Recently Added Authentic Autographs and Memorabilia

Daughter of the star Italian soprano Angelica Catalani (1811-1849), Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date, where she addresses a gentleman: “Voici, mon cher monsieur, la fin d'une lettre de ma mère à mon père qui la suivit jusqu'à la tombe un mois plus tard!”. Angelica Catalani and her husband Paul de Valabregue both died in 1849 within a few days.  Size is 3.6 x 5.3 inches, one written page, central fold, in very good condition.

French poet (1856-1937), singer, journalist, music teacher, and musicologist. Typed letter signed by him with short autograph line at the end, dated December 1927, to the composer Adriano Lualdi [Inaldi, sic.]: “…Peut-être la publication du Répertoire Moderne de Vocalises-Etudes, commencée il y a plusieurs années sur mon initiative, est-elle tombée sous vos yeux?…”.  Size is 7.6 x 9.3 inches, 2 typed pages in one sheet (front and back), central fold and creases, irregularly cut bottom border, with letterhead, in overall very good condition.

French playwright and novelist (1829-1890), creator of many works for theater. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, April 1883. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, in very good condition.

American piano duo ( Vera 1918-?) (Michael 1915-1971), formed by former Juilliard classmates in 1943 and was well appreciated during the 1950s. Gorgeous black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by both with a short sentiment; photo by Bruno (Hollywood). Size is 8 x 10 inches, in excellent condition.

French dramatist (1794-1877), theatre director, and critic. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in January 1863. Both letters are addressed to the Director of the Société de Beaux Arts Louise Martinet (1814-1895), concerning a new “…centre de publicité musicale…”. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1824-1888), and timpanist in the Paris Opera Orchestra. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated July 14, no year. One letter is addressed to the dramatist Édouard Cadol (1831-1898), concerning his health and theater rumors. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French music critic and musicologist (1806-1864). Set of four autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated between 1841 and 1854. Scudo addresses the jurist Joseph Ortolan (1802-1873), concerning private matters and meetings. We report an extract as a sample: “…Je ne pourrai pas être de votres aujourd’hui, car je suis obligé d’assister à la reprise de La donna del Lago au Théâtre italien…”. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1857-1928). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Amiens, September 30th, 1923, where he addresses the poet Édouard David (1863-1932): “…S’il me fallait choisir entre les trois pièces que vous avez fait représenter, et qui m’ont, toutes trois, vivement intéressé, je donnerais la palme, incontestablement, à Ech’ Pardon…”.  Size is 4.3 x 6.8 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, in excellent condition.

French dramatist and librettist (1719-1797), especially noted for his librettos for operas. Printed document in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Paris, May 22, 1791, concerning "Décharges d'Arrérages de rentes", with details of rents collected by the French dramatist.  Size is 6.7 x 8.5 inches, folds and creases, in overall very good condition.

French dramatist (1854-1916), a prolific author in creating theatrical works. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, January 27, 1908, to a gentleman composer: “…J’ai hâte également d’entendre votre partition, dont Alexandre est très enthousiaste, ce que je comprends d’avance…”. Size is 4.2 x 5.4 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back) with SACD letterhead, creases, folds, rust stains, and a punched hole at the top, in good condition.

Belgian concert pianist (1811-1875), one of the most admired pianists of the 1830s, and chair of the Piano Department of the Brussels Conservatoire in 1848. Set of 4 autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by the Belgian pianist. Two are 4.1 x 5.25 inches, the other 2 are 5.25 x 8.3 inches, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

French violinist and teacher (1850?-1925?). Piece of card signed by her with a short message in French written by her (untranslated). Size is 4.75 x 3.9 inches, in excellent condition.  

Italian soprano (1815-1897), second wife of the famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Her original vintage visiting card with a short greeting in Italian written by her (probably addressed to pianist Ferdinand Hiller's wife). Size is 4.1 x 2.1 inches, mounting traces on the margins, in overall very good condition.

Polish pianist (1862-1946), an outstanding pupil of Franz Liszt and a friend and colleague of some of the greatest musicians of his age. His original vintage business card signed by him with a short sentiment on the verso, dated in London, June 25, 1895. Size is 3.7 x 2.25 inches, mounting traces on the front, in overall very good condition.

His original visiting card mounted on hard cardboard, with a short text in French written by the composer granting admission to a certain Madame Klindworth to a rehearsal. Size is 3.3 x 2 inches, some cracks, stains, in overall good condition.

English tenor (1821-1900). Fine woodbury type photograph mounted on a page signed by him and dated 1884. Size is 4.75 x 7.1 inches, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

English mezzo-soprano (1899-1993). Black-and-white half-tone photograph (probably a page from a program or Magazine) signed by her, mounted on soft cardboard. Size is 5.1 x 7.6 inches, in excellent condition.

Scottish soprano (1896-1981). Black-and-white photo postcard signed by her and dated 1915. Size is 3.6 x 5.4 inches, some creases, in overall very good condition.

English bass (1863-1942). Black-and-white half-tone photograph (probably a page from a magazine) signed by him with a short sentiment, mounted on soft cardboard. Size is 3.6 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Irish soprano (? - 1940). Black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by her with a short sentiment dated 1937, here shown as Madama Butterfly; ink-stamped on verso by photographer Basil Henry (Dublin). Size is 3.2 x 5.3 inches, in very good condition.

American soprano (1889-?). Black-and-white photo postcard shown as Carmen, signed by her on the verso with a short autograph note dated December 1917. Size is 3.4 x 5.4 inches, in excellent condition.

English baritone (1853-1922). Black-and-white photo postcard signed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 3.4 x 5.5 inches, silvering over the borders, otherwise in very good condition.

English contralto (1899-1980). Fine black-and-white photograph signed by her with a short sentiment; ink-stamped on verso by photographer Norman Dewhurst (Adelaide). Size is 5.75 x 4.1 inches, in excellent condition.

British soprano (1906-1996). Black-and-white photo postcard signed by her with a short sentiment, here shown probably in role. Size is 3.4 x 5.4 inches, in excellent condition.

English tenor (1887-1944). Fine sepia photo postcard signed by him with a short sentiment dated 1924, here shown in role. Size is 5.3 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

English actor (1883-1958) in both silent and sound films. Black-and-white photo postcard signed by him with a short sentiment dated November 1913, here shown young. Size is 3.3 x 5.3 inches, some silvering, in overall very good condition.

American contralto. Fine black-and-white photograph shown in role signed by her on verso with an autograph note written by her. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, small crease over the upper-left corner, otherwise in very good condition.

Polish-born writer (1873-1932), also known as Alfred Athis. Autograph draft of an article for the column "La Quinzaine Dramatique" in the magazine "La Revue Blanche", concerning Vincent d'Indy's suite "Medée" (1898) with words by Catulle Mendès. We report an extract as a sample: "...La Medée d'Euripide nous est présenté dès l'abord comme la mégine, la magicienne, humiliée dans un droit et dans un orgeuil d'épouse. En face de Jason qui l'a répudiée qui haïnement, froidement raisonne et tâche à la convaincre qu'il agit au mieux de leur commun intérêt, elle semble une louve en furie, elle n'est que colère et menaces, que haine et imprécations...".  Size is 6.3 x 8 inches, 4 written pages (horizontal and vertical), many corrections and glosses, in very good condition (see scans provided for a detailed view).

German soprano (1845-1876), who performed at the Leipzig Stadttheater and at the Royal Opera in Berlin. Nice vintage CDV (carte-de-visite) of the soprano by photographer Loescher & Petsch (Berlin). Size is 2.4 x 3.9 inches, ink writing over the bottom, in very good condition.

French dramatist (1802-1883), journalist, historian, and civil servant. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated January 23, 1879, where he addresses a gentleman: “…vous voulez bien m’informer qu’une société dite des jeunes auteurs  vient de se constituer par la formation d’un Comité provisoire, composé de M. M. Fr. Coppée, Alfred des Essarts, Germain Picard, Gallion, Georges Berry…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, light folds and creases, in overall very good condition.  

German conductor (1823-1902) and composer. Autograph letter in German (untranslated) on a postcard signed by him, dated March 9, 1884, where he addresses the musicologist Max Friedlaender (1852-1934), concerning music matters. Size is 3.6 x 5.5 inches, some ink stains at the top caused by the postal mark, otherwise in very good condition.

Hungarian composer (1809-1889), bandmaster, and conductor. His Hungarian march was transcribed by Franz Liszt. Piece of paper with his autograph signature. Size is 3.75 x  3.25 inches, in excellent condition.  

French count and composer (1831-1916), and descendant of the politician and writer Count Joseph Chérade de Montbron (1768-1854). Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, one of them dated December 19, 1874, addressing the harpist Coraly Gatayes (1840-1913): “…voulez vous me permettre, en souvenir du plaisir que j’ai eu à vous entendre sur la harpe, de vous envoyer une recueil de mélodies pour le chant…”.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French tenor (1848-1899), urban planner, and Socialist politician. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, August 2, 1891, where he addresses a certain Mr. Jacquot: “…je vous félicite par Monsieur votre père à l’Expédition de Moscou, je partage votre satisfaction…”.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, two written pages in one sheet (front and verso), light smudge over the ink writting on the first age, central fodl, in overall excellent condition.

French composer (1872-1973), organist, conductor, and teacher; a pupil himself of Franck, Gounod, and Massenet. Lot of six autograph letters signed by him, dated between 1897 and 1923. These letters are addressed to the composer Delphin Balleyguier (1829-1899), to Geneviève Blanchard, and Jeanne Telen and concern, among others things, Büsser's recommendation as organist of S. Vincent de Paul in Paris. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1872-1973), organist, conductor, and teacher; a pupil himself of Franck, Gounod, and Massenet. St of two typed letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1934 and 1937. Both letters are addressed to the composer Adriano Lualdi. We report an extract as a sample: “…Pourriez-vous me faire parvenir la partition de votre ballet afin que je la communique à Mr. Rouché, directeur de l’Opéra?…”. 2 pp. With letterhead. In-8. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1847-1916) and music critic, winner of Prix de Rome for composition in 1872. Fine set of two autograph notes in French signed by him, one of them dated 1890. Letters concern upcoming engagements and meetings. Open size is 9.1 x 7.1 inches each, creases, dirt stains, in very good condition.

French composer (1860-1934). Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, May 9, 1895, where he addresses a gentleman: “…J’ai enfin eu des nouvelles de organisateurs des Concours de Nangis – 2 Juin prochain – pourrez vous venir avec nous comme membre du Jury? J’écris en même temps à Clerice…”. Size is 5.5 x 8.4 inches, 1 written page, creases, letterhead "Garde Republicaine", in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDD is a photo postcard of the cornetist and conductor of the “Musique de la Garde Républicaine” Guillaume Balay (1871-1943).

French composer (1879-1944), conductor, pianist, and music critic. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, March 14, 1916, where he addresses the ballet dancer Abel Bordieux: “…Ce mot pour vous dire combien je serais ravi d’avoir l’occasion de venir diriger une représentation française en Italie si cela pourrait se présenter – Voilà déjà deux chefs italiens qui viennent de diriger à Paris ([Arturo] Vigna et [Rodolfo] Ferrari) l’occasion de la réciproque peut se présenter…”. Size is 7.4 x 9.1 inches, 1 written page, storage holes, some folds and creases, in overall very good condition.

English composer (1852-1935), conductor, and pianist. Set of two fine autograph letters signed by him, not dated, where he addresses the music critic Aldo Noseda, thanking him for articles he wrote on him. For a total of 2 pp. In-8. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed on a card, not dated, addressed to Aldo Noseda: “…I wanted to tell you that Sanzogno has taken my opera ‘Signa’ and will perform it as soon as he can…”.  Signa is an opera originally conceived in four acts with music by the British composer with a libretto by Gilbert Arthur à Beckett, after Ouida, with an Italian translation by Giannandrea Mazzucato, first performed in a reduced three-act version at the Teatro Dal Verme, Milan on 12 November 1893. It was later given in a two-act version at Covent Garden, London on 30 June 1894. 2 pp. on visiting card. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French pianist (1839-1934), famed as one of the first-ever recording artists. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) on soft cardboard signed by him, dated January 18, 1897, to a certain “Maestro don Giovanni”: “… Voir mon nom de pianiste, somme toute, en tête de cette belle pièce d’orgue di liturgique me fait croire pour un instant que j’ai l’honneur de faire partie de cette noble phalange des organistes pour qui j’ai autant d’admiration (…) Notre ami Border vient de faire une tournée dans notre région avec vingt-inq de ses chanteurs; l’impression en restera et il rêve déjà de renouveler dans notre pays nos fêtes de l’an dernier à Bilbao…”. Size is 5.6 x 4.3 inches, 2 written pages, creases, with letterhead "Mont-de-Marsau", in overall very good condition.

Italian tenor (1889-1938), very successful in the 1920s, sang in European and South American theaters and left few recordings. Large portrait-style photograph matted on soft cardboard, shown as himself, signed and inscribed by him in 1929. Size is 7.75 x 11.25 inches, small creases on edges and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition. Rare!

American soprano (1887-1967).  Beautiful vintage signed photograph, shown in role, inscribed, dated in 1914.  Size is 7.75 x 10 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition.

American bass-baritone and prominent voice teacher (1892-1973), signed photograph, shown as Landgraf Hermann in Wagner's Tannhauser. Inscribed. Printed signature on front of photographer Daguerre, Chicago. Size is 8 x 10 inches, several small creases and bends, otherwise in good condition.

French theatre director (1852-1938) and opera director, nephew of the celebrated librettist Michel Carré. His original printed business card with a short autograph note in French signed and dated by him in 1923. Size is 4 x 2.5 inches, pinholes, in overall very good condition.

Original vintage business cards of opera singers, most of them signed or with a text or quote, some others unsigned; all in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all the business cards and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

English tenor and actor (1861-1927). Fine black-and-white photo postcard signed by him with a short sentiment; here shown in a role in "Princess Caprice". Size is 3.4 x 5.3 inches, minor creases, in overall very good condition.