Composer Autograph Manuscripts

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.

French composer, pianist, and teacher (1858-1936), Guy D`Hardelot was the pen name for Helen Rhodes. Printed score for her song Wings, signed and inscribed on the front cover. Size is 9.5 x 12.1 inches, in excellent condition.

French marquis and composer (1829-1903). Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated 1884 and 1892, as follows: One letter is addressed to the composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891) recommending the composer Maurice Emmanuel (1862-1938): “…depuis deux ans élève d’harmonie à la classe de M. Th. Dubois, M. Emmanuel ambitionne de suivre votre Cours…”. The second letter is addressed to a gentleman, concerning a performance of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” he has attended: “…je viens d’aller entendre à Lyon les délicieux Maître-Chanteurs, Bonne exécution; – les choeurs excellents, et dire que la presse de chefs d’orchestre parisiens recule devant cet ouvrage…”. Different sizes and lengths, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1829-1903) and aristocrat. Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. Coraboeuf 25. A. 95. To a gentleman: “…d’ici à quelques jours, je vous écrirai quel jour vous pourrez venir à Coraboeuf avec l’artiste en question. L’ami sur lequel je comptais pour les photographies que vous désirez est dans un état de santé qui ne lui permet pas de venir…”. 1 p. In-8. B. Vendredi soir. To a baroness: “…je suis fâché que le pauvre chassé ne veuille pas de M.lle Nevada, mais je comprends qu’il tienne à une française et M.me [Jeanne] Bilbaut conviendra parfaitement au rôle. Je n’ai pas encore vu [Léon] Carvalho, mais je ne partirai pas sans lui avoir parlé…”. 2 pp. In-8. ALSO INCLUDED is a laissez-passer mounted on cardboard for two people for the dress rehearsal. Friend of François Coppée, Jules Verne and Barbey d'Aurevilly, he is the author of romances, a “Concert overture” as well as an opera, Fatma (1847), and three comic operas, Quentin Metzys (1854), La Maison du docteur (1854), and Omphale et Pénelope (1855). Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view) SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian composer (1750-1834) and violinist.  Original document handwritten and signed by him where he acknowledges having received a payment. Size is 7.3 x 8.9 inches approx., 1 page, in very good condition (see scans provided).

German-born American conductor (1862-1950) and composer, is best remembered today as the long-time director of the New York Symphony Orchestra.  Printed score for his ballad for baritone and men's chorus titled "Danny Deever", signed by him on the front cover.  Size is 9.25 x 12.1 inches, 12 pages (including covers), in very good condition.

Signed program clip for a performance of his opera The Man Without a Country, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1937. Clip is 6.5 x 8.75 inches, attached to an album page that is 7.9 x 10.6 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1817-1907) and violinist. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1893. Letters are addressed to the critic Johannes Weber (1818-1902), concerning recent mourning and to the journalist Félix Jahyer (1834-1907), thanking him for the article he wrote on his "...modeste petit livre...".  Open size is 8.2 x 5.3 inches each letter, 2 written pages in one folded sheet each letter, folds, some creases, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY

French composer (1810-1876), composed a number of operas, symphonies, and chamber music and was famous in his time. Autograph music quote signed by him, with a few bars from his Symphony in Eb Major, dated in Paris in 1870, inscribed, size is 9.25 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition

French composer (1790-1853) and dramatist, author of hit songs including "Le Pardon" and "Dormez" and the famous Leçon de valse du petit François (1834) sung in cabarets for over a century and two opéras. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, dated in Paris, February 7, 1878, addressed to the director of the Théâtre de l'Odéon Félix Duquesnel (1832-1915), concerning the pupil Firmin Delille: "...ancien élève de [Pierre-François] Beauvallet, désire obtenir une audition à l'Odéon...". At the fourth page, autograph note by Delille concerning de Beauplan.  Open size is 10.6 x 8.3 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, letterhead from "Ministère de L'Instruction", folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall good condition.

French composer (1790-1853) and dramatist, author of hit songs including "Le Pardon" and "Dormez" and the famous Leçon de valse du petit François (1834) sung in cabarets for over a century and two opéras. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1835, where he addresses two gentlemen, concerning an invitation to dinner and a discussion on some property rights over a house in Romainville. Open size is 10.8 x 8.2 inches each one, two written pages and one written page, folds, creases, some missing corners, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Belgian pianist and composer (1833-1914), son of the celebrated Belgian violinist Charles De Beirot (1802-1870). Front cover only of the printed score for his Piano Concerto #4 signed and inscribed by the composer with a short sentiment. Size is 10.6 x 13.75 inches, some cracks, stains, in overall good condition.

French composer (1861-1949). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, December 15, 1938, where he addresses a colleague: “…grâce certainement à votre puissante influence la Société nationale de musique vient, cette année encore, d’être gratifiée d’une généreuse subvention…”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.4 inches, 1 written page, stamped seal, Societé Nationale de Musique letterhead, central fold, some light creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1861-1949) and music critic, pupil of Théodore Dubois, and a close friend to César Franck. Short autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him on a card, no date, to Mr. Henri, thanking him for the “charmant souvenir” he left for him. Size is 4.6 x 3.4 inches, in very good condition.

Portuguese composer (1890-1955). Autograph music quote on an album page signed by him with 5 bars of music from one of his symphonies, dated Lisbon, October 28, 1923. Size is 8.6 x 6.9 inches, in excellent condition.

Portuguese composer (1890-1955), musicologist, and music teacher, considered one of the pre-eminent figures who took part in the development of Portuguese music. Autograph autobiographical document with a list of his compositions. Open size is 10 x 7.2 inches, 4 written pages, in very good condition.

French composer (1828-1907) and singer, a pupil of Friedrich von Flotow, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Frédéric Chopin. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, no dates, where addresses the writer Paul de Saint-Victor (1827-1881), thanking him for his "...mots si bienvieillantes sur mon petit opéra comique et sur moi en général...". In the second letter, she mentions her performance in Lille of her Oratorio "La fille de Jaïre", Prix Rossini in 1880.   Different sizes, length, in very good condition or better. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1828-1907), considered a person and composer of stature during her life, although less remembered subsequently. Set of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by her, not dated [1880 ca.], where De Grandval addresses the harpist Coraly Gatayes (1840-1913), daughter of Léon. The letters concern her composition “La Ronde de Songes” (1880) and other works such as Federico Morina Vanoni’s “Isabella de Lagatinerie”.  We report an extract as a sample: “…j’ai enfin la partie de harpe de la Ronde du Songes. Mademoiselle, voulez vous être assez bonnes pour me dire quand je puis avoir chance de vous rencontrer, afin d’avoir le grand plaisir de vous revoir (…) et de vous faire entendre mon oeuvre?…”.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Belgian pianist and composer (1862-1940) and also a teacher.  Short autograph music quote on an album page, with 3 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed, inscribed and dated by him in Bournemouth, England, 1927.  Size is 7.5 x 4.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Dutch composer (1849-1930), and conductor. Set of three autograph letters signed by him, written from Darmstadt between 1884 and 1897, addressed to the composer Ruggero Leoncavallo concerning the “Bell Chorus” of his opera “Pagliacci”; to the cellist Leo Schrattenholz (1872-1955), concerning a refusal to give a contribution to his book; and to the composer Arthur Smolian (1856-1911) sending him the libretto and the reduction of his opera (presumably “Die Inca-Söhne, 1895). Different sizes and lengths (for a total of 9 written pages), and conditions (see scans provided for details). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1839-1903) and music critic. A fine collection of autographs signed by the French composer, as follows: A. Autograph note in French (untranslated) signed by him. Size is 5.1 x 8 inches, 2 written pages (front and back), in very good condition. B. Autograph note in French (untranslated) written on a card signed by him, dated Nov. 30, 1897. Size is 4.5 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. C. Fine cabinet photograph of him by photographer Nadar signed by Joncieres. Size is 4.25 x 6.4 inches, missing back, loss of paper over the top, in overall very good condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American opera composer (1859-1920). Autograph note on cardboard signed by him to the Ladies Home Journal editor Edward Bok: «...I find I shall be so busy with rehearsals this week that I shall not be able to get away for lunch...In regards to the song the same terms as for the Waltz will be satisfactory...».  Size is 5.1 x 3.2 inches, written on front and verso, letterhead of Hotel Bellevue (Philadelphia), overall rust tone, in very good condition.

Portuguese conductor and composer (1869-1924). Album page signed by the composer on August 1923 with a 3-bar music quote from an unknown piece. Size is 8.6 x 6.9 inches, minor stains, in excellent condition.

English composer and singer (1858-1935), whose birth name was Isidore Cohen. Particularly well known as a singer and composer of art songs who later began to compose music for the stage including operas beginning in the 1890s.  Autograph letter signed, 3 pages on a folded 4 page document, size is 4.5 x 6 inches, in excellent condition. 

English composer and singer (1858-1935), whose birth name was Isidore Cohen; well known as a singer and composer of art songs and music for the stage including operas in the early 1890s.  Autograph letter in French (sold untranslated) signed by him and dated November 26, 1908, about music business. Size is 5.4 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, in overall very good condition.

Italian composer (1867-1955), writer of Neapolitan songs. Nice manuscript for his song "Triste Aprile" signed on the last page. Size is 9.25 x 13 inches, 4 sheets handwritten on 7 pages, in very good condition.

French count and composer (1831-1916), and descendant of the politician and writer Count Joseph Chérade de Montbron (1768-1854). Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, one of them dated December 19, 1874, addressing the harpist Coraly Gatayes (1840-1913): “…voulez vous me permettre, en souvenir du plaisir que j’ai eu à vous entendre sur la harpe, de vous envoyer une recueil de mélodies pour le chant…”.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Spanish composer (b.1930) belonging to the generation of Spanish composers known as "Generación del 51". Autograph music quote on a card with 2 bars of music from his work "Tornasol" signed and inscribed by him. Size is 6 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer and chemist (1808-1887). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in Marseille, 1866. Size is 5.25 x 8.25 inches, 2 written pages in 1 folded sheet, some rust stains, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1845-1926) member of the “Enfants d’Apollon”. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date, addressed to the pianist Albert Hu, concerning music performances. We report an extract as a sample: “…je me trouve avoir jeudi prochain 13 février, chez Mlle [Ivan] Kireïevski (…) une matinée où l’on interprètera plusieurs morceaux de chant de moi. L’idée me vient que ce serait une occasion de faire entendre devant un public toujours nombreux et attentif ma romance pour violon et ma Sérénade executé par Mr. Albert Hû…”.   Sizes is 5.1 x 6.4 inches, 1 page; and 3.8 x 4.8 inches, 3 written pages in one folded sheet; both in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Italian composer and conductor (1892-?). Autograph letter in Italian signed by him and dated 1931, requesting a musical collaboration between the Trieste Philharmonic Orchestra and Teatro alla Scala. Size is 8.5 x 10.8 inches approx., 2 written pages, folds, rust stains, storage holes, otherwise in very good condition.

French composer (1824-1879) and music critic. Set of two autograph letters signed by the French musician, as follows:  A. To Mr. Aymard: "... I hope that, despite my absence, you have been well received by the St. Martin's Post...". Size is 4 x 5.2 inches, 1 page, in excellent condition. B. To a director: "... After meditating on the savings that I am very anxious to promote for you, I arrive, for 14 musicians, at the sum of 1420 – (...) It is understood that in this combination I am obliged to write all the music you would need for the Ambigu and to stage and conduct the works...".  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, two written pages in one sheet (front and back), overall rust tone, folds, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed to Mr. Delaunay as an article for the operetta “Un 1er Avril” (1862), words by Henri Rochefort and Adrien Marx and music by Debillemont. 

French composer (1862-1918), and one of the most prominent figures of impressionist music. Autograph letter signed, dated on January 4th, 1904, to a friend, in French. One page, 4.5 x 7 inches, to a doctor (Abel Desjardins), who had recently treated his wife`s father (her name was Lilly Texier, married since 1899), about an invitation for dinner. Sold with transcription, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a modern photo print of a portrait of the composer, perfect for framing together with this letter. Size is 5 x 6.25 inches, in excellent condition. SEE PRICE BELOW. LISTEN TO CLAUDE DEBUSSY HIMSELF PLAYING "Clair de Lune" AT THE PIANO (recorded in 1913):

French composer (1862-1918), and one of the most prominent figures of impressionist music. His printed visiting card with a short note written by him. Size is 3.75 x 1.8 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1911-1995), whose works include educational chamber music in modern style, resembling Hindemith. Two autograph music quotes signed by him with a short text and dated 1984 on a music sheet; one of them with 2 bars from his Kammersinfonie (1947) and the other with 5 bars from his Horn sonate (1978).  Size is 7.8 x 5.75 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1911-1995), whose works include educational chamber music in modern style.  4-bar autograph music quote from his symphonic concert signed by him and dated 1992 attached to a page. Size is 11.6 x 8.2 inches, music quote is 10.4 x 2.5 inches, in very good condition.

English composer (1876-1968), violinist, pianist, and singer. Autograph letter in English signed by her, dated 1936. Size is 5.25 x 7 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet, central fold, in excellent condition.

Italian pianist and composer (1861-1920), a pupil in Naples of Beniamino Cesi and Paolo Serrao.Set of 3 autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by the Italian pianist and composer, two of them dated in 1889, one in 1918, requesting music publisher Giudici & Strada some printed compositions and three manuscripts pieces for piano; requesting the acceptance of the economic offer for his three pieces for piano op. 20; and the last, addressed to a certain Mr. Scotti, concerning some copies of the magazine “Nuova Musica”.  Different sizes and lengths (8 written pages in total), in overall very good condition (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French composer (1898-1962), critic, composer of operas, ballets, orchestral works, and film scores. Autograph document by wich the French composer provides information on his activity and music works for an article to be written about him. The composer mentions his works ‘Rigaudon’, ‘Clef des Songes’, ‘Bourrée’, ’L’éventail de Jeanne’, ‘Poirier de Misère’, ‘Quatre Regrets de Joachim du Bellay’. Among the notes, draft corrections and rewritings Delannoy inscribes a few musical bars. Size is 5.3 x 8.2 inches, four written pages, creases, smudges, corrections, in overall very good condition (see scans provided).