Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

Italian baritone (1845-1921), husband of famous pianist Teresa Carreno. Autograph letter signed, written in New York, dated in 1897, 1 page written in English on his personal business letterhead. Size is 5.75 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

Famous Italian tenor (1913-1995), known for Italian lyric roles. Typed letter signed, 1 page in English, dated in 1947. Size is 8.5 x 10.75 inches, small creases on bottom left and top right, otherwise in good condition. 

Japanese tenor, signed card, written in Japanese and sold untranslated. There is a beautiful wintertime image taped to the front of the card, with his handwriting inside the folded card. Size of each page is 5.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

French tenor (1851-1896), strongly associated with the French repertoire, and creator of the main tenor roles in Les Contes d´Hoffmann, Lakme, and Manon. His personal card signed by him with a short sentiment in French. Size is 4 x 2.3 inches, mounting traces on verso, in very good condition.

French tenor (1851-1896), strongly associated to the French repertoire, and creator of the main tenor roles in the world premieres of Offenbach's Les Contes d´Hoffmann, Delibes' Lakme, and Massenet's Manon.  Signed album page, inscribed and dated in 1888. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 4.5 x 4.5 inches, very small creases on bottom left corner and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Star Italian tenor (1850-1905), chosen by Verdi for the title role in the world premiere of Otello in 1887. He also was one of the first Italian tenors to have left recordings. Set of 1 autograph letter signed, 2 pages on both sides of a 5.25 x 8.25 inch sheet, written in Italian, sold untranslated, and 1 unsigned half-tone 4 x 5.25 inch photograph, shown as himself, a photo by E. Fontana. Both in excellent condition and not sold separately. 

Star Italian tenor (1850-1905), chosen by Verdi for the title role in the world premiere of Otello in 1887. He also was one of the first Italian tenors to have left recordings. Autograph letter signed, dated in Milan in 1901, signed as "Tamagno" and to an unknown recipient. In French language, sold untranslated. Two pages in one folded sheet, each page is 4.5 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Star Italian tenor (1850-1905), chosen by Verdi for the title role in the world premiere of Otello in 1887. He also was one of the first Italian tenors to have left recordings. Autograph letter signed, dated in Venice in 1902, signed as "Tamagno" and to an unknown recipient. In French language, sold untranslated. Two pages in one folded sheet, each page is 4.25 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Acclaimed Italian tenor (1820-1889), originally named Enrico Danieli, who was well known for his command of very high notes and powerful voice, and creator of the role of Don Alvaro in the world premiere of Verdi's La Forza del Destino in 1862. Autograph letter signed by him, about personal matters, to an unknown nobleman, dated in 1866. In French, with a translation included. Two pages on a folded sheet, with his initials as letterhead on the first page, each one is 4 x 5 inches, mounting traces on the last page, otherwise in excellent condition.

Acclaimed Italian tenor (1820-1889), originally named Enrico Danieli, who was well known for his command of very high notes and powerful voice, and creator of the role of Don Alvaro in the world premiere of Verdi's La Forza del Destino in 1862.  Autograph letter signed, embossed, dated in 1873. 4 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 3.5 x 5.25inches, in excellent condition.

Acclaimed Italian tenor (1820-1889), originally named Enrico Danieli, who was well known for his command of very high notes and powerful voice, and creator of the role of Don Alvaro in the world premiere of Verdi's La Forza del Destino in 1862.  Autograph letter signed by him, about personal matters, to Marie Therese Fechter, dated in June 1880. Written in French, with a typed transcription included, but no translation. Three pages on a folded sheet, each one is 5 x 8 inches, mounting traces on the last page, otherwise in excellent condition.

Acclaimed Italian tenor (1820-1889), originally named Enrico Danieli, who was well known for his command of very high notes and powerful voice, and creator of the role of Don Alvaro in the world premiere of Verdi's La Forza del Destino in 1862. ALSO INCLUDED are 2 carte de visite photos (CDVs) of Tamberlink, one by photographer Disderi, Paris, the other by Pierre Petit, Paris. Sized 2.5 x 4 inches.  

Ukrainian baritone (1860-1923). Autograph note signed written on a postcard, written in Russian, sold with an English translation. Postcard also contains a half-tone photo image of Tartakov, shown as himself. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

French baritone and voice teacher (1853-1897), who appeared in the world premiere productions of  Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Delibes' Jean de Nivelle, Massenet's Manon and Esclarmonde, Pessard's Le Capitaine Fracasse and Saint Saens' Proserpine.  Autograph letter signed, dated in 1886, 3 pages of text on 4 folded pages, signed as "A. Taskin", written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.75 x 7.75 inches. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned concert program of operatic and ballet scenes, dedicated to him, presented by the Paris Opera-Comique, his main theatrical home in December 1901. 4 pages, 8 x 10 inches. Both items in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Austrian tenor (1891-1948), revered as one of the world's finest Mozartian tenors.  Signed printed score with three songs from his operetta "Der Singende Traüm", composed, signed and inscribed by him on the front cover, dated in Vienna, 1934.  This music was composed by Tauber for his lover, the Russian singer and actress Mary Losseff.  Size is 10.7 x 13.4 inches, 10 pages including covers, central fold, otherwise in very good condition.

English bass (1784-1863), conductor, and critic. His signature cut (probably from a receipt or contract) mounted on an album page. Total size is 7.25 x 5.1 inches, tape residues over the left border, otherwise in very good condition.

Romanian mezzo-soprano (1857-1926), who debuted at La Scala in 1880. Collection of four autograph letters in Italian and French (untranslated) signed by her, dated between 1879 and 1906. In the letters, Teodorini addresses theater directors and impresarios, concerning upcoming engagements, performances, fees, and private matters. We report two extracts as a sample: “…Il 26 corr[ente] sarà a Milano dunque trovo inutile lo spedire i contratti (…) quale sarebbe l’opera destinata pel mio debutto? Mia madre aveva detto il Ruy-Blas…”. ; “… Je m’adresse à l’ami d’antan qui m’a vue fillette et que je voudrais tant avoir près de moi demain soir. Car c’est une rude bataille que je dois livrer et si j’ai le bonheur d’en sortir voir que en j… victoire ne me rendre plus fière et heureuse – Être consacrée par le public qui m’a crée c’est un rêve d’or…”.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian dramatic coloratura soprano (1871-1940), Italian tenor (1870-1940), Italian baritone (1876-1950), all leading opera stars of the early twentieth century and famous Italian opera impresario (1869-1940), who was the manager of La Scala (1898-1908) and the Met Opera for 27 years (1908-1935).  Beautiful postcard showing a seaside view of Trieste with signatures from each of these great artists. Signatures on verso. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, small tear on bottom left and small crack near the middle of image, not affecting signatures, otherwise in very good condition. 

Star Italian coloratura soprano (1871-1940) of great international fame. An album page signed and dated by her in 1934 as a souvenir for her farewell tour in London. Size is 6.9 x5.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Famous English soprano (1888-1976).  Autograph note signed, 1 page note written on the stationary of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York, sized at 5.75 x 9 inches, 2 folds, in excellent condition. 

Famous English soprano (1888-1976).  Autograph note signed, 1 page note written on her official stationary, size is 5.5 x 7 inches, 1 fold and small crease on top left, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Famous English soprano (1888-1976). Lot of 3 autograph notes signed, sent to Saturday Review magazine editor Roland Gelatt, who had asked her to review Sergius Kagan's book "On Studying Singing" for his publication. The 3 autographed notes include one 4 page text on 2 folded pages, 5.5 x 6.75 inches, written in San Francisco, one 1 page note written in London, dated in 1950, sized at 5.25 x 7 inches, and another 1-page note, also dated in 1950, written on the "R.M.S. Queen Mary" ship stationary, 5.25 x 6.75 inches, all in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is Teyte's 3-page typed review of the book, 8.25 x 10.75 inches, with some creases on the carbon paper not affecting the text and 4 typed 1-page notes, dated in July-August 1950, sent to Teyte, (unsigned but presumably from Roland Gelatt) asking her to write the review and following up with publication details. Each of these notes is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, with slight creases on corners but in generally very good condition.  SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.    

Famous English soprano (1888-1976). Nice card signed and dated by her in 1943 with a short music quote. Size is 3.6 x 2.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Original handwritten contract written in French, signed by 13 singers including Huet, Darancourt, Vizentini, Ferréol, Lemonnier, Darboville, Desbroses, Belmont, Boulanger, Rigaut, Pradher, Leclerc.  Size is 8.25 x 13.1 inches, 1 sheet (2 pages), minor rust stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of one page of the book with the chronology of the Theater highlighting the names of the singers.  Size is 5.25 x 9.1 inches

French operetta soprano (1854-1922), appeared in the world premieres of several Offenbach operas. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1880, 4 pages written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.

French operetta soprano (1854-1922), appeared in the world premieres of several Offenbach operas (her real name was Cécile Piccolo). 2 autograph letters signed, one contains three pages of text, 5.5 x 5.5 inches, the other has 4 pages of text at 5 x 8 inches. Both written in French, sold untranslated. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

French singer (1836-1913), also known as Emma Valladon, whose songs were very popular in her time, admired by many important figures and financially successful. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, December 8, 1868, where she addresses the President of the Société des auteurs et compositeurs dramatiques (SACD), Henri de Saint-Georges (1799-1875): “…Désirant si c’est possible faire partie de la société des auteurs compositeurs et éditeurs de musique, je viens sous le patronage de Mrs. Bedieu et Alexis Bouvier [1836-1892, dramatist] vous en faire la demande, dans le cas ou la chose offrirait quelques difficultés je vous prierai de vouloir bien toucher en mon nom les droits pour la musique et l’édition (…) d’une chanson intitulé cuisinière et nourrice, que j’interprète chaque soir à l’Ambigu depuis le 28 novembre dernier…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.2 inches, two written pages, in one sheet (front and back), folds, overall age toning, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a lithograph portrait from a photograph by Étienne Carjat plus a typed article from the “Comédie Illustrée” for the death of the singer in 1913.  

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.

American soprano (1845-1931), autograph letter signed, 2 pages of a 4-page folded document written in English on the front and final page, composed in St. Augustine, Florida, dated in 1889. Bold and attractive handwriting and signature with gold embossment on the front page. Each page is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition. 

American soprano (1845-1931), signed album page, dated in 1884, size is 3.5 x 7.25 inches, bold handwriting and signature, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED: Unsigned cabinet photo by Anderson, New York, shown possibly in role, size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, small tears on far right side and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in good condition. Not sold separately. 

American baritone, actor and radio personality (1896-1960), who performed about 600 performances in leading roles at the Met Opera. Two typed letters signed, 1 page each, one dated in 1934 and the other in 1942. Each is 7.25 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

Group of 8 autographed items from leading operatic performers including John Charles Thomas, Lawrence Tibbett and Maggie Teyte, as well as a signed card from the actor James Lewis. Items include hand-written autograph letters signed and autograph notes signed, typed letters signed, signed cards, and signed album page. All are in excellent condition, sold only as lot.

American baritone, actor and radio personality (1896-1960), who performed about 600 performances in leading roles at the Met Opera. Typed letter signed, 1 page, dated in New York in 1949. Size is 7.25 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

German-born British soprano (1831-1877) whose career focused on opera and oratorio. A card signed by her, dated on May 31, 1876, and mounted on an autograph album page.  Size is 5.9 x 3.8 inches, rust stains, in good condition.

Leading German opera and oratorio soprano (1831-1877), very successful in London during the 1860s and 1870s, and considered one of the first dramatic sopranos of the 19th century.  Original manuscripts of the artist in different sizes and conditions (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all of them and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. 

Czech soprano (1878-1918), signed album page with attached photograph as herself, dated in Munich in 1914, written in German sold untranslated. Size of photo postcard is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, mounted onto soft cardboard, total item is 8 x 10.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

French-Italian soprano, whose stage name was Antonia Delores, was the daughter of singer Zelia Trebelli-Bettini a French mezzo-soprano (1834-1892), and Alessandro Bettini, an Italian tenor (1825-1898), and the first to sing Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera in 1884. Autograph note signed, 1 page, written in English. Size  is 4.5 x 7 inches, some mounting traces (scotch tape) on left side of the paper, otherwise in excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1838-1892), admired by George Bernard Shaw, who wrote a lot about her in his reviews, for her interpretations and English diction, rare for a non-native. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Contrexéville, July 20, addressed to Mr. Tartaglini about personal and professional matters. Size is 4.3 x 6.8 inches, 1 page, rust stains, folds, in overall very good condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1838-1892), 1 autograph note signed, 1 page, written in English. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. Also included: 1 unsigned photo etching, shown in role, possibly taken from a magazine. Size is 6 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition. Sold only as lot. 

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.

Italian bass (1869-1958), a leading singer for many years at the Chicago Lyric Opera. Autograph note in Italian (untranslated) signed by him on an album page, dated in Chicago, November 14, 1937, stating: “Questa illustre firma di genii rappresentano l’alta tragedia ed il secolare dramma della vita nelle loro superbe manifestazioni artistiche. Io modestamente arrivo l’ultimo col sardonico sorriso della farsa…”.  Size is 6.9 x 4.6 inches, irregularly cut over the bottom, otherwise in very good condition.

French bass (1836-1871), created the role of Capulet in the world premiere production of Gounod's Romeo et Juliette. Autograph letter signed, 4 pages, dated in Paris in 1866, written in French and sold untranslated. Clear and bold handwriting and signature. Each page is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, folds and several bullet holes, in otherwise very good condition. 

German soprano (1897-?), signed album page, written in German with brief sentiment. Also included: signature on verso of Franz Egenieff, German baritone and actor (1874-1949), inscribed and dated in 1927. Size is 6 x 7 inches, slight fading at top of page but otherwise in excellent condition.

American tenor (1913-1975), major star of the Metropolitan Opera in Italian opera repertoire for 30 years.  Autograph letter signed, 2 pages written in English on the letterhead of the Hotel Quirinale, in Rome in 1970. Contains a lot of interesting information regarding his upcoming scheduled performances as well as his overall availability. Size is 7.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition. 

American tenor (1913-1975), a major star of the Metropolitan Opera in Italian opera repertoire for 30 years. Short autograph note signed by him written on a regular postcard to his friend Leonard Lyons and his wife, stating "Getting ready to sing at the great Liceo Opera here in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Umberto Giordano's birth (sic) singing Andrea Chenier".  Size is 5.9 x 3.9 inches, in excellent condition.

British soprano (1892-1990), known for dramatic soprano repertoire, especially Puccini's Turandot. Typed letter signed on personal stationary, written in London, dated in 1987. Size is 8.25 x 11.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

French soprano and composer (1829-1910). Autograph letter signed by her, written in French (sold untranslated), no date. Size is 5.25 x 8.2 inches, 2 written page in one sheet, folds, in excellent condition.

French soprano and composer (1829-1910). Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Signature is on the bottom of the first page but there is some additional text on the following page. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, very small tear at the very top of each page (outside of the written area), but otherwise  in excellent condition.