Singers - Autograph Manuscripts ($50 - $100)

Italian soprano (1904-1998). Autograph letter signed written to La Scala administration, dated in 1963. Written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Finnish soprano (1876-1944); who was considered the most renowned Finnish female singer at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated February 20, 1908, where she shares her plans of getting a contract since Giulio Gatti-Casazza will take over the Metropolitan management soon and other professional plans. Size is 5.6 x 7 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

Star Canadian soprano (1847-1930), and one of the leading singers of the late 19th-early 20th century. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, addressed to the Italian soprano Giacinta Toso (1807-1889), arranging an appointment. Size is 3.9 x 5.9 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in very good condition.

Star Canadian soprano (1847-1930), one of the leading singers of the late 19th-early 20th centuries.  Autograph letter signed, 4 pages, dated in London in 1908, written in English. ALSO INCLUDED: signed publicity photograph on third page of this document with brief musical quote, also dated in 1908. Size of each page is 5 x 6.25 inches, small tear on last 2 pages not affecting image or text. Otherwise in very good condition, not sold separately.   

Star Canadian soprano (1847-1930), and one of the leading singers of the late 19th-early 20th centuries. Autograph letter signed, embossed, 3 pages, dated in London in 1912, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 3.75 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1899-?). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her and dated in The Hague, 1932, addressed to a certain conductor. Size is 8.4 x 10.8 inches, three pages in total (including copies of letters sent to her to which she replays), central fold, small crack over the right border, storage holes, in very good condition.

Italian soprano (1825-1898). Autograph letter signed, undated one page. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian soprano (1827-1898). Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, one of them dated in Genoa 1855 to the impresario Guffanti discussing fees; and the other dated in Florence, 1871, addressed to Tartaglione, commenting about the operas she would love to sing in future engagements. Both letters are 3 written pages long, different sizes, some loss of paper, rust stains, in overall good condition (see scans provided for details). ALSO INCLUDED is a receipt signed by her, dated in Verona, 1856, for Austrian £7000. Size is 4.3 x 7.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano/contralto (1826-1894), also known as Marietta Alboni-Pepoli. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, no year. Size is 4.4 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Widely celebrated American contralto Marian Anderson (1897-1993), the first black person, American or otherwise, to perform at the at the Metropolitan Opera and an inspiration to many future African American performers. Signed album page with 1 bar of music from J.S. Bach, dated in 1937.  Also included: verso page contains 4 signatures and accompanying musical quotes by all 4 members of the Aguilar Quartet, a famous Spanish Lute quartet that performed on tour in the 1920s and 30s, dated in 1938. Size is 5.75 x 7.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

American contralto (1897-1993), highly celebrated in her time, and the first black person, American or otherwise, to perform at the Metropolitan Opera and an inspiration to many future African American performers.  Fine card signed by her. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1876-1929), who became famous throughout Europe during the first decade of the 20th century for his stylish performances of lyric roles. Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated both in 1902. Both of them addressed to the impresario Franco Fano about his performance in Giordano's "Fedora"; the other about the recovery of his wife's illness and other professional matters. Sizes are 4.9 x 7.8 inches and 4.3 x 7 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet each, folds, creases, in very good condition.

American soprano (1886-1950). Autograph letter signed by her. Size is 5.5 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition.

Italian baritone (1876-1937), autograph letter signed, written at the Strand Palace Hotel, London, dated in 1931, 4 pages, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5 x 8 pages, in excellent condition. 

Italian bass (1849-1922) and brother of bass Leopoldo. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Florence, 1875, addressed to the impresario Ardavani about some real state contracts in Lisbon (Portugal). Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, folds, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a lithograph of him. Size is 11.7 x 17 inches, folds, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano (1920-2003), very famous in 1940s- 1960s for Italian opera repertoire, especially Verdi. Lot of 3 typed letters signed written to La Scala impresario Antonio Ghiringhelli. All in Italian, sold untranslated. 1 letter typed in 1947, the other 2 in 1950. Of various lengths, all are in excellent condition. Sold only as lot. 

American tenor, actor, and comedian (1833-1917), performed in musicals and related entertainment. Signed album page, dated in 1886. 7.5 x 11-inch page with tears on the left side, but otherwise in very good condition.

Maltese tenor of German origin (1873-1926), one of the most important heldentenors of the early twentieth century.  Large signed album page with attached photograph, shown as himself, dated in Munich in 1914. This item includes a 3.25 x 4.75 inch photo postcard mounted onto soft cardboard, total item size is 8 x 10.5 inches, slight silvering on top left of photo, otherwise in excellent condition.  

Italian tenor (1872-1949) who debuted in 1897 in Marchetti's opera Ruy Blas, and retired from stage in the late 1920s. Letter addressed to Pietro Mascagni written by a different hand but signed by Bassi dated in Florence, 1909, where he mentions an invitation to sing in a concert. Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, 2 written pages, in overall very good condition.

Famous Italian bass and later baritone (1922-1967), world acclaimed, who died young.  Autograph letter signed, 1 page in English, written on the stationary of the Essex House, New York, dated in 1965. Size is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, several folds, in 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 bass (1822-1872), who performed in many world premieres including the 1854 premiere of Meyerbeer's L'Etoile du Nord. Autograph note signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, vintage historic item in excellent condition. 

Italian baritone (1856-1928), known as the King of baritones in his time. Autograph letter signed, dated in Rome in 1887, signed as "Battistini", 3 pages in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8.5 inches, in very good condition.  

German soprano/mezzo-soprano (1849-1926). Autograph note signed, written at Covent Garden in London, dated in 1909. 1 page of 4.5 x 7 inches mounted onto 8 x 11 inch drafting paper, written in English. Tear on the bottom left of the mounted background paper, well outside of the area of the manuscript, otherwise in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano (1864-1950), creator of the role of Santuzza in the world premiere of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and the title role in Giordano's Fedora. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her (pencil marks indicate the year 1923). Size is 5.8 x 6.3 inches, 2 written pages in 1 sheet (front and back), in excellent condition.

French baritone and teacher (1879-1979). Autograph letter signed, dated in 1933. 2 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

French singer (1899-1979), who worked in close artistic association with Francis Poulenc. Autograph note in French signed by him, no date, as follows: "For Lyda – my very 'aristocratic' friendship (Jean Pierre) – and all my admiration for the impeccable musician.". Size is 4.4 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, tape residues over the right border, otherwise in very good condition.

French tenor (1830-1888), creator of roles in operas by Offenbach and Bazin. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated February 8, 1866, where he addressses a gentleman: “…Mon pauvre troubadour perd patience, donnez lui une bonne nouvelle vous le rendrez bien heureux…”.  Size is 4.1 x 5.2 inches, 1 written page, in overall very good condition.

German baritone (1828-1905), who sang in many theaters in German and was the father of Theodor Bertram who was also a baritone and developed an international career. Autograph text quote in German, signed by him in 1866 when Bertram was singing in Wiesbaden (where he stayed from 1862 through 1866), Germany. Sold untranslated. Size is 10.25 x 6.75 inches, with a fold, otherwise 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 letter signed, 3 pages, dated in 1886, written in English. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, small marks on sides of photo, otherwise in excellent condition. Also included: unsigned half-tone photo shown in role. 

English soprano (1810-1884), sang in many countries on every continent and was the most widely traveled singer of the 19th century.  Autograph letter signed, dated in 1859. 2 pages of 4 page folded document, size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

American baritone (1857-1921) and American contralto (1871-1947). Fine card signed and dated by the baritone on February 6th, 1901, attached to an album page.  Total size is 6.75 x 9.8 inches, in excellent condition. ON VERSO there is a signature cut with a short sentiment by the celebrated contralto, dated in 1907, attached to a half-tone photograph of her.  

American baritone (1857-1921); Austro-Hungarian conductor (1843-1916). Album page signed by the baritone adding a written quote from Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg", dated in Birmingham, 1897; and also signed by the famous conductor who dated his signature in 1891. Size is 5 x 6.25 inches, in very good condition.

American baritone (1857-1921). Signed card, dated in 1907. Very clear handwriting and signature. Size is 4.1 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Scottish baritone (1859-1920), primarily known for his performances in oratorios and other works from the concert repertoire. Autograph note signed, 1 page written in English on personal letterhead with half-tone image of the singer. Size is 4.75 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Belgian baritone (1845-1891). Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. “Basel, December 2, 1888. To a gentleman: “…je chanterai donc à votre concert 1° Philippe d’Artevelde. Aug. Gevaert. La partition et parties d’orchestre je ne puis vous les envoyer, j’en ai besoin encore. Je chante cette scène aujourd’hui à Bâle et le 4e à Zurich et le 5e à Winterthur, l’accompagnement est des plus facile…”.  B. “Brussels, October 12, 1890. To a gentleman: “…Je viens d’écrire à l’instant à votre frère à Mayence, pour chanter dans un de ses concerts cet hiver, car je compte faire une tournée artistique en Allemagne, ne trouverez vous pas l’occasione de me faire chanter dans une de vos soirées également…”  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian soprano (1854-1920), daughter of famous baritone Felice Varesi, she later opened a singing school in Chicago following her retirement from the stage.  Autograph note signed, 1 page written in English, dated in Chicago in 1894.  Size is 8 x 11 inches, small tear on top left outside area of handwriting and signature, otherwise in excellent condition. 

German baritone and teacher (1892-1958), known for singing at the Munich Opera, the Berlin Staatsoper, and the Bayreuth Festival. Signed album page, dated in 1931, in excellent condition.

English baritone, autographed musical quote written on a 4.5 x 7 inch sheet with several bars from the "Taming of the Shrew", signed by him in London, dated in 1884, small creases and bends, otherwise in excellent condition. Rare vintage item!

American baritone (1887-1980), signed album page, dated in 1933. Inscribed with short sentiment, bold handwriting and signature. Size is 9 x 11.75 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian soprano. Fine set of 2 autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, one of them dated 1906, and addressed to her impresario about dates and performances. Each one's size is 4.25 x 7 inches, 2 written pages long each one in one sheet, in very good condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1855-1901). Autograph letter signed, 2 pages folded document written on both pages, written in Milan in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1855-1901). Autograph letter signed by her, written in French (sold untranslated). Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, 3 written pages in one sheet, in excellent 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.

Prominent Italian tenor and singing teacher, usually known only as "Marco Bordogni" (1789-1856), who performed in several operas by Rossini. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated, addressed to the director of the Theatre de la Renaissance Anténor Joly (1799-1852) about professional matters.  Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 1 page, creases, folds, some smudges over ink, in overall good condition.

Italian soprano (1860-1924). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, no year indicated, addressed to Franco Fano where she recommends her daughter and informs about her success at the Budapest opera to keep her in mind for future engagements. Size is 5 x 7.9 inches, 4 written pages, folds, in very good condition.

Italian tenor ((1871-1950), creator of the role of Andrea Chenier in Giordano's opera. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Bologna, 1913, asking for a place in the Loreto chapel choir at the Basilica della Santa Casa for his brother. Size is 4.4 x 6.8 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and verso), folds, creases, in very good condition.

Italian mezzo-soprano (1857-?). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, dated 1894, while touring in Russia, addressed to Franco Fano about her debut as Carmen in Russia, the payment she received, and other professional issues. Size is 4.4 x 7 inches, 4 written pages, in very good condition.