Composer Autograph Manuscripts

French musician teacher (1887-1979) and conductor, who taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century. Her personal card signed by her as "N.B." with a short note in French (untranslated). Size is 3 x 2.1 inches, in excellent condition.

British conductor (1889-1983), whose early engagements included the Royal Opera House and Sergei Diaghilev's ballet company. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated September 24th, 1965, to Peter Wiener: «...It is indeed splendid that you have kept the flag flying for all this time, and your 21-year-old child is to have such a very exciting year...». Size is 6.7 x 7.8 inches, 1 page, with letterhead, in excellent condition.

French composer (1843-1880) and conductor. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paramé [Saint-Malo], August 22, [1883],  where he addresses Mr. Maquet, concerning the score of Meyerbeer’s “La Marche du Prophète” for his upcoming concert of the 27th: “…J’ai mis cette marche du Prophète comme dernier morceau à mon grand Concert de Mercredi 27 courant. Concert classique à mon bénéfice (…) Nous avons un énorme succès à Paramé la saison est très très brillante, je suis absolument satisfait…”.  Size is 8.6 x 10.9 inches, 1 page, letterhead from "Bains de Mer de Paramé", overall rust tone, creases, folds, otherwise in very good condition.

French Breton composer (1840-1910), pianist, and professor of music history/theory at the Conservatoire de Paris as well as a Prix de Rome laureate. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him [presumably between 1878-1882], as follows:  A. Dated May 23, to Monsieur Mersin, concerning the admission test for singers. Size is 4.3 x 6.7 inches each page, 3 written pages, folds, age-toning, in very good condition. B. Dated December 3, to a gentleman requesting information from an applicant and setting an appointment. Size is 4.2 x 6.7 inches, 1 page, central fold, glue traces on verso, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Russian composer and conductor (1893-1972), who was also a teacher, well known as a conductor of the Brussels Symphony and the Vienna Philharmonic. Autograph music quote, from the ballet spring recital, signed by him. Size is 6.25 x 2.75 inches. ALSO INCLUDED a typed letter signed, dated in 1960, see the scan and a small unsigned photo of him (not shown).

Italian composer (1829-1907) and cellist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, to Madame Rhoné: “…hier j’ai diné chez Mr. Arthur Rhoné où j’ai eu le plaisir d’être à coté de Mme votre fille. Je l’ai priée de venir vous raconter une historiette fâcheuse qui m’est arrivée. Et je vous suis très reconnaissant si vous pouvez m’éclairer des démarches à faire!…”. Size is 7.1 x 4.5 inches, 2 written pages, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Autograph note in German (untranslated) signed by him on a postcard. Size is 5.5 x 3.3 inches, signs of mat burn over the edges, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo postcard of the composer. Size is 4.6 x 6.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Large handwritten musical sheet with a short piece for piano by composer Moritz Peuschel (1838-1892) where Johannes Brahms wrote "The old aunt!" twice and added a short sentiment with his signature, dated in Vienna, 1885.  On verso there are some extra music notes and a wax-sealed attached card.  Large Size: 12.8 x 5.1 inches (trimmed from a larger format), minor stains, in very good condition.  

German composer (1840-1897), and also pianist, one of the most important creators of the Romantic period and in the history of classical music. Short clip from a letter in German (untranslated) about personal matters signed by him on verso, mentioning upcoming performances of two of his works. Size is 5.3 x 3.25 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a very rare program for a performance in Brahms' honor immediately after his decease in 1897. Size is 5 x 7.75 inches, 8 pages including covers, central fold, loose front cover, in overall very good condition.

American composer (1896-1940), creator of 3 operas and musical comedies.  Autograph music quote with 8 bars of music from his "Song of Hiawatha", signed and dated by him in 1931.  Size is 6.1 x 3.2 inches, in excellent condition.

Austrian composer (1913-1988). Lengthy 24-bar autograph music quote from his work "Vom Verscheiten Apfelbaum" signed by him. Size is 9.2 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1861-1949), creator of local, stage, and chamber music and works for piano and orchestra. Autograph letter signed, two pages in one sheet, in French, sold untranslated. Size is 8.25 x 5.25 inches, minor stains over the left border of the first page, otherwise in very good condition.

English composer and organist (1844-1924). Original autograph letter on Littlington Tower, The Cloisters, Westminster Abbey letterhead paper, dated Feb 20 (NY, though 1922 added in other hand) to Miss Morley.

Collection of autograph documents by British composers and musicians, with a total of 11 items from 7 different signers, including: organist and composer Walter Parratt (1841-1924), one card signed, 1901 - composer of marches for band Kenneth J. Alford (1881-1945), also known as F.J. Ricketts, one signed page - composer and singer Lawrence Kelsie (1862-1932), one signature cut - music critic Hermann Klein (1856-1934), one autograph note signed, 1933 - Italian-born English composer Alberto Randegger (1832-1911), one autograph letter signed, 1902 - composer of ballads Florence Aylward (1862-1950), 2 autograph notes signed - composer Montague Phillips (1885-1969), 2 autograph notes signed, 1931 and 1936. Various sizes, all in good to excellent condition. See scans - not sold individually.

Limited edition book, signed on the first page both by composer Benjamin Britten and illustrator Sidney Nolan, published by Faber Music, London. A facsimile of the original score of the piece with the same name, with full color, full page illustrations by Nolan.  An edition of only 1000 copies, of which 300 were signed by both composer and artist, this one is number 167, published celebrating the 60th birthday of Britten. Total size is 11.25 x 15.3 inches, hardcovers, original bookcase is included (not shown), in excellent condition.  See scans of front cover, title page, first page, and a couple of pages inside. 

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and other orchestral works. Album page signed by the composer and other personalities including conductor and singer Georg Henschel, publisher Edward Lloyd, tenor Joseph Maas, and soprano Anna Williams; nicely decorated on borders.  Size is 7 x 9.6 inches, irregularly cut over the left border, in excellent condition.

German composer (1838-1920), violinist, teacher, and conductor who wrote more than 200 works, among them his famous first violin concerto. His business card handwritten in French on both sides and signed by him, dated in Berlin, December 3, 1907. Size is 4.2 x 2.4 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned half-tone photograph of him (a clip from a program o book). Size is 3. 3 x 4.6 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works.  Small card with his address signed by the composer, dated 1908 probably. Size is 5.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer and conductor (1838-1920), famous for his violin and orchestral works. His business card signed by him as "M.B", inscribed with a short sentiment in German. Size is 4 x 2.4 inches, in very good condition.

French composer (1857-1934), who played an important role in the introduction of Realism into French opera. Autograph music quote signed, 2 bars from L`Attaque du Moulin, his opera in 4 acts. Size is 5.75 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an envelope hung written by him, post stamped in 1920, (not shown).

French composer (1857-1934), who played an important role in the introduction of Realism into French opera. Autograph note signed, dated in 1911, Paris, written in French, sold untranslated. One page sized 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1857-1928). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Amiens, September 30th, 1923, where he addresses the poet Édouard David (1863-1932): “…S’il me fallait choisir entre les trois pièces que vous avez fait représenter, et qui m’ont, toutes trois, vivement intéressé, je donnerais la palme, incontestablement, à Ech’ Pardon…”.  Size is 4.3 x 6.8 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, in excellent condition.

American composer (1885-1980).  Autograph music quote with 7 bars from his concerto Op.25, signed by him.  Size is 6 x 3.25 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1793-1871) and arranger, later in his life a music teacher, and creator of over 200 opera adaptations for instrumental ensembles. Manuscript "Potpourris for violin from Bellini's Norma #8" signed by him on the front cover, dated 1860.  Size is 8.8 x 12.7 inches, 10 pages (including covers), minor damage on borders, some stains, in overall very good condition.

Swedish-born pianist (1862-1956) and wife of composer Ferruccio Busoni. Autograph letter in German (sold untranslated) written on a postcard. Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, jagged edges, in very good condition.

French composer (1872-1973), organist, conductor, and teacher; a pupil himself of Franck, Gounod, and Massenet. St of two typed letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1934 and 1937. Both letters are addressed to the composer Adriano Lualdi. We report an extract as a sample: “…Pourriez-vous me faire parvenir la partition de votre ballet afin que je la communique à Mr. Rouché, directeur de l’Opéra?…”. 2 pp. With letterhead. In-8. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1872-1973), organist, conductor, and teacher; a pupil himself of Franck, Gounod, and Massenet. Lot of six autograph letters signed by him, dated between 1897 and 1923. These letters are addressed to the composer Delphin Balleyguier (1829-1899), to Geneviève Blanchard, and Jeanne Telen and concern, among others things, Büsser's recommendation as organist of S. Vincent de Paul in Paris. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1876-1970) and teacher. 3-bar autograph music quote probably from one of his works, signed by him and dated in Rome, June 20, 1925.  Size is 6.7 x 5.2 inches, in excellent condition.

English composer (1923-2014), conductor, trumpeter, and teacher. Set of two autograph letters in English signed by him, as follows: A. 13th January, 1960. Butterworth writes to the arranger H. Swarenski about an important imminent meeting regarding some financial problems. Size is 7.9 x 9.8 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, dirt spots, in overall very good condition.  B. 19th April 1967. Butterworth writes to the widow of the German music publisher Henri Hinrichsen (1868-1942, partner in Peters edition since 1894), Carla Hinrichsen: “...There seems to be a fair number of inquiries for “An Embassy Suite”, and I wonder if it might be possible to publish it fairly soon?...”. Size is 8 x 10 inches, folds, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1791-1873). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no year indicated, addressed the composer and harpist Léon Gatayes (1805-1877): “…j’ignore encore au moment où je vous écris, à quelle heure on exécutera mes compositions et j’ignore même si l’audition projetée aura lieu (demain pour mon sextuor) car on parle d’une répétition à l’opéra…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.1 inches, 1 written page, folds, in overall excellent condition.

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote 29 operas between 1816-47, some very successful in his time. Autograph letter signed, written in Paris dated in 1844. Two pages on a folded 4 page document, written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.25 x 8 inches, in very good condition. Rare!

Italian composer (1787-1872) whose career focused mostly on opera - he wrote almost 30 operas, some very successful in his time. Autograph note signed, in French, untranslated, dated in 1833. One page, 4.6 x 7.3 inches, pencil markings by another hand at the top, in very good condition. Rare!

American composer, pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader (1899-1981), famous as a songwriter, Carmichael is today remembered for some of his creations, including in "Stardust" in first place.  Autograph music quote signed, with 4 bars of notes from Wash Board Blues, a 1926 popular song composed by Carmichael, size is 9 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer (1899-1981), pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader, and famous as a songwriter, who is today remembered for some of his creations. Printed score of his work Star Dust signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment on the cover. Size is 9 x 12 inches, 4 pages (including covers), central fold, in very good condition.

French composer (1876-1945). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, addressed to the Italian soprano Adelina Patti about a musical arrangement for a concert, dated December 20th, 1904. Size is 5.3 x 7.1 inches, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, in excellent condition.

American composer (1876-1951) whose works strive to encompass the spirit of America, being considered mildly modernistic and impressionistic. Booklet has a short biography of the composer and a list of his works, signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment in the first page, dated in 1947.  Size is 3.5 x 6.1 inches, 8 pages including cover, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is his personal card with his address and a note signed by him. Size is 3.25 x 2.2 inches, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1908-2012), one of the most respected composers of the second half of the 20th century. Nice 16-page booklet about his life and career, including discography, signed by him on the cover. Size is 4 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

Spanish cellist, composer, and conductor (1876-1973), regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest cellists of all time. 2-bar autograph music quote with music by Mendelssohn on a regular postcard signed by him (postal markings indicate the year 1910). Size is 5.4 x 3.5 inches, small crack over the lower-left corner, written address by another hand, otherwise in excellent condition.

Argentine composer (1895-1968) and conductor, who enjoyed a successful international career.  Nice card with his portrait and two bars of music from a chorus of his opera "Proserpina y el Extranjero" (1951), signed and dated by him in Buenos Aires, 1953.  Size is 4.5 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Argentine composer (1895-1968) and conductor who enjoyed a successful international career.  Autograph music quote on an album page with three bars of music from Shostakovich's 7th Symphony. On its verso, an unidentified drawing and signature can be seen as well.  Size is 7 x 6 inches, minor rust stains, otherwise in excellent condition.

Italian composer and author of the sacred work Il Serafico d'Assisi (1931). Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him and dated 1933, addressed to Jenner Mataloni presenting the subject of his new opera La Sagra dell'Aratro. Size is 8.7 x 11.2 inches approx., 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), central fold, creases, overall age toning, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a printed image of the composer.

French composer (1841-1894) and pianist. Autograph note in French (sold untranslated) signed by him, no date (ink markings indicate July 1868). Size is 4.75 x 6.3 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition.

Italian composer (1920-2002) and also Arts Administrator, and father of conductor Riccardo Chailly.  Autograph music quote with 5 bars from his "Sonata Tritematica 3", signed by him, dated in Milan 1952.  Size is 6.4 x 9.4 inches, folds, in very good condition.

French composer (1857-1944) and a popular concert pianist, chiefly known for her graceful and romantic piano music and songs. Fine autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by her, no year indicated. Size is 4.75 x 6.5 inches, 3 written pages in 1 folded sheet, in excellent condition. Please visit our blog to read our article on Cecile Chaminade by clicking here.

French composer (1857-1944) and a popular concert pianist, chiefly known for her graceful and romantic piano music and songs. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her mounted on cardboard, dated in La Seyne, March 2, 1916, to a gentleman:  “…Je suis encore surmenée à cette maison militaire où je suis présidente et ouù je me suis  oubliée pour fair chanter les hymnes nationaux à nos pauvres mutilés…”. Open size is 10.7 x 8.3 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, creases, printed letterhead, in overall very good condition.  

French composer and organist and Director of the Orpheon Theatre in Paris (1858-1933). Autograph letter signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Written on neatly folded 8.25 x 10.5 inch paper, in excellent condition. 

French composer (1863-1935). 4-bar autograph music quote from his "Fantaisie de Concert for Violon" signed and inscribed by him, dated in Paris, March 1895. Size is 6.9 x 4.8 inches, rust stains over all four borders, in very good condition.