Directors, Impresarios, Librettists & Editors

Stage director (1907-1975) and also composer, for many years was the Artistic director at the Chicago Lyric Opera, then superintendent in Arena di Verona and in Bologna. Donati was the husband of famous soprano Maria Caniglia (1905-1979). Large signed photo of a portrait of him, inscribed and dated in 1960. Size is 11 x 13.8 inches, in excellent condition.

German opera director (1887-1971). Autograph letter in German signed by him, dated in Bern on April 15, 1937, to maestro Arturo Toscanini, sending him an essay for his birthday:  “…For your 70th birthday, I have reflected my wishes in a small commemorative essay on "Band". I take the liberty of presenting you with this essay…” Size is 8.2 x 11.5 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, crack over the left border, in overall very good condition. The original envelope is ALSO INCLUDED.

French journalist (1821-1881), music publisher, and founder, with his brother Marie-Pierre Escudier, of the weekly magazine and music publishing company “La France Musicale” helping to establish Verdi's reputation across Europe. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated in Paris, June 12, 1858, addressed to a gentleman, concerning a refusal to publish in a newspaper: “…Je ne m’explique pas, lorsque du côté de la propriété je n’éprouve point de résistance, que le Constitutionnel ferme les colonnes à la reproduction des sommaires du Reveil”.  Size is 5.4 x 8.5 inches, 1 page, some creases and folds, in overall very good condition.

Italian scenographer and painter (1829-1895). Signed carte-de-visite by Levitsky, Paris, inscribed, signature is on verso. Size 2.5 x 4.1 inches in excellent condition.

Set of signed photographs of three leading film, stage, and opera directors ("regisseurs") including one of Oscar-nominated French film director Jacques Audiard (b. 1952), particularly known for his film "A Prophet"; French-Lebanese theatre director Pierre Raymond Audi (b. 1957) who also served as the Artistic Director of the Dutch National Opera from 1988 to 2018; and French filmaker Michel Gondry (b. 1963). Each is 8 x 9.75 inches, and in excellent condition. Not sold separately.

American opera impresario (1926-1981) and first manager of the Chicago Lyric Opera (CLO). Signed photo, inscribed and typed letter signed and dated in 1961, with letterhead of the CLO. Photo's size is 8 x 10 inches and letter is 8.5 x 11 inches, both in very good condition.

German opera director (1875-1942), head of the Bavarian Opera. Autograph note signed in 1929 in Munich, with letterhead of the Bavarian Opera, 1 page. Size is 6.4 x 8.75 inches, storage holes, in excellent condition.

Italian-born opera impresario (1878-1970) and General Manager of the San Carlo Opera Company (1913 to 1950's). Autograph note signed written in English in New York in 1928, size is 7 x 8.75 inches, slight stains on edges of document not affecting the text or signature, otherwise in very good condition.

Italian-born opera impresario (1878-1970) and General Manager of the San Carlo Opera Company (1913 to 1950's). Signed and inscribed portrait photo, dated in 1922. Stamped on verso by Underwood and Underwood photo studios, New York. Size is 8 x 10 inches, with some paper loss and small bullet holes on corners of the photo, discount reflected in price. 

Italian-born opera impresario (1878-1970) and General Manager of the San Carlo Opera Company (1913 to 1950's). Set of 2 typed letter signed in 1918 and 1920 & 4 pages printed brochure, all signed by him.  Letters are 5.9 x 9.25 inches & Brochure is 6.25 x 9.5 inches; some stains in letters and age toning in brochure, otherwise in very good condition.

Famous Italian opera impresario (1869-1940), who was the manager of La Scala (1898-1908) and the Met Opera for 27 years! (1908-1935). Signed photo, dated by him the year he retired from the Met Opera, 6.9 x 10.9 inches, in very good condition.

Librettist and composer (1893-1925), signed cabinet photo, by Julius Gertinger, Vienna. Signature is on verso. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian poet (1847-1906), playwright & librettist, well known for writing the libretto of Puccini's Manon Lescaut, La Boheme, and Madama Butterfly. Large size cabinet-style photograph signed by him, dated in Milan, 1905, inscribed to Bianca Chigi Kaschmann, daughter of the famed baritone Giuseppe Kaschmann.  Size is 6.75 x 9.7 inches, minor stains, irregularly cut and trimmed on the top and bottom, otherwise in excellent condition.

Austrian-American opera producer (1903-1973). He was also known as Little Hans as the first child to be analyzed by Sigmund Freud, a study published in 1909 in Analysis of a Phobia in a Five-year-old Boy. Autograph letter in Italian signed by him, dated January 28, 1965, to the artistic director Francesco Siciliani (1911-1996), concerning the baritone Abe Polakoff: “…il baritono Americano Abe Poliakoff mi ha informato che probabilmente farà una audizione per Lei nei primi giorni di febbraio. Vorrei dirle che io considero Polakoff un elemento di grande qualità per parti come il TONIO nei Pagliacci. Io l’ho portato a Zurigo, ma dopo la mia demissione la sua situazione era divenuta difficile siccome lui non vuole cantare il repertorio italiano in tedesco come lo chiedono lì adesso. Nel frattempo Polakoff ha avuto un enorme successo come TONIO a Monaco…”. Size is 8.2 x 11.5 inches, 1 written page, letterhead, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

Moravian-born American operatic impresario (1849-1907), director of The Metropolitan Opera between 1892 and 1903. Menu for a dinner in his honor at Lottos Club; New York, signed by him with a pencil over the lower-right corner, dated March 1, 1902. The menu is beautifully decorated with illustrations and Grau's image at the top.  Size is 9.9 x 15.3 inches, 1 page, minor stains, in overall excellent condition.  

German actor and stage director (1866-1945), signed photo postcard, shown as himself, dated 1918, Vienna. Size is 3.5 x 5.25 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian opera libretist (1880-1948) who assisted composer Ottorino Respighi.  Page signed and inscribed by him with a short sentiment in Italian, dated April 24th, 1932. Size is 6 x 9.1 inches, in excellent condition.

Romanian theatre director (1860-1955), impresario, director of the Monte-Carlo Opera for sixty years. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated May 23, 1897, to a certain gentleman: “…ce n’est pas 500 frcs. que je vous ai déposé en garantie mais mille francs…”.  Size is 5.6 x 8.5 inches, 1 written page, central fold, overall rust tone, Grand Hotel letterhead, in overall very good condition.

French opera director and musicologist (1819-1896), Director of the Paris Opera (1871-79). Group of 5 autograph notes and letters signed by him, 4 of them with the letterhead of the Theatre National de L`Opera, all addressed to French actor Eugene Ritt (1817-1898), who later became Director of the same theater (1885-1892). Letters are dated from 1873-1883, in French, sold untranslated, one or two pages in a single sheet each, letters with letterhead are 5.25 x 8 inches, a smaller letter dated in 1883 is 4.3 x 5.25 inches, all in very good condition. SOLD ONLY AS A LOT, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French author and playwright (1834-1908), best known for his collaborations with the works of Bizet and Offenbach. Autograph letter in French signed by him (sold untranslated), dated August 27, 1881.  Size is 4 x 6.5 inches, two written pages in one sheet (front and verso)  overall light rust tone, in excellent condition.

Austrian music critic and historian (1825-1904). Autograph letter in German (untranslated) written on a card signed by him in December 1902. Size is 4.7 x 3.4 inches, in excellent condition.

British impresario and actor (1852-1896), manager of the Royal Italian Opera at Covent Garden. Autograph letter signed and dated in 1892, 1 page, blind stamp with letterhead of the Opera Company. Size is 5.1 x 7.9 inches, age toning on borders, in very good condition.

German regisseur and manager (1900-1988), who was behind the world premieres of Richard Strauss' operas and other important works. Signed card attached to a half-tone photo. Size is 2.5 x 3.9 inches, in excellent condition.

French music editor (1844-1916), son of Jacques-Léopold Heugel who founded the Heugel French music publishing company in 1839. Autograph letter signed, written on personal letterhead, dated in Paris in 1884, 1 page, written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 4.25 x 5.25 inches, small creases, otherwise in very good condition. 

French music publisher (1844-1916). Set of two autograph letters in French ((untranslated) signed by him, as follows: A. “Paris, le 22 Juin 1887”. To the contractor Francesco Compagnoni: “…Votre lettre n’est pas sans me donner quelque inquiétude sur l’état de santé de mon ami Sonzogno…” 1 p. In-16. B. Paris, le 7 Mars 1867”. To the pianist Antoine-François Marmontel (1816-1898). The correspondent sent enclosed “…ce 1er Volume Beethoven…”. 1 p. In-16. Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Music publisher (1815-1883) and founder of Heugel Publishing House. Set of three autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. Paris, March 29, 1846, to the composer Edmond Audran (1842-1901), saying he has included in the program the violinist "Herman": "... who gives a delightful concert to which we will have many friends..."; he then lists a few compositions he will bring to him on their next meeting.  B. Paris, April 1, 1872” to Eugène Guinot (1805-1861), journalist and writer, asking him if he could write back to Madame Sabatier (Apollonie Sabatier, 1822-1890) with information.  C. Paris, March 8, 1862, to Milanese Music Publisher Francesco Lucca (1802-1872) about the “Pensées musicales” (op. 75, 1862) by Sigismund Thalberg (1812-1871). Different sizes, lengths, in very good condition or better(see scans provided). ALSO INCLUDED is an autograph letter signed by him, dated in Paris, March 7, 1867, to the pianist Antoine-François Marmontel (1816-1898). The correspondent enclosed “...ce 1er Volume Beethoven...”.  SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French theater director (1895-1974), member of the French Resistance, and municipal councillor of Paris. His original printed business card signed by him with a short note in French. Size is 3.75 x 2.75 inches, in excellent condition.

British impresario (1885-1953). Typed letter in English signed by him, dated August 16, 1934, to Arturo Toscanini: “…I see by an announcement made in the London newspapers today that you have agreed to conduct two concerts for the British Broadcasting Corporation in May of next year, and I am wondering whether it would be possible for you to also conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra if I am able to bring it to London at about the same time…”.  Size is 7.9 x 9.9 inches, 2 typed pages in one sheet (front and back), with letterhead, central fold, staple holes at the upper-left corner, in overall very good condition.

Russian-born American impresario (1888-1974), who managed many performing artists. Signed photo, inscribed, stamped on verso by photographer Boris Goldenberg. Size is 7 x 9 inches, in excellent condition.

French actor, then Secretary General of the Opera Comique in Paris and librettist of several one act musical plays (1862-1910). 1 autograph letter signed, written on the official letterhead of the Opera Comique, dated in 1909, 2 pages, written in French and sold untranslated. Bold handwriting and signature. Each page is 4.25 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.  Also included: 1 unsigned photo postcard of him surrounded by various musical paintings, and other images and memorabilia, 4 x 5.5 inches, some small spots outside of the image, otherwise in very good condition, not sold separately. 

Canadian opera manager and tenor (1878-1959), general manager of the Metropolitan Opera (1935-1950). Typed letter signed in 1938 in New York, 1 page with letterhead of the Metropolitan Opera. Size is 8.5 x 10.9 inches, age toning, in very good condition.

American music critic (1918-2001) and senior editor of Parade Magazine. Typed letter in English signed by him, dated January 31, 1978, addressed to the German doctor Hans-Rudolf Wiedemann: “…I would like to thank you and your wife for the kind sentiments you express about my book The Mendelssohns…”. Size is 7.2 x 10.5 inches, 1 page, folds, creases, in overall very good condition.

French Theater Director (1753-1822), head of the Grand Theatre de Lyon. Autograph letter signed and dated in 1812 in Lyon, written to Napoleon's Directeur des Theatres. 2 pages, in French, sold untranslated. Each page is 7.8 x 10 inches, rust stains over the borders, otherwise in very good condition.

French music scholar (1846-1916).  Group of three autograph signed letters, all three written in French and sold untranslated. One letter dated in 1897 is 2 pages, 4 x 5.25 inches,  another dated in 1876 is 3 pages  4 x 5.25 inches, both embossed and in excellent condition. A third letter dated in 1884 is 1 page and contains a musical quote, 4.5 x 7 inches , mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.  Very clear handwriting and signature in all three signed letters. Sold as a lot only - Not sold separately. 

French music editor (1813-1895). Group of 2 autograph letters signed, one written on his own business letterhead in Paris (no date), 1 page at 5.5 x 8.25 inches, with several creases and folds, but in otherwise good condition. Another letter is 2 pages, 4.5 x 7 inches, small tear on right edge of document, otherwise in excellent condition. Both written in French and sold untranslated. Not sold separately. 

French music publisher (1786-1854), composer, and piano teacher. Autograph letter signed by him, dated in Paris, 1882, to the music publisher in Turin Giudici & Strada (whose archive is now preserved at the Conservatorio of Piacenza) about some publications of works by Henry Ketten (1848-1883).  Size is 5.1 x 8.1 inches, 1 page, folds, letterhead, in excellent condition.

Austro-Hungarian librettist (1858-1940), who was very popular in his time, and died tragically of starvation while hiding from Nazi forces.  Autograph letter with his letterhead written in German (sold untranslated) and signed by him, dated in Vienna, July 6, 1919.  Size is 6.1 x 7.7 inches, 3 written pages in 2 sheets, in excellent condition.

Canadian playwright, actor, stage director, and impresario (b.1957). Fine color photograph signed by him. Size is 8 x 9.8 inches, in excellent condition.

American ethnomusicologist (1915-2002), known for his field recordings of folk music. Set of two very interesting typed letters in French (untranslated) signed by him as “Alan” and “Alan Lomax” in blue ink, dated both June 11, 1958. After many years working on field recordings in Alto Adige, Sardinia, Sicily, and other Italian regions, Lomax writes to his colleagues proposing the publication of some of their recordings. Accordingly, he summarizes their proposals. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

French musicologist (1834-1903) and Writer; he also wrote under the pseudonyms Paul Lavigne, Louis Sévin et Ubalde. Set of two autograph letters in French signed by him, as follows: A. Bordeaux, May 8, 1862, to a gentleman: "... I have the honor to pay you homage with a copy of an elementary treatise on modern harmony, which I have just published (...) the reading of your treatise on harmony is a real epoch in my life. This reading completely changed my ideas about what might be called the metaphysics of music, by showing me very clearly something that I was only glimpsed...". Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 4 written pages in two sheets (front and back), in excellent condition. B. Bordeaux, May 29, 1863, to a gentleman: "... Your long-awaited opinion on the value of my notions of harmony has at last been formulated. It only took three words for you: I disapprove of everything. It's brief and encouraging..." Size is 5.2 x 8.3 inches, 3 written pages in two sheets (front and back), in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

German scene designer (1892-1965). Black-and-white photo postcard signed by him. Size is 4.1 x 5.8 inches, in excellent condition.

Swiss director, musician, and impresario (b.1951). Color photograph signed by him. Size is 8 x 9.75 inches, in excellent condition.

French dramatist (1830-1897), and opera librettist. Meilhac wrote the libretto for Bizet’s Carmen and also for Offenbach and Massenet. Autograph note signed, in French, sold untranslated. One page, sized 4.4 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

American stage director and opera director (1927-2008), he was the resident stage director at the Metropolitan Opera from 1956-1985, also served as  the Artistic Director of Central City Opera in Central City Colorado from 1959-1966 and In 1981 founded Opera Colorado.  Signed postcard photograph, shown young, size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Photograph of a scene from a production of Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, signed and inscribed by the director of that production, Nat Merrill, American stage director and opera director (1927-2008), who was the resident stage director at the Metropolitan Opera from 1956-1985. He also served as  the Artistic Director of Central City Opera in Central City Colorado from 1959-1966 and in 1981 founded Opera Colorado.  Stamped on verso by photographer Larry Laszlo, size is 5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition. 

Lot of mostly Typed Letters Signed from prominent senior managers and executive staff of the Metropolitan Opera in New York including legendary General Manager Sir Rudolf Bing, Tour Director (and former Assistant Manager) Francis Robinson, Mrs. August Belmont, founder of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Opera News Editor Mrs. John De Witt Peltz, and Head of Production David Pardoll (both 1 hand-written letter and a telegram). Dates range from 1956 to 1980. All in excellent condition, sold only as lot.

Italian librettist (1888-1977) and creator of the libretto of Cecilia (opera by Licinio Refice). Signed photo, inscribed, dated in 1934, blind stamp on front by photographer Ettore Reale, Roma. Size is 5.9 x 9.5 inches, minor silvering around borders, otherwise in excellent condition.

English music critic and musicologist (1868-1959). Set of two autograph letters signed by him, as follows: A. Dated 13/VI/1937, to Arturo Toscanini, concerning music transcriptions: “…The score “L’Incoronazione” only arrived last night (…) As soon as I get a free afternoon I will go through [Giacomo] Benvenuti’s transcription, comparing it with the original. I heard the work about fifteen years ago at Oxford, where it was quite well performed by amateurs, in a transcription by a young scholar, J.[ack]. A.[llan] Westrup [1904-1975], who is now at the “Daily Telegraph”. This transcription has never been published however. By all accounts, at Florence the other evening they made a “grand opera” à la “Aida” of it!…”. Size is 5.46 x 6.94 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back) letterhead, folds, in very good condition. Envelope INCLUDED. B. Dated 24/V/1938, to Arturo Toscanini, concerning Monteverdi transcriptions: “…A thousand thanks for the Monteverdi facsimile which you have been kind enough to send me (…) It was a happy idea of Benvenuti’s to publish a facsimile of the Venetian manuscript: it throws light on several questions connected with the work, and Malipiero’s edition…”. Size is 3.4 x 4.6 inches, 2 written pages in one sheet (front and back), folds, with letterhead, in very good condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.