Singers - Autograph Manuscripts

Austrian soprano (1853-1907), who sang the role of Amelia in the premiere of the revised version of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra in 1881. Autograph letter signed, written on all four pages of a folded document, written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches (unfolded document is 7 x 8.75 inches), vintage historical item in excellent condition!

French-American soprano (1887-1931). Autograph note signed by her with a short sentiment in French (sold untranslated), dated 1922.  Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 1 page, central fold, in excellent condition.

Celebrated Italian soprano (1893-1975). Signed card (4 folded pages), with an attached photo of her, shown as herself.  Photo is 4 x 5.5 inches, total item size of each page is 4.75 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

Russian-Italian soprano (1807-1864), voice teacher, daughter of the celebrated voice teacher Filippo Dall'Oca. Set of two autograph letters in Italian (untranslated) signed by her, as follows: A. Berlin le 23 Octobre 1842. To the Court theatre manager Karl Theodor von Küstner, asking for: “…deux billets de parquet et quatre billets au second rang des loges (…) Dans ce moment je viens de recevoir mon rôle dans Belisaire, et le plus-tôt possible je tacherai de le donner…”. 1 p. In-4. B. Fano li 22 Febbrajo 1850. To the impresario Alessandro Lanari: “…in questo momento ho riceguto la vostra lettera, e ne feci parte alla mia figlia la quale per verità rimase assai mortificata nel vedere che il Sig. Marzi dopo tante dimostrazioni, e conoscendo i suoi mezzi, le abbia potuto fare questa meschina offerta, e sopra più anche obbligandola di fare le opere buffe, le quali sono affatto fuori del suo genere, e ch’essa non azzarderebbe di cantarle altro che avendo di già piaciuto in una città dopo una o due opere del suo genere…”.  2 pp. In-8. In the premiere (03/10/1837) of the opera Il Giuramento by Saverio Mercadante she sang the role of Elaisa. In the same year she sang other roles at the Vienna Court Opera, including the title role in Gemma di Vergy by Gaetano Donizetti in the first performance on May 28, 1838. In 1841 she made another guest appearance at the Vienna Court Opera, this time in the role of Teodora in Mercadante's opera Il bravo, at La Scala she had created the role very successfully in the premiere on March 9, 1839.  Different sizes, lengths, and conditions (see scans provided for a detailed view). SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.  

Italian soprano (1892-1975). Typed letter signed, dated in 1971, together with an unsigned photo of her. Dalla Rizza writes to a fan in America, one page, 8.1 x 11.25 inches, in excellent condition.

French tenor (1871-1939). Lot of 1 autograph note signed handwritten in pencil on the verso of a 3.5 x 5.5 inch postcard with a view of a beautiful building in Wiesbaden, Germany, dated in Wiesbaden in 1914, along with 1 unsigned 6 x 8 inch photograph, shown as Nicias in Massenet's Thais. Both in excellent condition, not sold separately. 

French tenor (1871-1939); German bass-baritone (1866-1938). An album page signed by both artists; Muhlmann added a 5-bar music quote with lyrics from Wagner's "Lohengrin" dated in London, June 1901; while Dalmores signed and inscribed in London (Covent Garden) in 1904. Size is 7.75 x 6.25 inches, minor rust stains, in overall very good condition.

French tenor (1871-1939). Signature cut, signed in Chicago. Bold handwriting and signature. Size is 5 x 2.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

Italian dramatic soprano, active in the 1880s and 1890s who starred in the role of Nefta/Suor Clotilde in the world premiere performances of Alberto Franchetti's Asrael in 1888. Autograph letter signed, dated in Florence in 1876, 3 pages written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 5.5 x 8.25 inches, unfolded total size is 8.25 x 10.75 inches, small tear on the top right of last pages, otherwise in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1818-1870). Printed document signed by her, dated June 1, 1845, issued by the Théâtre Royal de l'Opéra Comique, stating the wages of the actors for May 1845.  Size is 7.4 x 9.5 inches, some spotted rust, in overall very good condition.

Welsh tenor (1858-1943), autograph letter signed, dated in March 1924. 1 page, size is 5.25 x 7 inches, one central fold and several small creases on the left, otherwise in very good condition. 

Welsh tenor (1858-1943), signature cut, size is 2.25 x 4 inches, several mounting traces but otherwise in very good condition. ALSO INCLUDED: Unsigned cabinet photo, shown as himself, size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, small stain on verso, otherwise in very good condition. Not sold separately. 

English singer and musician who also played flute and harpsichord (1743 or 1744-1818). Autograph letter signed, dated in Naples in 1772, 3 pages, written in French, sold untranslated. Each page is 7.5 x 9.25 inches, total unfolded item is 9.25 x 14 inches, small tear on the left side of back pages (not including any text), as well as tape residue, and small stains on front pages, otherwise in very good condition.

Welsh mezzo-soprano (1855-1930) Autograph letter signed by her, dated December 2nd, 1918, about personal matters. Size is 4.5 x 7 inches, 3 pages (in one sheet), folds, minor stains, in good condition.

Italian baritone (1819-1881), especially known for his Verdi roles, appeared in the world premiere productions of that composer's I Due Foscari, Il Corsaro, Luisa Miller, and La Forza del Destino. Signed album page, dated in 1855, bold handwriting and signature. Size is 9.25 x 12.5 inches. Very rare vintage item in excellent condition!

American mezzo-soprano/contralto (1878-1934), who toured worldwide and greatly helped raise funds for charity causes, later in life became a teacher. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1906, three pages, written in English, each one is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, in excellent condition.

German soprano (1888-1990). Typed letter signed, written in Hollywood, dated in 1950, written in German, sold untranslated. 2 pages on both sides of a 5 x 7.25 inch sheet, small tear on the left side, otherwise in very good condition. 

Italian soprano (1817-1877). Fine personal card with few autograph lines by her dated in Padua, March 18, 1881. Size is 3.9 x 2.3 inches, in excellent condition.

French mezzo-soprano (1872-1926), sang frequently at the Paris Opéra-Comique. Autograph note signed, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 4.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1824-1905), who was the first Traviata in the USA. Autograph letter signed, dated in 1865, Madrid, written in French and sold with translation. Size 5.25 x 8.25 inches, four pages, in excellent condition.

French soprano Anna De La Grange (1824-1905), who was the first Traviata in the US. Signed album page mounted onto a larger album page containing her signature, written in French and sold untranslated. Also included: an additional signature of Euphrosyne Parepa-Rosa, a Scottish soprano (1836-1874), who enjoyed an outstanding international career, and was the cofounder of the Parepa-Rosa Opera company. Her signature and text are in English and she signed as "E. Parepa-Rosa".   Total size of the larger album page containing both of these mounted signed pages is 6.5 x 8.25 inches , some wear and paper loss at far edges of the larger page, but each of the attached pages are in excellent condition.

French singer (1801-1868), teacher and writer, cantor of the music chapel of Charles X, he was much appreciated by Luigi Cherubini and Carl Maria von Weber. Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, no date indicated, addressed to a Maître, concerning the visit of the journalist Louis Esnault: “…vous ne pouvez pas douter du plaisir que nous aurons à faire la connaissance performelle d’un homme dont nous aimons le beau talent depuis long-temps…”. Size is 5.3 x 8.45 inches, 1 page, letterhead of "L'Univers Musical", folds, creases, in overall good condition.

Italian baritone (1876-1950) who achieved his greatest triumphs at the Metropolitan Opera, and created the role of Sharpless and Gianni Schicchi in Puccini's Madama Butterfly (1904) and Gianni Schicchi (1918). Original manuscripts (mostly letters) signed by the artist (for more details please check individual descriptions). Scroll down to see all the manuscripts and click on each to enlarge or see more photos if available. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY.   

Italian soprano (1870-1909). Signed postcard, written in Italian (sold untranslated). Size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, in excellent condition.

Italian tenor (1881-1955), acclaimed as a star singer at Teatro La Scala. Set of two personal cards with few lines written by him. Size is 3.8 x 2.3 inches, in overall very good condition.  

Spanish baritone Mariano De Padilla (1842-1906). Autograph music quote signed from Rossini's Barbiere di Siviglia, dated in 1882, on 2.75 x 4.25 card in excellent condition.  ALSO INCLUDED is a signed card from his daughter French-Spanish soprano Lola Artot de Padilla (1876-1933), one of the most important sopranos in Germany during the early years of the 20th century, written in Baden-Baden, 2.5 x 4.25 inches, in excellent condition. SOLD TOGETHER, NOT SOLD SEPARATELY.

Italian tenor (1893-1964), autograph note signed, 1 page, written in English. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches, 1 fold with small tear on the right and several creases on bottom and sides, otherwise in very good condition. 

French soprano (1887-1931). Autograph note signed by her, dated on March 14, 1920, thanking a fan.  Size is 4.4 x 6.9 inches, with collector's letterhead, central fold, in excellent condition.

Polish bass (1853-1917), one of the leading singers at the Metropolitan Opera of New York. A short note in English handwritten by the singer and signed by him on his business card: “…Bearer is a friend of mine and colleague. Will please pass him & oblige…”.  Size is 4 x 2.5 inches, big crease across, overall rust tone, in overall very good condition.

Polish bass (1853-1917), one of the leading singers at the Metropolitan Opera of New York, during the golden age of recordings. Autograph note signed on the stationary of the Gilsey House, New York, dated in 1898, 1 page, written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5.75 x 9.25 inches, in very good condition. 

Polish bass (1853-1917), one of the leading singers at the Metropolitan Opera of New York. Nice signed card matted, dated in 1894, along with an additional unsigned photo showing him as Mephistopheles in Gounod's Faust, one of his most celebrated roles. Card's size is 2.25 x 3.75 inches, photo size is 3.5 x 5.5 inches, both of these are matted onto a 7.75 x 11 inch sheet, in very good condition.

Polish bass (1853-1917), one of the leading singers at the Metropolitan Opera of New York. Nice card matted with a Cigarette advertisement using his image signed by him with a short sentiment dated 1895. Card's size is 3.25 x 2 inches (visible window size), advertisement's size is 4 x 4.75 inches, for a total size of 6.4 x 9.4 inches, in very good condition.

Polish bass (1853-1917), one of the leading singers at the Metropolitan Opera of New York. Page signed by him with a short patriotic written message in French, dated in Ottawa, 1903. Size is 4.6 x 7.1 inches, central fold, in excellent condition.

Spanish bass (1874-1953). Autograph note signed, written in English, dated in 1917. Size is 4.75 x 7.5 inches, in excellent condition.

French soprano, also known as "Mademoiselle de Taisy", a frequent performer at the Paris Opera  Comique. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, dated in 1864, written in French and sold untranslated. Signed as "Mademoiselle de Taisy." Size is 5.25 x 8 inches, some biographical information penciled in below the text, in very good condition. 

Italian tenor (1875-1939). Autograph letter signed, written on the stationary of the Grand Hotel Central in Argentina, dated in 1911. 1 page written in Italian, sold untranslated. Size is 8 x 10.75 inches, some rust on edges and borders, but text is very clear with bold handwriting and signature. Very rare and unique historical item!

Daughter of the star Italian soprano Angelica Catalani (1811-1849), Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date, where she addresses a gentleman: “Voici, mon cher monsieur, la fin d'une lettre de ma mère à mon père qui la suivit jusqu'à la tombe un mois plus tard!”. Angelica Catalani and her husband Paul de Valabregue both died in 1849 within a few days.  Size is 3.6 x 5.3 inches, one written page, central fold, in very good condition.

Italian baritone and voice teacher (1822-1907), who wrote books on singing and teaching.  Autograph letter signed, composed in 1863, 4 pages, written in Italian and sold untranslated. Each page is 4.25 x 7.25 inches (4-page folded document), beautifully preserved in excellent condition. 

French bass-baritone (1861-1933), who starred in the world premiere of Massenet's Thais and many other operas. Group of 2 autograph letters signed, one page each, both written in French and sold untranslated. dated in 1909 and 1914. The earlier letter is 4.75 x 6.5 inches, the later one is 5.5 x 7.25 inches, several small creases, otherwise in excellent condition. Not sold separately. 

French contralto (1875-1932), autograph letter signed, 2 long pages (one document with 2 sides), written in French and sold untranslated. Size is 8.5 x 11 inches,  several small tears, creases and folds, otherwise in good condition. 

French contralto (1875-1932), set of 2 autograph letters signed, 2 pages each, both written in French and sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.25 x 6.75 inches, both in excellent condition. 

French soprano (1876-1931), signed album page, inscribed and dated in Paris in 1912, with attached photo drawing of her, shown as herself, a photo by Reutlinger, Paris. Bold handwriting and signature with her attractive red Lacquer stamp at the bottom right of the page. Size is 6.25 x 9.75 inches, mounting traces on verso, otherwise in excellent condition.  

French bass (1780-1856), who sang in the world premieres of Spontini’s "La Vestale" and Rossini’s "Le Siège de Corinthe". Autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated in Paris, May 17, 1813, addressed to the composer Henri-Montan Berton (1767-1844), concerning an embarrassing financial situation due to the lack of possibilities of recent performances. Size is 7.1 x 8.9 inches, 2 written pages in one folded sheet, folds, overall rust, in very good condition.

French bass (1808-1880), who possessed a rich deep voice that had a great carrying power. Autograph letter in French signed by him, dated June 27, 1849, addressed to Master Tailor and Costume Designer of the Royal Academy of Music in Paris, asking him to send him costumes for the Venice carnival of 1849. Size is 5.2 x 8.4 inches, 4 written pages, creases, some rust stain, in overall very good condition.

American soprano (1851-1941). Autograph letter signed, written in Paris and attractively embossed. 3 pages written in French, sold untranslated. Size of each page is 4.5 x 7 inches, in excellent condition.

American soprano (1851-1941). Autograph letter signed, dated in Paris in 1872. Written in French, sold untranslated. Size is 5 x 8.25 inches, two pages, in excellent condition.

German tenor and opera impresario (1866-1932), who from 1908 through 1910 was a joint manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Signed typed letter, dated in New York in 1905, to Steinway & Sons, praising the pianos and thanking for their courtesies during his recent engagements in the US. One page, 8 x 10.5 inches, this is the carbon copy of the typed letter, hand signed in black ink by the artist at the bottom. Item has folds, but is in very good condition.

French soprano (1853-1911), also known as Blanche Dieudonne. Very long autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by her, no date mentioned, by the French soprano where she shares her thoughts on the role of Violetta Valéry in La Traviata and the problems she had performing it. On the first 3 pages on the first sheet, there is an autograph letter signed by Valérie Dieudonné to a gentleman, concerning her sister, who will soon start to sing again. Size is 4.3 x 7 inches, 5 written pages in total, folds, in overall very good condition.