Autograph musical quotation from the important French composer who taught Satie, Golestan, Roland-Manuel and Varèse. He has penned two measures from the second act of his 1923 opera Padmâvatî and boldly signed below. Read More...
An amusing autograph postcard from the important French composer, jokingly asking to have a thousand copies of his ballet "Parade" sent to the Parisian bus company, and continuing with a commedia-dell'arte-themed pun on "my friend Paul Ichinelle" [Polichinelle, or Pulcinella]. Addressed to Robert Cortet; undated [ca. 1917]. The verso of the postcard features a caricature of Satie by Alfred Frueh. Translated from the French: "Would you please have delivered to the Compagnie Générale des Omnibus one thousand copies of "Parade." If my friend Paul Ichinell asks, I have gone to be shaved by Labarbe, the critic." Read More...
Interesting autograph letter from the important composer to Georges Dandelot, giving a short précis of Satie's life and works, evidently for publication. July 2, 1915. 1 p. in Satie's elegant and distinctive hand, providing the date and location of his birth, identifying himself as having been a student of Vincent d'Indy, and listing his "Oeuvres principales" to date, beginning with Gymnopedies and concluding with Chapitres tournés en tous sens, signed with his calligraphic initials. Matted together with the original envelope in Satie's hand and a photograph portrait. 5 x 4.5 inches (13 x 11.5 cm); 13.25 x 14.25 inches (24.5 x 36 cm) overall. From the collection of the magnificent soprano Jessye Norman. Read More...
64. Satie, Erik. (1866-1925) . Relâche. Ballet instantanéiste en deux actes, un entr'acte cinématographique, et “la queue du chien”. Scénario et décors de Francis Picabia. Cinématographie de René Clair.
Paris: Rouart, Lerolle & Cie.. [1926]. First edition. Score: 3 ff. (title, frontispiece plate), 45 pp., folio. [PN] R.L.11577&Cie. Publisher's wrappers. One of 500 copies printed. A very good copy of the first edition of the piano score of the important 1924 ballet by Francis Picabia with music composed by Erik Satie. Read More...
A very interesting early-nineteenth-century manuscript book, containing music to approximately 180 traditional Scottish fiddle tunes. Bound in thick leather, the small oblong-format book bears the ownership signature of a James Singer on the first page. Although undated, the collection of tunes (most, but not all, of which are listed in the Traditional Tune Archive) suggests an origin in early-nineteenth-century Scotland. Several tunes cite the legendary fiddlers Niel Gow (1727-1807) or Robert Petrie (1767-1830) as their author. The majority of the tunes are strathspeys, a form of Scottish dance tune conceived for the fiddle and characterized by "scotch snap" rhythms. Heavy toning consistent with age; some water damage; titles of songs quite faded, but musical notation mostly very legible. Binding sturdy and intact, although with wear and cracks to the thick leather. 80 pp. 9 x 4 inches (22.5 x 10 cm). Overall in very good condition for its age and a potentially important record of Scottish music. Read More...
Original signed photograph of the important Soviet composer, inscribed "To Vladimir Alexandrovich Fyodorov for good memory from Dmitry Shostakovich" and dated January 26, 1959. Together with a mailing envelope sent from Union of Soviet Composers, signed in a secretarial hand. Shostakovich was appointed the General Secretary of the Composer's Union in 1960. 11 x 17 cm; 4.3 x 6.7 inches. Very fine.
Original program from a 1920 Buenos Aires concert given by the important composer, boldly signed by Strauss on the inside front cover below his photograph. The concert, given by the Asociacion Wagneriana de Buenos Aires on November 12, 1920, featured Strauss at the piano, with French soprano Ninon Vallin and string players Astor Bolognini, Edgardo Gambuzzi and Adolfo Morpurgo. The program included works for piano, songs, and the Quartet in C minor, op. 13. 6 pp. 5 x 6.75 inches (12 x 17 cm). Horizontal folding crease; two tape repairs to the spine; overall in very good condition and a fine signature. Read More...
Striking signed photograph of the great composer, shown conducting with a smile on his face. He has signed and inscribed over one of the two light fixtures shown in the upper half of the image, and dated October 6, 1964 over the other light fixture. Medium contrast to the inscriptions and some light surface crazing and wrinkles, mounted to rigid backing but otherwise in very good condition. 6.25 x 9.5 inches (15.8 x 24.2 cm). Unusual!
Original photograph of the great Russian composer with the French author and his collaborator on Oedipus Rex, captured in 1956 by internationally known photographer Sanford H. Roth. Photographer's credit, original press captions and stamps on the verso; Stravinsky's face has been lightly circled by hand, apparently to be used for publication separately from the rest of the photograph. Significant tears and wear to the edges, else fine. 8.5 x 8 inches (21.7 x 20.6 cm).
Paris: Éditions de la Sirène. 1919. First Edition. Rag-Time d'Igor Strawinsky / Pour onze Instruments / Transcription pour piano par l'auteur / Couverture de Pablo Picasso. Upright folio. 27 x 35 cm. 12 pp. Stamped No. 370 of 1000 copies. First edition of the piano transcription of Stravinsky's 1918 work for winds and strings, with a striking cover illustration by Pablo Picasso. Covers with some foxing and soiling, small tears and losses; internally in fine condition.
Original 1970 doubleweight photograph capturing the Russian composer, pianist and conductor in his black beret, gesturing over a large score on the table in front of him. Snowdon's photographer credit, original newspaper captions and stamps on the verso. A few small creases and light wear to the edges; overall in very good condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.2 x 20.3 cm). Read More...
Typed letter signed from the great composer to Italian music critic, writer and administrator Guido Gatti, arranging a visit to Stravinsky's home in southeastern France. Dated Voreppe, August 7, 1931. Translated from the French, in part: "Dear Mr. Gatti, Thank you for your letter. It is agreed, I will expect you one of these days; I will be delighted to see you. Come on the day you like, but preferably in the afternoon, because I always work in the morning hours." He signs boldly in pencil: Igor Strawinsky. 1 p. Light toning, folding creases, and a few small edge tears; overall in fine condition. 8.25 x 10.5 inches (21 x 27 cm). Read More...
AMQS of the important American composer's 1927 opera Four Saints in Three Acts. Thomson has penned the first two measures of his work and signed on the verso of the handwritten collector's letter asking for his autograph, which is signed by a Howard Moliff and dated March 15, 1982. Light creases; overall in very fine condition. On hole-punched notepaper. 8 x 10.5 inches (20.3 x 26.7 cm). Autograph quotations from this pathbreaking work are surprisingly uncommon. Read More...
Original poster from a 1971 production of Virgil Thomson's and Gertrude Stein's "American Musical Pageant," boldly signed at the upper right by the composer. The popular opera was produced "in honor of Virgil Thomson's 75th birthday" at St. Peter's Church, New York. The boldly designed poster folds horizontally, and the verso bears a cast list and synopsis of the opera. In very fine condition. 11 x 17 inches (27.9 x 43 cm). Read More...
TLS from the great songwriter addressed to "Peggy" (evidently the singer and actress Peggy Wood), regarding a stalled possible collaboration with playwrights Bella and Samuel Spewack. June 4, 1936. Text, in part: "[...] I'm puzzled by what the hell can be restraining those Spewacks from getting something down on paper. To my knowledge, they've been improvising their play since February and heaven knows how long before. [...] Not much of a chance of my being east before September. This might strike you as a volte face (as the learned fellows say) but i made the proviso with Gordon-Spewack and Co. that should I be tied up here -- as is now the case -- I will do my job if, as and when they cough up a script. I suppose the three of them are being blown about all over Europe at this writing, but should Sam and Bella still be in New York and you run into them, will you please indicate that I'm still in California and am thirsty." 1 p. 5 x 7.75 inches on personal letterhead. Read More...
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Intense Harcourt of Paris photograph of the Brazilian composer, signed and inscribed to the pianist José Echániz ("and his strong and admirable artistry"). In fine condition, one of the nicest examples we've seen. 7.25 x 9.5 inches [18 x 24 cm] Read More...
78. Reyer, Ernest. (1823-1909). Autograph Letter - "There is a role in Salammbo of only a few measures..."
Autograph letter signed ("E. Reyer"). 1 p, 8vo, n.d., on letterhead of the National Theatre of Opera, a notice to a newspaper regarding the interpretation of a role in his opera Salammbo (1890), his signature work. Reyer writes (translated from the French): "There is a role in Salammbo of only a few measures, a minor role but very important in two scenes of the first and third acts. It is that of Giscon. Mr. Dubulle, the excellent bass at the Opera, yesterday accepted the wish of Mr. Reyer that he interpret this role, to which with the authority of his double talent as a singer and an actor, he will give his allure and striking appearance. Please publish this little note. E. Reyer." The note has been marked up in blue pencil by the newspaper; creases and slight chips; overall in fine condition. 5.25 x 8.25 inches (13.6 x 21 cm). Read More...
Charming original silhouette portrait of the composer at the piano, smoking a very long pipe and conjuring up a parade of ghostly figures with his music. By the silhouette artist Willi Bithorn, and signed at the lower left. In an antique wooden frame with rounded corners; total size 9.25 x 6.75 inches.
Artist Willi Bithorn produced silhouettes of many composers including Beethoven, Brahms, and Chopin.
Autograph letter from the Austrian-Jewish composer and conductor to his publisher, regarding the publication of his String Quartet no. 3, mentioning plans to stage his opera "Der Zwerg," and recommending his protegé, younger composer Viktor Ullmann. April 7, 1925. 1 p. One large corner tear, not affecting text; light folding creases; hole-punched; overall in very good condition. 11 x 8.5 inches (27.7 x 21.3 cm). Scarce. Read More...
Uncommon signed album from the tragic jazz great whose intimate playing style established him as a great talent until his drug related death in 1988. His debut album, "Chet Baker Sings," in its 1957 release with a striking colored covered design, is signed on the back cover and dated 1964. Pacific Jazz PJ-1222. Slight edge wear and smudging to the signature, but overall in fine condition. Read More...