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

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 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.

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). 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. 

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. 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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. 

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. 

English opera impresario (1811-1875), one fo the greatest world opera impresarios. Premiered many important operas by Verdi & Donizetti and commissioned I Masnadieri from Verdi. Autograph note signed and dated in 1874, 1 page. Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, mounting traces on verso and rust stains on borders, otherwise in very good condition.

Lot of mostly Typed Letters Signed from prominent senior managers and executive staff of the Metropolitan Opera in New York including legendary General Manager Sir Rudolf Bing, Tour Director (and former Assistant Manager) Francis Robinson, Mrs. August Belmont, founder of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Opera News Editor Mrs. John De Witt Peltz, and Head of Production David Pardoll (both 1 hand-written letter and a telegram). Dates range from 1956 to 1980. All in excellent condition, sold only as lot.

Italian librettist (1888-1977) and creator of the libretto of Cecilia (opera by Licinio Refice). Signed photo, inscribed, dated in 1934, blind stamp on front by photographer Ettore Reale, Roma. Size is 5.9 x 9.5 inches, minor silvering around borders, otherwise in excellent condition.

French theatre director and impresario (1814-1885). Set of two autograph letters signed, both signed in Paris, one in 1868, the other undated. Each has one written page on a document of four folded pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Each letter is 5.25 x 8 inches, both are in excellent condition. 

German stage manager at the Munich Opera and actor (1841-1921). Signed half-tone postcard photograph, dated in Munich in 1897. Photo by Max Marcus, Berlin. Size is 3.75 x 5.5 inches, slight wear and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in good condition.  

German stage manager at the Munich Opera and actor (1841-1921). Signed half-tone photo attached to a cardboard, inscribed and dated in 1902. Signature is on the card. Size is 6.5 x 6.1 inches, in excellent condition.

American playwright (1892-1967), and winner of the Pulitzer prize in 1929.  Signed note written on a postcard back, dated in 1951.  Size is 5.5 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French General Administrator of the Theatre National, Opera Comique in Paris, 2 autograph notes signed on the company's official letterhead (one on both the front side and verso, the other only on the front), both written in French and sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Size of each is 3.5 x 4.5 inches, both in excellent condition. Not sold separately.

German impresario (1842-1889), best remembered for founding an English Opera Company "The Carl Rosa Opera Company" in 1869. Autograph letter signed with the letterhead of this company, 2 pages. Each page is 5 x 8 inches, minor rust tone over upper and low borders, otherwise in very good condition.

German-born impresario (1842-1889), famous for his English opera company. Autograph note signed, undated in New York. Size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

French art and music patron (1862-1957), and director of the Académie Nationale de Musique et de Danse.  Set of 2 typed letters signed, with his letterhead, dated on 1920 and 1921.  Each one's size is 5.25 x 7.25 inches, in very good condition.

German opera stage director (1880-1961) who emigrated to the USA in 1935.  Signed photo, inscribed with a short sentiment in German, dated in New York, 1937.  Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American theatre director and librettist (b. 1957) noted for his unique contemporary stagings of classical and contemporary operas and plays.  Signed photograph, shown as himself. Photo by Thomas Ramstorfer. Size is 7 x 9.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Gustav R. Sellner, German actor-dramaturg and regisseur (1905-1990), Egon Seefehlner, Austrian opera intendant (1912-1997) and Boleslav Barlog, German Regisseur and Theater Intendant (1906-1999), collection of letters from the archives of German soprano Irma Beilke (1904-1989). Lot includes 10 handwritten cards (most are 4 x 5.8 inches) and 2 handwritten 1-page letters (each 8.25 x 11.5 inches) by Boleslav Barlog, 4 signed cards (mostly 8.25 x 7.8 inches), 10 one-page typed letters signed (8.2 x 11.6 inches, with letterhead of the Deutsche Oper Berlin), and 2 autograph letters signed (8.2 x 11.75 inches, one is 2 pages, one is 1 page long) all by Gustav R. Sellner, and 1 typed letter (8.25 x 11.6 inches, with letterhead of the Deutsche Oper Berlin) and 1 handwritten note (8.25 x 4.1 inches, 1 page) by Egon H. Seefehlner. A total of 27 items, all in excellent condition, see scans. Not sold separately.

Italian playwright, writer, critic, and librettist (1875-1952), noted for his close collaboration with Giuseppe Adami on Puccini's Turandot.  Signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed, dated in Milan in 1916. Blind stamped by photographer A. Badioli, Milan. This is a 3.5 x 5.5 inch photo mounted onto soft cardboard, total item size is 5 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

American publisher (1823-1908) who founded in 1852 the noted newspaper "The Culpeper Observer), and also worked as a news correspondent in Washington, D.C. Fine photo-compose mounted on hard cardboard signed by the famous publisher. Size is 13.75 x 11.1 inches, some cracks, in overall very good condition.

Czech impresario and musician (1825-1887), very successful in the United States later in his life, also coach and manager of star soprano Adelina Patti at the beginning of her career.  Autograph letter signed by him, 4 pages in 2 sheets, in English, about business matters. Each page is 7.25 x 4.25 inches, in very good condition.