Music
ABBA (1972-1982)
Vintage signed photograph
Swedish pop group formed by Agnetha Fältskog (1950), Björn Ulvaeus (1945), Benny Andersson (1946), and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (1945). They became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music. Desirable vintage cardstock promo colour photo, 4.0 x 6.0 inch, n.p. n.d. Signed in blue ballpoint by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,020 / € 850
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: $ 570 / € 475
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: $ 370 / € 310
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: $ 725 / € 600
Berlioz, Hector (1803-1869)
Autograph letter signed
French Romantic composer. Autograph letter signed “H. Berlioz”. 5.25 x 8.25 inch, (Paris), 1857 April 1. To Alphonse Royer, director of the Paris opera. In French, in full: “Je ne suis pas libre ce soir, il m’est impossible de profiter de la place que vous m’avez réservée pour le Ballet. Je vous renvoie donc le billet. Mais, s’il n’y a pas une grosse indiscrétion à vous demander deux places pour Lundi, veuillez me les envoyer.” Mailing folds, handling wear, note in a different hand at the top, else good condition.
Price: $ 1,020 / € 850
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: $ 4,700 / € 3.900
Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921)
Autograph postcard twice signed
World renowned Italian tenor usually considered the greatest operatic tenor ever, and he was the first opera star to make best-selling recordings, beginning around 1903, which are still in print to this day. Autograph postcard twice signed “ECaruso”. Picture postcard of Prague, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, postmark New York, 1904 May 15. The postmark of Prague is illegible. Twice signed on the face at upper-right of the picture postcard. Addressed to Pasquale Simonelli (1878-1960) in New York, an Italian-American banker who was instrumental in securing Caruso for the New York Metropolitan Opera. Throughout his life, he continued to engage other famous opera singers, including Maria Barrientos, Beniamino Gigli, Titta Ruffo, Riccardo Stracciari, and others for the Met. Not translated, but apparently friendly content. Caruso was fond of sending his friends postcards during his travels. Handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 410 / € 340
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: $ 115 / € 95
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: $ 2,940 / € 2.450
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: $ 925 / € 770
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: $ 500 / € 420
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: ON HOLD
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: $ 1,320 / € 1.100
Humperdinck, Engelbert (1854-1921)
Signed photograph & Autograph musical quotation signed
German composer, best known for his opera Hansel and Gretel. 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 about Humperdinck in pencil on verso, minor handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 660 / € 550
Humperdinck, Engelbert (1854-1921)
Autograph postcard signed
German composer, best known for his opera Hansel and Gretel. Autograph postcard signed “EHumperdinck”. Postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 inch, Berlin, 1906 February 3. Addressed to Rich(ard) Rühle-Zechlin in Berlin. Answering his inquiry about the music to “The Merchant (of Venice)”. In German: “Auf Ihre Anfrage bez. der Musik zum ‘Kaufmann’ teile ich Ihnen mit, das dieselbe noch nicht erschienen ist, jedoch noch im Laufe des Winters von mir herausgegeben werden wird.“ Translated: „… I inform you that it has not yet appeared, but that will be published by me in the course of this winter“. Handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
Liszt, Franz (1811-1886)
Letter signed
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. Letter signed “F. Liszt”. 1p., bifolium, 5.5 x 8.75 inch, Weimar, 1885 July 26. Fine letter signed to an unknown lady. Liszt informs the lady that he always makes music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4.00 to 6.00 p.m. and that she is welcome to participate. In German, in full: “Geehrtes Fräulein! Montags, Mittwochs und Freitags jede Woche Nachmittags 4-6 Uhr wird bei bey mir viel Musik gemacht, der Sie nach Gefallen und Auswahl beiwohnen mögen. Hochachtungsvoll und Ergeben.“ Mailing folds, slightly discolored, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,980 / € 1.650
Liszt, Franz (1811-1886)
Autograph letter signed 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 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: $ 1,980 / € 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: $ 1,590 / € 1.325
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 / € 4.125
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: $ 540 / € 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: $ 100 / € 85
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: $ 710 / € 590
Paderewski, Ignacy Jan (1860-1941)
Autograph letter signed
Polish pianist and composer, politician and spokesman for Polish independence. Autograph letter signed I.J. Paderewski”. 2 pages, bifolium, 4.5 x 5.25 inch, London, 1893 November 21. To an unknown honored lady. In German, in full: “Hochverehrtes Fräulein, Es thut mir herzlich Leid, daß ich mich bei Ihnen, für ihren zu freundlichen und schönen lebhaften Brief, nicht bedanken konnte. Ich bin auf Reisen gewesen und jeden Tag habe ich gespielt. Ich bitte mich also gütigst entschuldigen zu wollen. Hoffentlich wird Ihnen die Zeit erlauben morgen abend ins Concert zu kommen. Ich erlaube mir Ihnen zwei Billetts zu schicken und ich brauche Ihnen nicht zu sagen, wie ich mich freuen würde, wenn Sie kommen könnten. Mit den Ausdrucke meiner aufrichtigsten Hochachtung verbleibe ich Ihr ergebenster.“ Ink stain, else good condition.
Price: $ 560 / € 470
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: $ 4,500 / € 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: $ 725 / € 600
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph letter signed to the painter Charlotte Popert
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Autograph letter signed “Giacomo Puccini”. 5.0 x 3.5 inch card, Rome (Grand-Hotel), 1908 March 31. Fine embossed eagle at the top of the card. To the painter Charlotte Popert (1848-1922), who lives in Rome and who had invited him to her studio. In Italian, in full: “Mi voglio scusare se la ristrettezza del tempo non mi permette di venire ad ammirare I suoi lavori – debbo partire domattina! Ed oggi sono occupatissimo!...”. In fine condition. A letter from the violinist Teresina Tua (1866-1956), also directed to Charlotte Popert, Rome 1913 (thanks for "la deliziosa Madonnina") is included.
Price: $ 1,140 / € 950
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924)
Autograph note signed on his personal visiting card
Italian composer whose operas are among the important operas played as standards. Autograph note signed on his personal visiting card “GPuccini”. Card, 4.25 x 2.75 inch, Torre del Lago, (19)05 December 16. On his personal Giacomo Puccini, Via Verdi, 4 Milano card. In Italian, in full: „...Storch. Ebbi il trio di Sua composizione e mi rallegro di cuore col bravo autore per l‘elaborato e geniale svolgimento delle singole parti. Saluti Aff Puccini”. Fine condition.
Price: $ 1,090 / € 900
Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai (1844-1908)
Letter signed regarding his opera Snégourotchka
Russian composer, he was a master of orchestration. His best-known orchestral compositions are Capriccio Espagnol, the Russian Easter Festival Overture and the symphonic suite Scheherazade. Excellent letter signed “Nicolas Rimsky-Korsakow”. 2 pages, bifolium, 4.5 x 7.0 inch, St. Petersburg, 1907 October 22 (9 of the Julian calendar). To theatre and opera director Albert Carré (1852-1938). Letter written eight months before his death. He regrets that his opera Snégourotchka (The Snow Maiden) has been refused by the Opéra-Comique (momentarily since it will be performed a few months later). In Frech, in full: “Votre décision de ne pas monter ma Snégourotchka, à cause des prétentions cupides et sans tacte de Mr. Bessel, m’est, certainement, très pénible. Sans doute les opéras russes, pour être représentés doivent être choisis par leur éditeurs et non pas leur auteurs; les autres deux gros éditeurs russes - M.M. Jurgenson et Beliaïeff n’auraient pas agi comme Bessel. Je transmettrai à Mr. Bessel le contenu de votre dernière lettre. Il pourra, s’il veut, entrer en relation avec Mr. Lalo; peut-être vous fera-t-il de nouvelles propositions, mais plus raisonnables. En tous cas je m’abstiens de toute intervention dans cette affaire. J’espère, Cher Monsieur Carrè, que vous avez vu que j’ai fait tout mon possible pour vous aider - que faire, puisque mes efforts se sont brisés contre les actes de Mr Bessel. Pour réagir contre cela je n’ai aucun droit juridique. Je vous remercie infiniment d’avoir eu l’idée de faire représenter ma Snégourotchka sur la scène de l’Opéra Comique. Recevez, Cher Monsieur, mes salutations les plus sincères, Votre tout dévoué Sagorodny.28.” Translated: “Your decision not to stage my Snegourotchka, because of Mr. Bessel's greedy and tactless pretensions, is certainly very painful to me. No doubt Russian operas, in order to be represented, must be chosen by their publishers and not their authors; the other two big Russian publishers - M.M. Jurgenson and Beliaïeff would not have acted like Bessel. I will pass on the contents of your last letter to Mr. Bessel. He can, if he wishes, enter into a relationship with Mr. Lalo (Pierre Lalo, music critic and translator, 1866-1943); perhaps he will make you new, but more reasonable, proposals. In any case, I refrain from any intervention in this matter. I hope, Dear Mr. Carrè, that you have seen that I have done all I can to help you - what to do, since my efforts failed against the actions of Mr. Bessel. To react against this I have no legal right. Thank you very much for having had the idea of having my Snegourotchka performed on the stage of the Opéra Comique. Receive, Dear Sir, my most sincere greetings”. The Snow Maiden (Snégourotchka) is an opera in four acts with a prologue by Rimsky-Korsakov, composed during 1880-1881. The Russian libretto, by the composer, is based on the like-named play by Alexander Ostrovsky (which had premiered in 1873 with incidental music by Tchaikovsky). The first performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's opera took place at the Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg on 29 January 1882. It remained the composer's own favorite work. Mailing fold, else excellent condition.
Price: $ 2,340 / € 1.950
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: $ 2,100 / € 1.750
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: $ 1,350 / € 1.125
Saint-Saëns, Camille (1835-1921)
Autograph letter signed re: his opera Henry VIII.
French composer, organist, conductor and pianist of the Romantic era. His best-known works include the opera Samson and Delilah (1877) and The Carnival of the Animals (1886). Fine autograph letter signed “C. Saint-Saens”. 3pp., (bifolium), 5.0 x 6.5 inch, Cannes, 1901 December 13, in French to a lady. Starts with condolences and ends with the words that he will not forget all that he owes to his incomparable creation of Henry VIII. Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. Henry VIII. is an opera in four acts by Saint-Saëns with its first performance on 5 March 1883 at the Académie Nationale de Musique.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
Saint-Saëns, Camille (1835-1921)
Autograph letter signed
French composer, organist, conductor and pianist of the Romantic era. His best-known works include the opera Samson and Delilah (1877) and The Carnival of the Animals (1886). Fine autograph letter signed “C. Saint-Saens”. 1p., (bifolium), 4.5 x 7.0 inch, n.p., June 28 (no year). An untranslated letter in French. Mailing fold, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 350
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 / € 550
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: $ 1,800 / € 1.500
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: $ 970 / € 810
Spontini, Gaspare (1774-1851)
Fine content autograph letter signed
Italian opera composer and conductor. Excellent and unusual autograph letter signed “Spontini”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.25 inch, Berlin, 1831 June 26. In French. A cleanly written letter in bold black ink by Spontini, stating in part: “I have visited you and have verbally responded to all your letter points, I am however ready to answer again whenever you wish so in presence of witnesses…In the meantime your threat do not frighten me at all, they can return to you...” Spontini concludes explaining that his witnesses are many and most respectable and important people. With small traces from previous affixing to the upper and lower edges, not affecting the text nor the signature.
Price: $ 710 / € 590
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: $ 4,750 / € 3.950
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 in. Handling and corner wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 960 / € 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: $ 590 / € 490
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: $ 4,500 / € 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: $ 3,300 / € 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: $ 2,900 / € 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: $ 2,425 / € 2.020
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: $ 900 / € 750