Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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 (1906-1996) who wrote at least 130 pieces of music. Autograph letter written in English and signed by her in 1989, replying to a fan forwarding some of her recorded and printed work. Size is 6 x 9 inches, 1 page, in excellent 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!!

American lyricist and songwriter (1927-2008) known as the author and co-writer of the famous song Killing me Softly. Original printed score Killing me Softly and Other Great Songs signed by him on the front cover and on page 1. Size is 9 x 11.8 inches, soft covers, in excellent condition.

Spanish composer (1854-1923) and violinist who stood as one of the defining titans of zarzuela during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gorgeous 7-bar autograph music quote signed by him in Madrid on July 8, 1905, on a beautifully decorated album page. Size is 10.8 x 7.8 inches, storage holes, 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.

French composer (1837-1892). Fine autograph note written in French (sold untranslated) and signed by him in 1891, mounted on an album page. Size is 4.4 x 5.5 inches, folds, rust stains, 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) known for his opera Cassandra premiered in 1905. Album page signed by him in Trieste, January 24, 1931; also signed below on an attached clip by pianist Adrian Aeschbacher; and signed on verso by Italian tenor Enzo de Muro Lomanto in 1931. Size is 5 x 7 inches, central fold, in very good condition.

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 violinist (1849-1895) and composer, best known for his opera Jocelyn, 5 symphonies, and other works. Clip with his signature (probably from a letter or document). Size is 3.7 x 1.3 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.

English composer (1850-1892). Autograph letter signed by him on April 12 (no year indicated) about business. Size is 5.2 x 8.2 inches, 3 written pages in 1 folded folio, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is the printed vocal score of Nadezhda -an opera produced by Carl Rosa & Company in 1885. Size is 7.5 x 10.5 inches, 345 pages, original covers missing (bounded with different covers), loose front cover, in very good 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.

American composer (1829-1869) and concert pianist, the first American to achieve major international stardom. Nice 3-bar autograph music quote with lyrics from one of his songs signed by him with a short sentiment dated in 1864. Size is 4.5 x 7.25 inches, some rust tone, in overall excellent 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 composer (1818-1893) whose best-known works are the operas Roméo et Juliette and Faust, including a large amount of church music, songs, and other short pieces. Fine large photograph mounted on a mat where the composer signed and inscribed adding a short 2-bar music quote of "vision" from his work Jeanne d'Arc. Total size is 9.3 x 13.3 inches, mat burns, rust stains, photo 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.

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.