Composer Autograph Manuscripts

German composer and conductor (1804-1885), resident in England for most of his career. Two items: autograph letter and autograph note signed, each one dated in 1880, in English about personal matters. Note is one page, letter is in 3 pages, each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, letter has loss of paper on 4 corners. Also included is a handwritten envelope. (not sold separately)

German composer (1804-1885) and conductor, pupil of von Weber. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated April 22, 1871,addressed to the music publisher Léon Escudier: “…Vous aurez peut être appris par les journaux ou Mr. Michaells, l’éditeur de Paul et Virginie que mon Opéra “Le Lys de Killarney” a de nouveau gagné les suffrages du public anglais au Théatre de Sa Majesté et l’Adelphi. Y aurait-il moyen de transplanter cet ouvrage sous vos auspices à Paris?…”.  Size is 4.6 x 7.1 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, in very good condition.

French writer (1802-1870), music critic, and singing professor at the Marseille Conservatoire.Set of two autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, as follows:  A. Marseille, January 12, 1864, asking many questions to a gentleman, among them: "... Would you be so kind as to give me the answers to the following questions: (1) Is the Teatro de la Scala subsidized by the city or by the state? 2° Is the room given free of charge to the director and if not, what is the rent of the room?...".  Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 4 written pages, folds, creases, evident tear at the center, rust stains, in overall very good condition. B. Marseille, February 27, 1864, probably to the same gentleman of the previous letter: "... I confess to you that I was in great need of this information for the questions I deal with every day in the Semaphore, especially now that the decree on the freedom of theatres in France has just thrown some disturbance into it...".  Size is 5 x 8 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and verso), in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer, pianist, conductor, and educator (1816-1875), who had a significant influence on English music. Bennett created piano music, chamber music, orchestral, choral music, and songs. Fragment from an autograph note, hand-written and signed by him. Size is 4.5 x 5.25 inches, some folds, in very good condition.

English composer (1816-1875), pianist, conductor, and educator. Set of two autograph letters signed by him, dated on November 1st, 1854, and June 12th, 1862.  Size is 4.4 x 7 inches each, 2 pages written on both sides of a sheet each; folds, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer, pianist, conductor and educator (1816-1875), who had a significant influence on English music. Bennett created piano music, chamber music, orchestral, coral music and songs. Signature cut, hand-written and signed by him with signature at the top. Size is 3 x 3.75 inches, some rips and tears, priced accordingly. 

French composer and songwriter (1801-1855), he wrote Ma Normandie, used as the National Anthem of Jersey and sometimes as the unofficial Norman Anthem. Autograph note signed, six lines written in French (sold untranslated), dated in 1853. Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-born American composer and violinist (1900-1953), creator of 4 symphonies and an opera, among other works such as concertos. He was a distinguished violinist, worked 7 years as the first violinist of the NY Philharmonic. Autograph manuscript with 2 full pages in separate sheets, with music for a cadenza to Mozart´s "Exsultate Jubilate" (K165) for soprano, inscribed to Russian soprano Maria Kurenko (1890-1980), who signed and inscribed this manuscript on the back of page 2. Each page is 9.4 x 12.5 inches, minor cracks, but overall in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1885–1935), creator of works that combined Mahlerian Romanticism with his own of Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique.  Signed album page, with a short sentiment, dated (apparently in 1923). Album page has 3 other signatures (2 right above are in pencil), unidentified signers, and one signature on verso by famous Dutch conductor Willem Mengelberg. Size is 5 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of a photo of him by Fayer, nice to frame with this item if desired.

Austrian composer (1864-1916), known as the king of the slow waltz, whose works were performed at the Opéra Comique, the cafe-concert, and the saloon. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 17, 1883, addressed to Mademoiselle Germaine Schwob: “…Ton épitre à [Victor] Koning est d’une délicatesse de sentiment épatante par ces jours de mangément de nez confraternel. Mais Koning est sans ouïe,oh, sois en sûr. S’il était fin, il s… le Gymnase avec Hermine retapée. Car je la retaperai. J’ai ou, je sais, je tiens les loups “tenes lupum auribus” (J. Janin)…”. Size is 4 x 6.2 inches, 1 page, spotted rust and dirt stains, folds, creases, in overall good condition. The original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED (not shown).

American composer (1921-1994), who created orchestral works, including symphonies and concertos and 2 operas. Autograph musical quote signed, with 4 bars of notes, size is 3.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1925-2003), noted for his experimental music and experimental work in electronic music.  Autograph note on an album page signed by him with a short sentiment, dated 1971.  Size is 5.8 x 4.8 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-American composer and lyricist (1888-1989), considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Fine envelope signed by him.  Size is 6.5 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned press photograph of the composer by AP News, shown performing at the piano at age 72.  Size is 6.8 x 9 inches, large crease over the lower-right corner, in very good condition.

French romantic composer (1803-1869), best known for some of his orchestral works such as Symphonie Fantastique, and his operas Benvenuto Cellini, and Les Troyens. Autograph note in French signed by him (no year indicated) to his biographer Roger Duchene about visiting plans. Size is 3.9 x 4.7 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

French romantic composer (1803-1869), best known for some of his orchestral works such as Symphonie Fantastique, and his operas Benvenuto Cellini, and Les Troyens. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, to Mr. Gye, manager of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, about the music business.  Size is 4.3 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1803-1869), French composer (1799-1862), and French composer (1803-1856). Wonderful handwritten document dated in Paris, France, on January 22th, 1849, signed by many artists and personalities about a meeting to organize a gala party by Comité de l'Association des Artistes with its letterhead. Signers include the three stars French composers Hector Berlioz, Fromental Halevy, Adolph Adam, Belgian playwright Isidore Taylor (1793-1879), pianist Pierre Zimmerman (1785-1853), French doctor and zoologist Achille Comte (1802-1866), French painter Francois Picot (1786-1868), French violinist Jean-Delphin Alard (1815-1888), French scholar Paul Lacroix (1806-1884), Belgian violinist Jean-Baptiste Tolbecque (1797-1869), French politician Achille Juvinal (1810-1875), French novelist Emmanuel Gonzales (1815-1889), French painter Charles Marie Bouton (1781-1853), and others. Size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, minor folds, rust stains, in overall excellent condition. Remarkable collection of signatures of important artists and personalities in different fields of the first half of the XIX Century.

French composer (1906-1991), dramatist, and winner of Prix de l'Institut de France and Prix Léo Délibes. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him and to the journalist Louis Merlin (1901-1976), as follows: A. Paris, February 6, 1967. “…C’est avec le plus vif intérêt que j’ai pris connaissance de votre lumineuse synthèse touchant projets et solutions au service de la culture…”. 2 pp. In-4. B. February 13, 1967. “…Auriez vous la grande aimaibilité de me renvoyer deux exemplaires de votre excellente brochure touchant votre projet de diffusion pour télévision en couleurs?…”. 2 pp. In-8. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1798-1876) and pianist. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date, addressed to a certain Mr. Verny, as follows: "... I can't go to your house tomorrow, and not Adam's on Friday. Let's make the most beautiful arrangements for Friday, March 20th, and unfortunately, Mademoiselle Venu's indisposition has come through..." Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, some ink spotted dots, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1784-1832). Set of two signed documents by the French composer, as follows: A. Certificate dated 23.5.1828 signed by the composer and the Royal Notary François Dubois to be used only for the veteran's fund of the Royal Academy of Music. Size is 6.7 x 27.5 inches, blind-stamped over the left border, in very good condition. B. Printed certificate valid completed by hand as a pension, dated 1828, granting the amount of 65f on a total of 300f to the composer. Size is 9.2 x 7.3 inches, folds, creases, few smudges, in overall very good condition. SOLD ONLY TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1798-1835), harpist, and music teacher, a pupil of François-Joseph Naderman. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by her, with postal marks indicating March 27, 1832, sent to a certain Mr. Stephen about an appointment for a rehearsal.  Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 1 written page, some creases, folds, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1895-1953). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1939 and 1943. Letters are addressed to the mezzo-soprano Madeleine Greslé and to the physician René Dusmenil (1879-1967), concerning mostly social obligations.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1895-1953) and music critic. Fine set of 3 score manuscripts as follows:  2 manuscripts for his work "Bajazet" (7 pages and 4 pages each), and 1 manuscript for his work for "Clavecin et Chant" (3 pages). Each one of them is handwritten and signed by the composer.   Each one's size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer and organist (1882-1972). Autograph note signed by him, dated May 19, 1951, rejecting the request for a recommendation letter. Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, folds, minor stains, with letterhead, in overall very good condition.

English composer (1787-1855), who became famous for his song "Home Sweet Home" and other vocal works. Autograph note in English signed by him, dated August 14, 1930, to William Watts  (Secretary of the Philharmonic Society in London): “...As I left the neighborhood of Vauxhall, please, for the present to address to me at...”. Size is 4.3 x 7.1 inches, 1 page, folds, overall rust stains, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

English composer (1787-1855), who became famous for his song "Home Sweet Home" and other vocal works. Signature cut (probably from a letter or note) mounted on a small piece of hard cardboard. Size is 4.5 x 1.7 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1838-1875), best known for his operas Carmen and Les Pecheurs de Perles in a career cut short by his early death. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, addressed to one of his friends. Size is 6.75 x 425 inches, 1 sheet written on both sides, jagged and embossed borders, in very good condition.

French composer (1838-1875), best known for his operas Carmen and Les Pecheurs de Perles in a career cut short by his early death. Autograph letter written in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, addressed to his librettist Louis Gallet mentioning his opera "Djamileh", no date but circa 1871.  Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, central fold, minor stains, in very good condition.

Star French composer (1838-1875) of the Romantic era; best known for his opera "Carmen" -one of the most popular and frequently performed works of the entire opera repertoire, in a career cut short by his early death. Short autograph note written in French (sold with transcription and translation) about an appointment signed by the composer.  Size is 5.25 x 6.5 inches, 1 page, folds, otherwise in excellent condition.

French composer (1874-1956). Interesting and lengthy autograph letter in French signed by him, with a brief autograph musical quotation signed by him, dated in Gironde par St. Genest d’Ambière from the 15th to the 20th of July, 1945.  As a diary, Lucas writes to her correspondent  throughout the days and gets lost in aesthetic, personal reflections and on music: “…En voilà un qui a de la chair et du sang que Stravinsky a mis en valeur admirablement, avec son rythme qui saisit tout le corps! Mais il ne sert pas être de lui. Ce doit être au thème populaire, forcement russe. Pour la danse, à part le ballet, je ne l’aime pas…”.  Open size is 11.1 x 7.4 inches, four written pages in one folded sheet, folds, in overall excellent condition.

German opera conductor and composer (1871-1958), he was in charge of the (later) Berlin State Opera and other opera houses in Europe. His business card signed by him with a short 3-bar music quote, dated 1913. Size is 4.6 x 2.3 inches, overall age-toning, otherwise in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Autograph note in English signed by him, not dated [1943], addressed to the columnist Leonard Lyons, about personal matters. Size is 5.6 x 4.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a contemporary velox of a V-mail letter to Lyons dated Oct. 24, 1944, describing his efforts in the army during the war, mentioning William Wyler, Jimmy Cannon, and Ernie Pyle. Highly entertaining.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Card signed by Blitzstein himself with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), known for his musical directed by Orson Welles in 1937 and his brilliant adaptation of Kurt Weil' "Three Penny Opera".  Short typed letter signed by him, dated May 3, 1953, to Edwin Hughes, of the National Music Council: «...Ordinarily I should be happy to join in the symposium you have outlined in your letter of April 28 to me. But I am in the country (where your note reached me), finishing my new opera. I fear it will be impossible for me to do anything else for several months...». Blitzstein was probably working on an opera titled Reuben, Reuben (1955).  Size is 8.4 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist; American composer (1900-1990), and American conductor and composer (1918-1990). Page from a program mounted on soft paper for a concert of the New York City Symphony Orchestra in October 1956 performing diverse works including Blitzstein's Symphony, signed by the composer himself, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Shaw, and David Diamond. Size is 6.7 x 9.75 inches, program page only (not full program), minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, who had an important career and was often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter signed and written by him in French (sold untranslated), no date.  Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, 1 folio (2 pages written), some decoloration on ink, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter in French (sold with an English translation) signed by the composer, addressed to Mr. Sevrin, director of performances at the French Ministry of War.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. A second page is used as envelope.

French composer (1775-1834), his career focused mostly on opera and has been often called “the French Mozart”, his most famous opera was “La Dame Blanche”, 1825. Note signed in French, sized 5 x 4 inches. Adhesive tape on verso, showing rust on front, otherwise in good condition, not affecting the signature. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned postcard, with a portrait of the composer. WATCH BOIELDIEU´S HARP CONCERTO (performed by young Alisa Sadikova Conductor: Mikhail Golikov Orchestras: Lemberger Soloists from Ukraine)

Italian composer (1842-1918), poet, librettist, and journalist; best known today for his libretti and his opera "Mefistofele". Autograph letter in Italian (sold untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated. Size is 5.2 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, central fold, some mat burning on the borders, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 4.1 x 5.3 inches, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1842-1918), poet, librettist, and journalist; best known today for his libretti and his opera "Mefistofele". His personal card signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 3.3 x 1.8 inches, in excellent condition.

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Autograph letter in English signed by her, about personal matters. Size is 5.9 x 7.4 inches, in excellent condition.

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Her personal card signed by her as "N.B." with a short note in French (untranslated). Size is 3 x 2.1 inches, in excellent condition.

British conductor (1889-1983), whose early engagements included the Royal Opera House and Sergei Diaghilev's ballet company. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated September 24th, 1965, to Peter Wiener: «...It is indeed splendid that you have kept the flag flying for all this time, and your 21-year-old child is to have such a very exciting year...». Size is 6.7 x 7.8 inches, 1 page, with letterhead, in excellent condition.

French composer (1843-1880) and conductor. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paramé [Saint-Malo], August 22, [1883],  where he addresses Mr. Maquet, concerning the score of Meyerbeer’s “La Marche du Prophète” for his upcoming concert of the 27th: “…J’ai mis cette marche du Prophète comme dernier morceau à mon grand Concert de Mercredi 27 courant. Concert classique à mon bénéfice (…) Nous avons un énorme succès à Paramé la saison est très très brillante, je suis absolument satisfait…”.  Size is 8.6 x 10.9 inches, 1 page, letterhead from "Bains de Mer de Paramé", overall rust tone, creases, folds, otherwise in very good condition.

French Breton composer (1840-1910), pianist, and professor of music history/theory at the Conservatoire de Paris as well as a Prix de Rome laureate. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him [presumably between 1878-1882], as follows:  A. Dated May 23, to Monsieur Mersin, concerning the admission test for singers. Size is 4.3 x 6.7 inches each page, 3 written pages, folds, age-toning, in very good condition. B. Dated December 3, to a gentleman requesting information from an applicant and setting an appointment. Size is 4.2 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, central fold, glue traces on verso, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian composer and conductor (1893-1972), who was also a teacher, well known as a conductor of the Brussels Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic. Autograph music quote, from the ballet spring recital, signed by him. Size is 6.25 x 2.75 inches. ALSO INCLUDED a typed letter signed, dated in 1960, see the scan and a small unsigned photo of him (not shown).

Italian composer (1829-1907) and cellist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, to Madame Rhoné: “…hier j’ai diné chez Mr. Arthur Rhoné où j’ai eu le plaisir d’être à coté de Mme votre fille. Je l’ai priée de venir vous raconter une historiette fâcheuse qui m’est arrivée. Et je vous suis très reconnaissant si vous pouvez m’éclairer des démarches à faire!…”. Size is 7.1 x 4.5 inches, 2 written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Autograph note in German on the blank side of a postcard signed by him to his publisher Fritz Simrock sharing news about his upcoming arrival in town, no date (postal markings indicate April 9, 1880).  Size is 5.5 x 3.6 inches, light mat burn, minor damage on verso, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a modern photo postcard of the composer shown at his studio. Size is 4.25 x 6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Large handwritten musical sheet with a short piece for piano by composer Moritz Peuschel (1838-1892) where Johannes Brahms wrote "The old aunt!" twice and added a short sentiment with his signature, dated in Vienna, 1885.  On verso there are some extra music notes and a wax-sealed attached card.  Large Size: 12.8 x 5.1 inches (trimmed from a larger format), minor stains, in very good condition.