Composer Autograph Manuscripts

American composer (1921-2010), particularly known for his operas, such as "Lizzie Borden", "Hello Out There!" and "The Sweet Bye and Bye". Autograph music quote signed, from Hello out there!, dated in 1994, New York. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

French music critic and musicologist (1858-1930). Fine collection of autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him between 1891 and 1920. Some are written on the back of regular postcards, but most of them in regular sheets. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided), in overall very good condition. SOLD ONLY AS A COLLECTION, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian opera composer (1801-1835), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era whose best-remembered works are Norma, I Puritani, and La Sonnambula. Wonderful short autograph letter in Italian (sold with translation) signed by the composer whose recipient was the Scottish publisher and composer Montague Corri (1784-1849), son of the composer Domenico Corri.  In this letter, Maestro Bellini mentions the famous chorus "Guerra! Guerra!" from his opera Norma. Size is 5.2 x 8.1 inches, 1 page, minor rust stains with a blind-stamped shield plus an additional page with Bellini's handwriting "A Monsieur Corri", some folds and minor paper repairs on verso, in very good condition. A highly desirable letter to collect from one of the most prominent opera composers of the XIX century! ALSO INCLUDED is an original, vintage etching showing the composers, 6.6 x 10.2 inches, minor stains, in very good condition, ideal to frame with this wonderful autograph letter.

Italian opera composer (1801-1835), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era whose best-remembered works are Norma, I Puritani, and La Sonnambula. Letter handwritten and signed by him, dated in Paris, May 22nd, 1835 - this is shortly before his death in September of the same year. Written in Italian, sold untranslated, Bellini is asking someone to help his friend Count Barbó who is coming to Paris. One page, 5.25 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a vintage print of the composer, a nice addition to this letter if you wish to frame them together. Size is 6.5 x 10.25 inches, in excellent condition. See scans.

Italian opera composer (1801-1835), one of the greatest of the Bel Canto era whose best-remembered works are Norma, I Puritani, and La Sonnambula. Short autograph note in Italian (transcription and translation included) signed by him and sent to a certain Francois Florimo mentioning his opera I Capuleti e I Montecchi. Size is 5 x 5.75 inches, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1863-1942) and pianist. A front cover only of the score of his work Barcarola signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment over the upper-right corner. Size is 8.9 x 11 inches approx., 1 page, crack over the right border, central fold, otherwise in excellent condition.

Argentine composer (1859-1931). 8-bar autograph music quote from his work "Vieille Légende" with lyrics signed by him with a short sentiment dated September 8, 1917, on a regular postcard. Size is 5.5 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1804-1885), resident in England for most of his career. Two items: autograph letter and autograph note signed, each one dated in 1880, in English about personal matters. Note is one page, letter is in 3 pages, each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, letter has loss of paper on 4 corners. Also included is a handwritten envelope. (not sold separately)

German composer (1804-1885) and conductor, pupil of von Weber. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated April 22, 1871,addressed to the music publisher Léon Escudier: “…Vous aurez peut être appris par les journaux ou Mr. Michaells, l’éditeur de Paul et Virginie que mon Opéra “Le Lys de Killarney” a de nouveau gagné les suffrages du public anglais au Théatre de Sa Majesté et l’Adelphi. Y aurait-il moyen de transplanter cet ouvrage sous vos auspices à Paris?…”.  Size is 4.6 x 7.1 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, in very good condition.

French writer (1802-1870), music critic, and singing professor at the Marseille Conservatoire.Set of two autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, as follows:  A. Marseille, January 12, 1864, asking many questions to a gentleman, among them: "... Would you be so kind as to give me the answers to the following questions: (1) Is the Teatro de la Scala subsidized by the city or by the state? 2° Is the room given free of charge to the director and if not, what is the rent of the room?...".  Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 4 written pages, folds, creases, evident tear at the center, rust stains, in overall very good condition. B. Marseille, February 27, 1864, probably to the same gentleman of the previous letter: "... I confess to you that I was in great need of this information for the questions I deal with every day in the Semaphore, especially now that the decree on the freedom of theatres in France has just thrown some disturbance into it...".  Size is 5 x 8 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and verso), in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer, pianist, conductor, and educator (1816-1875), who had a significant influence on English music. Bennett created piano music, chamber music, orchestral, choral music, and songs. Fragment from an autograph note, hand-written and signed by him. Size is 4.5 x 5.25 inches, some folds, in very good condition.

English composer, pianist, conductor and educator (1816-1875), who had a significant influence on English music. Bennett created piano music, chamber music, orchestral, coral music and songs. Signature cut, hand-written and signed by him with signature at the top. Size is 3 x 3.75 inches, some rips and tears, priced accordingly. 

French composer and songwriter (1801-1855), he wrote Ma Normandie, used as the National Anthem of Jersey and sometimes as the unofficial Norman Anthem. Autograph note signed, six lines written in French (sold untranslated), dated in 1853. Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-born American composer and violinist (1900-1953), creator of 4 symphonies and an opera, among other works such as concertos. He was a distinguished violinist, worked 7 years as the first violinist of the NY Philharmonic. Autograph manuscript with 2 full pages in separate sheets, with music for a cadenza to Mozart´s "Exsultate Jubilate" (K165) for soprano, inscribed to Russian soprano Maria Kurenko (1890-1980), who signed and inscribed this manuscript on the back of page 2. Each page is 9.4 x 12.5 inches, minor cracks, but overall in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1885–1935), creator of works that combined Mahlerian Romanticism with his own and Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique. A short autograph note in German signed by him, about an appointment (no date provided). Size is 5.2 x 8.25 inches, storage holes, folds, in excellent condition. A translation into English and an unsigned modern print photo of the composer are ALSO INCLUDED.

Austrian composer (1885–1935), creator of works that combined Mahlerian Romanticism with his own of Schoenberg's twelve-tone technique.  Signed album page, with a short sentiment, dated (apparently in 1923). Album page has 3 other signatures (2 right above are in pencil), unidentified signers, and one signature on verso by famous Dutch conductor Willem Mengelberg. Size is 5 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of a photo of him by Fayer, nice to frame with this item if desired.

Austrian composer (1864-1916), known as the king of the slow waltz, whose works were performed at the Opéra Comique, the cafe-concert, and the saloon. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 17, 1883, addressed to Mademoiselle Germaine Schwob: “…Ton épitre à [Victor] Koning est d’une délicatesse de sentiment épatante par ces jours de mangément de nez confraternel. Mais Koning est sans ouïe,oh, sois en sûr. S’il était fin, il s… le Gymnase avec Hermine retapée. Car je la retaperai. J’ai ou, je sais, je tiens les loups “tenes lupum auribus” (J. Janin)…”. Size is 4 x 6.2 inches, 1 page, spotted rust and dirt stains, folds, creases, in overall good condition. The original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED (not shown).

American composer (1921-1994), who created orchestral works, including symphonies and concertos and 2 operas. Autograph musical quote signed, with 4 bars of notes, size is 3.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1925-2003), noted for his experimental music and experimental work in electronic music. 1-bar autograph music quote on a card signed by him in 1966. Size is 5 x 2.9 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1925-2003), noted for his experimental music and experimental work in electronic music.  Autograph note on an album page signed by him with a short sentiment, dated 1971.  Size is 5.8 x 4.8 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1925-2003), noted for his experimental music and experimental work in electronic music. Short autograph note with a greeting signed by him. Size is 5.75 x 8.25 inches, in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned color photograph of the composer. Size is 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-American composer and lyricist (1888-1989), considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Fine envelope signed by him.  Size is 6.5 x 3.6 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned press photograph of the composer by AP News, shown performing at the piano at age 72.  Size is 6.8 x 9 inches, large crease over the lower-right corner, in very good condition.

French romantic composer (1803-1869), best known for some of his orchestral works such as Symphonie Fantastique, and his operas Benvenuto Cellini, and Les Troyens. Autograph note in French signed by him (no year indicated) to his biographer Roger Duchene about visiting plans. Size is 3.9 x 4.7 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

French romantic composer (1803-1869), best known for some of his orchestral works such as Symphonie Fantastique, and his operas Benvenuto Cellini, and Les Troyens. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, to Mr. Gye, manager of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, about the music business.  Size is 4.3 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1803-1869), French composer (1799-1862), and French composer (1803-1856). Wonderful handwritten document dated in Paris, France, on January 22th, 1849, signed by many artists and personalities about a meeting to organize a gala party by Comité de l'Association des Artistes with its letterhead. Signers include the three stars French composers Hector Berlioz, Fromental Halevy, Adolph Adam, Belgian playwright Isidore Taylor (1793-1879), pianist Pierre Zimmerman (1785-1853), French doctor and zoologist Achille Comte (1802-1866), French painter Francois Picot (1786-1868), French violinist Jean-Delphin Alard (1815-1888), French scholar Paul Lacroix (1806-1884), Belgian violinist Jean-Baptiste Tolbecque (1797-1869), French politician Achille Juvinal (1810-1875), French novelist Emmanuel Gonzales (1815-1889), French painter Charles Marie Bouton (1781-1853), and others. Size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, minor folds, rust stains, in overall excellent condition. Remarkable collection of signatures of important artists and personalities in different fields of the first half of the XIX Century.

French composer (1906-1991), dramatist, and winner of Prix de l'Institut de France and Prix Léo Délibes. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him and to the journalist Louis Merlin (1901-1976), as follows: A. Paris, February 6, 1967. “…C’est avec le plus vif intérêt que j’ai pris connaissance de votre lumineuse synthèse touchant projets et solutions au service de la culture…”. 2 pp. In-4. B. February 13, 1967. “…Auriez vous la grande aimaibilité de me renvoyer deux exemplaires de votre excellente brochure touchant votre projet de diffusion pour télévision en couleurs?…”. 2 pp. In-8. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1798-1876) and pianist. Autograph letter in French signed by him, no date, addressed to a certain Mr. Verny, as follows: "... I can't go to your house tomorrow, and not Adam's on Friday. Let's make the most beautiful arrangements for Friday, March 20th, and unfortunately, Mademoiselle Venu's indisposition has come through..." Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, some ink spotted dots, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1784-1832). Set of two signed documents by the French composer, as follows: A. Certificate dated 23.5.1828 signed by the composer and the Royal Notary François Dubois to be used only for the veteran's fund of the Royal Academy of Music. Size is 6.7 x 27.5 inches, blind-stamped over the left border, in very good condition. B. Printed certificate valid completed by hand as a pension, dated 1828, granting the amount of 65f on a total of 300f to the composer. Size is 9.2 x 7.3 inches, folds, creases, few smudges, in overall very good condition. SOLD ONLY TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1895-1953) and music critic. Fine set of 3 score manuscripts as follows:  2 manuscripts for his work "Bajazet" (7 pages and 4 pages each), and 1 manuscript for his work for "Clavecin et Chant" (3 pages). Each one of them is handwritten and signed by the composer.   Each one's size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer and organist (1882-1972). Autograph note signed by him, dated May 19, 1951, rejecting the request for a recommendation letter. Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, folds, minor stains, with letterhead, in overall very good condition.

English composer (1787-1855), who became famous for his song "Home Sweet Home" and other vocal works. Autograph note in English signed by him, dated August 14, 1930, to William Watts  (Secretary of the Philharmonic Society in London): “...As I left the neighborhood of Vauxhall, please, for the present to address to me at...”. Size is 4.3 x 7.1 inches, 1 page, folds, overall rust stains, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

English composer (1787-1855), who became famous for his song "Home Sweet Home" and other vocal works. A fine set of two autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. London 1848, 4 written pages in one folded sheet (with translation). Size is 4.5 x 7.2 inches, in very good condition. B. No date, 1 written page, size is 4.5 x 7.2 inches, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer (1787-1855), who became famous for his song "Home Sweet Home" and other vocal works. Signature cut (probably from a letter or note) mounted on a small piece of hard cardboard. Size is 4.5 x 1.7 inches, in very good condition.

Star French composer (1838-1875) of the Romantic era; best known for his opera "Carmen" -one of the most popular and frequently performed works of the entire opera repertoire, in a career cut short by his early death. Short autograph note written in French (sold with transcription and translation) about an appointment signed by the composer.  Size is 5.25 x 6.5 inches, 1 page, folds, otherwise in excellent condition.

German opera conductor and composer (1871-1958), he was in charge of the (later) Berlin State Opera and other opera houses in Europe. His business card signed by him with a short 3-bar music quote, dated 1913. Size is 4.6 x 2.3 inches, overall age-toning, otherwise in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), known for his musical directed by Orson Welles in 1937 and his brilliant adaptation of Kurt Weil' "Three Penny Opera". Autograph letter signed by him, dated April 27, 1946, about music matters. Size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 2 written pages (in two separate sheets), in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. 3-bar autograph music quote signed by him and dated 1948. Size is 5.7 x 3.8 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Autograph note in English signed by him, not dated [1943], addressed to the columnist Leonard Lyons, about personal matters. Size is 5.6 x 4.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a contemporary velox of a V-mail letter to Lyons dated Oct. 24, 1944, describing his efforts in the army during the war, mentioning William Wyler, Jimmy Cannon, and Ernie Pyle. Highly entertaining.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Album page signed by him. Size is 5.5 x 4 inches, central fold, storage holes, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist. Card signed by Blitzstein himself with a short sentiment. Size is 5 x 3 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), known for his musical directed by Orson Welles in 1937 and his brilliant adaptation of Kurt Weil' "Three Penny Opera".  Short typed letter signed by him, dated May 3, 1953, to Edwin Hughes, of the National Music Council: «...Ordinarily I should be happy to join in the symposium you have outlined in your letter of April 28 to me. But I am in the country (where your note reached me), finishing my new opera. I fear it will be impossible for me to do anything else for several months...». Blitzstein was probably working on an opera titled Reuben, Reuben (1955).  Size is 8.4 x 10.8 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

American composer (1905-1964), lyricist, and librettist; American composer (1900-1990), and American conductor and composer (1918-1990). Page from a program mounted on soft paper for a concert of the New York City Symphony Orchestra in October 1956 performing diverse works including Blitzstein's Symphony, signed by the composer himself, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Shaw, and David Diamond. Size is 6.7 x 9.75 inches, program page only (not full program), minor stains, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, who had an important career and was often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter signed and written by him in French (sold untranslated), no date.  Size is 5.3 x 8.25 inches, 1 folio (2 pages written), some decoloration on ink, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1815-1883), son of the celebrated composer Francois-Adrien Boieldieu. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, 1 written page in 1 folded sheet, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a cabinet photograph of the composer by Charle Reutlinger. Size is 2.5 x 3.75 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1775-1834) mainly of operas, often called "the French Mozart".  Autograph letter in French (sold with an English translation) signed by the composer, addressed to Mr. Sevrin, director of performances at the French Ministry of War.  Size is 4.6 x 7.2 inches, 1 page, in very good condition. A second page is used as envelope.

French composer (1775-1834), his career focused mostly on opera and has been often called “the French Mozart”, his most famous opera was “La Dame Blanche”, 1825. Note signed in French, sized 5 x 4 inches. Adhesive tape on verso, showing rust on front, otherwise in good condition, not affecting the signature. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned postcard, with a portrait of the composer. WATCH BOIELDIEU´S HARP CONCERTO (performed by young Alisa Sadikova Conductor: Mikhail Golikov Orchestras: Lemberger Soloists from Ukraine)

Italian composer (1842-1918), poet, librettist, and journalist; best known today for his libretti and his opera "Mefistofele". His personal card signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment. Size is 3.3 x 1.8 inches, in excellent condition.

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Autograph letter in English signed by her, about personal matters. Size is 5.9 x 7.4 inches, in excellent condition.