Original certificate awarding the important American composer the Governor's Citation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Dated September 22, 1971 and signed by Governor Milton J. Shapp and Secretary of the Commonwealth C. Delores Tucker. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Barber studied at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and maintained a close link to the city throughout his life. The composer's name is hand-lettered and a gold seal with purple ribbons is affixed at the foot. One slight chip to the edge and mounting remnants on the verso; overall in fine condition. 11 x 14 inches (28 x 35.7 cm).
Neatly penned autograph letter, one page, 5 x 6.5, no date but postmarked April 6, 1922. Addressed on the reverse in Dukas’s own hand to Henri Prunières and signed "Paul Dukas." The letter apologizes for missing a visit from the addressee and from "Monsieur Béla Bartok, whose acquaintance I would have been delighted to make. All the more so since I must respond to your kind invitation for Saturday. I have to be in Valenciennes on Sunday to help with the concert of the Societé du Conservatoire there. And if I don't take the train at 5:10 in the evening on Saturday, I will have to get up at 6:30 to leave on Sunday morning! So in this case despite all my regrets, I must excuse myself..." A scarce and rather charming letter from the French composer, critic, scholar and teacher best known for his "L'apprenti sorcier "(The Sorcerer's Apprentice) and his opera "Ariane et Barbe-bleue." Read More...
Typed letter signed from the great American songwriter dated October 30, 1957, responding to a letter from a Miss May Patterson about Army band members in World War I: "As I recall, I was one of a committee assigned to purchase band music for the overseas bands. Unfortunately, I have no information regarding any of the alumni... In closing, let me say that your letter brought back many memories of the First World War." On his letterhead and with the original envelope with "Irving Berlin's 'Sayonara'" stamp; some thumbtack holes but overall in fine condition. 7.25 x 10.5 inches (18.3 x 26.5 cm).
Autograph letter from the French harpist and composer to the members of the Comité du Théâtre Feydeau, asking for access to the theater in order to be able to complete his own opera. August 12, 1813. Translated from the French, in part: "Mr. Sewrin has asked me to compose the music for a poem in three acts which you received some time ago. I am working on it with great zeal, but to succeed [...] I feel that I need to study the great masters who have illustrated the scene, so I ask for the the favor to have access [to the theater] from now on, although rehearsals for my opera will not begin for several weeks..." He signs, "M. Ch. Bochsa, premier Harpiste de la musique de S. m." The opera mentioned is Bochsa's first work for the Opéra-Comique, L’héritier de Paimpol, with text by the playwright Sewrin, which premiered at the Théâtre Feydeau in December 1813. 1 p. of a bifolium, addressed on the verso. Folding creases and light toning; overall in fine condition. 7.25 x 9.5 inches (18.4 x 24 cm). Read More...
A small collection of five first editions by the important twentieth-century composer, including his works Aventures and Nouvelles Aventures for singers and small instrumental ensemble, published by Peters, and the orchestral works Ramifications, Kammerkonzert, and Lontano, published by Schott. These pieces represent some of the composer's most significant works on the 1960's and early 1970's. Some light wear, but overall the scores are in fine to very fine condition; details are listed below. Read More...
New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. 1965. Autobiography of the pioneering African-American dancer, singer, and actor, signed and inscribed on the front end paper to fellow entertainer Maurice Chevalier: "To Maurice / With respect and admiration." The memoir chronicles Davis Jr.'s rise to fame, overcoming the obstacles of racism and the loss of one eye, and ends shortly after his marriage to Swedish-born actress May Britt and the birth of their daughter Tracey. 630 pp. 24 pp. of photographs. Grey cloth; decorative front board with silver silhouette of Davis Jr. Without dust jacket. Slightly faded at the edges of the binding, a small split to the gutter and light edge wear; overall in fine condition. Read More...
A rare AMQS from the important Italian concert pianist, teacher, and author of etudes, penned in the last year of his life. On a postcard bearing his portrait, Cesi has penned the beginning of one of his demanding piano studies, marked Presto, complete with fingerings and expressive marks. He has signed and dated in rather shaky writing: Naples, April 1906. On the verso, the postcard is addressed to the Argentinian collector Ramona Imaz Otaño. In fine condition. 5.5 x 3.5 inches (14.2 x 9.4 cm). Read More...
Paris: Propriete de l'Auteur; chez les Principaux Marchands de Musique. [ca. 1815]. A remarkable association copy inscribed from the important Italian composer, one of the central figures in the development of the "opera semiseria" at the start of the 19th century, to the most celebrated soprano of the age, likely in the year of her first appearance in Paris. Upright folio. Title; 2 - 18 pp. Engraved throughout. Inscribed at the head of the title page in brown ink "Alla Santa, ed ... Giuditta Pasta - L'Amico suo / L'Autore." Bound with string along the spine, edges and center of score a little creased and worn, some staining to the internal pages, else fine. Read More...
Charming autograph letter from the important nineteenth-century singer to a female friend and pianist, organizing an evening of chamber music and reporting an amusing mistake made by her maid. Dated Thursday, March 29. Translated from the French: "Dear young friend, Will you be so kind as to bring the (simple) quartet version of the Bach Concerto? I cannot find my orchestra parts any more. Don't be late -- I have had a nice Pleyel brought for you. We will play in the Galerie -- it will be charming. [...] We'll begin with the beautiful Schumann string quartet. Can you imagine, my new maid, who brought your answer yesterday evening, said [...] that you would come this evening, but that you were too tired to play... Pantomime!!!! Isn't that lovely?" 3 pp. on a small bifolium with Viardot's monogram. In fine condition. 6 x 4 inches (15.4 x 10 cm). Read More...
Original color photograph of the two important twentieth-century dancers and choreographers, signed by both across the image. Photographed by Jack Vartoogian and dated 1979. In very fine condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm). Read More...
[Noyers-sur-Serein]: [Musée de Noyers]. 1992. Square softcover volume (21 cm), reproducing photographs and drawings by the celebrated photographer, a catalogue from the Musée de Noyers, Yonne exhibition 11 July - 30 August, 1992. Boldly signed and inscribed by the photographer on the title page, indicating his pleasure at the exhibit of his scribbles: "Ce grand coup...de Jean sur mes griboullis. / A Krishna / avec toute ma affection / Henri." Signed additionally by the author of the preface, the important art historian Jean Leymarie. 99 pp. Edges of covers slightly nicked and soiled, else fine. Read More...