quote from an unknown work on a card signed by him and dated 1948. Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small signed card with a short greeting dated 1949 (plus its original envelope) AND a black-and-white photograph inscribed with a sentiment by him dated in New York, 1949 (facsimile signature).

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.

French operatic composer (1837-1904). Two autograph letters in French signed by him: one dated in Compiègne, November 8, 1858, and the other one from 1880 ca. Letters concern music publishing and acquaintances, one letter is addressed to the director of the Théâtre des Folies-Dramatiques in Paris Victor Blandin (1824-1898). We report two extracts as a sample: “…je vous envoi les dédicaces qui seront demain sur les trois partitions de Sophie Frandin et [Noémie]Vernon - Il est très important que ces trois dédicaces paraissent dans le courrier de Prével…”. ; “…Quelqu’un de mes amis qui a parlé de moi à M. Offenbach me previent qu’il est tout disposé à entendre mon opéra et à l’examiner avec moi…”.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

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.