Directors, Impresarios, Librettists & Editors ($50 - $100)

French journalist (1864-1938), agent, theater manager, theatrical impresario, and playwright whose career connects many of the best-known incidents and personalities of Belle Epoque Paris. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, February 2, 1921, addressed to a gentleman concerning fees for conductors. Size is 5.3 x 6.8 inches, 1 page, folds, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

French music critic and musicologist (1858-1930).  Group of 2 autograph notes signed, each on a 3.5 x 4.5 inch card, both dated in 1888, written in French and sold untranslated. Clear handwriting and signature. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

French impresario (1822-1891). Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Paris, November 13th, 1855, addressed to writer Paul de Saint-Victor (1827-1881): “…je viens vous remercier du concours que vous voulez bien me prêter pour les fêtes musicales que je me prépare à donner dans le Palais de l’Industrie…”. In 1855, Ber was hired by the government to organize, on the initiative of Prince Napoleon, Napoleon III's first cousin, a large-scale concert in the Palais de l'Exposition for the day of the solemn distribution of awards. The concert was repeated for a paying audience on 16 and 24 November 1855.  Size is 5.6 x 8.3 inches, 1 pgae, folds, creases, letterhead, in overall good condition.

French comedian, theater manager and opera house director (1834-1899). 2 autograph letters signed, both on the official letterhead of the Theatre National De L'Opera, Paris. Each are 2 folded pages, written in French and sold untranslated, larger letter is 5.5 x 8.25 inches with small crease on bottom right, smaller letter is 4.25 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately.

French music critic (1834-1880), journalist, and music historian. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, September 1, 1872, addressed to a gentleman: “…Vous devez avoir connaissance de la correspondances universelle (autographiée) publié depuis une douzaine de jours par M. de Poggenpohl…”. Open size 11.3 x 8.6 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, creases, folds, tape residues, in overall very good condition.

Austrian opera impresario (1902-1997), well-remembered for his 22 years as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1950-1972).  Set of 2 typed letters signed on the official letterhead of the Metropolitan Opera, one dated in 1963 and the other in 1971. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

Austrian opera impresario (1902-1997), well-remembered for his 22 years as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1950-1972).  Signed photo, inscribed and dated in pencil on verso by another hand in 1966. Size is 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian opera impresario (1902-1997), well-remembered for his 22 years as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1950-1972).  Signed photograph, inscribed to the famous soprano Lily Pons and dated in 1960. Size is 8 x 10 inches, very small creases on bottom left and right, otherwise in excellent condition.

Austrian opera impresario (1902-1997), well-remembered for his 22 years as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1950-1972). Set of 1 signed postcard photograph of him, size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition, and 1 page typed letter on official company letterhead, hand-signed by him, dated in 1950. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, very slight paper loss on top left, otherwise in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

Austrian opera impresario (1902-1997), well-remembered for his 22 years as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1950-1972). Time Magazine, September 23rd, 1966 issue in commemoration of the opening of the new Metropolitan Opera at the Lincoln Center, boldly signed by him on the cover. Full magazine with all pages and covers

German bass (1887-1965), actor and also manager and director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin between 1935 and 1945.  Large signed photo shown as himself, inscribed and dated in 1929, Berlin.  Total mat size is 10.3 x 14.1 inches (actual photo is 8.9 x 11.3 inches), minor cracks, silvering, otherwise in very good condition

French impresario, writer and journalist (1851-1932), was the Secretary General of the Conservatoire National de Musique in Paris. Set of 2 autograph letters signed on that company's official letterhead, 1 is three pages, dated in 1901, 4 x 5 inches, in excellent condition, the other undated letter is 2 pages written on both sides of a 4 x 5.25 inch card, also in excellent condition. Both written in French and sold untranslated. Not sold separately. 

French opera impresario, who was also the director of some important theaters such as the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels and the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris. Beautiful cabinet photograph signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment on verso dated 1903; photograph by H. Rentz & F. Schrader (St. Petersburg). Size is 4.2 x 6.4 inches, spotted rust stains, in overall very good condition.

Italian impresario (1798-1880), librettist, and singer. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1876, addressed to the impresario Innocenzo Canedi, about singers and their engagements for opera performances.  Size is 5.2 x 8.2 inches, 1 pages, in overall very good condition.

English writer and music critic, whose full name was Sir John Frederick Neville Cardus (1888-1975), considered one of the foremost critics of his generation, was honored with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1964 and given a knighthood in 1967. Autograph letter signed, on 1 carbon page, written in English, 8 x 10 inches, small crease on bottom right, otherwise in excellent condition. 

French actress and director of the annual events at the Theatre Antique, Orange (1865-1934). Lot of 1 Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages, size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 Autograph Note Signed, 3.5 x 4.5 inches (a dinner invitation) and 1 business card, 2 x 3.5 inches, inscribed but with no signature. All written in French, sold untranslated. In excellent condition, items not sold separately. 

French opera manager (1852-1938), head of the Paris Opera Comique by 1898. Autograph letter signed and dated in 1914 in Paris, with letterhead of the Opera Comique, 1 page, in french, sold untranslated. Size is 5.3 x 8.4 inches, in very good condition.

French opera manager (1852-1938), head of the Paris Opera Comique from 1898 -1913, as well as a comedian, playwright and librettist. A lot of Three Autograph letters signed each with the letterhead of the Opera Comique, Paris.  One 1 page letter dated in 1898, another a 2 page letter, also dated in 1898, both 5 x 8 inches. The third letter dated in 1909,  is 5.25 x 8.25 inches. All written in french, sold untranslated, and in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

French opera impresario (1825-1897) and director of the Paris Opera Comique. Nice set of 3 autographed letters signed by him, in French (sold untranslated), each of the letters is on the official stationery of the Opera-Comique, Paris. Two of the letters are undated and 2 pages long, with each page 5.25 x 8.25 inches in size; the third is dated 1896, 4 pages in length, 5 x 8 inches in size. All are in very good condition.  SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French opera impresario (1825-1897) and director of the Paris Opera Comique. Autograph note signed and dated in 1876 in Paris, in french, sold untranslated, with letterhead of the Opera comique, 1 page. Size is 5 x 8 inches, folds, in very good condition.

American impresario (1923-2009), General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera from 1972 to 1975, later Dean of the Columbia University School of the Arts and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for New York City. Signed photograph, inscribed, and dated in 1975. Size is 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition. 

French playwright (1820-1880), brother of the famous French playwright and librettist Adolphe Choler. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, embossed, written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, some rust at the top of the page, otherwise in very good condition.

French literary figure (1840-1913) and director of the Theatre Francais. Set of 2 autograph letters written in French and signed by him.  One, on Feb 3rd, 1892, 2 pages, 5.3 x 7.2 inches; the other, with no date, 1 page, 5.25 x 8.25 inches.. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed by French journalist Leo Claretie (1862-1924), 2 pages, dated on Nov 11th, 1899, 4.75 x 6.7 inches, in excellent condition.

Portuguese-born theatrical impresario (1861-1936), closely linked to the musical scene of Buenos Aires since 1895 and Director of Teatro Colon. Black-and-white photo postcard signed by him, shown young. Sie is 3.5 x 5.4 inches, in very good condition. Rare!  

Lithuanian-born ballet impresario (1888-1951), very important for running a ballet company with many former members from the Ballet Russes. Typed letter with his letterhead and signed by him, thanking a donor, dated in Covent Garden, October 9, 1937. Size is 8.4 x 10.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French music publisher (1825-1888), first publisher of Bizet and Berlioz. Autograph letter in French signed by him as “Choudens, Editeur Rue St. Honoré 265”, dated in Paris, September 8, 1857, to Francesco Regli (1802-1866):  "... Having the desire to publish various dramatic works by M. [Felice] Romani (1788-1865) I come to ask you to offer him in my name for each libretto such as Il Pirata, Norma, Beatrice di Tenda, Elisir d'Amore, I Capuleti, Parisina, Sonnambula, La Straniera, etc.; a sum of two hundred francs. Following the example of my colleagues, who have not even indicated the name of the illustrious poet in their editions, I shall be able to publish the libretto mentioned above. But as a matter of principle, I don't want to publish works before I have offered compensation to the author...". Size is 8.2 x 10.4 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, some damage over the upper border, in overall good condition. 

French music historian, musicologist, and music critic (1861-1942), autograph letter signed, 1 page written in French, sold untranslated. 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

American impresario, tenor and teacher (1894-1972), founded the Opera Guild of Greater Miami (now Florida Grand Opera) in 1941. Small lot with 3 autograph postcards signed, 2 typed letters signed (with letterhead from the Opera Guild of Greater Miami), one typed note signed with his nickname ("Lee"), and 3 unsigned photos of him (including one as Rodolfo in La Boheme). Various sizes, all in very good condition.

German tenor and impresario (1866-1932), joint manager with Giulio Gatti of the Metropolitan Opera from 1908 to 1910. Autograph note signed, 1 page, in French, sold untranslated. Size is 6 x 5 inches, mounting traces on verso, folds, in very good condition.

German tenor and opera impresario (1866-1932), who from 1908 through 1910 was a joint manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Signed typed letter, dated in New York in 1905, to Steinway & Sons, praising the pianos and thanking for their courtesies during his recent engagements in the US. One page, 8 x 10.5 inches, this is the carbon copy of the typed letter, hand signed in black ink by the artist at the bottom. Item has folds, but is in very good condition.

Stage director (1907-1975) and also composer, for many years was the Artistic director at the Chicago Lyric Opera, then superintendent in Arena di Verona and in Bologna. Donati was the husband of famous soprano Maria Caniglia (1905-1979). Large signed photo of a portrait of him, inscribed and dated in 1960. Size is 11 x 13.8 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian scenographer and painter (1829-1895). Signed carte-de-visite by Levitsky, Paris, inscribed, signature is on verso. Size 2.5 x 4.1 inches in excellent condition.

Set of signed photographs of three leading film, stage, and opera directors ("regisseurs") including one of Oscar-nominated French film director Jacques Audiard (b. 1952), particularly known for his film "A Prophet"; French-Lebanese theatre director Pierre Raymond Audi (b. 1957) who also served as the Artistic Director of the Dutch National Opera from 1988 to 2018; and French filmaker Michel Gondry (b. 1963). Each is 8 x 9.75 inches, and in excellent condition. Not sold separately.

American opera impresario (1926-1981) and first manager of the Chicago Lyric Opera (CLO). Signed photo, inscribed and typed letter signed and dated in 1961, with letterhead of the CLO. Photo's size is 8 x 10 inches and letter is 8.5 x 11 inches, both in very good condition.

Italian-born opera impresario (1878-1970) and General Manager of the San Carlo Opera Company (1913 to 1950's). Set of 2 typed letter signed in 1918 and 1920 & 4 pages printed brochure, all signed by him.  Letters are 5.9 x 9.25 inches & Brochure is 6.25 x 9.5 inches; some stains in letters and age toning in brochure, otherwise in very good condition.

Famous Italian opera impresario (1869-1940), who was the manager of La Scala (1898-1908) and the Met Opera for 27 years! (1908-1935). Signed photograph, shown young, inscribed to the famous music publisher Giulio Ricordi, dated in Milan in 1905. Photo by Guigoni and Rossi photographers, Milan. This is a 4 x 5.5 inch mounted on solid cardboard, total item size is 6.5 x 8.5 inches, in very good condition.

Famous Italian opera impresario (1869-1940), who was the manager of La Scala (1898-1908) and the Met Opera for 27 years! (1908-1935). Signed photo, dated by him the year he retired from the Met Opera, 6.9 x 10.9 inches, in very good condition.

Librettist and composer (1893-1925), signed cabinet photo, by Julius Gertinger, Vienna. Signature is on verso. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

British impresario and actor (1852-1896), manager of the Royal Italian Opera at Covent Garden. Autograph letter signed and dated in 1892, 1 page, blind stamp with letterhead of the Opera Company. Size is 5.1 x 7.9 inches, age toning on borders, in very good condition.

French music editor (1844-1916), son of Jacques-Léopold Heugel who founded the Heugel French music publishing company in 1839. Autograph letter signed, written on personal letterhead, dated in Paris in 1884, 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 4.25 x 5.25 inches, small creases, otherwise in very good condition. 

Russian-born American impresario (1888-1974), who managed many performing artists. Signed photo, inscribed, stamped on verso by photographer Boris Goldenberg. Size is 7 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

French actor, then Secretary General of the Opera Comique in Paris and librettist of several one act musical plays (1862-1910). 1 autograph letter signed, written on the official letterhead of the Opera Comique, dated in 1909, 2 pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Each page is 4.25 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.  Also included: 1 unsigned photo postcard of him surrounded by various musical paintings, and other images and memorabilia, 4 x 5.5 inches, some small spots outside of the image, otherwise in very good condition, not sold separately. 

American music critic (1918-2001) and senior editor of Parade Magazine. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated January 31, 1978, addressed to the German doctor Hans-Rudolf Wiedemann: “…I would like to thank you and your wife for the kind sentiments you express about my book The Mendelssohns…”. Size is 7.2 x 10.5 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

French Theater Director (1753-1822), head of the Grand Theatre de Lyon. Autograph letter signed and dated in 1812 in Lyon, written to Napoleon's Directeur des Theatres. 2 pages, in French, sold untranslated. Each page is 7.8 x 10 inches, rust stains over the borders, otherwise in very good condition.

French music scholar (1846-1916).  Group of three autograph signed letters, all three written in French and sold untranslated. One letter dated in 1897 is 2 pages, 4 x 5.25 inches,  another dated in 1876 is 3 pages  4 x 5.25 inches, both embossed and in excellent condition. A third letter dated in 1884 is 1 page and contains a musical quote, 4.5 x 7 inches , mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.  Very clear handwriting and signature in all three signed letters. Sold as a lot only - Not sold separately. 

French music editor (1813-1895). Group of 2 autograph letters signed, one written on his own business letterhead in Paris (no date), 1 page at 5.5 x 8.25 inches, with several creases and folds, but in otherwise good condition. Another letter is 2 pages, 4.5 x 7 inches, small tear on right edge of document, otherwise in excellent condition. Both written in French and sold untranslated. Not sold separately. 

French music publisher (1786-1854), composer, and piano teacher. Autograph letter signed by him, dated in Paris, 1882, to the music publisher in Turin Giudici & Strada (whose archive is now preserved at the Conservatorio of Piacenza) about some publications of works by Henry Ketten (1848-1883).  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, 1 page, folds, letterhead, in excellent condition.

French musicologist (1834-1903) and Writer; he also wrote under the pseudonyms Paul Lavigne, Louis Sévin et Ubalde. Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. Bordeaux, May 8, 1862, to a gentleman: "... I have the honor to pay you homage with a copy of an elementary treatise on modern harmony, which I have just published (...) the reading of your treatise on harmony is a real epoch in my life. This reading completely changed my ideas about what might be called the metaphysics of music, by showing me very clearly something that I was only glimpsed...". Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 4 written pages in two sheets (front and back), in excellent condition. B. Bordeaux, May 29, 1863, to a gentleman: "... Your long-awaited opinion on the value of my notions of harmony has at last been formulated. It only took three words for you: I disapprove of everything. It's brief and encouraging..." Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 3 written pages in two sheets (front and back), in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.