Recently Added Authentic Autographs and Memorabilia

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.

Brazilian-born mezzo-soprano (b.1950). Fine black-and-white photograph signed and inscribed by her, here shown in Verdi's Nabucco at Teatro Regio in Turin. Size is 4.75 x 6.25 inches, pinholes in upper corners, in very good condition.

French deputy (1816-1897). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, January 19, 1864, addressed to the Prefect, asking for two invitations for a Bal at the Hôtel de Ville for “…Madame et Mademoiselle de Bruillard…”.  Size is 7.7 x 9.9 inches, 1 page, letterhead "Corps Legislatif", folds, some creases, in overall very good condition.

French singer (1801-1868), teacher and writer, cantor of the music chapel of Charles X, he was much appreciated by Luigi Cherubini and Carl Maria von Weber. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date indicated, addressed to a Maître, concerning the visit of the journalist Louis Esnault: “…vous ne pouvez pas douter du plaisir que nous aurons à faire la connaissance performelle d’un homme dont nous aimons le beau talent depuis long-temps…”. Size is 5.3 x 8.45 inches, 1 page, letterhead of "L'Univers Musical", folds, creases, in overall good condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1855-1901). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, May 26, no year, addressed to a gentleman, concerning his recent debut as Odette in Halevy's opera “Charles VI”, explaining her lack of confidence pretending to be a foreigner: “…j’ose éspérer toute votre indulgence pour la pauvre américaine qui essaie pour la première fois d’aborder la scène française (…) j’ai chanté du jour au lendemain, sans répétition aucune; vous le savez Monsieur, les Américains sont audacieux, et les américaines aussi…”.  Size is 8.8 x 6.9 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, dirt stains, light cracks over borders, in overall good condition.

Star Australian soprano (1861-1931), who became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and the 20th century for her beautiful voice and technique. Fine cabinet photographic portrait of the acclaimed Australian coloratura soprano, by photographer Benque & Co. Size is 4.75 x 8 inches, in very good condition.

French dramatist (1854-1916) and composer, who often collaborated with other playwrights, composers, and musicians, for a large number of operettas, opéra-bouffes, comedies, and vaudevilles. Autograph letter in Frnch (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, October 19, 1897, to a gentleman composer, concerning a manuscript he cannot find: “…Il me semble vous l’avoir remis en vous disant: ‘gardez tout le commencement du second acte et modifiez surtout la fin qui couchait la pièce’…”.  Size is 4.6 x 7 inches each page, three written pages in one folded sheet, irregular borders, creases, folds, dirt stains, in good condition.

French dramatist (1834-1897) who published several novels and contributed to various newspapers, in special “La Lanterne” as a theater critic. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, March 10, 1879, addressed to the French actor Derval (1801-1885), asking for theater seats for that evening. Size is 5 x 8 inches, 1 page, folds, in overall very good condition.

Belgian composer (1784-1851) and horn player, Director of music at the Paris Opera between 1867 and 1870. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated June 17, 1842, addressed to the Belgian composer Joseph Daussoigne-Méhul (1790-1875), concerning a music work: “…pour le coup je ne sais ce que ton silence signifie, si ce que nous t’avons envoyé n’est pas bien, tu devrais nous le dire. J’ai vu ici cahou, il attend lui même ce qu’il doit graver; ses presses, ses ouvriers, tout cela attend, il ne sait a quoi attribuer tout ce grand retard…”. Size is 7 x 9.1 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, with letter head of "Conservatoire de Musique de Gand", missing piece of paper over the left margin, in overall good condition.

French theater actress (1841-1912), whose career developed both in Europe and North America with great success. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, postmarked 8.10.84, to Monsieur David: “…Quelle est l’épithète malsonnante que vous devez employer à mon égard, je dois vous anoncer que d’avance je vous pardonne car c’est moi seule qui ai tort; mais les répétitions et les fatigues qui j’endure sont les seules causes moyennes de mon impolitesse…”. Open size is 9 x 7 inches, three written pages in one folded sheet, creases, stains, folds, in overall very good condition. The original envelope is INCLUDED. ALSO INCLUDED is a nice carte-de-visite (CDV) with her portrait by photographer Bacard fils/de la Roche Succ. (Paris).

French contrabassist (1873-1950), composer, and conductor. Short autograph note in French signed by him on his visiting card. Size is 3.8 x 2.3 inches, some dirt stains, in very good condition.

French singer (1866-1937), voice teacher, and music critic, husband of the pianist Marie Roger-Miclos. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1906 and 1909.  Letters are addressed to the composer and music critic Henri Woollett (1864-1936). We report an extract as a sample: “…Je crois que vous n’avez pas proposé l’oeuvre à Colonne. Pourquoi! Il est toujours à court d’oeuvres françaises…”. 3 pp. In-8 and in-16. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French journalist (1821-1881), music publisher, and founder, with his brother Marie-Pierre Escudier, of the weekly magazine and music publishing company “La France Musicale” helping to establish Verdi's reputation across Europe. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Paris, June 12, 1858, addressed to a gentleman, concerning a refusal to publish in a newspaper: “…Je ne m’explique pas, lorsque du côté de la propriété je n’éprouve point de résistance, que le Constitutionnel ferme les colonnes à la reproduction des sommaires du Reveil”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, some creases and folds, in overall very good condition.

French dancer (1866-1908), a pupil of Zina Mérante, and was compared to the great ballerina Marie Taglioni for her grace and lightness. Beautiful vintage cabinet photo of her by photographer Benque & Co. Size is 5.3 x 8.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French opera singer (1834-1906), composer, pianist, and organist, widowed to Roland de Cossé in 1871, Marquis de Brissac, she remarried in 1872 to Count Christian de Trédern. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Château de Brissac, October 12, addressed to a lady: “…Seriez-vous libre de venir passer une huitaine de jours à Brissac, entre le 22 et le 30 Octobre; j’ai besoin de travailler des choses que je dois chanter au concert de Eugéne d’Harcourt…”. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, in overall excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed “Van Ghill”, no date. A lady states: “…emplâtre sur la poitrine!!!!!!! très fatigué!!!! beaucoup d’irritation!! pas consignant pas possible de chanter…”. 1 p. In-8. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French songwriter (1863-1923) for many cafés-concerts, he was the son of the Imperial Conservatory professor Charles-Amable. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, January 4, 1909, addressed to the journalist and composer Maurice Duhamel (1884-1940): “…Voulez me remettre votre récession à demain même heure. Excusez-moi, mais je ne suis pas en état de causer affaires aujourd’hui…”. Open size is 10.7 x 7.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, letterhead, creases, folds, in overall excellent condition. The original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.

French mezzo-soprano (1877-1970) whose name is often associated to the music avant-garde of Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Satie, and others. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date, addressed to a friend “…M. Bormier, un de mes amis qui a un atelier où je fais des cours de chant, voudrait donner le 22 janvier Simon avec mise en scène, décors, récitation…”.  Size is 6 x 7.6 inches, two written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

German contralto (1857-1893), often remembered for her performances of Johannes Brahms' works. Autograph letter in German signed by her, dated in Wiesbaden October 19, 1887, addressed to a gentleman, concerning her fees for singing in Lausanne: “…Ich erlaube mir Ihnen Ihre Anfrage vom 17 d. zu erwieden, dass Ihre Permuhlung ich sänge in mehreren Konzerten in Lausanne wahrscheinlich auf einem Irsthume beruht. Herr R. Spiess hat sich vor Kurzem an mich gewendet, ob ich gerne einmal in Lausanne sänge, worauf ich ihm besahend antwortete, und ihm meine Honorärbedingungen ein sandte…”. Translation: “…I take the liberty of replying to your inquiry of the 17th that your belief that I sing in several concerts in Lausanne is probably based on an error. Mr. R. Spiess recently asked me if I would like to sing in Lausanne, to which I replied and sent him my fee conditions…”. Size is 4.9 x 7.8 inches each page, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, craeses, in overall very good condition.

German violinist ((1807-1887), voice teacher, and composer. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated March 31, 1854, addressed to the harpist and composer Léon Gatayes (1805-1877), offering him his “L'Art de Chanter”: “…qui vient de paraître et de vous prier de vouloir consacrer quelques instants à le parcourir…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 page, blind-stamped letterhead, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

American soprano (1855-1912), who debuted in 1881 in "Hamlet" as Ophèlie. Beautiful vintage cabinet photograph of her by photographer Benque & Co. Size is 5.4 x 8.7 inches, in excellent condition.

Celebrated French tenor (1897-1984). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1981, to a gentleman: “…Je vous adresse une photographie prise à La Scala de Milan lors d’une représentation de la Fille du Far West. André Balbon est une de mes plus anciennes connaissances dans la profession lyrique, j’ai du le connaître en 1920…” Fine typed letter signed by him, dated 1935, to a gentleman, thanking him for his compliments and sending a picture. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1802-1861), creator of Zerlina in Auber's "Fra Diavolo" (1930) and Madeleine in Adam's "Le Postillon de Lonjumeau" (1836). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated 1827, addressed to a gentleman, concerning a wage increase: “…je ne pense pas que la demande de 2000fr d’augmentation soit exagérée, et d’avance elle m’était promise (…) Je chante la première chanteuse, je joue l’emploi de St. Aubin et les rôles crées par Madame Pradher…”.  Size is 7.3 x 9.5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), creases, folds, in overall very good 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.

Madagascar-born French writer and director (1902-1985). Typed letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris on Feb 10th, 1967. Size is 8.25 x 10.6 inches, 1 written page, in excellent condition.

French poet (1864-1936). Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 4.1 x 6.75 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), some stains, in very good condition.

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 politician and writer (1829-1870) Set of 3 Autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. Ce Mardi 27 Mai [1850 ca.]. To a gentleman, recommending a young singer: “…M. Laurent est élève au Conservatoire; il a cahnté le baryton à Londres, à Bruxelles et à La Haye…”. 2 pp. In-8. With letterhead. B. Paris le 15 9bre 1850. To a Viscount: “…j’ai vivement appuyé auprès de qui de droit la demande de M. Courmer. Son affaire du reste ne dépend pas encore immédiatement du Ministère de l’Intérieur. La commission des Théâtres doit donner un avis préalable qui n’est pas encore rendu. (…) Je puis vous dire dès à present que si l’avis de la commission des théâtres est favorable j’ai lieu d’avoir bon espoir que Mr. Cormer sera satisfait…”. 1 p. ½. In-8. C. Paris, le 7 Janv. by French lawyer and politician, son of Ernest, Pierre Jules Baroche, to a colleague: “…je mets à votre disposition pour la représentation donnée ce soir à l’Opéra deux places…”. 1 p. In-8. With letterhead. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French soprano (1820-1896) and composer, nicknamed "La fauvette des salons", whose works received appraisal from composers such as Saint-Saëns and Berlioz. Autograph letter in French signed by her, no date, addressed Mrs. Benedict, having to refuse a meeting. Size is 4.3 x 5.4 inches, two written pages, loss of paper, folds and creases, in overall good condition.

French soprano (ca.1910-?) of operettas and cinema actress, who performed at the Opéra-Comique (1943) and La Monnaie. Fine black-and-white photograph signed by her with a short sentiment. Size is 7 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1882-1946), and singing teacher whose best-known pupils were Janine Micheau and Gerard Souzay. Set of three autograph letters in French signed by her, two of them dated 1926 and 1943, addressed to the composer Émile Passani (1905-1974) and composer and music critic Henri Woollett (1864-1936), about personal and professional matters.  Different sizes, lenghts, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French organist (1865-1938), worked with the Grand Organ of Notredame from Rennes for 54 years. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 24, 1919. Size is 5.5 x 7 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, in overall excellent condition.

French bass (1822-1872), creator of many roles at the Opéra-Comique between 1848 and 1857, including the lead male role in Meyerbeer's L'Étoile du Nord (1854). Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated 1871, to Madame Deslignières: “…un gazetier malpropre s’est permis d’éditer à mon sujet certaines allégations malsonnantes dont j’ai demandé justice aux tribunaux et me voilà à la tête d’un procès…”. Size is 5.4 x 8.4 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, in overall very good condition. The original envelope is INCLUDED.

French writer (1883-1984) and collector, collaborated with composers such as Massenet, Saint-Saëns, Ravel, and Fauré before devoting himself successfully to novelistic and theatrical writing. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1931, to the writer, member of the Académie des sciences, lettres et arts d'Amiens Henri Chenu: “…je viens de lire votre délicieux discours de l’Académie d’Amien et vous en félicite (…) Quel dommage de ne pas vous avoir vu à ma séance Lesueur (…) voici: votre groupement théâtral “la jeune comédie”, m’intéressa beaucoup. Pourrait on y monter une oeuvre de…, soit celle jouée ici au théâtre des arts, dans la direction de Lurel (1924), soit celle jouée à Bruxelles avec la Comédie-Française, soit encore celle montée par Gaston Baty [1885-1952]…”. Size is 8.4 x 10.6 inches, 1 page, central fold, in overall very good condition.

French soprano (1859-1939), sister of pianist Théodore Ritter. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated October 10, [1888], to the French tenor Victor Capoul (1839-1924), concerning the recreation of the title role in Godard’s opera “Jocelyn”: “…Nous ne saurons résister au vif plaisir d’aller vous applaudir samedi prochain dans votre nouvelle et bell création de Jocelyn…”.  Open size is 9 x 7.1 inches, two written pages in one folded sheet, folds, in overall very good condition.

French writer (1837-1901), librettist, whose poems have been set to music by Camille Saint-Saëns, André Messager, Léo Delibes, Benjamin Godard, and many others. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 25 Nov. 1897, concerning some newspaper directors: “…M. Walduck Romeau est l’ami de Valentin Simond; mais je crois que Valentin Simond n’est plus grand … au journal l’Echo où prévaut son fils…”. Size is 8.4 x 11.6 inches, 1 page, mounted on a larger piece of cardboard, in overall very good condition.

French writer (1832-1896), composer, and performer. Autograph poem titled “Impromptu” signed by her. Lionnet pens five stanzas: “Je voudrais bien éloquemment/Répondre à ce toast si charmant/Qui vous trouble et qui nous remue,/Mais devant tant d’amenité,/Je me sens l’âme, en vérité,/Fort émue…”. The poem appears in the volume “Souvenir et anecdotes” (1888) by Hyppolite and Anatole Lionnet. Size is 8 x 11.5 inches, 1 page, folds, incomplete upper-left corner, otherwise in very good condition.

American bass (1921-1968), signed photograph, shown as Mephisopheles in Gounod's Faust, inscribed. Contains printed signature one front of photographer Sedge Le Blang, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, small creases on top left and right, otherwise in excellent condition.

American tenor (1919-1969), signed photograph, shown as himself, inscribed, dated in 1954. Size is 7.5 x 9.75 inches, several creases, otherwise in excellent condition.

Russian baritone (1906-1957), signed photograph, shown as Count di Luna in Verdi's Il Trovatore, inscribed. Size is 8 x 10 inches, several creases on corners and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in good condition.

Austrian and German actress (1876-1962), played leading roles in the world premieres of plays by Schnitzler and Wedekind, among others. Signed postcard photograph, shown as herself, inscribed. Printed signature on front of photographer H.C. Kosel. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Austrian film and theater actor and film director (1886-1965), signed postcard photograph, shown in role, dated in 1922. Photo by Franz Lowy, Vienna. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (b. 1943), signed publicity photograph, shown as himself, inscribed. Size is 4.25 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition.

British writer (1824-1911). Autograph letter on a card signed by her, dated November 10, 1886. Size is 4.4 x 3.4 inches, in very good condition.

English author (1837-1919), who was an important figure during the late Victorian literary scene. Autograph letter in English signed by her about personal matters. Size is 4.3 x 6.8 inches, three written pages in one folded sheet, folds, some stains, storage holes, in very good condition.

British author and translator (1844-1933). Autograph letter in English signed by her, no date, about personal matters. Size is 4.3 x 7 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in very good condition.

British artist (1865-1965), famous in her time for her novels. Fine greeting postcard signed by her on verso with a short sentiment dated 1925. Size is 5.5 x 3.4 inches, in very good condition.

English author and journalist (1848-1911). Autograph letter signed by him, dated November 25, 1907, about personal business. Size is 5.3 x 7.2 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. Its original envelope is INCLUDED (not shown).