Signed document from the remarkable Italian violinist and composer generally regarded as the greatest virtuoso in the history of the instrument. A rare contract in English, one page, London, 1st August, 1833. "I agree to give One Hundred pounds for the use of Drury Lane Theatre, for a concert for One Night (Thursday 8th August) Mr. Brum to find Servants, Lights, Printing, Advertisements, and the usual Band, with all the expences of the Theatre, except performers. Thursday 1st August 1833.” Signed and dated by the violinist/composer "Nicolo Paganini / Londra / Il I. Agosto 1833" and identified on the verso "Contratto Brum." 18 x 12 cm, tipped to slightly larger sheet. In fine condition, sold with a CDV portrait of Paganini.
A silver medal struck on behalf of the Barnabites Order and featuring a raised image of a lyre surrounded by laurels, inscribed on the obverse "Discipvlis Barnabitarvm Dignioribvs Mvnerandis," as presented to worthy disciples in the field of music. With a small suspension loop tied with red ribbon, 42 mm diameter, approx 29 gr. We have been unable to precisely date this medal. It is recorded in the 1903 "Catalogo di monete antiche e moderne" (Morchio & Majer, No. 908), but we have located no further information about its history and thus cannot firmly state whether it it belonged to Nicolo Paganini himself (pre-1840) or was rather received in his honor by a member of the Paganini family. Read More...
Show all available items in this catalogue matching:Ephemera
A very finely painted portrait miniature, signed, inscribed and dated 1819 by the artist on the verso "N. Paganini / 'Il Mago' / 1819 / L. Basiletti fece," with a label also attached to the reverse of the frame recording a virtuoso musical passage in pizzicato from Le Streghe, and noting there that this portrait was executed following a performance by the great violinist at the Teatro di Alessandria [Alessandria, Italy], "A Ricordo...di...Streghe...[2 measures musical notation] vista...Maestro N. Paganini / Teatro di Alexandria 1819 / da Mr. Basiletti Luigi / Brescia." Oil on canvas, 9 cm. diameter, set in a contemporary wooden frame, 14 cm diameter. With some modest cracks to the paint, no evident losses, else fine. Read More...
Three American editions of Paganini works arranged for piano, each ca. 1830, as follows. All three copies disbound from a larger volume, binding remnants or tears along the left edge, scattered foxing and staining, overall very good. Read More...
Scarce signed visually attractive 10" LP record cover (ML 2168 Columbia Masterworks) from the masterful prodigy violinist, his vibrant recording made at the age of thirteen of 14 of the Caprices , an astonishing achievement. One of the very greatest of all fiddlers, he died tragically young. After his death, his 1736 Guarneri was renamed ‘the Rabin’. Signed in blue ink "Michael Rabin" on his front cover photograph and in fine condition.
Autograph letter from the great virtuoso violinist, Paganini's only pupil, who introduced Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in England in 1827 at age 12 and collaborated with Liszt and composed virtuoso arrangements of many works. Read More...
Single-sheet autograph manuscript from the great virtuoso violinist, Paganini's only pupil, who introduced Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in England in 1827 at age 12 and collaborated with Liszt and composed virtuoso arrangements of many works. 8 measures to be performed "Tempo di Marcia," humorously written within repeat brackets to be played "Sempre D.C." (returning always to the beginning). Signed "Camillo Sivori" and dated Bradford, 15 February, 1852. On pale blue paper, 18 x 23 cm. Mounting stains and remnants (on verso) at corners, else fine.
Autograph musical manuscript, for voice and piano, a setting of Apollinaire's "Le Pont Mirabeau," accomplished, signed and dated "Neuilly / 8 OCt. 1950 / P. Babin" by the composer, contained in pink wrappers, the title written in gouache, a drawing after the original by Picasso ("Guillaume Apollinaire vu par Picasso") affixed to the front, text also inscribed on a separate sheet laid in. 27 x 35 cm. Read More...
Show all available items in this catalogue matching:ArtLiterature
Two measure AMQS from the composer's "Les Biches," signed "Francis Poulenc," neatly penned on an album page mounted to a slightly larger sheet measuring 6 x 5 inches overall. Read More...
Two remarkable original photographs of the Russian composer, one in which he is shown seated with Chaliapin and the other in which he is seated and surrounded by six standing friends, including Chaliapin and Koussevitzky. Each measuring 8.5 x 11.5 cm. Notations on the versos, a few scratches to the surfaces, overall fine.
Show all available items in this catalogue matching:Book
Typed letter, signed "S. Rachmaninoff." 25 July, 1935. Letterhead of the Villa Senar, Hertenstein, Luzern. 9 3/4 x 7 in. In English, to Mr. Henderson: "It gave me great pleasure to hear that you liked Medtner's book so much. It would be nice for Medtner if it could be translated into English and it is most kind of you to express the desire to pay for the translation. I regret that I cannot give the permission for the translation as all the rights belong to the author. The most difficult thing will be to find someone willing to publish the book. Unfortunately this time I will not be able to do it." Read More...
An extraordinary and apparently unrecorded childhood photograph of the composer and pianist. By Carl Bellach of Leipzig, stamped 1889 or 1899 lower right, but certainly taken around the time of his formative studies with Nikolai Zverev, as compared with other images of the late 1880s. Approx. 4 x 6 inches. Irregularly trimmed, else fine.
Endorsed check, 5 November 1920, from Berthold Neuer [of the American Piano Company] in the amount of $2800.00. Signature on the verso somewhat faded, 6 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. Very rare in this format, the only Rachmaninoff check we've had.
159. Rome, Harold. (1908–1993). "Call Me Mister" - Signed Advance Copy with Autograph Musical Quotation
New York: Witmark & Sons. . 1946. Signed advance copy sheet music from the American composer, lyricist, and writer for musical theater. Inscribed at the head of the music with a 2-bar AMQS. Edges chipped, toned and somewhat brittle, else fine. Read More...
Autograph letter from the important French composer who was the teacher of Satie, Golestan, Roland-Manuel and Varese. Paris, 22 February, 1930. To Lucien L'Hoest in Belgium, fondly recalling a performance in Bruxelles of two of his most celebrated compositions: Evocations Op. 15 and Psalm 80, Op. 36. Translated in part: "I am infinitely touched by your letter which was given to me the night of the concert in Bruxelles and I must tell you how happy I am for this word of sympathy that you hold for my works. The performance of "Evocations" and of the Psalm by the Cecilia Chorus under the ardent direction of Vocht was really magnificent and I hold a moving memory of it." 8 x 5 inches. Toned around the edges with small chip to the lower edge and mounting remnants on the verso borders. Sold together with the transmissal envelope. Very scarce. Read More...
Vintage postcard photograph of the grand Boulevard De Sarasate in Pamplona, inscribed across the image with a note from the violinist and composer himself, writing from Biarritz, Villa Navarra. Sarasate thanks an unnamed man for his interesting letter and sends his regrets that he will be unable to do that which is asked of him because his time is short. Signed "Pablo de Sarasate." In fine condition, measuring 14 x 9 cm.
Autograph musical manuscript containing drafts and sketches for unidentified film music, notated in short-score form, containing indications of scoring, 2 pages, black and blue ink, containing other autograph annotations, no place or date. Stamp of USSR State Symphony Orchestra Film Music Library. 23 x 30 cm. Neatly penned in Schnittke's small and precise hand. In fine condition. Rare. Autograph music of Schnittke is seldom offered on the market. Read More...
First edition. Dramatic original photograph of the lively Russian/German composer wrote 70 films scores as well as an enormous output of chamber and symphonic music. Stamped by the photographer Bill Robinson on the verso and with Camera Press clipping affixed also. 5 x 7 inches.
Signed original doublweight Carlo Edwards photograph of the Austrian-Hungarian bass-baritone. Signed, inscribed and dated New York / April 1932 in black ink. In very fine condition, with the raised stamp of the photographer lower right. 7.25 x 9.75 inches [18.5 x 23.5 cm].