Rare early photograph of the 23-year oldcomposer seated at the piano, by Kadel & Herbert News Photos. Clip on the verso with text "George Antheil is probably America's youngest composer. He has been conducting his own compositions for the past two years for the Berlin Philharmonic. Antheil was born in Trenton, New Jersey and has been studying aboard for the past four or five years." 8 x 6 inches (20 x 15 cm.). In fine condition.
An uncommon AMQS from the American avant-garde composer, pianist, author, and inventor who co-patented a 'Secret Communications System' with actress Hedy Lamarr in 1941. AMQS on an off-white card imprinted "Collection of Bernard J. Klug." Antheil pens two bars from one of his works, signing below in bold ink, "October 29, 1954, George Antheil." In fine condition. 5 x 3 inches (12.7 x 7.6 cm).
An uncommon original 1940 photograph of the avant-garde composer seated at the piano while scoring the Fairbanks/Hayworth film "Angels Over Broadway." 8 x 10 inches (20.5 x 25 cm.). Margins a little nicked/creased, else fine.
Manuscript sheet from a lined note block in the hand of the great American composer with heading, "Addenda for brochure!" Contains notes on some of the composer's works and their first performances: Hermit Songs; Despite and Still;String Quartet, Op. 11; Nocturne (Homage to John Field). Initialed by the composer "S.B.", to foot. Verso blank. No date, but not before April 30, 1974, which Barber gives as the date of the first performance of Despite and Still. 13 x 8.5 inches (34 x 21.5 cm) Read More...
Vienna: Joseph Czerný. [1829]. First Edition (of this arrangement). Disbound upright folio. 31 pp. Engraved throughout. [PN] J. Cz. 2639. Flauto: Title, 2–13 pp.; Violin: blank, 2–9 pp.; Viola Primo [sic]: blank, 2–9 pp.; Viola Secondo [sic]: blank, 2–9 pp.; Violoncello: blank, 2–9 pp. Part names in English added in ink to title and initial blank pages; markup in pencil including directives in English uniformly added to all parts. 13 x 10 inches (33.3 x 25.4 cm). Outer bifolium of Flauto part detached and torn to spine; minor tear to other leaves of Flauto; damp staining to outer edge of Flauto; all parts somewhat foxed. In envelope from Hawkes & Son, London, with 9-pence stamp showing the profile of King George V (reigned 1910–36). Kinsky p. 51 (Übertragungen, "d"). Read More...
6. [Beethoven, Ludwig van. (1770–1827)]. Maurerfragen. Ein Lied für die Loge d(es) F(rères) c(ourageux) à l'O(rient) d(e) Bonn. Musik von Louis van Beethoven, unterlegte Worte von (Wegel)er.
Bonn: Simrock. [1806]. First Edition. Oblong Folio. 3 pp. Engraved throughout. [PN] 452. 26x33cm. Toned, some stains to blank verso of p.3, else fine. WoO117; Kinsky-Halm 578; Hirsch IV, 458; Wolfstieg 41085. Rare. Read More...
Vienna-Leipzig: Universal-Edition. 1926. First Edition of full score. [Op 7]. Georg Büchners Wozzeck Oper in 3 Akten (15 Szenen)... Op. 7 Partitur. Upright folio. Lithographed facsimile from copyist's manuscript. Modern green boards, lettering gilt to spine, original publisher's upper wrapper printed in dark green bound in. 1f. (title), 1f. (facsimile of Berg's autograph dedication "Alma Maria Mahler zugeeignet"), [1] ("Szenarium"), [2] (list of orchestral instruments), [3] (cast list), [4] (instructions for performing the Sprechstimme), 5–405 (music) pp. [PN] U. E. 7379; second PN, "7382" (referring to Universal's piano-vocal score) to pp. [2] and [3]. Printer's footnote to final page of music: "Waldheim-Eberle A.G. Wien". Signature "H.F. Redlich" to upper right corner of front endpaper, followed by note in Redlich's hand, "(since 1953) binding Dec. 1967. [one more word, illegible]"; below, dedication in the hand of Redlich's widow, Erika Burger: "To George Perle with much love and in memory of H. F. R." One more signature of Redlich to upper right corner of title, again followed by note, "since 1953." Note in pencil to the bookbinder to head of upper wrapper, "Cover to be bound in." Notes and underlinings in blue ink (ball-point pen) to the PNs of pp. [3] and [4], probably by Redlich. Further annotations, difficult to decipher and possibly also in Redlich's hand, to left margin of p. 52, vocal part of p. 56, Wozzeck's part of p. 103 ("Falsett"), and pp. 123, 237 and 292. Upper wrapper browned to edges, scratched and somewhat soiled, with repair to gutter dating to modern binding. Lower wrapper lacking. Otherwise, a very fine copy. Read More...
London: Faber and Faber. 1965. "Rehearsal score" (short score rather than piano-vocal score) by Imogen Holst. Folio. 14 x 10.75 inches (35.5 x 27 cm). 123 pp. of music; front and back matter unpaginated. [PN] F&F2. Printed "Production Notes" by Colin Graham, 20 pp., 11 x 8.5 inches (28 x 21.5 cm), inserted in a pouch to the inside of the lower wrapper. The edition (except the "Production Notes") is bilingual, with title page, text underlay and most of the front matter in English and German. Wrappers somewhat worn, with loss to foot of spine and stains to back cover; pouch for "Production Notes" torn open; score in very good condition, with occasional marks in pencil. Read More...
Cabinet card photograph of the pioneering and highly regarded Afro-British musician, who takes a place among the earliest Black composers to work in a classical idiom. By Elliott & Fry, London. 6 x 4.25 inches (15 x 10.9 cm). Traces of earlier mounting to verso, else very fine. Uncommon. Read More...
London: Novello and Company. 1901. Upright folio. All three cantatas by the British composer—Hiawatha's Wedding Feast, The Death of Minnehaha and Hiawatha's Departure—bound in one volume, with original publisher's boards. No PN. Each cantata separately paginated. [i] Half title, "Hiawatha's Wedding-Feast.", [i] blank, [i] general title (for the entire work), 1–127 pp.; [i] half-title, "The Death of Minnehaha.", 1–113 pp.; [i] half-title, "Hiawatha's Departure.", 1–164, 164a, 165–191, 16a pp. Page 16a, titled "appendix," includes an alternate ending for the song, "Spring had come," which opens the third cantata, for performance as a standalone piece; page 164a is to be played if the section between rehearsal numbers 73A and 82 is omitted. Formerly at Forbes Library, Northampton, Mass.; the last borrowing date on the list pasted to the lower board is December 1, 1948. Handstamps identify the item as "withdrawn." Conductor's markup in blue and red crayon (first two cantatas only) and in lead pencil. Spine torn and partly detached; some leaves partly detached; some tears (e.g. Hiawatha's Wedding Feast, pp. 28–29); boards worn (especially the publisher's catalogue to the lower board; paper brittle; occasional tape repairs. Still a good copy overall. Read More...
Cast bronze portrait medallion of the important composer by Pierre Turin. Obverse: Bust-length relief in profile, turned to the left. Bearded, wearing jacket, hair parted on the left. Inscribed below the image CLAUDE DEBUSSY. With the name P. TURIN below the beard. Reverse inscribed CLAUDE DEBUSSY / 1862-1918 / CETTE MEDAILLE / A ÉTÉ FRAPPÉE / A L'OCCASION / DE L'ÉRECTION / DES MONUMENTS DE / CLAUDE DEBUSSY / A PARIS / ET A ST GERMAINE EN LAYE. Rectangular, 1.5 x 2.25 inches (4.2 x 5.9 cm). Niggl 538. With remarkable provenance from the collection of Alfred Cortot (Christie's Paris, 2019), one of the great pianists of all time, famously as well as an important collector of antiquarian music and historical music memorabilia. Read More...
12. Duparc, Henri. (1848-1933). Aux étoiles (Entr'acte pour un Drame inédit) – Inscribed reduction for piano, with autograph revisions
Paris, Chez les Editeurs: Rouart, Lerolle & Cie.. 1911. Two different arrangements for piano four-hands of Duparc's orchestral composition (1874): one by Gustave Samazeuilh, with autograph revisions by Duparc; and one by Duparc himself. Both arrangements printed with identical titles and almost identical gray wrappers with title in dark blue print. Folio, 13.75 x 11.75 inches (35 x 27 cm). Unbound signatures. Both contained together in a wrapper made of thick paper, with title in orange print (otherwise identical with the title page of the Duparc arrangement, see below), inscribed by the composer to head of this extra wrapper in French: "To my very dear little sister Immaculata. A memory to her friend H. Duparc," followed by a biblical quotation in Latin, "advesperascit, et iam inclinata est dies" ("It is almost evening and the day is now nearly over"; Luke 24, 29). Inscribed wrapper toned and foxed, spine and edges with outer or inner paper reinforcements, else fine. Read More...
Bronze medal of the influential Spanish composer, a detailed bust portrait by Anna Bass, 1950, bust left, rev. female performing a fire dance at right, kneeling naked male sorcerer utters incantations in front of the flames of a small fire, edge impressed bronze and cornucopia. 68mm, 170.17g. CGMP p.102; Monnaie Exh. Cat. 1965, 44; Niggl 622; cf. DNW 30, 743. With remarkable provenance from the collection of Alfred Cortot (Christie's Paris, 2019), one of the great pianists of all time, famously as well as an important collector of antiquarian music and historical music memorabilia.
Sixteen rare postcards, each depicting one class or venue of the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau, France, with their professors or leaders named and identified, ca. 1925. The students are not identified. Printed by Ménard, Fontainebleau. Each card in oblong format, 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 13.8 cm). In fine condition. Read More...
Vienna: Joannis Petri Van Ghelen. 1725. First. Lacking engraved frontispiece, [8] & 280 pages, folio (31.5 x 20cms), woodcut vignettes and capitals, engraving of a monochord on F2, extensive type-set music, including complete fugues. Period white paper binding heavily soiled, red speckled edges. Worm holes to inner upper edge of ffe and margin of first five leaves (only slightly affecting one letter of text), a few moderate stains, but generally a quite clean and crisp copy of the most important modern textbook of counterpoint. PMM 183; Hirsch, i 185; Gregory & Barlett, p.100; RISM Écrits, p.340. Read More...
No place [Mexico City?]: No publisher [self-published?]. No date [ca. 1940?]. First Edition. Full score of the work by the Mexican composer for chamber orchestra in memory of the murdered Spanish poet. Upright quarto, stapled, in original wrappers. Lithograph. No PN. Upper wrapper doubling as title, instrument list, 2–79 pp. Inscription, "With best wishes / [illegible signature] / Mexico, May 19, 1947" in blue ink to head of instrument list. Name "Paul Strauss" embossed to top right corner of upper wrapper. From the collection of Dimitri Mitropoulos. 9.75 x 7.75 inches (24.5 x 19.5 cm). Browned and extremely brittle; upper wrapper and first leaf detached, with significant loss to latter; significant chipping and wear to edges; one page with two red pencil markings possibly in the hand of Mitropoulos. Read More...
Autograph letter from the Hungarian-born composer, one of the most important musical figures in late 19th and early 20th century Vienna, to the music publisher Ernst Wilhelm Fritzsch (1840–1902). Dated Gmunden, Austria, October 2, 1875. 3 pp. of a bifolium. In German. Goldmark offers the publisher two Lieder: "You can use them for [publishing] or for 'domestic music making' [i.e. leaving them unpublished]. In the latter case, I am asking not to assign an opus number to them because I might want to include them in some later collection." 6 x 4 inches (15 x 9.8 cm). Horizontal and vertical folding creases but otherwise in fine condition. Read More...
18. [Handel, George Frederic. (1685–1759)]. "Samson. Ein Oratorium aus dem Englischen des Milton von Händel." - 1834 Manuscript German Translation Libretto
18mo. 18pp. Manuscript edition of the libretto for Handel's Samson, in German translattion, according to information given along the lower front cover, prepared for a performance given on March 26, 1834 in the hall of the [Boys'?] school in Ansbach by the singing society ("den 26. Merz [sic] 1834 im K: [=Knaben?] Schulsaale zu Ansbach von dem Singverein"). Light foxing throughout, reinforced blue paper spine, in very fine condition. Read More...
"Song sheet" for In Praise of Music (English version of Frau Musica on a text by Martin Luther; text underlay in English and German) signed by the eminent German-born composer, violist and teacher. New York: Associated Music Publishers, 1945. Quarto. 1 p. (verso blank). PN A.S. 1944380. Two copyright dates: 1928 (for the original version) and 1945 (for the revised version). 10.5 x 7 inches (26.5 x 17.5 cm). Horizontal fold; upper edge frayed; else fine. Read More...
London: Oxford University Press. 1927. First edition. Piano-vocal score. 8vo (7 x 10 inches). 43 pp. Stamped "Complimentary Copy" on the first page ([scenario], "Notes on Staging"), and inscribed at the head by the composer: "Edgar Lane from Gustav Holst." Original printed wrappers with gilt printing. Small tear to lower spine, a few small ink spots to front and rear, else very fine throughout and contained in a custom folding cloth portfolio with sueded interior. Read More...
21. Ligeti, Gyorgy. (1923–2006). Notenbilder. Kunstmappe mit sechs Faksimiles nach Musik-Autographen von György Ligeti und mit dem Reprint eines Ligeti-Portraits von Klaus Böttger: Volumina; Etudes pour Piano; Monument; Violinkonzert; Klavierkonzert; Requiem.
Mainz / München: B.Schott's Söhne / kunst publik Monika Limbacher GmbH. 1991. 36 x 46 cm, i, iv, 7 pp. Superb full-color facsimile leaves from six works of Ligeti, each of them from “composing” scores for the final draft of the respective work, illustrating how the compositions take shape with constant revision, crossing out, and varied use of color. The set also includes a beautiful reprint of an original lithograph-portrait of the composer by Klaus Böttger. Double sheet (title / text by Eckhard Roelcke: György Ligeti in conversation, with 6 black and white illustrations / imprint), 1 transparent sheet; Text by Hannes Reinhardt: Klaus Böttger); 1 sheet (green tinted, numbered, titled, signed and dated in pencil. Original etching by Klaus Böttger: image: 23 x 16.5 cm, sheet: 34 x 26, 8 cm) and 6 individually with pencil number and signed by Ligeti (with full name). On Vélin Arches paper, a total of 10 sheets, loose in a white folder with white title print in relief embossing. This example from the special edition of ten Roman numeral copies, D II/X of the A edition (150 ex.): No.II of X of the artist's or publisher's copies, additionally signed by Ligeti and Böttger following the imprint. With 2 inserts, including a complete list of Ligeti's published works. He is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century and a representative of New Music.
Unsigned uniface bronze portrait medal/plaque of the Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer, engraved with his signature along the bottom margin. Ca. 1880. 42.0 mm x 52.5 mm, weighing 58.8 grams and in very fine condition.
Bronze uniface portrait medal/plaque of the Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer, by Beran [L]ajos in honor of the Liszt centenary celebration at the Lipótváros Casino in Budapest. 48 x 80 mm, a little rubbed, a few small scratched, but overall in very fine condition.
Impressive right-facing bust portrait medal of the Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer. Signed to the lower edge "ED. GEERTS. SULPT. F." and surrounded recto by small circle design. Verso with laurels and the engraved text "A / FRANZ LISZT / SOUVENIR / DU 29 MAI 1881 / LES ARTISTES MUSICIENS / DE / BRUXELLES." 65 mm. Niggl 1116. Edges and verso with some scratching and soiling, small shallow surface crack from the lower neck, else fine. With remarkable provenance from the collection of Alfred Cortot (Christie's Paris, 2019), one of the great pianists of all time, famous as well as an important collector of antiquarian music and historical music memorabilia. Read More...
Uniface bronze left-facing bust portrait medal of the Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer. Inscribed around the recto "Franc Liszt Nostri Saecvuli Clavichordii Orpheus" and signed to the lower neck "C. Lange." 49 mm. This example of the medal, which Niggl (1134) describes with text also to verso, has seemingly been roughly separated somehow from it's other half, the recto rather rough and pierced with a small nail head, probably from a prior mounting. Niggl also records that Liszt had been presented with a silver example of this medal by Baron Prokesch von Osten on behalf of Hungarian art lovers. Despite condition issues, this is a very rare early medal, with remarkable provenance from the collection of Alfred Cortot (Christie's Paris, 2019), one of the great pianists of all time, famous as well as an important collector of antiquarian music and historical music memorabilia.
Autograph music manuscript, a partial draft of the song ‘Ich möchte hingehn’ (LW N31; S.296), n.d. [c.1858-59]. 3¼ pages on two leaves, 192 and 196 x 300mm, the paper cut down from larger sheets, ruled with 12 staves per page, scored for voice and piano, four systems of three staves per page except for the final page, 104 bars (9 of which cancelled), pages 1 and 2 marked ‘3’ and ‘4’ in autograph, autograph cancellations and emendations (worn and split along central vertical fold and a little tattered at the horizontal margins of the second leaf, erasure marks). Read More...
Original ca. 1907 drypoint etching on vellum of the renowned composer, signed by its creator, the acclaimed Czech artist Ferdinand Michl. An unnumbered proof aside from the edition of 350, on firm wove paper, the plate dimensions approximately 12.5 x 12.5 inches (32 x 31 cm). In fine condition, nicely matted and framed to 19.5 x 21.5 inches overall. Read More...
A rare and finely made first strike bronze commemoration medal of Gustav Mahler by Alfred Rothberger, obverse; portrait bust in low relief, cast caption GUSTAV MAHLER, signed to flan edge, reverse; art nouveau decoration, the text "MEINE ZEIT WIRD NOCH KOMMEN," 49mm diameter, very fine. Niggl 1236. With remarkable provenance from the collection of Alfred Cortot (Christie's Paris, 2019), one of the great pianists of all time, famous as well as an important collector of antiquarian music and historical music memorabilia. Read More...
Leipzig: C.F. Kahnt Nachfolger. [1888]. First Edition. Die Drei Pintos. Komische Oper in drei Aufzügen. Unter Zugrundelegung des gleichnamigen Textbuches v. Th. Hell, der hinterlassenen Entwürfe und ausgewählter Manuscripte des Componisten ausgeführt: der dramatische Theil von C. von Weber, der musikalische von G. Mahler. Klavier-Auszug m. Text. 4to. 223 pp. [PN] 2951. Bound in gray marbled boards with red cloth spine. Boards chipped at edges and corners, partial losses and breaks to spine, small tear to upper left of title, lightly toned, but a clean and quite fine copy internally. The copy of German opera composer and conductor, Manfred Gurlitt, and with his ownership signature dated "Bremen, Dez. 1919" to the head of the title. A rare first edition of the piano reduction, with interesting provenance. Read More...
Autograph musical quotation from the important conductor particularly known for his connection with Gustav Mahler, and who has penned five measures from the opening of the composer's Symphony no. 2. Walter identifies the work, signs and dates Munich, July 1919. On a small sheet with some toning and water damage to the upper edge, not affecting the text; mounted on a stiff white sheet. 5.25 x 5 inches (13.5 x 11.5 cm) and presented with a fine original photograph (approx. 8 x 10 inches) of Walter conducting. Nicely matted and framed to 21.5 x 17.5 inches. Read More...
Original 1967 press photograph of Menotti and Kennedy at a performance of "Les Ballets Africains" in New York. 7.25 x 9.75 inches (18 x 24.5 cm). Crease lower right, irregularly trimmed, else fine.
TLS of the notable Italian-American composer to the influential producer Howard Scott, then at G. Schirmer, Inc., New York. August 14, 1980. In English. 1 p. Personal letterhead paper with the address of Yester House, Menotti's country mansion in Scotland. The letter discusses video clips from two of Menotti's operas—Amahl and the Night Visitors and The Saint of Bleecker Street—to be used in a forthcoming program on French TV. In full: "Thank you for your cable. The 'Amahl' clip might just as well be sent straight to France. It should be sent to / Société Française de Production,/ 36 rue des Alouettes, / Paris 75019 / for the attention of Mr. J.P. Nicole, Room 2274. / Do tell Miss de Paul however that I find it a little bit strange that they should have chosen [Teresa] Stratas's aria, being practically the only moment in the opera where Amahl is not seen. The opera, after all, is about the child and not about his mother. Could they possibly add the sequence where Amahl beats the Page and then falls into his mother's arms? / As for 'The Saint of Blee[c]ker Street', I am quite sure French T.V. would be willing to pay something for the use of three or four minutes of it. I would not think the cost of such a small clip would be prohibitive. Do please let me know exactly to whom they should address their request and discuss the charge. / With my thanks for your help, / Yours sincerely, /Gian Carlo Menotti." Date of receipt (August 20, 1980) hand stamped in red to head. Two marginal notes in pencil: "got union clearance" regarding Amahl and the Night Visitors and "Can't get Union Clearance 'Soberman'[?]" regarding The Saint of Bleecker Street. Repair to head; some creases. 10 x 8 inches (25.5 x 20.5 cm). Read More...
Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel. Oblong bound folio. Original blue wrappers. Lithographed throughout. 84 pp. Full titling (but without place and publisher) to wrapper only. First leaf is general title, "Oeuvres Complettes de Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", with vignette by J. G. Schmidt, dated 1799, followed by contents page with incipits of the 14 works included. 13.25 x 10.5 inches (24 x 26.5 cm). Heavily damp stained, general title detached, but else in very good condition. Contents: Read More...
Promotional brochure issued by the Danish composer's publisher, Wilhelm Hansen, Copenhagen. Small upright format; staple-bound. 8 pp. (unpaginated). Photographic portrait to title. Biographical essay by Erling Kullberg, dated 1983. Work list, supplemented and updated to 1989 by loosely inserted leaf. Facsimile page from Symphony no. 4 to final page. Inscription to fol. 1v: "2/5/87 To Ian with greetings from Per Nørgård." 8.25 x 4 inches (21 x 10.5 cm). In fine condition. Read More...
Proof copy (blueline) of the piano-vocal score of the opera by the very versatile American composer. Dated "1949" to head of first page. 79 pp. Facsimile from 12-staff "Albanene 195L" transparent music paper by Arnold Arnstein, New York. Printed on one side only and accordion-folded (blank pages remain hidden if connected leaves turned on right side). The format of the first two sets, which were originally connected, is slightly larger (13.5 x 9.5 inches / 34.5 x 24.4 cm) than that of the third set (13 x 9.5 inches / 32.5 x 24.2 cm). The first set contains the prelude, scene I (paginated consecutively from [1] to 25) and, on its final page, the beginning of scene 2. The second set contains the remainder of scene II (paginated from 2 to [12]). The third set contains scene III (paginated [1] to 16) and IV (paginated [1] to 25). There are numerous corrections in pencil and occasional ones in blue ink. Several leaves torn and frayed (especially outer leaves of the three sets), some browning, ink stain to p. 17 of scene 3, occasional brown stains, e.g. to top right corner of first page. Read More...
Rare concert broadside from the legendary violinist's first international tour, advertising a January 28, 1829 performance in Dresden at the Königliches Hoftheater. The "Kammer-Virtuoso" of His Majesty the Emperor of Austria was to perform several of his own pieces including the Second Violin Concerto (identifiable by the remark, "Rondo Allegretto, mit Begleitung eines Glöckchens" = with the accompaniment of a little bell), the Sonata Militare, and Introduction and Variationson the Cavatina ‘Di tanti palpiti’ from Rossini’s opera‘Tancredi’. The program was punctuated by arias, duets, and trios performed by a number of singers. Mounted to backing paper. Toning and foxing to the right side, two small areas of voiding, else in fine condition. 8.25 x 14.25 inches (21 x 36 cm). Read More...
A very finely executed silhouette portrait of the legendary violinist, signed and dated by an unknown Continental artist "R.B. 1830" to the lower right and titled "Sig[nor] Paganini." On a page measuring 6.25 x 8.25 inches, set in an attractive period birdseye maple veneer frame. A few small spots, else in fine condition. Read More...
Vintage 1952 photograph of Porter and Sullivan as they discuss the script for Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" which was to present "The Cole Porter Story" over two broadcasts. 7 x 9 inches (18 x 23 cm), in fine condition.
Signed program of a recital given by the outstanding Russian composer and pianist at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels on December 11, 1930. Bold signature, "Serge Prokofieff", to first page in black ink. Prokofiev's (first) wife, the singer Carolina Codina (1897–1989), also participated in the recital—under her stage name of Lina Llubera—but did not sign. 8.25 x 5 inches (20.7 x 13 cm). In fine condition. Read More...
Two photographs of the great Russian composer, ca. 1930 and 1950, both printed later. Later image showing him with an unidentified man, the second, a solo portrait with Bolshoi Theatre stamp on the verso, used for promotional purposes by a NY-based Bolshoi theatre representative in the 1990s. Irregularly trimmed, creases to corners, some marks to surfaces, else fine. Approx. 4.5 x 5.5 inches (11 x 15 cm).
Solid bronze portrait medal by Elisa Beetz Charpentier (1875 - 1949). 50 mm (2 inches); 70 grams; 5 mm (edge/relief). Ravel is shown in profile looking to the right. The verso shows a musical excerpt with two frogs hopping onto the staves, referencing the composer's "Histoire Naturelle" on the poems of Jules Renard. With the artist's monogram lower right both sides, recto with the year MCMXXX. In very fine condition. CGMP Vol. 3, p. 36; Niggl 1654. With remarkable provenance from the collection of Alfred Cortot (Christie's Paris, 2019), one of the great pianists of all time, famous as well as an important collector of antiquarian music and historical music memorabilia.
ALS of the Austrian-American composer, founder and head of the Second Viennese School, to an undisclosed male recipient, probably at a music publisher. February 19, 1934, corrected to "1935" in another hand. In German. 1 p. Personal letterhead paper with the address of 5860 Canyon Cove, Hollywood, California. In full: "The music you sent me is not what I need. Ideally, I would have a melody (dance song or something like that), if possible at all with some (2–5) strophes of text and if possible at all, American. In variations, I want to write a small motet-like piece but on a closed, extended melody (16–24 measures; bipartite to tripartite). Should I return the music? / Within days I will send you an errata list for the Suite, the first; it must be taken into account when the parts are copied. Could you have the parts revised by a good, educated musician who, if in doubt, could query me (query list, as I will send you one). / My full score is unfortunately not written particularly well. Will you have it copied, or will you engrave immediately? Could I then get a copy by early March? It not not have to be; I only ask, just in case. / Most cordial regards, Yours, Arnold Schoenberg." 11 x 8.5 inches (27.5 x 21.5 cm). Read More...
TLS of the Austrian-American composer, founder and head of the Second Viennese School, to his former student and son-in-law Felix Greissle at G. Schirmer, New York. July 17, 1944. In English. 1 p. Schoenberg's personal handstamp to left head with address of 116 N. Rockingham Ave., Los Angeles, California. In part: "Though my letter to Mr. Reese, by naming only the condition that the publication of my orchestration of Carl Engel[']s Triptych must be guaranteed by Schirmers, makes it quite clear, I feel I should mention it in a formal manner: / I do not ask for a fee for this work. / I do not know why the Goldmann Band does not perform my variations this summer. / I am doubtful whether under thee circumstances one should leave the 'Uraufführung' to him." Extended note to right head in pencil, erased and probably lost. 11 x 8.5 inches (28 x 21.5 cm). Read More...
New York: G. Schirmer. ca. 1934. First Edition (1st issue; only known copy). Full score of the arrangement, in manuscript facsimile, from the Collection of Dimitri Mitropoulos. Oblong folio, spiral bound in textured green boards. Photographic reproduction of autograph score by Presto Reproduction, New York (see hand stamp to final page). No PN. No title page; titling to first page of music. 46 pp. From Mitropoulos's personal collection. Stamp to lower margin of front page identifies the score as property of G. Schirmer, Inc., for rental only. 13.5 x 18.5 x inches (34.5 x 47 cm). Reproduction is excellent, but manuscript had defects before reproduction; most notably, last two measures are partly lacking. Light wear to edges, else in fine condition. Read More...
46. Schubert, Franz. (1797–1828). [D. 779 no. 18–34] Valses sentimentales pour le Piano-Forte... Oeuv. 50 Cah. 2
Vienna: Diabelli & Comp. [1825]. First Edition. Unbound oblong folio. Engraved. PN D. et C. No. 2074. 11 pp. Title in French. Blindstamp of C. F. Hientisch, Breslau [now Wrocław, Poland] to foot of title. 10.25 x 13.25 inches (26.2 x 33.7 cm). Rebacked in paper, spine largely separated; inner bifolia detached at spine. Browned and somewhat brittle, with frayed edges and minimal loss; some soiling. A rare lifetime edition of one of the composer's most popular works. Read More...
TLS by the "March King" to the eminent American music scholar, c/o G. Schirmer, New York. December 6, 1917. 1 p. Letterhead paper of U.S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois. In full: "Many thanks for the two copies of the 'STAR SPANGLED BANNER'. I am making an instrumentation for band on this authorized version and a publisher has already applied to me asking to print the version. What shall I and what can I do? Very sincerely yours, John Philip Sousa, Lieutenant , USRNF." 10.5 x 8 inches (26.5 x 20 cm). Read More...
New York: Boosey & Hawkes. [ca. 1949]. [K-V 47]. Œdipus Rex Opéra-Oratorio en deux Actes d'après Sophocle Opera-Oratorio in two Acts after Sophocles par I. Strawinsky et J. Cocteau Réduction pour Chant et Piano par l'Auteur Reduction for Read More...
An interesting set of two typed letters signed by the composer addressed to the Dutch musicologist Salomon Andrianan Maria [S.A.M.] Bottenheim (1880 - 1957), general secretary of the Nederlandsche Koorvereniging, and secretary of the conductor Willem Mengelberg at the Concertgebouw. The letters are concerning, explicitly or by context, the premiere of Stravinsky's Violin Concerto, which was first promised to the Concertgebouw but finally premiered in Berlin. In the first (1 page. Letterhead of 167. Boulevard Carnot, Nice. May 5, 1930; 8vo. on thin paper, two hole punches to left edge, folds, overall fine), Stravinsky complains of a lack of response from Bottenheim and asks him "Why do you force me to provide you with heads of Pasteur? [the French postage stamp with portrait of Louis Pasteur] Do you collect them?...if you decide to respond to me, I ask you to please write to me at Pleyel in Paris, where I am traveling tomorrow. In so waiting, please receive, dear Mr. Bottenheim, my friendly regards, even if you absolutely don't deserve them." In the second letter (1 page. Letterhead of 167. Boulevard Carnot, Nice. December 27, 1930; 8vo. on thin paper, marked "copy" in ink by Stravinsky who also adds the address of the Lotti-hotel, two hole punches to left edge, small tears and separations around edges, else fine), the composer advises Bottenheim of his unanswered telegram of one week earlier reporting that the Violin Concerto premiere had already been fixed in Berlin but that he wished to maintain the planned concerts in Holland and expresses his concern that perhaps the lack of a reply indicated that he had not received the telegram. He concludes by stating that it is "of capital importance for me to confirm that his engagements in Holland will be maintained" so that he can fix the date for the premiere in Berlin. He "waits impatiently for your answer and hopes that you will not put me, with prolonged incertitude by your silence, in a most disagreeable situation." Each letter approx. 27.4 x 21.4 cm. Provenance: Pierre Boulez Collection. Read More...
Original F Mulnier of Paris CDV photograph of the French composer best known for his operas Mignon and Hamlet and as Director of the Conservatoire de Paris from 1871 until his death. Fine. 2.5 x 4 inches (6.4 x 10.7 cm).