Composer Autograph Manuscripts ($100 - $250)

German composer (1840-1916) and music teacher, also a founder of Nature protection movement. Autograph letter in German signed by him, dated in Berlin, 1896, to the Italian composer Giovanni Tebaldini:  Partial translation: “…Today I come to you with a request. Yesterday, in the Senate of the Academy - of which I am a member - a letter addressed to the Prussian Ministry of Culture from Professor Angelo Balladoni in Lodi was presented, who is entitled to work on Italian music, which he intends to write, from the Minister - i.e. he is requesting the Academy to answer a number of questions. Before doing anything else, I would like to ask you, on behalf of my college, if you know the identity of Mr. Balladoni, if he is an important Scholar, if he is supported by the Italian Government, if he is personally reliable. Hopefully, you can give us some information! (…) Have you received the Gloria from Lotti? The Copist of the college has already copied it to you one summer, and to your credit, since you asked me to have it copied to you on account of the Church of San Antonio…”.  Size is 5.5 x 8.6 inches each page, 4 written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1847-1916) and music critic who won the Prix de Rome for composition in 1872. Set of 2 autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. Paris, April 15, 1891, to a colleague, sending his best regards after a meeting. Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.B. Paris, June 22, 1897, to a gentleman, making arrangements for a meeting at Gil Blas. Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 1 page, letterhead, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1847-1916) and music critic, winner of Prix de Rome for composition in 1872. Fine set of two autograph notes in French signed by him, one of them dated 1890. Letters concern upcoming engagements and meetings. Open size is 9.1 x 7.1 inches each, creases, dirt stains, in very good condition.

Italian composer of opera (1816-1887) and classical music, and a theatre director.  Autograph bifold letter signed by him with his letterhead on page 1, written in Italian (sold untranslated), no year.  Each page's size is 5.6 x 9 inches, 4 pages, small loss of paper over the upper border, spotted rust, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1877-1967) and writer on music. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. May 23, 1943, to the music critict Bernard Gavoty (1908-1981): “…Je vous remercie de m’avoir envoyé votre si vivante évocation de l’artiste d’élite que fut Louis Vierne….”. 2 pp. In-16. B. January 3, 1952, to Roger Commault, thanking him for having sent his “…discographie de Mahler (…) ne m’oubliez pas quand vous publierez celles de Strauss et de Wagner…”. 1 p. In-8 obl. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Swedish composer (1942-2019) of operas, oratorios, ballets, and choral works, as well as orchestral works. Printed score for his work "Through and Through" (1972) signed and inscribed by him on the first title page, Size is 13 x 19.75 inches, 57 pages, soft covers, some creases and marks on the front cover, the rest in excellent condition.

French composer (1901-1989) whose real name was Henri-Pierre Poupard.  Short autograph music quote with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed and dated by him in New York, 1953.  Size is 3.5 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (b.1946), whose career focused on vocal music. Autograph music quote with 3 bars from "Orpheus Descending" -his 2-act opera, signed and inscribed by the composer with a long sentiment, dated in Chicago, 1994. Size is 6.1 x 4.2 inches, minor marks on verso, in very good condition.

German composer and teacher (1847-1917), and older brother of Xaver Scharwenka.  Autograph note written in German (sold untranslated) on a postcard, boldly signed by the composer and dated by him in 1909.  Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and teacher (1847-1917), and older brother of Xaver Scharwenka. 4-bar autograph music quote from an Allegro Patetico signed by him and dated in Bremen may 25, 1900.  Size is 4.75 x  3.5 inches, in very good condition.

Norwegian composer (1859-1933), known especially for his operas. Autograph letter in German on the verso of a photograph of him shown at work on his desk, to a gentleman adding a 3-bar music quote from one of his works. Size is 4.5 x 3.4 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1870-1958). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date specified, to a lady: “…je n’ai pas pensé, quand j’ai eu le plaisir de vous rencontrer chez Mme Simon, à vous parler de deux livres de valuer différent mais respectivement réelle: L’enfant inquiet, d’André Obey - et  Âmes héroïques de Louis Veuillet…”.  Open size is 8 x 5.1 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds and creases, dirt and rust stains, in overall good condition.

German composer of Jewish origin (1900-1956), also a pianist, conductor, and music critic. Autograph letter about the music business signed by Schonberg and addressed to conductor David Randolph, dated in 1955. Size is 5.2 x 6.4 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of a typed page with some reviews of Jakob Schonberg's music. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Austrian composer (1878-1934), conductor, teacher, and administrator. His signature on a card dated in Berlin, September 1931, matted with a small ovalized half-tone photograph of him.  Total size is 7.8 x 9.7 inches, signature card is 4.8 x 2.2 inches (visible window size), ovalized photograph is 2.4 x 3.2 inches, all in excellent condition.

German composer (1910-1972) of light music, creator of operettas, folks songs, and music for films.  Autograph music quote on a sheet of paper with his letterhead with five bars from one of his songs, signed by him. Size is 8.25 x 11.7 inches, pencil markings on verso, in excellent condition.

American composer (1925-2015), performer, conductor and teacher, noted for his works in both jazz and classical music. Gorgeous 8-bar autograph music quote from the pastorale from his Klee Studies signed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 8.7 x 3.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1925-2015), performer, conductor and teacher, noted for his works in both jazz and classical music. Autograph music quote with three bars from his String Quartet No.1, matted together with a half-tone photo of him. Total size of 14 x 11 inches (music quote is 6 x 3.3 inches), visible window size, minor crease on mat, otherwise all in excellent condition.

American composer (1910-1992), and Arts Administrator.  Autograph music quote with few notes and his letterhead, signed and dated by him in New York, 1982.   Size is 7.2 x 10.4 inches, folds, in excellent condition.

American composer (b.1943), educator, and member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 2002. Signed score for his wind ensemble "And the Mountains Rising Nowhere" (1977) signed by him as "Joe" on the first title page with a long sentiment. Size is 12.1 x 17.5 inches, 24 pages, some stains on the cover, in overall excellent condition.

Hungarian-born American songwriter (1878-1956). 4-bar autograph music quote from his song "Chinatown" (1910) signed by him on a music sheet. Size is 9 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer and long-serving officer of the College of Arms in London (1847-1918). His work was mostly for voice, he aimed primarily at amateur performers and his music was very popular. Autograph music quote signed, with 4 bars of music, dated in 1899, with letterhead of the College of Arms, London. Size is 7.25 x 5.25 inches, mounted traces on corners, some folds, otherwise in very good condition.

Hungarian conductor (1850-1898) who assisted Wagner with the Ring and the first Bayreuth Festival in 1876. He later conducted at the Met Opera and the New York Philharmonic between 1891 and 1898. Nice autograph music quote, signed and dated in New York in 1894, matted with a niche photo postcard of him, ready to frame if desired. Autograph is 4.25 x 3 inches (visible window size), total mat size is 9.75 x 15.25 inches, in excellent condition.  Click on thumbnail to see a larger image

French composer (1824-1888), and timpanist in the Paris Opera Orchestra. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated July 14, no year. One letter is addressed to the dramatist Édouard Cadol (1831-1898), concerning his health and theater rumors. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer of operettas (1846-1904), autograph note signed, written at the Savoy Hotel in London, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian composer and pianist (b.1932). Beautiful half-tone photograph on photograph paper signed by the composer with 3 bars of music from an unknown piece, dated in 1999.  Size is 4 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Dutch composer and organist ((1827-1909), a pupil of Friedrich Kalkbrenner et Fromental Halévy. Fine autograph letter signed by him, dated 22/4 1857, to the German pianist Alfred Dörffell (1821-1905), concerning a Sonata he is composing and about Mendelssohn and Händel music supporters of the time. Each page's size is 4.2 x 6.8 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, overall rust tone, folds, few creases; in very good condition. Handwritten translation from German to Italian in a separate sheet is ALSO INCLUDED.

French composer (1881-1970), mother of the composer Louise Marie Simon (also known as Claude Arrieu 1903-1990). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated February 24 (no year), to a gentleman: “…je viens vous soumettre deux oeuvres qui ont été jouées en 1ère audition aux concerts Colonne avec l’espoir que l’une d’elle vous plaira et que peut-être vous la ferez figurer à l’une de vos remarquables concerts. Nos amis Monsieur et Madame J. Ibert et Monsier et Madame Grévrir-Bériza doivent déjeuner chez mois ces jours-ci, vous me ferez une très grand plaisir en vous joignant…”.  Size is 5.3 x 7.2 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, monogram at the top, central fold, creases, in overall very good condition.

Famous Italian violinist and composer (1857-1928), mostly known for his chamber music. Simonetti´s career developed mostly in England and Ireland.  Autograph album page with a handwritten music quote signed by him, 2 bars of music annotated "madrigale", from his Madrigale for violin and piano (1901), dated in 1905. Size is 4.25 x 3.4 inches, some rust stains, in very good condition.   Watch this piece here:

Italian composer (1868-1944), autograph music quote signed, inscribed and dated in London in 1934. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, small folds and mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.

Russian composer (1932-2020), and also pianist and musicologist.  Autograph music quote with 8 bars of music from his work "Mary Stuart" (1978), signed by him.  Size is 5.25 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-American composer (1894-1995) and also pianist and conductor.  Autograph music quote mounted on an orange-colored card, with 3 bars of music from his work "Modinha russo-brasileira", signed and dated by him in Los Angeles, 1976.  Size is 6 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1776-1867), who was also conductor, violinist, organist and teacher, some of his church music became very well-known. Autograph letter signed, in English, two pages, each one is 4.4 x 7 inches, has folds and minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

American composer (1854-1932) and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. Fine postcard with his image, signed by him in pencil. Size is 5.6 x 3.7 inches, minor damages on all four corners, ink writing by another hand, in overall very good condition.

Polish composer (1805-1880) and pianist to whom Schubert dedicated the song "An die Musik". Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated June 20, 1859, where he addresses a gentleman: “…Dites-moi s’il y aura quelque chose dans l’Orphéon, je n’entends plus parler de votre aimable intention de faire un article sur mes deux ouvrages (…) Dans le cas ou votre article passerait pendant mon absence envoyer-le moi à Néris Hotel du Moulin (Allier). À mon retour j’irai vous voir et nous boirons à la santé de braves musiciens slaves…”.  Open size is 8.1 x 5.3 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds and creases, dirt and rust stains, in good condition.

American composer (1874-1948), creator of music ranging from religious songs to music for movies. Signed score of his most famous song "On the road to Mandalay", on words by Rudyard Kipling, inscribed and dated in 1931. Full printed score of the song, 12 pages in total including covers, 9.25 x 12 inches, some damage on the top right corner, otherwise in fine condition.

German composer (1817-1905) and pianist, creator of over 400 works for piano, and also symphonic and other orchestral works. Gorgeous autograph music quote with 5 bars from an unknown work signed and dated by the composer in 1892(?).  Size is 7.1 x 4.4 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

British cellist (1871-1963), composer, and music professor. Autograph music quote signed by him on a small album page with 3 bars from "In An Old-Fashioned Town" -one of his songs (1914).  Size is 5.7 x 3.5 inches, cut corners, in excellent condition.

French composer (1859-1930). Fine cabinet photo by photographer Cautin & Berger (Paris) signed by the composer. Size is 5.25 x 7.3 inches, in very good condition.

French-born Argentine composer (1881-1934).  Nice postcard with 4 bars of music from an unknown work, signed and dated by him in 1904.  Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, age-toning, in very good condition.

Polish-born Italian composer (1873-1941). Autograph music quote on a black-and-white photograph of the composer mounted over a slightly larger piece of soft cardboard with 5 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed by the composer and by the photographer Venturini, Rome (in white ink). Total size is 4.7 x 6.4 inches, photo size is 4 x 5.8 inches, silvering on borders, otherwise in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1870-1954), who also created many songs and film scores. Autograph letter signed to the French music publisher Salabert, discussing business, two pages written in French, dated in 1938 (sold untranslated). Each page is 7.4 x 10.5 inches, some toning at bottom and top, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1826-1888), called "The Strauss of Paris" -unrelated to Vienna's Strauss family. Autograph letter signed by him, written in French (sold untranslated). Size is 5.3 x 8.3 inches, 2 pages in both sides of a sheet, minor stains, folds, in very good condition.

American composer (1884-1958), who was also a painter and writer. Strickland published almost 400 works, mostly songs. Autograph music quote, from a song called Dreamin’ Time (1923), for contralto and orchestra, showing 6 bars of the piece. Size is 9.1 x 4.8 inches, two folds, in excellent condition.

English composer (1862-1928) of Edwardian musical comedy, best known for the hit show "Florodora" and many popular songs. 4-bar autograph music quote signed and inscribed by him, dated March 14th, 1883, from his operetta "The School Girl" (1903). Size is 6.2 x 7.8 inches, 1 pages, in excellent condition.

Slovak composer (1908-1993); considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. 4-bar autograph music quote signed and inscribed, dated July 28, 1951, mounted on dark green cardboard. Total Size is 3 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.