Music
Albert, Eugen d’ (1864-1932)
Autograph musical quotation signed from his masterpiece “Tiefland”
Scottish-born pianist and composer. Autograph musical quotation signed “Eugen d’Albert”. 1p., bifolium, 5.75 x 8.75 inch, Kärnten (Austria), (1)914 June, no day. Fine musical quotation marked “Tiefland” and inscribed to an unknown person. Mailing folds, minor handling wear, else fine condition. In the summer of 1914, d'Albert and his fifth wife, Friedrike, traveled to Villach in Kärnten to go on vacation. Tiefland (The Lowlands) is an opera in a prologue and two acts by Eugen d'Albert, to a libretto in German by Rudolf Lothar. Tiefland was d' Albert's seventh opera, and is the one which is now the best known.
Price: $ 440 / € 400
Baker, Josephine (1906-1975)
Signed photograph
American-born French dancer, singer and actress. Vintage signed photograph “votre Josephine”. Postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, n.p., n.d. The image depicting Baker in a full-length pose in costume. Verso printed “ANNABACOA” and “Par autorisation spéciale de Jospehine Baker. Les MILANDES (Dordogne).” Signed in blue ballpoint pen. Fine condition. Rare postcard, especially signed by Baker.
Price: $ 385 / € 350
Bartók, Béla (1881-1945)
Program signed
Hungarian composer, pianist and ethnomusicologist. He is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century. He and Liszt are regarded as Hungary's greatest composers. Signed printed program “Bartók Béla”. Four pages, two separate sheets, 6.25 x 9.25 inch, 1937 February 19, in Hungarian. The classical music concert included quartet works by Beethoven, Haydn and Bartok. Signed in bold black ink to the second page alongside his printed name and quartet presentation. With three binder holes to the border, else good.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897)
Autograph letter signed re: Goethe poem
German composer, pianist, conductor of the Romantic period and one of the greatest composers of all time. Autograph letter signed “J. Brahms”. Card, gold edges, 4.5 x 3.5 inch, recto and verso, n.p., n.d. To an unknown friend/ poet. In German, in full: “Lieber Freund. Deinen freundlichen Gruß angemessen erwiedernd wünsche ich Dir angenehmste Sommerferien. Dein Gedicht aus der neuen Goethe-Ausgabe (falls Du es noch erinnerst) steht bereits im Hempel u. das schöne Wort (falls Du es noch weißt) fand ich auch bei mir schon unterstrichen. Neues giebt es aus diesem winterlichen Landaufenthalt nicht zu melden, aber wie viele würden ihre Grüße aussenden, wenn sie wüßten, daß Dir u. deiner Familie die herzlichsten sagt. Dein J. Brahms“. Translated: „Dear friend. Properly returning your friendly greeting, I wish you a pleasant summer holiday. Your poem from the new Goethe edition (if you still remember it) is already in the Hempel and I found the beautiful word (if you still remember it) already underlined in my case. There is nothing new to report from this wintry stay in the country, but how many would send their greetings if they knew that you and your family are saying the warmest. Yours, J. Brahms”. Handling wear, minor corner wear, else fine condition. Gustav Hempel (1819-1877) was a German publisher. Hempel became famous through an ambitious project to publish a collection of editions of German classics, including Goethe, Schiller, Herder and so on.
Price: $ 4,400 / € 4.000
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Self-caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever and the first opera star to make best-selling recordings, beginning around 1903, which are still in print to this day. A fine and characteristic hand drawn self-caricature signed “Enrico Caruso S. Paulo 1917”. 5.75 x 7.75 inch, Sao Paulo 1917. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink. Autograph was previously framed, minor paper loss at the top, small pinhole, else good condition. For other similar self-caricatures see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977. Caruso was highly talented as a caricaturist and illustrator. This is a wonderful example with a fine and large signature.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Self-caricature signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever and the first opera star to make best-selling recordings, beginning around 1903, which are still in print to this day. A fine and characteristic hand drawn self-caricature signed “Enrico Caruso London 1905”. 5.5 x 8.25 inch, London 1905. Boldly drawn in dark fountain pen ink, signed and dated to lower margin. Mounted on cardboard, some light soiling and age wear and light horizontal fold to the centre, else fine condition. For a similar self-caricature, only facing to the left, see Caruso's Caricatures, New York: Dover Publications, 1977, p. 9. Caruso was highly talented as a caricaturist and illustrator. This is a nice example.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Casals, Pablo (1876-1973)
Autograph musical quotation signed (Cello Suite by Bach)
Spanish and Puerto Rican cellist, composer and conductor. He made many recordings throughout his career of solo, chamber and orchestral music, including some as conductor, but he is perhaps best remembered for the recordings he made of the Cello Suites by Bach. Autograph musical quotation signed “Pablo Casals”. Card, 5.0 x 3.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Excellent signed in fountain pen and Casals adds the first measure of the prelude from Bach's unaccompanied cello Suite III in C Major. Two stains, else fine condition. Casals purportedly played a Bach suite every morning when he rose from bed. Great autograph!
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Chevalier, Maurice (1888-1972)
Vintage large signed photograph
French actor, cabaret singer and entertainer. Vintage signed photograph, probably from a concert program. 8.75 x 12.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in ballpoint pen “Maurice Chevalier”. Left border trimmed, slightly discolored, minor handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 90 / € 80
Debussy, Claude (1862-1918)
Autograph letter signed to pianist Walter Morse Rummel
French composer and one of the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Autograph letter signed “Claude Debussy”. 2 pages, recto and verso of a card, 5.0 x 3.5 inch, Paris (postmark), 1916 November 26. PREPARING FOR EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF "THE ÉTUDES". To pianist Walter Morse Rummel, agreeing to the date of December 14, authorizing him to describe the occasion as the "first audition of the Études of C.D." reporting that his wife remains ill, and requesting that the sixteenth-notes not be disturbed until they arrive. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope hand addressed in Debussy’s hand. Fine condition. Walter Morse Rummel (1887-1953) was a prominent pianist, especially associated with Claude Debussy's works, as well as a composer and music editor. Fine, especially with the hand addressed envelope.
Price: $ 2,640 / € 2.400
Dvořák, Antonín (1841-1904)
Charming autograph letter signed
Czech composer and one of the first to achieve worldwide recognition, most famous for his Symphony No. 9 - From the New World. Charming autograph letter signed in English, signed “A. Dvorak”. 1p., 4.5 x 6.75 inch, Vysoká, July 26, 1885. Handwritten letter to Henry Littleton of the music publisher Novello and Co. In full: "I have the pleasure to announce you my arrival (final on the 17th Aug: in the morning) (6.10 o'clock) & I hope to meet you at the station (Charing's Cross or Victoria); if you cannot be able to get up so early in the morning, I will find the way at Berners Street alone. Please, would you sent me a word? With many regards Yours sincerely". In fine condition, with faint staining along the left edge from an old mounting strip on the reverse. Dvorak took part in the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival in August 1885; the cantata “The Spectre's Bride” (Op. 69) was composed for the occasion and published by Novello. Henry Littleton was made a partner in Novello’s in 1861 and bought the business soon after. The village of Vysoká u Příbramě is located approximately 50 km south-west of Prague. It is a place which played a highly significant role in Dvořák’s private and professional life and can without exaggeration be described as his second home.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 3.000
Furtwängler, Wilhelm (1886-1954)
Signed Grammophon postcard photograph
Highly regarded German conductor and composer. Signed photograph “Wilhelm Furtwängler”. Postcard, 4.25 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d. (about 1920). Grammophon postcard printed “Wilhelm Furtwängler nur auf “Grammophon” - “Die Stimme seines Herrn”. Black and white half-length portrait of a younger Furtwängler. Signed in dark black ink. Minor handling wear, else good condition, with a dark fine signature.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Furtwängler, Wilhelm (1886-1954)
Autograph postcard signed
Highly regarded German conductor and composer. Autograph postcard signed “Wilhelm Furtwängler”. Postcard, 5.25 x 3.25 inch. Bern, 1923 April 26 (postmark). Addressed to the singer Mary Komorn-Rebhan in Vienna. Furtwängler sends holiday greetings. In German, in full: "Liebe Frau Komorn, die allerschönsten Grüße von einer Kunstreise. Immer Ihr Wilhelm Furtwängler“. The photo page shows a view of Bern. Upper right edge expertly repaired, else good condition.
Price: $ 440 / € 400
Giordano, Umberto (1867-1948)
Photograph signed with autograph musical quotation “Fedora”
Italian composer, mainly of operas. His best-known work “Andrea Chénier” (1896), based on the life of the French poet André Chénier and “Fedora” (1898), based on Victorien Sardou's play, featured the rising young tenor Enrico Caruso. Excellent photograph signed “Umberto Giordano”. Postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Milano December (Dicembre) 1900, dark black ink. Additionally in Giordano’s hand some bars of his famous work “Fedora”. Imprint “Società Editrice Cartoline - Via Cavour, 12 - Torino (1159) / Eliotipia Molfese - Torino da fot. Guigoni e Bossi - Milano”. Closed pin holes at the top, else fine condition. Surely one of the finest Giordano autographs you can hope to find.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Grieg, Edvard (1843-1907)
Autograph musical quotation signed “This is how life should be!”
Norwegian composer and pianist. He is widely considered one of the leading Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. Autograph musical quotation signed “Edvard Grieg”. 1p., bifolium, 7.0 x 8.75 inch. Stuttgart, February 1890. In Grieg’s hand a C Major chord and the Swedish verse “Sådan bör livet vara!...” Translated: “This is how life should be!...” Two further entries on the third and fourth page of the bifolium, one by the pianist Josef Weiss (Stuttgart 1890) with a short autograph musical quotation signed. Slightly discolored, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,475 / € 2.250
Grieg, Edvard (1843-1907)
Beautiful Carte-de-Visite photograph signed
Norwegian composer and pianist. He is widely considered one of the leading Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. Beautiful Carte-de-Visite photograph signed “Edvard Grieg”. Carte-de-Visite, 2.5 x 4.0 inch, no place, April 1882. Signed and inscribed in Grieg’s hand: “Fröken Kai Dekker …” with thanks for tablecloth. Photo by Georg Brokesch, Leipzig. Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,925 / € 1.750
Grieg, Edvard (1843-1907)
Autograph letter signed
Norwegian composer and pianist. He is widely considered one of the leading Romantic era composers, his music is part of the classical repertoire worldwide. Autograph letter signed “Edvard Grieg”. 1p., 4.5 x 7.0 inch, Leipzig, 1894 February 1. In German, in full: “Hochgeehrter Herr! Herzlichen Dank für den Ausdruck Ihrer Sympathie für meine Kunst! Hochachtungsvoll“. Mailing fold, neatly mounted on thin cardboard of the same size.
Price: $ 1,210 / € 1.100
Humperdinck, Engelbert (1854-1921)
Signed photograph & Autograph musical quotation signed
Composer. Signed photograph and autograph musical quotation signed “EHumperdinck”. Black and white postcard photograph, 3.5 x 5.25 inch, n.p. (Charlottenburg), 1903. Below his signature Humperdinck has added an autograph musical quotation and the date 1903. Addressed on verso in a different hand and postmarked Charlottenburg 11.03.(19)03. Biographical information of Humperdinck in pencil on verso, good condition.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Liszt, Franz (1811-1886)
Autograph letter signed on his personal visiting card
Ccomposer, virtuoso pianist and conductor. His prowess at the keyboard earned him a rep. as perhaps the greatest virtuoso. Autograph letter signed “F. Liszt”. 1p., visiting card, 2.75 x 4.5 inch, n.p., n.d. Short autograph letter signed on his personal visiting card with printed „F. Liszt” in the middle. In German, in full: “Hochgeehrter Freund, Empfangen Sie freundlichst Herrn Baumeister, ein liebenswürdig ausgezeichneter Künstler, ergebenst.” Translated: "Dear friend. Please welcome Mr. Baumeister, a graciously honored artist". Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,800 / € 1.650
Liszt, Franz (1811-1886)
Unique autograph note on his personal visiting card
Hungarian Romantic era composer, virtuoso pianist and conductor. His prowess at the keyboard earned him a reputation as perhaps the greatest virtuoso in the history of the instrument. Autograph note unsigned. A fine handwritten note in French on his personal visiting card, 4.5 x 3.0 inch, imprinted with his name, n.p., n.d. In full (translated): "With great pleasure, dear Count, I will come to your house today, 5 o'clock. Your affectionate servant." And dated “Samedi” (Saturday) in his hand at the bottom. At the end of his printed name, Liszt has penned the long, squiggly line typically used to cross the “t” in his signature. In fine condition, with a faint block of toning. A unique and desirable Liszt piece.
Price: $ 1,540 / € 1.400
Mascagni, Pietro (1863-1945)
Photograph signed
Italian composer primarily known for his operas and his 1890 masterpiece Cavalleria rusticana. Photograph signed “P. Mascagni Milano, 24.10.’900 (1900)". Postcard photograph, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, Milano, October 24, 1900. Two pin holes, minor handling wear, else good condition. Fine and early signed photograph.
Price: $ 385 / € 350
Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Felix (1809-1847)
Autograph letter signed
German composer, pianist, organist and conductor of the early Romantic period. Autograph letter signed “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy”. 1p., bifolium, 4.75 x 7.5 inch, Leipzig, 1837 January 24. With a fine red “FMB” wax seal and addressed in Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s hand on verso. To the Leipzig city councilor Carl Wilhelm August Porsche, whom he asks to make an appointment for a meeting. Mendelssohn intended to seek certification of his employment as music director and joint municipal protection in Leipzig for himself and his bride, Cécile Jeanrenaud. In German, in full: „Ich wünsche dringend Sie in einer mich betreffenden Angelegenheit auf ein Paar Worte sprechen zu dürfen, u. erlaube mir daher die ergebne Anfrage ob ich Sie wohl heut im Laufe des Tages entweder in Ihrem Hause oder auf dem Rathhause antreffen könnte, u. um welche Stunde…“ Published in „Sämtliche Briefe“ Band 5 Nr. 1542. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500
Meyerbeer, Giacomo (1791-1864)
Autograph letter signed
German opera composer who has been described as perhaps the most successful stage composer of the nineteenth century. Autograph letter signed “Meyerbeer”. 1p. (bifolium), 5.25 x 8.5 inch, n.p., n.d. (Lundi = monday). Addressed on recto in Meyerbeer’s hand to the Politician and playwright Charles Guillaume Étienne (1777-1845) - member Académie francaise. In French, Meyerbeer writes that he will accept Étienne’s invitation for the coming Friday morning. Discolored, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 495 / € 450
Montand, Yves (1921-1991)
Vintage large signed photograph
Italian-French actor and singer. Vintage signed photograph, probably from a concert program. 8.75 x 12.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in ballpoint pen “YMontand”. Left border trimmed, minor handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 90 / € 80
Paderewski, Ignacy Jan (1860-1941)
One of a kind original drawing signed
Polish pianist and composer, politician and spokesman for Polish independence. Original ink drawing signed “I. J. Paderewski”. Portrait in profile to the left, in medallion form, mounted on hand made paper, 4.75 x 6.75 inch, n.p., n.d. Drawing initial signed EM. (E. Martin). Signed in black ink. Mounting residue on verso, else fine condition. One of a kind item.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Paganini, Niccolò (1782-1840)
Rare Letter Signed to famous composer Louis Spohr
Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer. He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time, and left his mark as one of the pillars of modern violin technique. Very rare letter signed “Niccolo Paganini”. 1p., bifolium, 8.5 x 10.0 inch, Frankfurt (Pariser Hoff), 1830 January no day. Very likely to Louis Spohr (1784-1859), court conductor in Kassel since 1822 (the address reads: “To the ducal”) and, alongside Paganini, one of the great violin virtuosos of his time, whom he canceled a planned stay in Kassel. Paganini had been on a brilliantly successful concert tour through Germany and Poland for a year, but had to interrupt it because his little son Achille was ill. In French: “… M’ayant trop retardé dans les Places en Allemagne dans lesquels j’ai donné des concerts, je suis obligé de filer tout droit a Paris. Me voila donc derobé encore pour quelques tems au desir ardent et a la haute jouis forme, d’entendre exécuter par Vous meme mon trés honnoré ami de Vos celebres compositions, dont tous connoisseurs et amateurs ressentent des eloges bien fondées; me voilà encore privé du plaisir de Vous donner quelques preuves de mon faible talent; mais patience, je depecherai mon sejour en France et en Engleterre, retourné en Allemagne, Cassel sera la premiere Ville dans la quelle je me produirai …” Translated: “…After spending too much time in the places in Germany where I have given concerts, I have to go straight to Paris. So here I am for a while longer, torn away from the glowing longing and the great pleasure of hearing you, my dear friend, perform your famous compositions, which all connoisseurs and lovers feel well-founded praise for; I am still deprived of the pleasure of giving you a proof of my feeble ability; but patience, I will hasten my stay in France and England, return to Germany, Kassel will be the first city where I will perform...". Short handwritten note in unknown hand at the top. Handling wear, discolored, slightly fragile, hole at the top edge from opening the seal, some stains, else good condition. Not listed in Codignola “Paganini intimo” (1935) und Neill “Epistolario” (1982). A fine letter between the two great violinists.
Price: $ 4,125 / € 3.750
Piaf, Édith (1915-1963)
Large photograph signed
French singer noted as France's national chanteuse and one of the country's most widely known international stars. Desirable cardstock photograph signed “Edith Piaf”. 7.75 x 10.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Columbia Disques promo photo signed in blue ballpoint. Photo by Harcourt, Paris and with the typical “CLUB DES DISQUES, Paris” stamp on verso. Minor handling wear, else fine condition. The classic Harcourt photo signed!
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph musical quotation signed “La Bohème”
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Excellent autograph musical quotation signed “Giacomo Puccini”. And additional in Puccini’s hand “mi chiamano Mimi" and inscribed to “Areste Lo Valvo”. Music paper, 7.0 x 3.25 inch, n.p., n.d. (about 1896/ 1897). The three opening bars of the aria "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" (“Yes they call me Mimi”) from his famous opera "La Boheme". Fine condition, uncommon large and with a full signature. Oreste Lo Valvo (1868-1947) was an Italian lawyer, publicist and essayist. Wikipedia about Oreste Lo Valvo in Italian and translated: “Giacomo Puccini dedicates one of his photographs to him for his contribution to the success of the first performance of La Bohème at the Bellini theater in Palermo on 8 April 1896”. Later Puccini renews his esteem and dedicates this musical quotation to Lo Valvo. The world premiere of La Bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio conducted by the 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini. Since then, La Bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. Excellent provenance!
Price: $ 3,025 / € 2.750
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph musical quotation signed “La Bohème”
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Excellent autograph musical quotation signed “GPuccini”. Card, 4.0 x 2.5 inch, n.p., (1)912. The three opening bars of the aria "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" (“Yes they call me Mimi”) from his famous opera "La Boheme". Written on a visiting card of Dr. C. Manól as printed on verso. Slightly discolored, minor mounting residue on verso, else good condition. The world premiere of La Bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio conducted by the 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini. Since then, La Bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide.
Price: $ 2,750 / € 2.500
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Excellent provenance signed carte-de-visite photograph
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Beautiful signed carte-de-visite photograph “G. Puccini”. 2.5 x 4,25 inch, Milano May 16, 1896. Inscribed in Puccini’s hand to “Oreste Lo Valvo” and dated “Milano 16.5.96”. Photo by Montabone, Milano as printed on recto and verso. Verso with abrasions in the middle, else fine condition. Oreste Lo Valvo (1868-1947) was an Italian lawyer, publicist and essayist. Wikipedia about Oreste Lo Valvo in Italian and translated: “Giacomo Puccini dedicates one of his photographs to him for his contribution to the success of the first performance of La Bohème at the Bellini theater in Palermo on 8 April 1896”. Now this photograph is for sale! A one-of-a-kind provenance and surely one of the finest signed Puccini photographs you can hope to find. The world premiere of La bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio, conducted by the 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini.
Price: $ 1,925 / € 1,750
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Photograph signed
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Postcard photograph signed “Giacomo Puccini Milano V. XII. ‘900”. Postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Milano, December 5 1900. Imprint “Società Edit. Cartoline - Torino - Eliotipia Molfese (1311) (da fot. Guigoni e Bossi - Milano)”. Two pin holes, else fine condition. Also included is a signed and dated postcard photograph of Fancesco Tamagno (1850-1905) an Italian operatic dramatic tenor who sang with enormous success throughout Europe and America. And a signed and inscribed postcard photograph of Ferruccio Benini (1854-1916) an Italian theater actor. Both cards with handling wear, two pin holes, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,265 / € 1.150
Rossini, Gioachino (1792-1868)
Great carte-de-visite photograph signed
Italian composer. His best-known operas include the Italian comedies “Il barbiere di Siviglia” (The Barber of Seville). Great original carte-de-visite photograph signed. Inscribed by Rossini in Italian: “Ricordo d'amicizia offerta al Dr. G(iovanni) B(attista) Zampironi, Passy - 1862. G. Rossini”. 2.5 x 3.75 inch, Passy (Rossinis home between 1855-1868). Photo by Ét.(ienne) Carjat printed in the lower left corner. Giovanni Battista Zampironi (1836-1906) was an Italian pharmacist, known for being the inventor of the zampirone. Étienne Carjat (1828-1906) was a French journalist, caricaturist and photographer, best known for his numerous portraits and caricatures of political, literary and artistic Parisian figures. Mounting residue on verso, two small pin holes, horizontal bend, but photographers mount not broken, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Rossini, Gioachino (1792-1868)
Letter signed to famous tenor Marco Bordogni
Italian composer. His best-known operas include the Italian comedies “Il barbiere di Siviglia” (The Barber of Seville). Letter signed “Gioachino Rossini”. 2 pages, 6.75 x 8.5 inch, bifolium, n.p., 1854 December 30. Letter handwritten by Rossini’s second wife Olympe Pélissier and signed by Rossini with his rare full signature. Letter in French to “Mon cher Bordogni” in Paris. In this fine letter Rossini recommend Mr. Servadio, director of the Journal L’Arte in Florence. In parts: “Je me sert de la main de ma femme pour te recommander Monsieur Servadio, directeur du journal de L'Arte de florence compositeur de musique et agent correspondant theatrial!...” Giulio Marco Bordogni (1789-1856) was an Italian operatic tenor and singing teacher of great popularity and success. Olympe Pélissier (1799-1878) was a French artists' model, courtesan and the second wife of Rossini.
Price: $ 1,210 / € 1.100
Schumann, Clara (1819-1896)
Autograph letter signed
German pianist, composer and piano teacher. Regarded as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. Autograph letter signed “Clara Schumann”. 1p., 5.75 x 8.75 inch, Düsseld(orf), 1879 July 6. Schumann sends her autograph to an admirer. Letter in German, in full: “Gern erfülle ich Ihren Wunsch, indem ich Ihnen meine Unterschrift sende”. Mailing folds, handling wear, pencil note (Clara Schumann) at the top erased, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,100 / € 1.000
Schumann, Clara (1819-1896)
Handwritten envelope matted with photograph
German pianist, composer and piano teacher. Regarded as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. Handwritten envelope, 4.0 x 2.75 inch, n.p., n.d. (Frankfurt). Addressed in dark black ink in Schumann’s hand “Herrn u. Frau Georg Goltermann hier (Frankfurt) 139 Grüneburgweg“. Fine condition. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of Schumann to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Shostakovich, Dmitri (1906-1975)
Scarce autograph letter signed to actor Boris Livanov
Russian composer, pianist and a prominent figure of 20th-century music. Autograph letter signed “D. Shostakovich”. 1p., 5.0 x 7.5 inch, Moscow, 1954 June 17. A fine letter in Russian to Boris N. Livanov. He congratulates him on a high award. With all his heart he wishes that he always stays happy and healthy and continues to enchant "our wonderful people" with his great art. Mailing fold, minor handling wear, else fine condition. Boris Nikolayevich Livanov (1904-1972) was a Soviet and Russian actor and theatre director. People's Artist of the USSR (1948) and a member of the Moscow Art Theatre from 1924 through 1972. Shostakovich is uncommon in handwritten letters.
Price: $ 1,760 / € 1.600
Sibelius, Jean (1865-1957)
Photograph signed
Finnish composer and violinist of the late Romantic and early-modern periods. He is widely recognized as his country's greatest composer. Photograph signed “Jean Sibelius”. 3.5 x 4.75 inch photograph by Bonney of the composer at his piano. Affixed on cardstock, overall 6.0 x 8.75 inch. No place, no date. Bold and large ink signature below the photograph. Handling wear, else good condition. Sibelius is uncommon in signed photos.
Price: $ 1,150 / € 1.050
Sibelius, Jean (1865-1957)
Typed letter signed
Finnish composer and violinist of the late Romantic and early-modern periods. He is widely recognized as his country's greatest composer. Typed letter signed “Jean Sibelius”. 1p. (bifolium), 5.75 x 8.25 inch, Järvenpää, 1949 December 30. Signed in pencil. To Miss Katharine Cornell. In full: “You have been extremely kind in remembering me again on my birthday with excellent cigars through the American Arts Foundation. The cigars have arrived here in perfect condition and I need not say that they were very welcome. Please accept my warmest thanks for your great kindness. You have made me very happy and proud. With kindest regards and best wishes for the new year.” Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Carte-de-visite photograph with autograph musical quotation signed
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Excellent carte-de-visite photograph signed “Johann Strauss”. Carte-de-visite photo, 2.5 x 4.25 inch, no place, no date. Inscribed on verso by Strauss “Fräulein Emilie Tolentino der reizenden Sängerin zur freundlichen Erinnerung an Johann Strauss”. With an autograph musical quotation by Strauss on verso, four bars from the waltz „Wiener Blut” (Vienna blood). Photograph by Schrank & Massak in Vienna, a fine head and shoulders portrait, three-quarter face, showing him in middle age. Fine condition. Wiener Blut “Vienna Blood” Op. 354 is a waltz by Johann Strauss first performed by the composer on 22 April 1873. The new dedication waltz was to celebrate the wedding of the Emperor Franz Joseph I's daughter Archduchess Gisela Louise Maria and Prince Leopold of Bavaria. However, the waltz was also noted by Strauss' biographers as the début of Strauss with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Price: $ 4,400 / € 4.000
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Impressive signed photograph
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Impressive signed photograph “Johann Strauss”. Platinotypie, 4.0 x 5.75 inch, on 8.5 x 12.0 inch photographers mount. Inscribed by Strauss in German: „Herzliche Glückwünsche dem verehrten Collegen und Freunde Eduard Kremser zur freundlichen Erinnerung / Johann Strauss". Photograph of a paiting by Leopold Horovitz (Ischl 9. 1891). Photo by J. Löwy, Wien 1897. Slightly discolored, minor handling and corner wear, else good condition. Kremser worked from 1869 to 1899 as choirmaster of the Vienna Men's Singing Association, which, among other things, premiered the waltzes "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" and "Wine, woman and Song". Impressive photograph!
Price: $ 2,530 / € 2.300
Strauss, Johann (1825-1899)
Autograph note on his personal visiting-card
Also known as Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger. Austrian composer and known as "The Waltz King". Autograph note UNSIGNED on his personal visiting card. Card, 4.0 x 2.0 inch, n.p., n.d., recto and verso. Printed "Johann Strauss / k.k. Hofball-Musikdirector“ and a fine note in Strauss’s hand, in German: „bittet Herrn Kapellmeister Genée das Klavierarrangement der persischen Hymne u. der Walzer übergeben zu wollen." Richard Genée worked as Kapellmeister at the Theater at the Wien from 1868 to 1878. Also enclosed is the printed obituary of the Vienna Men's Choir for Johann Strauss (Vienna, June 1899) as well as a printed invitation for a "dance evening with the Waltz King" in the ballroom of the Vienna Hofburg on the occasion of the 100th "return of the birthday of Johann Strauss" and a newspaper obituary. All in fine condition.
Price: $ 825 / € 750
Strauss, Richard (1864-1949)
Photograph signed
Richard Georg Strauss was a leading German composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. He is known for his operas, which include “Der Rosenkavalier” and “Salome”. Strauss was also a prominent conductor throughout Germany and Austria. Signed and inscribed photograph “Herrn Franz Worff Dr Richard Strauss 20.8.37”. 3.75 x 5.5 inch black and white photo on the original 5.25 x 8.0 inch photographers mount. Signed and inscribed in dark black ink. Handling and corner wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971)
Fine signed photograph and autograph note signed
Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in modernist music. Wonderful signed photograph with a long handwritten note “Igor Stravinsky”. Card, 3.75 x 5.75 inch, recto and verso, Paris, 1936 October 6. Photograph by Venturini, Roma. A fine black and white photograph with a fine handwritten note to silent film actress Dagmar Godowsky (1897-1975). Note in Stravinsky’s hand, in French: “A Dagmar Godowsky Merci, chère ami de votre mot. Mme. Seligman qui va demain à New York vous apportera et vois remettera avec cette carte le parfum que vous désirez. A bientot, j’espère - je viendrai probablement avec les Dushkin’s vers Noel…”. Translated: “To Dagmar Godowsky Thank you, dear friend for your word. Mrs. Seligman who is going to New York tomorrow will bring you and give you with this card the perfume you want. See you soon, I hope - I will probably come with the Dushkin’s around christmas…”. Slightly discolored and minor handling wear, else fine condition. Also included is a fine UNSIGNED vintage black and white photograph (9.25 x 6.75 inch) of Stravinsky at the piano, stamped on verso “Studio-Lipnitzki”, Paris”.
Price: $ 1,100 / € 1.000
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971)
Typed letter signed re: his opera “Rake’s Progress”
Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in modernist music. Typed letter signed “I. Stravinsky”. 1p., 6.5 x 10.25 inch, Hollywood, 1950 June 21. Letter to his attorney Mr. L. Arnold Weissberg in New York. In full: “Thanks for your letter of June 19. As it is likely that Mr. Ricketson will not be very long before contacting you in New-York, I have had a copy made of my contract with Hawkes concerning the “RAKE’S PROGRESS” copy that I am enclosing herewith (not enclosed). Waiting now for the next developments, and expecting to hear from you before long.” Punch holes, mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. The Rake's Progress is Stravinsky's longest work and is widely considered one of the few great operas composed since the 1920s.
Price: $ 880 / € 800
Toscanini, Arturo (1867-1957)
Signed photograph
Italian conductor, known for his dynamic interpretations of Beethoven, Verdi and Wagner. Fine paper photograph “Arturo Toscanini 6-3-1937”. 5.5 x 9.0 inch, n.p. (Rotterdam), 1937 March 6. Black and white chest up portrait probably removed from a book or program. Minor mounting residue at the top on verso, else good condition. Toscanini had conducted the Residentie-Orkest that day in Rotterdam.
Price: $ 550 / € 500
Verdi, Giuseppe (1813-1901)
Wonderful cabinet-card-photograph signed
Italian composer of operas. Verdi came to dominate the Italian opera scene after the era of Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini and Gaetano Donizetti, whose works influenced him and his operas remain extremely popular. Wonderful cabinet-card-photograph signed and inscribed “A Anton Giulio Barrili con simpatia e l'altra stima St Agata 19 Maggio 1892” (“To Anton Giulio Barrili with sympathy and esteem St Agata 19 May 1892”). St Agata (Villa Verdi), 1892 May 19. A fine gold edge photograph marked “SEBASTIANUTTI & BENQUE, MILANO” on the front and on verso. Minor paper loss at the top, else fine condition. Surely one of the finest Verdi signed photographs you can hope to find. Villa Verdi is the estate house that composer Giuseppe Verdi ordered built in 1848 and where he lived from that year until the end of his life. It is in the village of Sant'Agata 3.5 km north of the town of Busseto, which itself lies 4.5 km west-north-west of the tiny village of Le Roncole.
Price: $ 4,400 / € 4.000
Verdi, Giuseppe (1813-1901)
Autograph letter signed in fine condition
Italian composer of operas. Autograph letter signed “G. Verdi”. 1p., bifolium, 4.5 x 7.0 inch, Montecantini, 1891 July 7. Uncommon letter in French, in full: “Monsieur Sauchon, J’ai reçu le Bulletin de compte relevé pour la 168 répartition avril 1891. J’ai reçu aussi le chèque de L. 555:97 pour N. de Sandoz et C., que j’exigerai quand j’irai à Gênes vers la fin de ce mois. Agréez, Mr Sauchon, l’expression de ma considération distinguée”. Translated: “Mr. Sauchon, I received the Account Statement for the 168 distribution April 1891. I also received the check for L. 555:97 for N. de Sandoz and C., which I will demand when I go to Genoa towards the end of this month. Accept, Mr Sauchon, the expression of my distinguished consideration.” Mailing fold, blue pencil note at the top, else fine condition. Verdi visited Montecantini (Italian comune of c. 20,000 inhabitants in the province of Pistoia, in the Italian region of Tuscany) for over 20 years.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.800
Wagner, Richard (1813-1883)
Autograph letter signed to one of his students
German composer, theater director and conductor who is primarily known for his operas especially “The Ring of the Nibelung”. Autograph letter signed “Richard Wagner”. 1 page, 5.25 x 8.25 inch, bifolium, no place, no date (about 1860), written and signed in dark black ink. In German: "Meine verehrteste Schülerin! Wollen Sie die Güte haben, mit Vorweisung dieser Karte, baldmöglichst zu Mr. Giacomelli, 5 Rue Geoffroi-Marie Fbg Montm(artre) schicken, so werden Sie das Gewünschte noch erhalten können. Herzlich habe ich mich gefreut von Ihnen ein Lebenszeichen zu erhalten, und würde mit grossen Vergnügen Ihnen diese Freude persönlich mittheilen! Mit den besten Empfehlungen Ihr ergebenster“. Translated: "My dearest student! If you would be so kind to send this card to Mr. Giacomelli, 5 Rue Geoffroi-Marie Fbg Montm(artre) as soon as possible, you will still be able to get what you want. I was very happy to receive a sign of life, and it would be my great pleasure to share this joy with you personally!” Mailing folds, else good condition. The music critic and impresario Adolphe GIACOMELLI (1825?-1893) was an ardent supporter of Wagner, who entrusted him with the organization of his concerts in France and Belgium in 1860.
Price: $ 4,125 / € 3.750
Wagner, Richard (1813-1883)
Typed letter signed concerning the Bayreuth Festival
German composer, theater director and conductor who is primarily known for his operas especially “The Ring of the Nibelung”. Typed letter signed “Richard Wagner”. 1 page, 8.75 x 10.75 inch, Bayreuth, 1876 April 6, signed by Wagner in dark ink. A fine printed circular letter concerning the Bayreuth Festival, in German, in part (translated): "As a result of the agreement that exists between us, which assures me of your valued participation in the orchestra of the Bayreuth Bühnenfestspiele during this year's rehearsals and performances, I hereby allow myself to send you the detailed rehearsal plan…You will see from this plan that I will occupy your presence for the full three months." Mailing folds, else in fine condition. Since its opening in 1876, the Bayreuth Festival has been a socio-cultural phenomenon. The inauguration took place on 13 August 1876 just a few months after this letter was written Uncommon circular letter with excellent signature.
Price: $ 3,025 / € 2.750
Wagner, Richard (1813-1883)
Autograph letter signed
German composer, theater director and conductor who is primarily known for his operas especially “The Ring of the Nibelung”. Autograph letter signed “RWagner”. 1 page, 5.25 x 8.0 inch, no place, no date, written and signed in dark black ink. Handwritten letter in French regarding a dinner invitation. Translated: “My friend, make us the pleasure of dining with us on Monday. My wife thought I had to accept an invitation from elsewhere.” Tear to the bottom repaired and two small fold breaks repaired on verso, else good condition.
Price: $ 2,640 / € 2.400
Wagner, Richard (1813-1883)
Autograph note signed
German composer, theater director and conductor who is primarily known for his operas especially “The Ring of the Nibelung”. Autograph note signed “RW.” Card, 4.5 x 2.75 inch, no place, no date. Handwritten note requesting copies of the Bayreuth papers. In German, in full: “Liebster Freund! Bitte um ein paar Exemplare der ‚Bayreuther Blätter‘ die, wie ich soeben höre, bei Ihnen angekommen sein sollen. Ihr RW“. Accompanied by a printed form letter from Wagner, dated 1876 April 3. To bandmaster Carl Eckert in Berlin indicating that "there is no demonstrative dress rehearsal of our ‘Tristan’” and sending thanks for expressing "unabashed appreciation for the execution of my difficult score." Card with a small rusty paperclip impression to the top edge, letter has mailing folds, also a rusty paperclip impression and minor handling wear. A fine and affordable priced pair. "Bayreuther Blätter" - a German magazine in the spirit of Richard Wagner.
Price: $ 2,200 / € 2.000
Weber, Carl Maria von (1786-1826)
Handwritten envelope to his wife
German composer, conductor, pianist, guitarist and critic and one of the first significant composers of the Romantic school. Mailing envelope, unsigned, 9.0 x 6.25 inch unfolded, (18)24 July 16 (postmark). Addressed in the hand of Carl Maria von Weber to his wife "Freyfrau Carolina von Weber, Dresden, in Hosterwitz bei Pillnitz.” Vertical on the left side a note in different hand, in German: “Diese Adresse ist von der Hand Carl Maria von Weber’s (an seine Frau) von derselben erhalten. F.W. Zähns“. (This address was written in Carl Maria von Weber’s hand (to his wife) received from the same. F.W. Zähns). With light soiling, handling wear, else fine condition. Accompanied by a fine vintage unsigned postcard photograph of Weber. Caroline Elisabeth Antoinette Brandt, married Caroline von Weber (between 1792/1793 and 1852), was a German stage actor and singer. She married Weber in 1817.
Price: $ 825 / € 750