Composer Autograph Manuscripts

French composer (1818-1885), creator mostly of songs and piano music. Large autograph music quote, signed and dated in Paris, 1880, for piano and voice, from the song "Petite Fleur". Size is 13.9 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, vertical fold across the center and two horizontal folds, minor cracks, otherwise in excellent condition.

French composer, musicologist, music critic, and music writer (1819-1898).  Autograph letter signed, dated in Paris in 1888, 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, several small stains outside of the text area, otherwise in very good condition. 

French composer (1819-1898), musicologist, and traveler. Lot of three autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows:  A. February 23, 1863, to Mr. Lefebvre, professor at the Collège de Cambrai:  "I think I have some chance this January of getting a little article published in Le Siècle on the education of attention...". B. Vendredi November 27 (no year), to the secretary of the Paris Conservatory Alfred de Beauchesne (1804-1876): "... I have to thank you for your interest in Miss Huebaut. Mr. [Pierre-Auguste] Grosset has heard her and he thinks she has a good and beautiful voice...".  C. Paris, November 12, 1880, to the Director of the Gymnasium, asking for "... two tickets in my favor for tonight's performance...". Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Original cards, signature cuts, and music quotes by different composers 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. 

Collection of 27 cards signed by different composers (most of them Americans) including Alan Hovhaness, Alan Stout, Ben Weber, Erland Koch, Francis Thorne, Quincy Porter, William Bergsma, Douglas Moore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Randall Thompson, Ogden Nash, and many others, and poet Elizabeth Bishop. Size is 5 x 3.25 inches each approximately, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Romanian-born French composer and conductor (1925-2004), pupil of Messiaen, Boulanger, and Honnegger at the Conservatoire. Nice autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris January 6, 1993, to the organist and writer Jean Leduc (1933-2012), concerning the recordings of “3 portraits” for cello and piano.  Size is 8.2 x 11.6 inches, folds, few creases, irregularly cut top border, in overall excellent condition.

Group of 22 letters and notes (some handwritten, a few typed) by contemporary composers, including: lyricist/songwriter and singer Charles Aznavour (French-Armenian, b.1924), autograph note signed on a card with his letterhead, 5.6 x 4.1 inches - Songwriter Al Kasha (American, b.1937), short typed note, signed by him, 5 x 3 inches - William Schmidt (American, 1926-2009), typed letter signed, dated in 1986, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Charles Wuorinen (American composer, b.1938), typed letter signed and dated in 1999, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Raymond Parfrey (American, 1928-2008), typed letter to a fan, signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Bernhard Heiden (German-American, 1910-2000), autograph letter signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Theldon Myers (American, b.1927), typed letter signed, to a fan, dated in 1991, one page, 6.75 x 10 inches -  Ernst Krenek (Austrian-American, 1900-1991), short autograph note signed, dated in 1980, to a fan, 6 x 4 inches - Charles Chaynes (French, 1925-2006), short autograph note signed, on a card with his letterhead, 6 x 4.25 inches - Eric Fenby (English, 1906-1997), short autograph note signed, dated in 1992, to a fan, 8.75 x 7 inches - William Schuman (American, 1910-1992), 2 typed letter signed, dated in 1979 and 1987, to a fan, each is 1 page, 7.25 x 10.5 inches - Brian Fennelly (American, 1937-2015), long typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page with a printed score on verso (see scans), 8.5 x 11 inches - Gordon Jacob (English, 1895-1984), short autograph note signed, on paper with his letterhead, dated 1979, 8 x 6 inches - William Hibbard (American, 1939-1989), autograph letter signed, dated in 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 5.75 x 7.75 inches - Irwin Bezelon (American, 1922-1995), typed letter signed, 1 page, to a fan, 7.9 x 4.9 inches - John Downey (American, 1927-2004), autograph letter signed, with a few notes at the foot, dated 1979, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Thea Musgrave (Scottish, b.1928), short typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Eskil Hemberg (Swedish, 1938-2004), typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11.6 inches - Hermann Haller (Swiss, 1914-2002), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1994, to a fan, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Arthur Wills (English, b.1926), short typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8 x 10 inches - Charles William Jones (Canadian, 1910-1997), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 7.25 x 10.6 inches. All in excellent condition - See scans in order - Not sold separately.

American composer, teacher, writer, and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. 2-bar autograph music quote on an album page from his work "El Salon México" signed by him in Rio de Janeiro, in September 1947. Size is 5.75 x 4.4 inches, in very good condition.

American composer, teacher, writer and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. Fine album page signed and inscribed by him. Size is 5.9 x 4 inches, rust stains, in very good condition.

American composer (b.1938) and winner of important awards including an Oscar for his work on movie soundtracks.  Autograph music quote signed by him in 1933, with two bars from the aria "Once there was a golden bird" from his opera "The Ghosts of Versailles".  Size is 9.5 x 12.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Uruguayan composer and pianist Cesar Cortinas (1892-1918), who died of tuberculosis at age 26. Short signed music quote, with 3 bars from his work "Printemps", dated in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1909. On top of the quote, there is a signature by an unknown artist, dated also 1909. Size is 5 x 7.5 inches, age-toning, in excellent condition. On verso, a short text quote and signature by Italian criminologist Enrico Ferri (1856-1929), dated in 1908.

Italian composer (1857-1953), a pupil of Eugenio Terziani at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome and among the founders of the Bach Society in 1903. Autograph music quote with 3 bars signed and inscribed for him with a short sentiment. Size is 6.75 x 2.5 inches, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

Italian prolific composer (1858-1933), mostly known for his songs and operettas. Nice autograph letter in Italian signed by him, dated September 7, 1880, to a colleague, about personal matters: "... I'm sure you're doing very well and you'll soon be off to some good writing. It seems to me that fortune is always favorable to me, and I hope it will not abandon me for the present. Have the greetings of [Florestano] Rossomandi, [Nicola] Cassano, [Nicola] Corsibono etc...". Size is 5.3 x 8.1 inches each page, 4 written pages, some smudges, overall rust tone, in overall very good condition.

Italian-born conductor (1808-1884) and composer who achieved success in England. 3-bar autograph music quote from a setting of Psalm 30 signed by him with a short quote. Size is 4 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

English-Italian composer (1808-1884), who was also conductor, with a very successful career in England. Autograph note signed, dated in 1876, to famous soprano Therese Tietjens. One page with his letterhead, in English. Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, some stains and folds, otherwise in very good condition.

American composer (1866-1951), member of the Metropolitan Opera Association Board of Directors. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated March 1932, to A. Toscanini, sending thanks for a thoughtful letter he received from him. Size is 5 x 6.4 inches, 2 written pages, in excellent condition.

American composer (1897-1965), music theorist, pianist, teacher and impresario.  Signed printed score for his symphony nr. 12 ( composed in 1955-1956), full orchestra, published by Associated Music Publishers, Inc., New York, 1960. A total of 84 pages plus soft covers, Cowell signed and inscribed this score over the top right corner of the front cover. Size is 6.9 x 10.5 inches, repaired cracks and spine on covers, otherwise in very good condition.  

English composer (1852-1935), conductor and pianist, who was one of the first British-born conductors to have the respect of critics, orchestral musicians, and the public. Nice autograph quote with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece on an off-white piece of paper, signed by him adding the text "with pleasure" below.  Size is 3.8 x 6.1 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

British composer, pianist, and conductor (1852-1935), known primarily for lighter orchestral pieces. Autograph note signed, 4.5 x 7 inches, mounted onto larger album page of 8 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1872-1949) mostly of light classical music, operas, and operettas. Signed postcard with music quote from the valse from Le Baiser (c. 1907), size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition

French composer (1784-1846) and conductor. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Paris, September 6, 1837, to François-Joseph Fétis (1784-1871), director of Brussels Conservatory: "... Towards the end of January last, M. Pacini published Duos, of which I have the honor to send you a copy. The welcome of Baillot and several distinguished artists determined me to have them advertised in the musical gazette. Mr. Schlesinger, whom I met by chance (for he is invisible at home), promised to send me two copies, which I had deposited in his shop...". Size is 7.6 x 9.9 inches, 1 written page in one sheet, folds, spotted rust stains, wax-sealed, in very good condition.

English-born American composer (1808-1896) and cellist, author of numerous ballads. Autograph letter in English signed by him and dated in November 16, 1882, to a certain Fred M. Steele, as follows: «...Since my last letter [I’ve] been confined to the house. Totally prostrated but though bodily prevented from work, “The Brain!” has not been idle – Have written much & composed considerable, & one of the Subjects I propose sending you, that you may find a well trained Baritone! Or Tenor Robusto for its rendition. It is not a common piece creation * I wish it was sung with Artistic effect & who so represents it to the Public, to him! Will I inscribe the composition...».  Size is 4.9 x 6.2 inches each page, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, in overall very good condition (see scans provided).

American composer (1929-2022) of avant-garde contemporary classical music. Autograph letter with the letterhead of Pennsylvania University Department of Music signed by him at the bottom addressed to his fellow composer Christopher Rouse, dated November 1976. Size is 5.5 x 8.4 inches, folds, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph (a clip from a book or magazine). Size is 3.5 x 6.1 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1929-2022), creator of avant-garde music. Autograph music quote on a card signed by him with a short sentiment and some notes from his work "Black Angels" (1970) dated by him October 7, 2005.  Size is 5.9 x 4 inches, in very good condition.

American composer (1929-2022), creator of avant-garde music. Autograph music quote, inscribed, with a bar of notes from "Music for a Summer Evening". Size is 6 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1929-2022) of avant-garde contemporary classical music. 1-bar autograph music quote from his "Echoes of Time and the River" signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment on a card. Size is 4.9 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1929-2022), creator of avant-garde music. Printed score for his work "Echoes of Time and the River" signed on the cover by him and inscribed to American composer Chris Rouse, dated September 21, 1971. Size is 15.1 x 19.25 inches, 20 pages, tape-repaired spine, otherwise in very good condition.

William George Cusins, English composer, pianist, violinist and conductor (1833-1893), was also organist and music teacher. Cusins toured extensively through Europe as a pianist and as a composer. Autograph music quote signed, dated by him in 1879, inscribed, from an unknown piece. Size is 7 x 4.5 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition

Austro-Hungarian composer (1842-1894), pianist and conductor. Autograph letter signed, one page in German, dated in 1888, sold with translation. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera Tiefland. Autograph note in German on a postcard signed by him, dated in  Berlin, 1909, to Wilhelm Barlösius in Berlin, writing that he unfortunately won’t be able to meet him. Size is 5.4 x 3.5 inches, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera Tiefland. Set of 2 Autograph letters signed by him in German and French, both dated 1915 and 1909 respectively about personal and professional stuff.  Sizes are 5.7 x 7.29 inches and 5.2 x 8.1 inches, storage hole in one of them, in overall very good condition.

French composer, pianist and teacher (1858-1936). Guy D'Hardelot was the pen name used by Helen Rhodes. A successful composer of songs, D'Hardelot toured extensively and was one of the few women who succeeded as a composer in late 19th and early 20th century. Autograph music quote signed, with 2 bars from her song "In the Great Unknown", dated in 1922. Size is 6.75 x 5.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer, pianist, and teacher (1858-1936), Guy D`Hardelot was the pen name for Helen Rhodes. Printed score for her song Wings, signed and inscribed on the front cover. Size is 9.5 x 12.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, and his works are still worldwide performed today. Fine autograph letter in French signed by him, dated October 29, 1891, discussing with a gentleman  (the La Havre theatre Director) the concert program for a concert in January 1892: “…Je dois aussi vous dire que je suis éminement pauvre quant au repertoire chanteur. J’ai bien pour [Léon] Melchissédech une machine qui lui irait parfaitement et produit toujours un certain effet de public, c’est la Chevauchée du Cid, mais c’est avec choeur mixte, obligato, obligatissimo!!!!…”. On January 17, 1892, the orchestral suite "Tableaux de Voyage" (op. 33) in 6 parts was premiered in Le Havre.  Open size is 9.1 x 7 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall very good condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, and his works are still worldwide performed today. Beautiful autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Boffres, August 31, 1917, addressed to the Belgian violinist Armand Parent (1863-1934), concerning common mistakes in the dates of Beethoven’s music works, sending him a chronology: “…D’abord, il ne faut jamais se fier, pour fixer la date d’une composition, surtout chez Beethoven, au N° d’oeuvre, mis n’importe comment par un éditeur. Ainsi pour la sonate de piano, l’op. 49 est de 1792, très antérieur à l’op. 2 qui est de 1796; de même la sonate Appassionata qui porte le N° 57, est antérieure comme composition à l’op 53, connue sous le nom de L’Aurore….”. At the end of the letter, d’Indy evokes the work he is attending to: “…Je viens de terminer ma IIIe symphonie, l’esquisse s’entend… et je commence l’instrumentation qui m’amuse énormément, mais je ne pourrai achever celle-ci cette année, ce sera pour les vacances prochaines…”. Open size is 8.8 x 7 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, some folds, few creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, and his works are still worldwide performed today. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated on December 10, 1918, to a gentleman: “…C’est bien convenu pour le 24 décembre soir, le concert avec [Jules] Boucherit pour lequel M. de Launay m’a écrit, mais j’avais compris que c’était à la salle Gaveau ?? Voulez vous m’éclairer sur ce point en même temps convenu avec Boucherit pour une répetition preâlable qui ne pourrait guère avoir lieu que le samedi 21 a 5 ½ à la Schola…”. Size is 4.4 x 7.1 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, dirt stains, restored in some parts, in overall very good condition. 

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, his works are worldwide performed today. Autograph note on his business card written in French (sold untranslated) and signed by him matted with a print of his portrait.  Total size is 11 x 6.9 inches, the card is 3.5 x 2 inches, print is 3.2 x 3.8 inches (visible window size), all in excellent condition.

French composer and teacher (1851-1931), one of the leading composers of his time in France, and his works are still worldwide performed today. Printed music score with signature and date 1928 by the French composer and music teacher. Booklet “Folk dances of the world” by Oxford University Press, 1926, that includes the piano work “Bourrée en Rondeau” signed by D'Indy.  Size is 8.3 x 11.6 inches, 2 pages, in excellent condition.

French marquis and composer (1829-1903). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1884 and 1892, as follows: One letter is addressed to the composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891) recommending the composer Maurice Emmanuel (1862-1938): “…depuis deux ans élève d’harmonie à la classe de M. Th. Dubois, M. Emmanuel ambitionne de suivre votre Cours…”. The second letter is addressed to a gentleman, concerning a performance of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” he has attended: “…je viens d’aller entendre à Lyon les délicieux Maître-Chanteurs, Bonne exécution; – les choeurs excellents, et dire que la presse de chefs d’orchestre parisiens recule devant cet ouvrage…”. Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1829-1903) and aristocrat. Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. Coraboeuf 25. A. 95. To a gentleman: “…d’ici à quelques jours, je vous écrirai quel jour vous pourrez venir à Coraboeuf avec l’artiste en question. L’ami sur lequel je comptais pour les photographies que vous désirez est dans un état de santé qui ne lui permet pas de venir…”. 1 p. In-8. B. Vendredi soir. To a baroness: “…je suis fâché que le pauvre chassé ne veuille pas de M.lle Nevada, mais je comprends qu’il tienne à une française et M.me [Jeanne] Bilbaut conviendra parfaitement au rôle. Je n’ai pas encore vu [Léon] Carvalho, mais je ne partirai pas sans lui avoir parlé…”. 2 pp. In-8. ALSO INCLUDED is a laissez-passer mounted on cardboard for two people for the dress rehearsal. Friend of François Coppée, Jules Verne and Barbey d'Aurevilly, he is the author of romances, a “Concert overture” as well as an opera, Fatma (1847), and three comic operas, Quentin Metzys (1854), La Maison du docteur (1854), and Omphale et Pénelope (1855). Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view) SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German-born American conductor (1862-1950) and composer, is best remembered today as the long-time director of the New York Symphony Orchestra.  Printed score for his ballad for baritone and men's chorus titled "Danny Deever", signed by him on the front cover.  Size is 9.25 x 12.1 inches, 12 pages (including covers), in very good condition.

Signed program clip for a performance of his opera The Man Without a Country, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1937. Clip is 6.5 x 8.75 inches, attached to an album page that is 7.9 x 10.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1817-1907) and violinist. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1893. Letters are addressed to the critic Johannes Weber (1818-1902), concerning recent mourning and to the journalist Félix Jahyer (1834-1907), thanking him for the article he wrote on his "...modeste petit livre...".  Open size is 8.2 x 5.3 inches each letter, 2 written pages in one folded sheet each letter, folds, some creases, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY

French composer (1810-1876), composed a number of operas, symphonies, and chamber music and was famous in his time. Autograph music quote signed by him, with a few bars from his Symphony in Eb Major, dated in Paris in 1870, inscribed, size is 9.25 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition

French composer (1790-1853) and dramatist, author of hit songs including "Le Pardon" and "Dormez" and the famous Leçon de valse du petit François (1834) sung in cabarets for over a century and two opéras. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, February 7, 1878, addressed to the director of the Théâtre de l'Odéon Félix Duquesnel (1832-1915), concerning the pupil Firmin Delille: "...ancien élève de [Pierre-François] Beauvallet, désire obtenir une audition à l'Odéon...". At the fourth page, autograph note by Delille concerning de Beauplan.  Open size is 10.6 x 8.3 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, letterhead from "Ministère de L'Instruction", folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall good condition.

French composer (1790-1853) and dramatist, author of hit songs including "Le Pardon" and "Dormez" and the famous Leçon de valse du petit François (1834) sung in cabarets for over a century and two opéras. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1835, where he addresses two gentlemen, concerning an invitation to dinner and a discussion on some property rights over a house in Romainville. Open size is 10.8 x 8.2 inches each one, two written pages and one written page, folds, creases, some missing corners, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Belgian violinist and composer (1802-1870), creator of a great amount of violin music, including 10 popular concertos. Fine collection of 5 autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date indicated (but circa 1866). Letters are addressed to a friend and mainly concern upcoming concerts, music lessons arrangements and other matters. We report an extract as a sample: “…Je suis venu vous rendre visite pour vous demander si vous seriez assez aimable pour me prêter votre précieux concours à la soirée que je compte donner chez Erard le 9 Avril prochain? (…) je vous serais obligé de me donner les titres des morceaux que vous désirez chanter…”.   Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Belgian pianist and composer (1833-1914), son of the celebrated Belgian violinist Charles De Beirot (1802-1870). Front cover only of the printed score for his Piano Concerto #4 signed and inscribed by the composer with a short sentiment. Size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, some cracks, stains, in overall good condition.