An extraordinary document listing the extravagant sums paid out in the year 1773 for carriage and other related transport expenses by the famous last mistress of Louis XV of France. 22 pp. Tall Folio, on laid paper bound with blue silk tie. Titled to head of recto of sheet one "Memoire Pour Madame La Comtesse De Dubaris D'Ouvrages faites par quenel charron du Roy Scavoir," following with expenses from January and concluding on the final sheet of ledger entries, ending 22 December at Versailles, signed "M thomas De quenel." Detailed descriptions of purchases or services, often with specific providers or locations are recorded with dates and amounts paid. First and final leaves separated, scattered foxing and general toning but very good condition throughout. Read More...
Full-page lengthy AMQS from the Fifth Symphony of of the American composer and teacher, longtime head of the Juilliard School, composer of nine symphonies, several concertos, and numerous works for wind band, chorus, and other ensembles. His students included Jacob Druckman, Richard Danielpour, Karl Korte, Charles L. Bestor, Jack Behrens, and Claire Polin. Read More...
AMQS from the French composer of Romanian birth who was a founding member of the "Ecole de Paris" and husband of the important pianist Monique Haas. Four measures from his op. 93 "Periples" for small orchestra," boldly signed and dated 1968. On paper mounted to card, 8 x 13 cm. Fine.
Program booklet from the inaugural 1988 festival "Wien Modern '88," signed on internal pages next to their photographs by composers Pierre Boulez, György Kurtág, Luigi Nono, and György Ligeti. Together with a signed postcard photograph of the artistic director of the festival, Claudio Abbado. Booklet slightly worn at the signed page spread, but overall fine. Booklet 16 pp., 4.25 x 8 inches (10.5 x 20.5 cm), postcard photograph 4 x 5.75 inches (10.5 x 14.8 cm). A remarkable item, signed by four of the giants of 20th century music. Read More...
An interesting collection of ten signed brochures, each featuring one twentieth-century composer, generally with a lengthy bio and list of works composed to date of issue. Issued by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI for short) and inscribed/signed to title unless stated otherwise. Each 9 x 4 inches (23 x 9.5 cm). Generally in fine condition, as described: Read More...
Signed leaves with photos of (then) promising new actors and actresses cut from unidentified periodicals from the 1980s, all in black and white. Only some of the photos are signed, mostly with an inscription to Paul McMahon. Various formats; max. 9.5 x 7.5 inches (23.5 x 18.5 cm). In fine condition throughout. Signatures of the following (ordered by date of publication and, for each year, alphabetically): Read More...
Original portrait photograph by the American photographer of the great Finnish architect. Photographer's stamp to verso, in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches. From the private archive of American photographer David Gahr, one of the pre-eminent photographers of American folk, blues, jazz and rock musicians of the 1960s and beyond.
15341. Abbott, Berenice. (1898–1991). "The Path of a Steel Ball" - Original Photograph with the pictured Model Train
Original photograph showing "the path of a steel ball ejected vertically from a moving object," by the important and influential American photographer, together with the original model train used in the photograph, a copy of Berenice Abbott: Documenting Science, in which the photograph is reproduced, and a notarized letter describing the provenance of the model train which belonged to J. Eric Little, a young relative of the MIT physicist Dr. Elbert Little who assisted Abbott with the project. Gelatin silver print photograph signed at the lower right on the photographer's mount, stamped by the photographer on the verso mount. The photograph has been professionally restored, with surface losses inpainted and the gloss immediately around those areas adjusted to more closely resemble the gloss of the original. 19.25 x 9 inches, mount and frame 30 x 24 inches. Read More...
Original group of three original silver gelatin photographs from the important American photographer's series Multiple Exposures of a Swinging Ball (1958–1961). Some very light silvering; overall in very fine condition. Each 9.25 x 7.25 inches (24.3 x 19 cm), matted to 14 x 11 inches (35.5 x 28 cm). From the series published in Berenice Abbott: Documenting Science, printed by the photographer and given originally to MIT physicist Dr. Elbert Little who assisted with the project, subsequently obtained from his family. Read More...
Signed halftone photograph of the great German conductor, who has boldly signed in ink to the lower margin of a single sheet removed from a concert program. In fine condition. 5.25 x 7.5 inches (13.5 x 19 cm.). Read More...
Boldly penned autograph signature dated 25.11.25 from the great German conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus and others. Abendroth was "trapped" in East Germany after the war and signed items by him are scarce.
Humorous signed Bruno of Hollywood NYC photograph of the American performer and comic actor in performance, his right leg pointed straight up towards the ceiling. Able has inscribed "To Paul / wishing you all the fine things. / Will B. Able." Small crease to lower right corner, image unaffected, otherwise in very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
Original doubleweight photograph of the American lawyer, Congresswoman, social activist and a leader of the Women's Movement, shown speaking at NYC's Bryant Park in front of a "Wars of the Roses" sign. 9 x 14 inches. Stamped and titled on the verso by the photographer. Mounting loss on verso upper right, edges nicked, else fine. Read More...
Signed program of a concert of the Orchestre symphonique de Lyon, October 30, 1960. Unpaginated bifolium. The signature of the Italian violinist, who later also took up conducting, is to head of fol. 2 recto. 8.25 x 5.25 inches (21 x 13.5 cm). Skewed horizontal fold; else in fine condition. Read More...
Paris: Octobre, 1958. Signed copy of the seventeenth edition of this multimedia monthly. Comb-bound in color pictorial printed wrappers. Nine leaves (unpaginated), with 6 flexi disc records bound in (as published). Inscription by the Italian violinist, then nineteen years old, to fol. 7 recto, which features a brief article on him by Roger de Roquancourt. Almost square format, 7.25 x 7.5 inches (18.5 x 19 cm). Small ink stain to back cover; else in very good condition. Certainly the most unusual Accardo autographed item we've encountered! Read More...
19754. [Accordion]. Original Photograph of a Bear Playing an Accordion!
Unusual and amusing photograph from Russia, ca. 1980s, showing a tamed bear playing an accordion. The bear, seated and in a leather muzzle, appears to be playing in a public square and is accompanied by an unidentified man and woman. Minor wear along the edges and corners, some spotting to verso; overall fine. 7.25 x 4.5 inches (18.4 x 11.4 cm.).
Pair of striking black and white photographs by Wolfgang von Wangenheim, later reproduced in the book "Danse Africaine" by Germaine Acogny. Gelatin Silver Prints ca. 1980, one of a female figure with upturned palms oustretched, the other, a male figure with arms extended. 8.75 x 11.75 inches. Each print initialed lower right. Each with surface creasing to the upper left quarter and to a lesser degree, center left, else fine. Provenance: From the Estate of Marcuse "Cusie" Pfeifer (1936 - 2020), founding member and president of the Association of International Photography Art Dealers. Read More...
AMQS from the American composer, who has penned five measures for voice from "Negative Love," the first of three songs in his Harmonium cycle. Adams has inscribed "For Steve Juscik," adding the text "This as yet my ease and comfort is" and signing "J Adams / October, 1988." While the second and third movements of Harmonium are settings of Emily Dickinson poems, "Negative Love" takes as its text a composition by John Donne. In fine condition. 8.5 x 5.5 inches (21.6 x 14 cm.). Read More...
Philadelphia: Wednesday, March 8, 1786. First edition. An interesting original 1786 newspaper, advertising on the first page one of Andrew Adgate's celebrated vocal concerts. Nicely framed. Read More...
Regensburg: Gustav Bosse. 1926. Signed edition of the Bohemian-Austrian musicologist's essay on three great composers, a special edition excerpted from the Almanach der Deutschen Musikbücherei auf das Jahr 1926. Adler has signed and inscribed the booklet to a Frau Schalk on the verso of the title page. 12 pp. Some wear to the cover, ink bleeding from the signature, and a small tear above the lower binding staple; overall in very good condition. 5.25 x 7.5 inches (13.2 x 19.2 cm). Read More...
Signed Louis Mélançon photograph of the American conductor and pianist, best known for his 30-year tenure as the chorus master and lead conductor of the Metropolitan Opera. Adler has inscribed "To Paul, / with my sincerest wishes / Kurt Adler / Boston 1963" in black ink. Metropolitan Opera Press Dept. label and photographer's stamp to verso. Minor wear to lower edge, image unaffected, overall in very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
AMQS of the Broadway composer and lyricist's song "Hey There," from The Pajama Game, penned on a 1973 first day cover honoring George Gershwin. Postmarked Beverly Hills, 1973. Adler has penned the first three measures of the much-recorded show tune. Slight discoloration at the left side; otherwise a fine FDC which unites two great Broadway composers. 16.5 x 9.2 cm.
19419. [Advertising]. "A Guaranteed Gay Product" – 1950s Pencil Display
1950s vintage 6-pencil display manufactured by Gay Products Company, with text reading: "5¢ / GENUINE GAY PRODUCT / PENCILS / A GUARANTEED GAY PRODUCT / GAY PRODUCTS COMPANY • ATLANTA." Moderate toning throughout, with some wear to the corners, but in otherwise fine condition. 11 x 9.25 inches. Read More...
1950s vintage football keychain display manufactured by Gay Products Company, with text reading: "GAY / SPORTSMAN / Key Chain / 24 K GOLD PLATED / A GAY BETTER PRODUCT." Original set of 12 key chains still together with the packaging. Very minor wear to the edges, in otherwise fine condition. 12 x 8.5 inches. Read More...
Signed black-and-white photograph of the wildly talented English composer-conductor-pianist. The image printed by fotokasten.de from a digital file and dated August 3, 2004 verso. 8 x 6 inches (20.3 x 15 cm). In fine condition.
Thomas Adès is certainly the outstanding English composer of his generation. His third opera, The Exterminating Angel after Luis Buñuel (2016), saw a production at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 2017.
21559. [African Americana]. Portrait of an African American Male, 19th century
19th century miniature silhouette portrait of an African-American gentleman, watercolor, inscribed to the verso "Tomas Hollyday. "16 x 11cm. In fine condition, mounted in a velvet frame with brass detail.
Hartford, Conn.: Park Publishing Co.. 1883. Third Edition. 8vo. Title; (Copyright); Contents [5-15 pp]; (Illustrations list); 17 - 618 pp. Includes 18 plates, but lacking the frontis portrait of Douglass. Fully rebound in crimson percaline with partial original decoratively stamped black and gold front cloth binding integrated to front board. A bit musty, with moisture stains to the modern endpages, scattered light foxing and light stains/toning around edges, small abrasions to the foredge, otherwise very good. Contemporary editions of Douglass' autobiographies are increasingly difficult to come by. Read More...
8vo. Engraved portrait frontispiece and a profusion of additional portrait plates. 549 pages, 7 pages of plates; index pages 557-565, plus advertisements. Fully rebound in crimson percaline with partial original decoratively stamped black, crimson and gold front cloth binding integrated to front board. A bit musty, scattered foxing and light stains/toning around edges, 4 leaves with a cup base moisture stain, extensive abrasions and small tears to the foredge, but only very slightly sometimes affecting the page margins themselves. Read More...
Evocative original doubleweight sepia photograph of an unidentified Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble ca. 1950, acquired in Havana, Cuba and evidently taken there. Creasing throughout, edge wear, pin hole to upper margin, the patina of age on this particular piece oddly enhancing its particular vibe. 7.25 x 5 inches (18.4 x 12.7 cm.). Read More...
Signed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater portrait photograph of the important dancer, choreographer, and activist, who has inscribed "For Paul— / with many good wishes + many more memories— / Alvin Ailey" in black felt tip. A couple of stray ink marks, light wear to edges and mounting remnants to verso, else in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
Original ca. 1960 Will Rapport photograph of the dancers in performance in Ailey's first masterpiece, signed in black ink by each of the dancers with their names alone. Photographer's stamp to verso. In fine condition. 7 x 5 inches (17.8 x 12.7 cm.). Read More...
Signed Toppo of NY photograph of the pianist, a student of von Sauer and Schnabel and known especially for performing the complete sonatas by Franz Schubert in London and New York in 1938, when they were rarely played. Signed and inscribed in 1942 to Harry Friedgut (1901-1975), managing director of the New York City Center of Music and Drama. Very fine. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm).
21790. Alard, Delphin. (1815-1888). 24 Etudes Caprices dans les 24 Tons de la Gamme du Violon... Op. 41 [both volumes]
Mayence [Mainz]: Chez les fils de B. Schott. First edition (but later issue). 24 studies for solo violin in all major and minor keys, arranged by the circle of fifths. Two volumes. Unbound upright folio. 13.5 x 10.75 inches (34.5 x 27.5 cm). Engraved. PN 18377 No. 1 and 18377 No. 2. Each volume 2-31 pp. First edition but later issue (price in marks—after 1871; first issue was in 1865). Hand stamps of G. Schirmer, New York, and "Gemünder Gibson" to both title pages. Fingerings, bowing marks, corrections, etc. in pencil, all in the same hand and in French. Repairs with plastic tape to outer bifolia of both volumes. Outer bifolium of vol. 2 partly detached; else in very good condition. Read More...
Group of signed programs from the Italian-born American soprano, known for her Verdi and Puccini roles. Included are programs from Peter Ibbetson at the 1960 Empire State Festival (16 pp.); Manon at the Metropolitan Opera on November 21, 1959 (signed over a page of advertising with a portrait of Albanese, 41 pp.); Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera on December 16, 1959 (41 pp.); and Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera on April 8, 1961 (37 pp.). Overall very good to fine. 6.5 x 9 inches and 8 x 11 inches.
Signed portrait photograph of the American playwright, one of the most important dramatists of the 20th century, who has inscribed "To Paul! / Edward Albee / 1995" in black felt tip. A press release affixed to verso announces the beginning of the national tour for Three Tall Women, Albee's most recent play at the time and his third to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. In very fine condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.). Read More...
TLS from the American playwright to Professor Irma Antonetto expressing regret that he has missed her invitation to speak in front of the Associazione Culturele Italiana. Dated 16 February 1965 in New York; 1 pp., on hole-punched A4 paper. "For some reason that I cannot quite understand, your letter of May 14 last year has just come to my attention...Perhaps you could extend the invitation to me another time." Usual mailing folds, else fine. Read More...
Portrait of the German-born American artist and educator seated in an exhibit hall between works of his art. By the eminent American photographer David Gahr, then in Brooklyn; Gahr's copyright hand stamp to verso. 10 x 8 inches (25.3 x 20.1 cm). In fine condition. Albers's pioneering work, both in Europe and in the United States, formed the basis of modern art education programs of the twentieth century.
Original 10" x 11.4" vintage lithograph. Credit to Currier & Ives at lower left and titled in the margin, The Wonderful Albino Family / Rudolph Lucasie, Wife & Children, from Madagascar / They have Pure White, Silken Hair and Pink Eyes!! / Have Been Exhibited at Barnum's Museum, N.Y. for Three Years. A rather toned and worn example with tears and losses around the edges, a few extending just inside the central illustrated panel, but nevertheless quite striking. Read More...
Barcelona: Universo Musical Antes J. Bta. Pujol y Ca.. [ca. 1899]. Espagne (Souvenirs). Œuvres nouvelles pour le piano . N° 1 Prélude. Signed and inscribed presentation copy of the Spanish virtuoso pianist and composer's Prelude. He has penned on the first page of music (translated from the French): "To Madame Henry Lerolle in sincere friendship and affection. I. Albeniz, Paris, January 6, 1906." 7 pp. [PN] U.336.M.1. Rather heavily toned, pages largely detached; front wrapper with multiple tears and losses. Stamped on the front wrapper by the bookseller, L. E. Dotésio. Overall good, with the inscription in fine condition. 9.5 x 12.5 inches (24.3 x 31.5 cm). Read More...
Paris / Madrid: Edition mutuelle / Unión Musical Española. [1906 - 1914]. 1er Cahier; 2e Cahier; 3e Cahier; 4e Cahier (complete). Upright folio. 33; 39; 46; 43 pp. [PN] 3083; 3084; 3085; 3086. Cahier 2 - 4 with the light or partially erased ownership signature of Carlos Salzedo on the title pages. Cahier 4 with a taped in program photograph of the composer to the title, inscribed at the head of the first page of music in ink "A Carlos Salzedo su aftectisimo....amigo y admirador / I. Albeniz / Bagnoles de L'Orne - 12 Julio 1907. This volume also with scattered markings in pencil in the hand of Salzedo, cloth support to spine, and small restorations to wrapper edges. Other volumes variously toned, with small tears or abrasions to wrappers, the entire set overall in fine condition. Contained in a custom red cloth box. Read More...
Signed postcard photograph of the glamorous soprano, as seen in an elaborate fur outfit through a mist of snowflakes! Boldly signed with her name alone in black ink. Mounting remnants on verso, else fine. 9 x 14 cm. Read More...
Original photograph of the Yiddish author and playwright, ca. 1900. Written in pencil to the verso, a previous owner has amusingly identified him as "Jewish Mark Twain". In fine condition. 6 x 8.2 inches (15.2 x 20.6 cm.). Read More...
Two original programs from 1921 and 1922 from performances directed by the Italian composer and pianist. Both from the Teatro Comunale of Bologna, where Alfano organized concerts for the Youth Orchestra from the local Liceo Musicale. The performances included not only standard works, but also new works by composition students of Alfano. Most of the performances were conducted by alumni of the school, though Alfano is billed as the Director. Both in fine condition. Each 6.6 x 9.75 inches (17 x 24.7 cm.).
Burbank, CA: Golden Torch Music Corp.. c. 1977. Signed sheet music from the 1977 song "The Greatest Love of All," recorded as the main theme of the Muhammad Ali biopic The Greatest. Ali has signed on the cover, which features a montage of images from the film. 6 pp. Also included is a circular sticker with the logo of "The Greatest" and an image of Ali. Very fine overall. 9 x 12 inches (23 x 30.5 cm). Read More...
Rare original Pierre Petit cabinet photograph of the French-Jewish composer and teacher, one of six children of Alkan Morhange who took their father's first name as their last one, and brother of great piano virtuoso and composer Charles-Valentin Alkan. After studying at the Conservatoire de Paris with Pierre Zimmermann, François Benoist and Adolphe Adam, in 1850 he won the First Second Grand Prix de Rome. Read More...
Amusing large original doubleweight photograph of the American comedian and radio personality, shown stopping his ears while colleagues George Burns and Gracie Allen sing at the piano. Press stamps on the verso. Some light edge wear but overall in very fine condition. 10.5 x 13.5 inches (26.5 x 34 cm).
Original photograph of the Cuban ballerina taken immediately after disembarking a Cubana de Aviacion airplane. A typed caption to verso, translated from the Spanish, reads "Alicia Alonso arrives at the Rancho Boyeros airport after the triumph of the Ballet Cubano in Mexico," and a handwritten label dates the photograph to May 1968. Alonso can be seen just to right of center, laden with bouquets. Wear to edges, surface crease to left margin, crease to lower right corner, else in fine condition. 10 x 7 inches (25.4 x 17.8 cm.).
Original candid photograph of the legendary dancers, who have boldly signed their names in black ink. In fine condition. 3.5 x 5 inches (8.9 x 12.7 cm.). Read More...
A&M Records promotional photograph of the American trumpeter with his successful 1960s band, The Tijuana Brass, photographed at the California International in Beverly Hills. Alpert, who co-founded A&M records with executive Jerry Moss, has signed his name in black ink to the lower margin. In very fine condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.). Read More...
Vintage London Recordings promotional photograph of the Peruvian tenor, who is shown in costume for his role as Fenton in Verdi's Falstaff, ca. 1960s. Boldly signed and inscribed by Alva in black felt tip to the lower left corner. Mild toning throughout, overall in fine condition. 8.15 x 10 inches (20.7 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...