Composer Autograph Manuscripts

German-born American composer (1905-1995), widely known for his synagogue and other Jewish religious music.  Nice card with 5 bars of music from an unknown piece, signed by him.  Card also has a message on verso signed by the composer as well. Size is 3.4 x 2 inches, creases from top to bottom over the left border, inscribed by another hand in red ink, minor stains, in good condition.

Italian composer (1851-1923), organist, conductor, and director of the Parma Conservatory and Milan Conservatory. Set of 5 autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by him, two of them dated 1894, a note dated 1913, addressed to different people -Amilcare Ponchielli among them- about different matters. Different sizes, lengths, formats, and conditions (see scans provided). SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Swiss-born American pianist (1877-1972), and also conductor, composer, and music educator.  Score of his song "Love in a Cottage" signed and inscribed by him over the upper-right corner of the front cover dated 1919. Size is 10.6 x 13.5 inches, 6 pages including covers, some cracks, loose front cover, in overall very good condition.

Spanish tenor (1775-1832), composer, impresario, and singing teacher, and father of the celebrated mezzo-sopranos Maria Malibran and Pauline Viardot. Rare contract handwritten and signed by Manuel Garcia and impresario Domenico Rossi on April 2, 1803, where Garcia gave up the rights to the Teatro Coliseo de los Caños de Peral, Madrid, of his opera "El Luto Fingido", premiered on May 30, 1803; and also obliging himself to sing his opera as many nights as requested. Size is 8.5 x 12.25 inches, 1 page, small loss of paper over the right border, some stains, printed at the top with an official seal, year 1803, central fold, in overall very good condition. This is a fabulous and rare document signed and handwritten by Garcia about one of his works as a composer and his commitment to singing as a tenor. 

American composer (1908-1982), best known for his ballets and electronic sounds and his collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock in the movie "The Birds" (1963) with the electronic soundtrack. Signed contract with an Associated Music Publisher company in 1943, three pages and with composer's signature on page 3. Size is 8.5 x 12 inches, in excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED are two typed letters from Associated Music Publisher dated 1943 and 1946 with acceptance signature by Gassmann at the bottom (only one shown in the scans). Each one is on one page, size is 8.5 x 11 inches. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German composer (1909-2007), and an academic; pupil of Paul Hindemith at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. 5-bar autograph music quote on a music sheet signed by him with a short sentiment.  Size is 8.1 x 5.7 inches, in excellent condition.

French composer (1850-1938) and organist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, postmarked February 18, 1905, addressed to the poet and sculptor Georges Tattegrain (1845-1916), concerning a work in collaboration with the poet: “…Je travaille beaucoup notre cathédrale et je me fais un plaisir de vous annoncer que surtout depuis hier soir, je suis dans une très bonne vein de travail….si rien ne m’arrête, j’ai la confiances la plus complète dans la réussite de notre oeuvre…”. Size is 4.8 x 6.1 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, jagged edges, in overall good condition.

French composer (1850-1938) and organist. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated August 24, no year indicated, addressed to the French conductor and composer Henri Defossé (1883-1956), conductor at the Opéra: “…Excusez ce retard à vous remercier pour le grand plaisir que vous m’avez fait, en nous donnant à ma femme et à moi l’occasion de voir et entendre ce ‘Boris Godounoff’ qui contient du génial à coté de certaines pages qui n’ont pas l’air d’être du même auteur (…) ce que je n’ai pas manqué de remarquer c’est votre façon de diriger, c’est clair, précis, souple et élégant…”  Size is 6.5 x 4.9 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, dirt stains, jagged edges, in very good condition.

Collection of autograph documents and photos by German composers and musicians, with a total of 13 items from 11 different composers - including: composer Alexander von Fielitz (1860-1930), one autograph letter signed, 1913 - composer and educator August von Othegraven (1864-1946), one autograph letter signed - composer and band master, Franz von Blon (1861-1945), founder of the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Orchestra, one autograph letter signed, 1913 - composer, Kapellmeister, conductor and pedagogue Gustav Gutheil (1868-1914), one autograph letter signed, 1912 - composer, conductor and teacher Hermann Graedener (1844-1929), one autograph letter signed, attached to the back of a concert invitation, 1918 - composer and statesman Karl Hermann Bitter (1813-1885), one autograph letter signed, 1883 - composer and educator Ludwig Gothov-Gruneke (1847-1921), 2 photo postcards, same front, each one signed on verso - composer and violinist Max Geiger (1885-1967), actually born in Poland, one photo postcard signed on verso, with a short autograph music quote from a Tango he created, 1930 - composer, conductor and jurist Max von Oberleithner (1868-1935), two short autograph letters signed, 1909 and 1926 - song composer and singer himself Robert Gounod (1865-1927), one autograph letter signed, 1905 - composer and conductor Wilhelm Franz Reuss (1886-1945), autograph signed card, with nazi salutation, 1943.

American lyricist (1896-1983) who collaborated with his younger brother George Gershwin (1898-1937) to create the most famous opera in the English language "Porgy and Bess". Typed contract (carbon copy) with original signatures of the two brothers by the bottom of the document, about the leasing to the International Play Bureau in Great Britain, and establishing royalties and fees. Size is 8.3 x 13 inches, 1 page, minor crack, folds, in very good condition. A highly desirable item directly related to their most famous musical work. ALSO INCLUDED  a black-and-white modern print photograph featuring the Gershwin brothers and Fred Astaire, mounted on hard cardboard. Total size is 8 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

American composer and pianist (1898-1937), considered one of the top American composers in the 20th century for both Broadway music and the Classical concert hall.  Check #3165 signed by him and issued for US$15.58 on July 3, 1935. Size is 6.3 x 2.75 inches, left and top borders jagged, verso with ink-markings and seals, folds, in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED is a gorgeous black-and-white unsigned photograph featuring the composer at work. Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, in excellent condition.

Belgian composer (1828-1908) and musicologist, his output was mostly vocal music.  Autograph music quote signed by him, dated in 1866, 4 bars from an unknown piece, size is 6.8 x 4.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.

Belgian composer (1828-1908) and music critic, director of Brussels Conservatory. Autograph letter in Dutch signed by him in pencil on the back of his personal card, to a gentleman concerning an upcoming meeting, Size is 3.8 x 2.25 inches, in excellent condition.

Belgian composer (1828-1908) and musicologist, whose output was mostly vocal music. Lot of five autograph documents, four signed autograph letters plus one signed autograph dedication, dated between 1862 and 1899 by the Belgian composer. Letters are addressed to the composer and cellist Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880), requesting theater seats, arranging meetings, and recommending a girl.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1868-1928) and collector of folk songs.  Autograph music quote with 4 bars and lyrics of his "Pirate Song" signed by him.  Size is 9.5 x 3.6 inches, two folds, overall age-toning, in very good condition.

American composer (1872-1946) and tenor.  Printed score of one of his songs signed and inscribed by him on front cover.  Size is 10.5 x 13.6 inches, 4 pages in total including covers, cracks and minor stains, in fair condition.  Rare!!

Argentine composer (1916-1983), regarded as one of the most important composers of the Americas in the XX century. Card signed by him matted with his unsigned photograph, inscribed to American composer Christopher Rouse. Card is 4.5 x 3 inches (visible window size), photo is 2.75 x 3.8 inches (visible window size), for a total size of 7.5 x 11 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Andrea Chenier", his most famous work, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sonzogno, Milan, 1922.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 246 numbered pages, 9 x 11.6 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition.

Italian verismo opera composer (1867-1948), famous for composing Andrea Chenier and Fedora, his two most famous operas. Score of his opera "Fedora", one of his most popular works, signed by him on the first title page. Version for piano and voice, published by Edoardo Sanzogno, Milan, 1898.  Giordano boldly signed on the first title page, inscribing his autograph to Canadian pianist and teacher Helena Plaxton, dating this in 1927. 254 numbered pages, 9.25 x 11.8 inches, rebound covers with leather spine printed in golden letters with the name of the opera, in very good condition. See scans of the full title page and the first title page, with the autograph.

French composer (1837-1892). Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date mentioned, to a colleague: “…s’il vous manque encore de 1ers violon pour la fête de l’opéra, je vous recommanderai M. Lefaure, 1er Prix du Conservatoire, membre de la Société des concerts, et ancien 1er violon de l’Opéra…”.  Size is 5.5 x 8.3 inches, 1 written page, central fold, few creaes, overall dust and rust tone, in very good condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), conductor, and music teacher who had a big impact on Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer. Autograph letter in Russian (sold untranslated) signed by him, dated 1907, recommending a fellow musician. Size is 8 x 10.25 inches, red crayon markings over a part of the text, folds, some dirt, in overall very good condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), who was also conductor and music teacher. Glazunov had a big impact in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer who left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies.  Autograph manuscript for Incidental music for Oscar Wilde´s "Salome", op. 90, written for its 1915 premiere in St. Petersburg (which was designed by Leon Bakst, choreographer of Fokine, and starred by Russian dancer/actress Ida Rubinstein (1883-1960), to whom this piece was dedicated to, according to the title page). This is the manuscript for the reduction for piano in 4 hands made of this piece by the composer.  A total of 23 pages, approx. 9 x 12.3 inches each, plus front cover page, which is lose, signed at the end by Glazunov and dated by him in 1915. Inscribed in 1918 to friend conductor Nikolai Strelnikov (1888-1939), Glazunov writes on the front cover "In remembrance, to Nikolai Strelnikov, from the author". See scans of front page, last page, and page 8.  

Russian composer (1865-1936), conductor, and music teacher who had a big impact on Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer and left a large number of compositions including 8 symphonies. Gorgeous 4-bar autograph music quote from an unknown piece signed by him on November 30, 1909, on a card. Size is 4.25 x 2.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, in excellent condition.

Russian composer (1865-1936), who was also conductor and music teacher. Glazunov had a big impact in Russian music and composers of his time, both as a pedagogue and composer, and left a large number of compositions including 8 completed symphonies. Printed score for this "Meditation" for violin and orchestra, op. 32, signed and inscribed by him on the front cover, dated in 1932. Inscribed to Russian violinist Jules Conus (1869-1942). Composed in 1891, this was a very popular piece in its time. Published by Belaieff, Leipzig, 1932, full score with instrumental parts and soft covers. Signed by Glazunov on the front cover, which is partially lose. Size is 10.6 x 13.4 inches, in very good condition.

Austrian composer (1864-1945), and organist. 2-bar autograph music quote from some sacred music on cardboard signed by him and dated June 16, 1915. Size is 4.4 x 3.3 inches, in excellent condition.

Ukrainian-Russian composer (1875-1956) of German and Polish descent, mostly remembered today for some of his orchestral works. Fabulous autograph music quote signed and dated by him in Moscow, 1939, with 8 bars of music from the Dance of the Russian Sailors, from "The Red Poppy", his most popular piece! Size is 5.75 x 3.5 inches, in excellent condition. Rare! ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned photo of the composer, shown young, probably cut from a photo postcard, mounted on thin cardboard. SEE PRICE BELOW WATCH the Igor Moiseyev Ballet dancing to the Dance of the Russian Sailors, from "The Red Poppy"

Russian composer (1804-1857), the most important in his country during the first half of the 19th century. Autograph note signed, from the time Glinka was in Italy, in Italian, telling a friend about his upcoming visit to Milan, written in May, no year but certainly from the 1850s. Bold, very clear signature, in a piece of paper with 2 sides irregularly cut, 7.1 x 5 inches. Central fold, spotted rust stains, in overall excellent condition. ALSO INCLUDED is an unsigned CDV showing the composer at a mature age, from the 1850s, no photographer, 2.4 x 3.8 inches, in excellent condition. Autograph material of Glinka is exceedingly rare and almost never in the market, and this is the second item we see in 2 decades.

Italian composer (1876-1954) and teacher.  Autograph music quote on a card with 4 bars and handwritten lyrics from his opera "La Rosiera" (1927).  Size is 4.5 x 2.9 inches, minor stains, in very good condition.

French composer and violinist (1849-1895), best known for his opera "Jocelyn". Autograph letter in French signed by him and dated 1881, addressing an actor friend, concerning a performance of  Offenbach's "Les Contes d’Hoffmann".  Size is 3 x 4.7 each page, four written pages in one folded sheet, some creases and folds, otherwise in very good condition.

French romantic composer (1849-1895), who was also a violinist. He composed 8 operas, 5 symphonies, and many works for violin and piano. Two autograph letters signed, dated in 1885 and 1888, to a singer called Clodio. Four and three pages respectively, each one is 5.25 x 8 inches, in good condition.

French violinist (1849-1895) and composer, best known for his opera "Jocelyn", 5 symphonies, and other works. Lot of fourteen documents: thirteen signed autograph letters and one autograph dedication signed by the French composer and violinist. We report an extract as a sample: “…vous m’aviez très amicalement demandé de chanter mes villanelles à la trompette et j’aurais été heureux de vous les accompagner, mais, d’après la note placée au bas du programme de samedi prochain, vous avez dû voir que je ne faisais plus partie de ces séances…”. The lot has a total of 24 pp. In-8. Included: portrait of the composer engraved by the painter Paul Mathey. In-4. ; two autograph letters signed by A. Roussel (MP) and the poet Charles Grandmougin (1850-1930) addressed to Godard concerning arrangements on meetings. 2 pp. In-8. Shown here are some scans of this lot, NOT ALL THE MATERIAL IS SHOWN.

French violinist (1849-1895) and composer, best known for his opera "Jocelyn", 5 symphonies, and other works. Two important biographical autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, both from 1880, addressed to his future wife Madame Godard. We report an extract as a sample. 25/7 1880: “…j’ai été charmé de la bonne journée que j’ai passée avec vous et votre aimable famille; je vous remercie de votre cordiale réception. Je vous envoie par le même courrier trois morceaux pour le piano (…) Pourrai-je me permettre sur le titre du morceau de mettre à mon élève M.me Feydeau ?…”.  Each one has 3 written pages in one folded sheet, open size is 10.5 x 8.2 inches each letter, folds, creases, dirt stains, in overall very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1853-1943), internationally famous for teaching the theory of composition. Lot of 3 autograph notes signed and 1 signed card, plus 3 handwritten envelopes, all dated between in 1932 and 1936. Notes are 4.75 x 4 inches, approximately, in very good condition.  SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Romanian-born French composer (1875-1956), who studied under d'Indy, Roussel, and Dukas at the Schola Cantorum, and later music critic for Le Figaro. Set of two autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, as follows:  A. Dated in Paris, April 7, 1922, to a colleague in two written pages concerning an article, informing that such an article was incomplete and forgot to mention he was awarded the Verley Prize and other stuff.  B. Dated January 30, 1918, to a colleague in two written pages, requesting the shipping of a few copies of his article published in the magazine Musica di Roma on Romanian music. ALSO INCLUDED is his personal card with a few autograph lines written by him.

Spanish composer (1791-1836), was very successful in his time. Fine autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him and dated in London, July 11, 1830, addressed to the French composer Daniel Auber thanking him for taking the time to study his opera (presumably "Le Favori") requesting his recommendation to get it performed in France.  Size is 7.1 x 8.7 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), overall rust tone, creases, folds, in very good condition.

Polish composer (1933-2010) of contemporary classical music.  Fine 8-bar autograph music quote from one of his pieces signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment dated in Katowice, Poland, 1997. Size is 9.1 x 4 inches, in excellent condition.

Polish composer (1933-2010) of contemporary classical music. Fine card signed by him with a short sentiment in German dated 2002. Size is 5.3 x 3.3 inches, in excellent condition.

German composer (1798-1859) and chapel master. Autograph letter in Italian signed by him, dated in Dresden, May 17, 1845, to baron Wilhelm von Taubenheim (1805-1894), concerning his opera Yelva (1828): "... On the last occasion of your presence in Dresden, when I had the honor of being introduced to you, I took the liberty of reminding you of the promise of 10 ducats made to me by your predecessor, Mr. Leutrum, for my music of the "Yelva". (...) I have already written to Mr. Reggetore [Heinrich] Moritz and to the Kapellmeister [Peter Josef von] Lindpaintner that I have no connection with Castelli, and that I am not willing to make a check on him..." Size is 8 x 12.3 inches, 1 written page, folds, some creases, in overall very good condition.

French composer (1856-1926) and conductor. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in La Varenne, July 10, 1924, where he addresses Alfred Bloch of the Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques, concerning a concert with singers Madeleine Gutty (1870-1936) and Madame Bonhomme.  Size is 8.3 x 10.5 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

French musician (1839-1892) and journalist. Collection of three autograph letters in French (untranslated) signed by him, one of them dated 1873. Letters are addressed to Mr. Bertrand and the new director of the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin Henri Larochelle (1826-1884) concerning theater evenings, books' lending, and the recommendation for a young orphan girl in Brest. Different sizes, lengths, in very good condition or better (see scans provided). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Australian-born composer (1882-1961), arranger, and pianist. Nice card signed by him. Size is 3 x 1.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Spanish pianist and composer (1867-1916) and composer, his music is in a uniquely Spanish style and, as such, is representative of musical nationalism. Fantastic historical document, signed 7 times by both Enrique Granados and playwright/librettist Jose Feliu i Codina (1845-1897), determining the terms for the creation and performances of the opera "Maria del Carmen". In this document, the rights to write that opera with music by Granados are granted, while Codina will adapt the play of the same name that Codina created. Terms for profit distribution of future performances are also established. Premiered in Milan in 1898 under the composer´s baton, Maria del Carmen was highly successful with the public. Granados had the original manuscript of "Maria del Carmen" in his luggage when he was drowned in the 1916 sinking of the "Sussex" ship by a German submarine. His luggage, and the score, were later recovered from the wreck. Document has 7 pages, each except the last are 9.5 x 13.25 inches, and each one is signed. In Spanish, sold untranslated, folds and a few stains, in overall very good condition. A very important historical document, autographs by Granados are hard to find. ALSO INCLUDED is a document from the estate of Feliu i Codina determining that this double signed contract is among his possessions.

French female composer (1828-1907), an important composer of the Romantic era, having published under several pseudonyms. Autograph letter signed, in French, sold untranslated, 1 page. Size is 4.4 x 7 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

French composer (1863-1936). Set of 3 autograph letters in French (sold untranslated) signed by him. Sizes are 4.4 x 7.1 inches, 7.1 x 4.5 inches, and 4.5 x 7.1 inches, 1 page long each one, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

American composer (1908-1989). A fine collection of eight letters signed: seven typed letters, 1 handwritten by him, about personal and professional matters between 1961 and 1983.  Different sizes, lengths, and content, in very good condition or better. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.