Composer Autograph Manuscripts

French composer (1909-9166), trumpeter, and member of Raymond Legrand's School, teacher of Maurice André and Pierre Thibaud. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, May 28, 1959, to a gentleman: “…Déjà le 25ème anniversaire de nos premiers enregistrements avec [Yvonne] Curti…”. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 2 written pages, some creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer of German origins (1856-1930). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, June 8, 1915, to the poet Guy de Montgaillard, thanking him for the material he sent: “…que j’ai déjà parcouru et que je me propose d’approfondir davantage ces jours prochains au point de vue musical. Si, comme je l’espère, j’y trouve matière à mélodies, voire même suite de mélodies à recueil, je me mettrais en rapport avec vous…”. Size is 5.4 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, creases, some rust and dirt stains, 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. Interesting autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1950, to Roger Commault, concerning Richard Strauss: “…Lié depuis ma jeunesse avec Richard Strauss, ainsi que vous le verrez par les “Souvenirs” que je viens de lui consacrer dans la Revue de deux mondes du 1er janvier 1950, j’aurais besoin, pour un travail qui m’est demandé, de savoir ce qui est enregistré actuellement de son oeuvre considérable…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 page, tape residues over the left borders, creases and folds, 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.

French composer (1882-1955), organist and conductor, pupil of Charles Lenepveu. Fine set of 9 interesting autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated between 1931 and 1953. Letters are addressed to the librettist Albert Willemetz (1887-1964) concerning informal meetings and music matters. We report two extracts as a sample: “…Je serais par [Jacques] Ibert que vas terminer “Les petit Cardinal” et si je ne m’apprête à applaudir…” ; “…Phi Phi est un ouvrage présente de la vieillesse par l’essence la “parisine”…”.   One letter is addressed to Paul Hillemacher’s wife on the occasion of the composer’s death: “…Ce parfait artiste, ce grand honnête homme laissera dans votre coeur brisé, dans la mémoire de tous les musiciens le souvenir inaltérable de sa très haute conscience…”. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions, in very good condition or better. 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.

Italian composer (1836-1883) and author of the comic opera Carmosina (1853). Autograph letter signed by him and dated 1879 on a regular postcard, addressed to Goffredo Cammarano informing the reason for not replying sooner to the addressee. Size is 3.2 x 5.4 inches approx., rust stains, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1866-1925) and pianist, a highly influential artist in music during the last part of the 19th and early 20th century. Autograph note signed by him, in French, undated but postmarked on verso in 1917. Satie writes to famous French artist and writer Valentine Gross (1887-1968), later named Valentine Hugo, who was a long time friend of him. Satie regrets not having been able to meet her and inquiring about her health. One folded sheet, total size (open) is 4.75 x 7,6 inches, some loss of paper on the upper left and lower left corners, otherwise in excellent condition. Very rare! ALSO INCLUDED is a nice photo postcard of the composer, 3.4 x 5.4 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1901-1989). Lot of 4 autograph documents signed by him: two autograph letters and two signed and inscribed cards with short sentiments.  A. 9.12.1950. To a gentleman, concerning his “Chanson de l’oiseleur”: “…nous verrons à l’effet qu’on m’a produit ‘l’oiseleur’ sur ceux auxquels vous le destinez…”. 1 p. In-4. B. Paris, 5.11.65. To the writer Philippe Erlanger, concerning a book he sent him on Louis XIV: “…je vais vous retrouver en Louis XIV. Je sais que vous m’y plairez fort, car j’ai ouï-dire que votre livre est un chef-d’oeuvre…”. He then adds that he won’t be present at: “…la réunion du Conseil d’Administration de l’A.F.A.A. du 9…”. 2 pp. In-4.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

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.

French violinist and composer (1852-1920), Sauret composed over 1000 violin pieces, including a cadenza for Paganini's first violin concerto. Autograph music quote signed and dated in London in 1899 with 3 bars of music from an unknown piece. Size is 5.6 x 4.1 inches, central fold, in very good condition.

French composer (1814-1881) and teacher, being Massenet one of his pupils. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, October 22, 1891, to the composer and music critic Henri Woollett (1864-1936): “…Je pars pour Angers où je suis appelé afin de diriger les répetitions et l’execution d’une symphonie de moi aux concerts populaires…”. The Symphony of Augustin Savard (son), will be created in its entirety during the 402 ° popular concert (the 9th of the 15th season) of the Artistic Association of Angers under the direction of Paul Frémaux. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 1 written page, some crayon markings, folds, creases, in overall very good 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.

German pianist (1850-1924), composer, and teacher. Autograph letter in German (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated in Berlin, 1906, about musical issues.  Size is 5 x 7.25 inches, 3 written pages, mounting traces on verso, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a 4-bar autograph music quote from one of his works boldly signed by him and mounted on hard cardboard. Size is 3.8 x 6.1 inches, tape stains over the top, in overall very good condition.

German conductor, composer and theater director (1868-1933), he was the chief conductor at the Berlin State Opera, from 1919 to 1925. Autograph note signed, dated in Munich in 1902, written in German with transcription and translation. Size is 5 x 7.9 inches, one page, 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.

German composer (1874-1853). Regular postcard signed by him with a short sentiment dated 1939. Size is 5.75 x 4.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1870-1958), part of the group "Les Apaches", including Maurice Ravel, Ricardo Viñes, and Michel-Dimitri Calvocoressi. Beautiful autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 18, no year, where he points to its correspondent  about the scores of a  series of songs: “…Si pour une raison ou une autre cela ne vous parvenait pas, peut-être serait-il bon que vous demandiez à M. Ledoux de passer avant son départ chez Philippo…et de lui demander les matériels… au vas où vous ne les auriez pas avec vous – des 3 Petites Filles ou Fleurs décloses…”.  Size is 8.2 x 9.5 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, creases, dirt and rust stains, in overall 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 conductor (1835-1916), composer, and musicologist. Autograph note in German (untranslated) signed by him, dated January 31, 1884, where he addresses the musicologist Max Friedlaender (1852-1934), concerning the poet Wilhelm Müller (1794-1827), whose poems were often set to music by Franz Schubert in his Lieder. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, fold, creases, in overall very 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), and also conductor and teacher; primarily known as a composer of operas and created at least nine of them plus some other orchestral works. Gorgeous autograph music quote on an album page with 3 bars from the "love motive" from Act III of Schreker´s opera Der Schatzgräber, premiered in Frankfurt on Jan 21st, 1920. Signed by him, dated in Vienna, 1920. Size is 4.5 x 7.2 inches, in excellent condition.

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.

German composer (1911-2002), whose career focused mostly on film music and songs, is best remembered for his song "Lili Marleen" based on a 1915 poem by Hans Leip. Beautiful music quote on a page with 12 bars from his song "Lili Marleen" (1938) signed by him. Size is 8.2 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a promo photograph by Columbia Records of the German singer Lale Andersen (1905-1992) signed by her -who was the first to record this song in 1939; and a clip from a program signed by the German poet Hans Leip (the author of the lyrics).  Photo is 3.7 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition; clip is 3.75 x 6 inches, 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.

German composer (1810-1856), pianist, and influential music critic; widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Short autograph note in German (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated in Leipzig, August 8, 1839. Size is 8.4 x 5.2 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of the composer (probably a clip from a magazine or book). Size is 3.7 x 4.3 inches, 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.

Russian composer (1872-1915) and virtuoso pianist. Front cover (ONLY) of the printed score of his work "12 Etudes for Piano" signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment in French.  Size is 10.6 x 13.3 inches, front cover only (not complete score), repaired borders and corners, some stains over the upper-left border not affecting signature, in overall very good condition. Inscribed by Scriabin to Princess de Brancovan (1847-1923), a prominent figure in Parisian society, her house was a gathering place for music and poetry artists. Ralouka or Rachel de Brancovan was a talented pianist herself, Ignaz Paderewski dedicated to her his Polish Fantasy Op. 19 and other piano works. ALSO INCLUDED is a half-tone modern print photograph of the composer. Size is 4.9 x 6.9 inches

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.

French composer (1846-1904), best known for his operettas. Set of two autograph letters signed by the French composer, as follows: A. Paris, February 6 (no year), to a gentleman: "... I have just read the Italian translation you made of my V.... You have given to my work what it lacked, that is to say, charming words...". Size is 4.9 x 7.9 inches, 1 page, overall age-toning, in excellent condition. B. Paris, September 23, 1880, to a gentleman: "I saw M. Vauthiers at Dieppe and spoke to him about your monologue. He didn't seem willing to do it...". Size is 4.1 x 6.3 inches, 1 page, with blue crayon marks over the upper-left corner, otherwise in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian pianist (1841-1914) and composer, his output includes mostly piano music. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 7.1 inches, central fold, in very good condition. Also included is a handwritten envelope that comes with this letter.

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.

Russian composer (1906-1975) and pianist, regarded throughout his life as a major composer. Typed letter in Russian (sold with a 1 page English translation) signed by Shostakovich, to A.M. Goltsman, Director of the Soviet Composer Publishing House regarding a proposed publication. Size is 7.75 x 9.75 inches, 2 pages, in excellent condition.

Cambodian ruler (1922-2012), who was twice the King of Cambodia (1941-1955 and again 1993-2005), also ruled his country 1955-1970. Sihanouk was also a composer and created nearly 50 pieces between the late 1940s and early 1970s. Autograph music quote signed on a card with printed staves, with several bars from "Suite Cambodgienne", indicated "Tempo di Vals", inscribed and dated by him in 1964. Size is 4.75 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition.