First day cover from 1980 signed by the important American composer, with an image of violinists and the caption, "The Music of America is Freedom's Symphony." Part of the Americana series, with original stamps and postmark. In very fine condition, 16.5 x 9.2 cm. Read More...
AMQS from the legendary French cellist. He has penned the first three measures of Schumann's cello concerto op. 129, which he recorded in 1962 with Malcolm Sargent. On a light blue marbled card, with Fournier's name typed at the upper edge. Dated on the verso in another hand, November 1981. In very fine condition, 12.7 x 7.6 cm. Read More...
1960 first day cover honoring the "Statesman, Patriot, World Famous Pianist" Ignacy Jan Paderewski, signed by the great twentieth-century father and son pianists Rudolf and Peter Serkin. With the original Paderewski stamps and 1960 postmark. Slight tear to the upper edge from opening the envelope; otherwise in very fine condition. 16.5 x 9.2 cm.
Concert program from the brilliant young American pianist's 1946 performance with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, boldly signed by Kapell and by the Spanish conductor and pianist José Iturbi, in attendance at the concert. Some wear to the edges, toning and tape remnants; otherwise in fine condition. 15 x 22.7 cm. Read More...
TLS from the Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer to Mel Powell, jazz pianist, composer and Dean of the California Institute of the Arts, declining an offer to teach there and recommending Brian Ferneyhough in his stead, about whose music he speaks admiringly. 1 page, on Carter's letterhead, signed "Elliott." Dated July 29, 1986. In fine condition, 18.4 x 27 cm. Carter writes, in part: "Fernyhough's music impresses many in Europe and what I know of it seems very unusual and remarkable, if very complicated and hard to play. The scores look amazing but the musical result is often very effective - as, for instance, his 2nd quartet that is on an English RCA record with my 3rd." Earlier on, he remarks that "This next year is going to be a busy one for me because I have numerous commissions clamoring to be finished and not that much energy left to work as hard as I used to be able to. So I must save all my effort for my composition and keep going until the time runs out." Read More...
Early AMQS from the great Polish American pianist and composer, penned at the age of eighteen. Hofmann has written two measures of music in G major and 3/4 time, with the tempo indication Allegretto, and has signed and dated London, December 20, 1894. On a card with printed letterhead from a London address; trimmed with remnants of a stamp on the verso. One small crease; otherwise in fine condition. 11.4 x 9.6 cm. Read More...
AMQS from the German-Jewish composer, pianist, and teacher known for his great output of piano works. Moszkowski has penned the first seven measures of his popular virtuosic showpiece "Étincelles," ("Sparks,") op. 36 no. 6. On a postcard from the Festival de la Caridad en Cadiz, ca. 1902. Slight spotting; otherwise in fine condition. 14.3 x 9 cm. Read More...
Autograph musical quotation from the Polish American pianist, composer, and teacher who was one of the most highly regarded performers of his time. He has penned one measure in bass clef and 12/8 time, and dedicated it to Mme. S. de Garcia. Signed and dated Paris, February 21, 1930. On an album leaf; left edge rough and with slight spotting, otherwise in fine condition. 15.8 x 10.8 cm. The piece quoted is the opening of the Gigue from Godowsky's Suite for Left Hand published by Schirmer in 1930. 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.
Signed photograph of the American actress, singer, and sex symbol, who is shown with a large flower, and has signed in black ink "To Bill, best wishes, Mae West." Slight scratches and creases; otherwise in fine condition. 20.3 x 25 cm.
New York: Houghton Mifflin. 1915. First edition . Four Weeks in The Trenches, The War Story of a Violinist. Inscribed to socialite Mrs. Ernesto Fabbri and signed by Kreisler on the flyleaf, dated September 1915. 86 pages, with eight photographic plates. Together with a color postcard photograph of the Buonriposo Cottage, built in 1904 and then burned 1918 and rebuilt in 1919, owned by Ernesto Fabbri, who was the Commander of the Otter Cliff Naval Radio Station at Otter Cliffs in WWI. Scattered foxing, sometimes heavy, green cloth boards a little rubbed, else fine. Read More...
96. [Stravinsky, Igor. (1882–1971)] . Original Photograph of the composer "playing" the grill of a Citroen, in the style of Apollo!
Original undated photograph capturing the Russian composer, pianist and conductor as he strums the front grille of a Citroen car, as though it were a lyre and he, Apollo. A wonderful image, 11 x 17 cm, markings on the verso, overall in fine condition. Probably printed ca. 1960. though the image is earlier.
Original 1948 press photograph of the young Lipkin at the keyboard, with Horowitz and Mrs. Rachmaninoff standing by. Lipkin won the Rachmaninoff Piano Contest in 1948 at age 20. Press caption printed vertically to the left of the image. Irregular left edge and one stain to right edge; overall in fine condition. 18.7 x 25.4 cm.
Dramatic 1945 press photograph of the great Russian American cellist, rehearsing Strauss' "Don Quixote" with the Chicago Symphony. Piatigorsky is photographed from below, showing his legendary technique and intense expression. Strauss is said to have commented on Piatigorsky's playing of the work, "Now I've heard my Don Quixote as I imagined him." Light scratches and creasing; unevenly trimmed; overall in good condition. 21.8 x 28 cm.
DS from the esteemed and influential blues musician. 1 page, letterhead of the Chicago Federation of Musicians / Miscellaneous Musical Services Contract, 8.5 x 14, February 21, 1971. Agreement between Alice's Revisited and Muddy Waters, who was hired to provide his services for a "benefit concert...evening 1 hour show." Signed at the conclusion in blue ballpoint by Muddy Waters. In fine condition, with expected document wear. Together with the associated Employer and Local 10-208 carbon copies replicating the original. Read More...
Vintage 1963 press photograph of Stravinksy and Monteux "shown at the Royal Albert Hall in London last night after the 50th anniversary performance of Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring." Unevenly trimmed with the original press caption taped to the lower edge. 15 x 21.5 cm.
Original press photograph showing the great soul singer posing for photographers after arriving in London for his 1975 British tour. Some spotting and wrinkling; overall in very good condition. 25.3 x 20.3 cm.
Press photograph of the important French actor and muse of Jean Cocteau with a stocking over his head, alongside the French film actress. The press caption on the verso reads: "Michele Morgan who, apart from her professional activity as an actress, has opened a boutique, chose this unusual way of showing off a new line of stockings." Dated September 20, 1967. In fine condition. 7 x 9.5 inches [18 x 24 cm].
Charming original 1950's photograph showing young boys doing a double-take on seeing Rita Hayworth lookalike Hannelore Diez. "Our photographer followed Hannelore with his camera in the streets of Munich/Germany, and you can see yourself the astonished faces, being struck motionless with astonishment at this unexpected meeting." In fine condition. 20 x 15.2 cm.