Composer Autograph Manuscripts

Italian-born composer who spent most of his life in France (1760-1842), Cherubini is well known today for his opera Medee (1797) but also composed many other operas, orchestral music and chamber works.  Signed printed form from the Royal School of Music at Paris, inviting other professors to an audition, written in French, dated in 1823.  Cherubini signs under the top printed part, while other professors responded below.  Size is 7.75 x 12.25 inches, 1 page, rounded edges, folds, minor stains, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a translation into English of this interesting note.

Italian-born composer (1760-1842) who spent most of his life in France, and is well known today for his opera Medee (1797). Document from the Royal School of Music in Paris, dated April 17, 1830, signed by various personalities including composer Cherubini (whose signature is the first one at the top), about a piano competition.  Size is 8.1 x 12.25 inches 1 page, minor stains, central fold, otherwise in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a wonderful lithograph of the composer. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, spotted rust, in very good condition.

French composer (1859-1923), conductor, and Instrumental Ensemble teacher at the Conservatoire. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, February 10, 1921, to a gentleman: “…Êtant, moi-même, professeur au Conservatoire, il ne m’est pas possible, vous le comprendrez, de vous donner ma opinion sur son fonctionnement…”. Open size is 10.7 x 8.4 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, letterhead from "Association des Concerts Lamoureux", folds, few creases, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1866-1950), well-known for his operas Adriana Lecouvreur and L'Arlesiana. Album with a music quote with 2 bars of music from "Adriana Lecouvreur", signed and dated by him in Naples, 1920.  Size is 7 x 9 inches, minor rust stains, in very good condition.

Italian composer (1866-1950), well-known for his operas Adriana Lecouvreur and L'Arlesiana. Beautiful 4-bar autograph music quote from Adriana Lecouvreur's Act 2 signed by him. Size is 5.5 x 3.9 inches, storage holes, in excellent condition.

Gorgeous collection of cards and album pages signed by classical music performers (violinists, pianists, conductors, singers, and other instrumentalists) and composers. Artists include Bill Conti, Sy Coleman, Kurt Masur, Erich Leinsdorf, Jerry Herman, Sigmund Romberg, Horatio Parker, Eugene Istomin, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Marian MacDowell, Radu Lupu, Fidela Campina, Walter Damrosch, Mary Wigman, Walter Gieseking, Nicanor Zabaleta, Mischa Dichter, Gina Bachauer, Carl Friedberg, Eugen D'Albert, Leon Fleisher, Igor Markevitch, Yehudi Menuhin, Toscha Seidel, Anne Sophie Mutter, Eugene Fodor, Carroll Glenn, Fritz Kreisler, Isaac Stern, Midori, Mischa Elman, Itzhak Perlman, Mark Hambourg, plus other two unidentified signer. Different sizes, in very good condition or better. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

English composer (1886-1957) of light music. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated January 1st, 1938, to the BBC Orchestra’s percussionist Frederick Herbert Wheelhouse, assuring that if he “...ever take on an orchestra of my own I will certainly get into touch with you”.  Size is 7.9 x 9.8 inches, 1 page, central fold, some creases, with letterhead, in overall excellent condition. Original envelope ALSO INCLUDED.

French composer (1818-1885), creator mostly of songs and piano music. Large autograph music quote, signed and dated in Paris, 1880, for piano and voice, from the song "Petite Fleur". Size is 13.9 x 10.75 inches, 1 page, vertical fold across the center and two horizontal folds, minor cracks, otherwise in excellent condition.

French composer, musicologist, music critic, and music writer (1819-1898).  Autograph letter signed, dated in Paris in 1888, 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, several small stains outside of the text area, otherwise in very good condition. 

French composer (1819-1898), musicologist, and traveler. Lot of three autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows:  A. February 23, 1863, to Mr. Lefebvre, professor at the Collège de Cambrai:  "I think I have some chance this January of getting a little article published in Le Siècle on the education of attention...". B. Vendredi November 27 (no year), to the secretary of the Paris Conservatory Alfred de Beauchesne (1804-1876): "... I have to thank you for your interest in Miss Huebaut. Mr. [Pierre-Auguste] Grosset has heard her and he thinks she has a good and beautiful voice...".  C. Paris, November 12, 1880, to the Director of the Gymnasium, asking for "... two tickets in my favor for tonight's performance...". Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Collection of 27 cards signed by different composers (most of them Americans) including Alan Hovhaness, Alan Stout, Ben Weber, Erland Koch, Francis Thorne, Quincy Porter, William Bergsma, Douglas Moore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Randall Thompson, Ogden Nash, and many others, and poet Elizabeth Bishop. Size is 5 x 3.25 inches each approximately, all in excellent condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1801-1861), organist, and chapelmaster. Autograph letter in Italian (untranslated) signed by him and dated 1861, about a controversy on the copyrights of some of his published works. Size is 6.9 x 8.7 inches approx., 1 written page, some creases and rust stains, crayon markings, in overall very good condition.

Romanian-born French composer and conductor (1925-2004), pupil of Messiaen, Boulanger, and Honnegger at the Conservatoire. Nice autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris January 6, 1993, to the organist and writer Jean Leduc (1933-2012), concerning the recordings of “3 portraits” for cello and piano.  Size is 8.2 x 11.6 inches, folds, few creases, irregularly cut top border, in overall excellent condition.

Group of 22 letters and notes (some handwritten, a few typed) by contemporary composers, including: lyricist/songwriter and singer Charles Aznavour (French-Armenian, b.1924), autograph note signed on a card with his letterhead, 5.6 x 4.1 inches - Songwriter Al Kasha (American, b.1937), short typed note, signed by him, 5 x 3 inches - William Schmidt (American, 1926-2009), typed letter signed, dated in 1986, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Charles Wuorinen (American composer, b.1938), typed letter signed and dated in 1999, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Raymond Parfrey (American, 1928-2008), typed letter to a fan, signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Bernhard Heiden (German-American, 1910-2000), autograph letter signed, dated in 1993, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Theldon Myers (American, b.1927), typed letter signed, to a fan, dated in 1991, one page, 6.75 x 10 inches -  Ernst Krenek (Austrian-American, 1900-1991), short autograph note signed, dated in 1980, to a fan, 6 x 4 inches - Charles Chaynes (French, 1925-2006), short autograph note signed, on a card with his letterhead, 6 x 4.25 inches - Eric Fenby (English, 1906-1997), short autograph note signed, dated in 1992, to a fan, 8.75 x 7 inches - William Schuman (American, 1910-1992), 2 typed letter signed, dated in 1979 and 1987, to a fan, each is 1 page, 7.25 x 10.5 inches - Brian Fennelly (American, 1937-2015), long typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page with a printed score on verso (see scans), 8.5 x 11 inches - Gordon Jacob (English, 1895-1984), short autograph note signed, on paper with his letterhead, dated 1979, 8 x 6 inches - William Hibbard (American, 1939-1989), autograph letter signed, dated in 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 5.75 x 7.75 inches - Irwin Bezelon (American, 1922-1995), typed letter signed, 1 page, to a fan, 7.9 x 4.9 inches - John Downey (American, 1927-2004), autograph letter signed, with a few notes at the foot, dated 1979, 1 page, to a fan, 8.5 x 11 inches - Thea Musgrave (Scottish, b.1928), short typed letter signed, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11 inches - Eskil Hemberg (Swedish, 1938-2004), typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8.5 x 11.6 inches - Hermann Haller (Swiss, 1914-2002), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1994, to a fan, 1 page, 8.25 x 11.5 inches - Arthur Wills (English, b.1926), short typed letter signed, 1985, to a fan, 1 page, 8 x 10 inches - Charles William Jones (Canadian, 1910-1997), autograph letter signed, on paper with his letterhead, 1979, to a fan, 1 page, 7.25 x 10.6 inches. All in excellent condition - See scans in order - Not sold separately.

American composer, teacher, writer, and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. Autograph letter in English signed by him and dated 1952, about a lecture. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer, teacher, writer, and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. 2-bar autograph music quote on an album page from his work "El Salon México" signed by him in Rio de Janeiro, in September 1947. Size is 5.75 x 4.4 inches, in very good condition.

American composer, teacher, writer and conductor (1900-1990), one of the most important composers from America in the 20th century. Fine album page signed and inscribed by him. Size is 5.9 x 4 inches, rust stains, in very good condition.

American composer (b.1938) and winner of important awards including an Oscar for his work on movie soundtracks. Beautiful 4-bar autograph music quote in pencil with the cello solo from the 3rd movement of his Symphony #1 signed by him. Size is 8.8 x 3.1 inches, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a copy of a typed letter signed by him with a handwritten message over the right border.

American composer (b.1938) and winner of important awards including an Oscar for his work on movie soundtracks.  Autograph music quote signed by him in 1933, with two bars from the aria "Once there was a golden bird" from his opera "The Ghosts of Versailles".  Size is 9.5 x 12.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Uruguayan composer and pianist Cesar Cortinas (1892-1918), who died of tuberculosis at age 26. Short signed music quote, with 3 bars from his work "Printemps", dated in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1909. On top of the quote, there is a signature by an unknown artist, dated also 1909. Size is 5 x 7.5 inches, age-toning, in excellent condition. On verso, a short text quote and signature by Italian criminologist Enrico Ferri (1856-1929), dated in 1908.

Italian composer (1857-1953), a pupil of Eugenio Terziani at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome and among the founders of the Bach Society in 1903. Autograph music quote with 3 bars signed and inscribed for him with a short sentiment. Size is 6.75 x 2.5 inches, overall rust tone, in very good condition.

Italian prolific composer (1858-1933), mostly known for his songs and operettas. Nice autograph letter in Italian signed by him, dated September 7, 1880, to a colleague, about personal matters: "... I'm sure you're doing very well and you'll soon be off to some good writing. It seems to me that fortune is always favorable to me, and I hope it will not abandon me for the present. Have the greetings of [Florestano] Rossomandi, [Nicola] Cassano, [Nicola] Corsibono etc...". Size is 5.3 x 8.1 inches each page, 4 written pages, some smudges, overall rust tone, in overall very good condition.

Italian-born conductor (1808-1884) and composer who achieved success in England. 3-bar autograph music quote from a setting of Psalm 30 signed by him with a short quote. Size is 4 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

English-Italian composer (1808-1884), who was also conductor, with a very successful career in England. Autograph note signed, dated in 1876, to famous soprano Therese Tietjens. One page with his letterhead, in English. Size is 5.2 x 8 inches, some stains and folds, otherwise in very good condition.

American composer (1866-1951), member of the Metropolitan Opera Association Board of Directors. Autograph letter in English signed by him, dated March 1932, to A. Toscanini, sending thanks for a thoughtful letter he received from him. Size is 5 x 6.4 inches, 2 written pages, in excellent condition.

American composer (1897-1965), music theorist, pianist, teacher and impresario.  Signed printed score for his symphony nr. 12 ( composed in 1955-1956), full orchestra, published by Associated Music Publishers, Inc., New York, 1960. A total of 84 pages plus soft covers, Cowell signed and inscribed this score over the top right corner of the front cover. Size is 6.9 x 10.5 inches, repaired cracks and spine on covers, otherwise in very good condition.  

English composer (1852-1935), conductor and pianist, who was one of the first British-born conductors to have the respect of critics, orchestral musicians, and the public. Nice autograph quote with 2 bars of music from an unknown piece on an off-white piece of paper, signed by him adding the text "with pleasure" below.  Size is 3.8 x 6.1 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

British composer, pianist, and conductor (1852-1935), known primarily for lighter orchestral pieces. Autograph note signed, 4.5 x 7 inches, mounted onto larger album page of 8 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1872-1949) mostly of light classical music, operas, and operettas. Signed postcard with music quote from the valse from Le Baiser (c. 1907), size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in very good condition

French composer (1784-1846) and conductor. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Paris, September 6, 1837, to François-Joseph Fétis (1784-1871), director of Brussels Conservatory: "... Towards the end of January last, M. Pacini published Duos, of which I have the honor to send you a copy. The welcome of Baillot and several distinguished artists determined me to have them advertised in the musical gazette. Mr. Schlesinger, whom I met by chance (for he is invisible at home), promised to send me two copies, which I had deposited in his shop...". Size is 7.6 x 9.9 inches, 1 written page in one sheet, folds, spotted rust stains, wax-sealed, in very good condition.

English-born American composer (1808-1896) and cellist, author of numerous ballads. Autograph letter in English signed by him and dated in November 16, 1882, to a certain Fred M. Steele, as follows: «...Since my last letter [I’ve] been confined to the house. Totally prostrated but though bodily prevented from work, “The Brain!” has not been idle – Have written much & composed considerable, & one of the Subjects I propose sending you, that you may find a well trained Baritone! Or Tenor Robusto for its rendition. It is not a common piece creation * I wish it was sung with Artistic effect & who so represents it to the Public, to him! Will I inscribe the composition...».  Size is 4.9 x 6.2 inches each page, 4 written pages in one folded sheet, in overall very good condition (see scans provided).

William George Cusins, English composer, pianist, violinist and conductor (1833-1893), was also organist and music teacher. Cusins toured extensively through Europe as a pianist and as a composer. Autograph music quote signed, dated by him in 1879, inscribed, from an unknown piece. Size is 7 x 4.5 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition

Austro-Hungarian composer (1842-1894), pianist and conductor. Autograph letter signed, one page in German, dated in 1888, sold with translation. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera "Tiefland". Autograph letter in German (untranslated) signed by him, no date. Size is 5.8 x 7.2 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is its original envelope.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera Tiefland. Autograph note in German on a postcard signed by him, dated in  Berlin, 1909, to Wilhelm Barlösius in Berlin, writing that he unfortunately won’t be able to meet him. Size is 5.4 x 3.5 inches, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Scottish-born German composer and pianist (1864-1932), who created the famous opera Tiefland. Set of 2 Autograph letters signed by him in German and French, both dated 1915 and 1909 respectively about personal and professional stuff.  Sizes are 5.7 x 7.29 inches and 5.2 x 8.1 inches, storage hole in one of them, in overall very good condition.

Anglo-French composer (1868-1943), banker, and patron of the arts. Autograph letter in German signed by him and dated 1909, addressed to the famous tenor Leo Slezak and mentions the work of soprano Emmy Destinn. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 2 written pages in 1 sheet (front and back), in very good condition. German transcription is ALSO INCLUDED.

French composer, pianist and teacher (1858-1936). Guy D'Hardelot was the pen name used by Helen Rhodes. A successful composer of songs, D'Hardelot toured extensively and was one of the few women who succeeded as a composer in late 19th and early 20th century. Autograph music quote signed, with 2 bars from her song "In the Great Unknown", dated in 1922. Size is 6.75 x 5.6 inches, in excellent condition.