Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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.

French composer (1878-1952). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date [probably June 1927], where he addresses the writer and composer Marcel Diamant-Berger (1893-1990): “…On pourrait mettre en musique Azilal nous en parlerons si vous le voulez un peu plus tard : vous l’avez écris musicalement c’est très très bien…”.  Size is 8.4 x 11.7 inches, colored paper with watermark drawing, signs of folding, creases, printed letterhead, in overall very good condition.

Czech composer (1824-1884), considered by some the father of Czech music, Smetana is today best remembered for his highly popular opera The Bartered Bride and his symphonic cycle Ma Vlast (My Homeland). Large signature on a piece of paper (signature cut), from a document or letter, matted with an original cabinet photograph of the composer to a total size of 10 x 15 inches, signature is 4.9 x 1.7 inches (opening size, actual item is a bit larger). There is 2nd signature by Smetana on verso, but quite smaller (not shown). Mounted on the mat is also an original cabinet photo by J. Mulac, Prague, size is 4.3 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition, mounted with photo corners and easy to remove if desired. Autographs of Smetana are extremely rare.

British composer and writer (1917-2003). Autograph note in English signed by him as “Reg. S. Brindle”, dated 1964, to his correspondent sending “...another title-page for Creations Epic (1964 ca.) to substitute the one which arrived spoiled...”. Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1877-1949), and also teacher and conductor. Typed letter with the letterhead of the School of Music at Yale University signed by the composer as the School's dean, dated in New Haven, 1924.  Size is 8.3 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

American composer and lyricist (1930-2021), known for his contributions to musical theater. Full program for a performance of his musical "Side by Side", The Music Box, April 1977, New York. Boldly signed by Sondheim over the title in the cast page, plus 4 other signatures of the cast (Julie N. McKenzie, Ned Sherrin, Millicent Martin, David Kernan). Size is 5.5 x 8.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer and lyricist (1930-2021), known for his contributions to musical theater. Wonderful full program for a performance of the musical "A Little Night Music", 1973, Sam S. Shubert Theater, New York. Signed on the cast page by Stephen Sondheim over the top left corner, plus 10 artists of the cast - 11 signatures in total. Size is 5.5 x 8.9 inches, full program with all pages and covers, in very good condition.  

German conductor (1899-1974), composer and author of Non-Fiction books.  Autograph letter signed by him and dated in 1969, written in German (sold untranslated), responding to a typed letter addressed to him on verso.  Size is 7 x 10.6 inches, 1 page, folds, in very good condition.

American composer (1854-1932) and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. Card signed by him containing a brief musical quote, bold handwriting and signature, and dated in Cleveland in 1896. Sold together with a fine photo postcard of him, size is 3.5 x 5 inches.  Both in excellent condition, not sold separately.

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.

American composer (1854-1932) and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. Score of "The Royal Welch Fusiliers" signed by on the front cover, inscribed to the American military officer George Richards, dated in 1930. Size is 9.4 x12.25 inches, minor cracks, some damage on the back page, otherwise in 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 (1853-1936) and also conductor and pianist. Autograph letter signed by the composer, written in German (sold untranslated), dated in Hamburg, 1882.  Size is 5 x 7.8 inches, 2 pages (in one sheet), central fold, in excellent 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.

Italian opera composer (1774-1851), highly famous in his time for some of his 22 operas; but largely been forgotten after his death. Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him in which he requested his name to be erased from a biography he never authorized, addressed to the president of the Association of Artist-Musicians, and also mentioned his opera "La Vestale". Size is 6.4 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, overall rust stone, mild folds, in overall very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small print of him by artist Auber. Size is 6.1 x 8.6 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian opera composer and conductor (1774-1851), highly famous in his time for some of his 22 operas. Spontini has largely been forgotten after his passing away. Autograph note signed as "Spontini", in French, dated in 1835, to an unmentioned recipient. Sold untranslated. One page, 5.25 x 8.5 inches, boldly penned. Letter is affixed to a slightly larger off-white sheet, sized 5.75 x 9.5 inches. In very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, a uniform shade of mild toning, and a small diagonal separation to right edge.

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.

German composer (1856-1932). Beautiful autograph music quote on an album page with 3 bars from his "Sarabande" (Op. 60) signed by the composer with a short sentiment, dated in Berlin, 1900.  Size is 7.5 x 4.6 inches, 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.

British composer (b.1938). Fine autograph letter in English signed by him, dated Oct. 31st, 1967, to Ms. Carla Hinrichsen, widow of the German music publisher Henri Hinrichsen (1868-1942, partner in Peters edition since 1894): “...It is again time to book for the composer’s guild luncheon and we both wonder if you would like to join us again this year...”. Size is 5.3 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, central fold, letterhead, in overall excellent condition.

American composer (1885-1971), and also music educator. Set of 3 letters as follows: one autograph letter signed, dated in 1939, size is 7.25 x 10.25 inches, storage holes, and folds; two typed letters signed dated in 1940 with the letterhead of the Boston Post where the composer worked as a music critic. Sizes are 6.6 x 7.5 inches and 8.5 x 5.5inches, storage holes, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a small brochure about the composer. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

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.

Polish composer and conductor (1909-1994), autograph music quote signed, with 3 bars of music by Richard Strauss, dated in 1983. Size is 6 x 3.25 inches, in excellent 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.

Austrian composer (1870-1954) of operettas, film scores, and songs. Autograph note with a short greeting on a card signed by him, dated 1950. Size is 4.3 x 3.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1870-1954) of operettas, film scores, and songs. Signed album page, written in English, dated in Paris in 1950. Size is 5.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1870-1954) of operettas, film scores, and songs. Fine oval half-tone photograph signed by the composer with a 3-bar music quote from an unknown piece.  Size is 4.2 x 5.75 inches, minor mounting traces on verso, otherwise in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1835-1916) who, together with his brothers Johann (II) and Josef made up the Strauss musical dynasty. His visiting card with a short note written by the Austrian composer, sent to a gentleman, on personal matters. Size is 4.3 x 2.6 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1835-1916), brother of the composers Johann II and Josef. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows:  A. Vienne, le 5 Octobre 1899. To a gentleman: “…Vous me proposez de louer ma salle pour 600 personnes, trois fois la semaine. En considération du petit nombre des concerts et craignant une faibles fréquence pendant la saison d’été, la salle étant déjà occupée pendant les après midi, me fait hésiter à entreprendre cette opération pour mon propre compte…”. 3 pp. In-8. With gilded letterhead. B. Vienne, le 14 Octobre 1899. To a gentleman: “…J’aimerai bien connaître les raisons qui vous ont portés à terminer la correspondance tout au commencement. Est-ce la question d’honoraire (dont on pourrait toujours parler) où les productions mêmes qui offrent des difficultés?…”. 2 pp. In-8. With gilded letterhead. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

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.

French composer (1806-1888), known as the "French Strauss", violinist, conductor and composer. Rare autograph letter signed by him, dated in Paris on March 23rd, 1849, one page, in French, to famous composer Jacob Meyerbeer, asking for a box with seats for the world premiere of Meyerbeer´s opera "Le Prophete", which took place just 3 weeks later, on April 16th, 1849 at the Paris Opera. Sold transcription in French, and translation into English, and the original envelope, addressed to Meyerbeer. The letter is 7.9 x 10.4 inches, with mat burn marks close to the right and lower borders, central fold, in very good condition. The envelope is 5.5 x 4.4 inches, overall uniform aging tone, central fold, all very good condition. Autographs of Isaac Strauss, one of the first of the famous dynasty of musicians, are very rare, and this is a letter sent to another famous composer, connecting both men to a very important event in operatic history. 

French composer and conductor (1806-1888), known as the Strauss of Paris, but unrelated to the famous waltz composer, although he created dance music and waltzes. Autograph music quote signed by him, dated in Paris in 1872. 17 bars from an unknown waltz, size is 8.25 x 5.4 inches, in excellent condition. See another Isaac Strauss autograph

Austrian composer (1804-1849), famous for his light music, waltzes, and polkas; best knownn for his composition of the Radetzky March. Original manuscript written by another hand in German (untranslated) dated in Vienna, 1837, and signed by the composer. Size is 9.9 x 11 inches, folds, rust stains, in overall very good condition.

Austrian composer (1825-1899), world-famous for his waltzes and operettas, a member of a large family of musicians, Strauss was known as "The Waltz King".  Autograph note written by him, on his personal card. Strauss recommends a young female singer, and writes on front "the girl is very young, perhaps we can turn her into something. She has learnt more than is necessary for 3 or 4 roles. I apologize for boring you with this matter - I have fulfilled my mission. Nikisch to the end and the rest if left to you.  On verso, Strauss writes to another person, saying "Esteemed Lady, Nikisch recommends warmly the singer Freuder from Pest - who (makes us believe) she wishes to be employed for small roles in your theater", clearly referring to famous conductor Arthur Nikisch (1855-1922). Envelope included indicates this was sent to A. Muller, Capellmeister, with a postal marking on stamp indicating Vienna, March 23rd, 1896. 

Russian composer (1882-1971), Swiss-American pianist (1910-1994), father and son. Fine card signed by the famous composer on the front and his son on the back adding a 3-bar music quote. Size is 2.8 x 2 inches, in excellent condition.  

Russian, later French and American composer (1882-1971), widely considered one of the most important of the 20th century. Printed score (transcription for piano) of "Marche Chinoise" from "Rossignol" boldly signed by the composer on the front cover. Size is 10.5 x 13.3 inches, 11 pages, loose pages, minor loss of paper, repaired cracks, otherwise in good condition.

German orchestra leader (1904-1998), conductor, composer, and jurist. Fantastic black-and-white photograph signed by him with a short music quote, inscribed and dated in 1977.  Size is 4.2 x 5.75 inches, in excellent 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.

German conductor (1886-1958) and composer. His personal card printed with his name on one side and signed by him on its verso with a short sentiment, dated in Munich, 1956. Size is 4.4 x 2.8 inches, in excellent condition.