Bourges: Autograph manuscript of 19 songs transcribed in a contemporary hand over 40 pages, the inside cover with a note in the hand of the copyist noting that the volume ""contenant toutes sortes de chansons nouvelles et anciennes, champêtres et bachiques recueillies et mises en ordre par E...B..en l'année 1746 à Bourges." Contemporary marbled paper wrappers worn, else in fine condition throughout.
22. [French Music]. 1793 Teatre du Palais Musician's Contract
Paris: 21 Mars, 1793. Two engraved pages and one leaf. 9.5 x 14.5 inches. With holograph notes and signatures throughout the contract from Louis-François Archet and the musician, L'Huillier (also spelled Loulié), concerning his engagement to appear at the above theatre commencing 8 April, 1793. Of particular interest is Article 4, regarding the possibility of cancelling the contract in the case of a fire in the theatre. Read More...
Boldly penned AMQS from the English/Welsh composer considered Arthur Sullivan's successor. He composed a great output of incidental music for stage and many comic operas ("Merrie England" and "Tom Jones") as well as much symphonic music ("Welsh Rhapsody"), and songs. 10 measures, marked "Allegretto" and identified by the composer as from his orchestral suite "The Seasons." Addressed to the pianist and composer Francesco Berger and dated May 15th, 1899. In fine condition. 24.7 x 10.3 cm.
24. [Gilbert, W.S. (1836-1911)]. Book Spine from Gilbert's Library, together with an amusing note of provenance!
Book spine from the binding of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary, in the English edition The Works of Voltaire, found in the library of Grim's Dyke, the home of librettist W. S. Gilbert. The accompanying collector's note explains that the spine was found "lying around in the Library Bar" of the house (now a hotel) on July 2, 1993, and that "It was in the Library...that Gilbert wrote his last libretti, including Utopia, Limited and The Grand Duke." Read More...
Clipped autograph signatures from both halves of the Victorian theatrical partnership known for their fourteen comic operas, librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan. Together with an original photograph of Sullivan and four further modern reproduction images, three of Sullivan and one of Gilbert. On two small slips cut from larger documents; Gilbert's signature has apparently been taken from a letter and includes a closing greeting. Mounting remnants on the verso of the photograph; otherwise in very fine condition. Signatures 9.3 x 3.4 cm and 6.5 x 2.6 cm; original photograph 8.3 x 12.3 cm.
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Two signed postcards from the English singer, actor, comedian, and Edwardian musical comedy star best remembered for originating the lyric baritone roles in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas from 1877 to 1896. The first postcard shows him in Japanese dress in his famous role as Pooh Bah in The Mikado, and is postmarked April 30, 1904. On the second postcard he appears in a formal portrait in everyday dress. Both are signed elegantly, "With pleasure, Rutland Barrington." Slight wear to the corners and mounting remnants; else in very fine condition. Each 8.8 x 13.7 cm.
Boldly signed portrait postcard of the English comedian, writer, composer, actor, and singer, and creator of nine of the G&S roles, including Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore. The actor is shown with his characteristic pince-nez, and with his hands on his hips. He has signed, "Yours faithfully, Geo. Grossmith." Some scratches and wear to the image and signature, creases; mounting remnants on the verso; otherwise in good condition. 8.8 x 13.6 cm.
Autograph signature of the important Norwegian composer, signed in pencil on a heavy stock blank visiting card. Light foxing, else fine. Together with a period postcard photograph of the composer.
Autograph Musical Manuscript from the American composer, cellist and conductor. 10.5" x 13.5", two pages (single sheet recto/verso) identified as being part of Herbert's composition, "The Dancing School - Her First Lesson" (scene in the Ziegfeld Follies, 1920) written on an orchestral score sheet. Some yellowing, staining and wear, with evidence of a previous mounting on the verso. Read More...
ALS from the French conductor and composer known for his long tenure as the conductor of the Monte Carlo Opera. Addressing a Monsieur Paccard, Jehin requests the price of a "large bell giving a low E," and clarifies by writing out the low E on a bass clef. He continues: "It is for Monte Carlo, where you have already sent several. It would need to be delivered to the theater in Monte Carlo in the first few days of January 1913; I need to make use of it between the 8th and 10th." He signs, "Léon Jehin, Chef d'orchestre." One folding crease and one slight spot; otherwise in very fine condition. 10 x 15.7 cm.
Autograph letter from the highly regarded American songwriter best known for the musical Showboat and for such standards as “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Two pages on the composer's letterhead, signed "Jerome D. Kern," dated Friday May 13th, no year. 8" x 10.5" (sight), to a Florence, a letter "sounding a somber note" and noting that "the Lawyer has just drawn up our last wills and some provision had to be made for a guardian for Betty should she survive either of us," stating that "Eva and I are agreed that of all our numerous acquaintances and few friends, you are the only one we want to entrust our little one with. We know you love her, and feel you are fond of us, so if you accept this trust you will make us happy." Folds, small tears to edges, else fine.
An original Helfer of Graz 4 x 6 ½ cabinet photograph signed by the Austrian composer, who also on the reverse has written in a bold hand, an autograph musical quote with the inscription: "To the excellent artist Mr. Holy with my deepest gratitude for his services dedicated to my art. Graz, (on the day of the Composers Festival) 1905."
A large manuscript sketchleaf of eleven measures, written by the admired conductor and son of the violinist, Jan Kubelik, who was also an accomplished composer. Read More...
[Amsterdam?]: Suivant la copie imprimée à Paris. 1687. 12 mo. [16 cm]. [3]-66, [1] p. Engraved frontis. Marbled boards, gilt title to spine. In fine condition.
The opera was first performed 19 Jan. 1674, Jeu de Paume du Bel-Air, Paris (H. Schneider, p. 224).
Show all available items in this catalogue matching:LibrettoOpera
Detailed AMQS by the English composer of piano music and younger brother of the composer George Alexander Macfarren, appointed musical critic to the 'Queen' newspaper in 1862. The quotation identified at the head by the composer as "Extract from Study no. 5," and addressed to Macfarren's colleague at the Royal Academy of Music, the pianist and composer Francesco Berger, and dated 8.5.99. Seven measures on ruled manuscript paper, 15 x 23 cm. Some creases and slight tear to the left side, slight foxing; otherwise in fine condition.
Three-measure AMQS from the Italian musician and composer, Thalberg student who became professor at the Santa Cecilia academy of music at Rome, and subsequently had several successful European tours as a pianist. In 1863 he finally settled in London, where he remained for the rest of his life. He composed several hundred songs and pianoforte pieces, many of which became very popular. 12.5 x 7 cm, mounted to a slightly larger sheet. Fine.
37. [Musical Rifle]. "The Musical Rifle" - Original 1964 Photograph
Bizarre original press photograph showing three members of the Royal Marine Band playing the "musical rifle." From the press caption on the verso, dated November 11, 1964: "The Musical Rifle is just a rifle with a trumpet mouthpiece in the muzzle - and the breech is opened... Bandmaster Albert Hall says the music is as 'Sweet as a Nut.' " In fine condition. 25.7 x 20.2 cm.
London: [Thomas Hinde]. 1645. Plate from the suite of seven 'Septem Liberales Artes,' this one illustrating the personification of Music, with a man and a child, surrounded by musical instruments and sheet music. Unmounted, slight discoloration at the edges from previous mounting, a sketch of unknown origin and dealer's notes appear on the verso, very slightly trimmed, else in fine condition. The etching measures approx. 4 ¾" x 4". Read More...
Autograph of the leading soprano of the late 19th to early 20th centuries, and the first Canadian singer to rise to international prominence. Albani appeared in New York and London, and was a favorite of Queen Victoria. She has signed on an album leaf, dated 1889. On the same leaf, two further signatures from one Charlie Reed, dated Boston, April 2nd 1889, and on the verso, from one Francis Mcclean, dated Boston, October 6th, 1888. In very fine condition. 18.8 x 11.8 cm.
Large original charcoal drawing by the great tenor, signed "Enrico Caruso / NY 1916," a bust portrait of the King of Italy (1900 - 1946), nicknamed "Re soldato" (Soldier King) and "Re Vittorioso" (Victorious King), after Italy was victorious in the First World War (during which the present drawing was accomplished). A similar portrait can be seen in the "Rulers of World" section of Caruso's published volume of Caricatures (NY: La Follia, 1939). 25 x 38 cm [10 x 15 inches]. Upper edge of sheet with a few small tears, otherwise fine.